Audio: Furman coach Gene Mullin talks about the "Track Extravaganza" in April:
Update (January 17): "I am pleased to announce that Team USA Minnesota has committed Ryan Kleimenhagen to the Furman Invitational Blue Shoes elite mile," said Mickey McCauley. "Kleimenhagen is a 2005 graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a personal best of 3:59:00 for the mile. Ryan is an up and coming USA middle distance runner and we are excited to have him in the field." Read more about Kleimenhagen at teamusaminnesota.org.
Alan Webb, national high school record holder for the indoor and outdoor mile, is coming to the Furman Invitational April 7.
Webb, participating in the elite mile, is coached by Scott Rackzo and sponsored by Nike.
Mickey McCauley, a Blue Shoes comittee member and director of the elite mile, mentioned, "We have an agreement/contract with Flynn Sports who has committed Alan Webb, pacer (rabbit) and three or four competitive runners. I am pursuing other elite runners around the country that will be approved by me and Ray Flynn."
Read more about Webb at usatf.org.
McCauley said they intend to limit the field of 12 runners, composed of elite and collegian runners.
"(Furman) Coach Gene Mullin and I will be selecting the college runners. We hope to have a sub 4 mile if all falls into place," said McCauley. "The elite mile hopefully will enhance the Furman Invitational, the university, the fundraising for Blue Shoes as well as spotlight place."
The meet includes high school competition in the morning, the elite mile and open Blue Shoes miles, followed by college competition. Also taking place that day is the Furman 5k at 9 a.m.
Friday night, Dave Wottle, winner of the 800-meter 1972 Olympic gold medal, is the featured dinner speaker to start off the weekend called "Track Extravaganza."
Blue Shoes is a scholarship fundraiser for the Furman University cross country and track and field programs.
Can't hear the audio at the above icon? Download the mp3 file by clicking here.
