by Alfonz JuckThe USATF Indoor Champs were very good, especially for the first year! We love the Spokane facility, the Podium. We found a spectacular dive bar for breakfast and post event chat, the Satellite Diner. For an excursion we suggest, Post Fall, Idaho, about a thirty minute-drive for an excellent Greek meal, the White House, as it was packed, food was great!
Watch for our complete coverage of the Champs on Monday, as we fly down now to San Jose, California to see family!
Bryce Hoppel competed well in the 800m, taking the title, shown here from NB Indoors! photo by Mike Deering/ The Shoe Addicts
Ewen 19.79, Nilsen 591
SPOKANE (USA, Feb 26): Lifetime best 19.79 in round two of the women’s shot put gave Maggie Ewen her first U.S. indoor crown during opening day of US Nationals (also qualifying meet for World Indoors). Chase Ealey was second with a best of 19.10. Olympic silver medalist Chris Nilsen won his first indoor U.S. gold with a first-attempt clearance at 591. KC Lightfoot took second and qualified for Belgrade with 586 and three other men made it over 581, Sam Kendricks was a non-starter. A loaded men’s 3,000m saw Cole Hocker take the lead at the 2km mark, passing in 5:17.52 and later a win in 7:47.50. Second and Belgrade bound Emmanuel Bor 7:48.64. Olympic finalist JuVaughn Harrison won the men’s high jump as the only person to clear 228 and looks like to be the only US starter in Belgrade. American indoor mile record holder Elle Purrier St. Pierre went to the front through the first lap of the women’s 1,500m and controlled the pace but in the finish she ended third in 4:06.14 beaten by Heather MacLean 4:06.09 and Josette Norris 4:06.13. Winning her first national title with a lifetime best of 4492 points Chari Hawkins topped women pentathlon. Quanesha Burks won long jump 655.
