A Hiccup For 800U

Both Handal Roban and Isaiah Harris failed to advance to the semi-finals in the World Athletics Championship 800M yesterday.

Isaiah found himself in a slow heat and was nipped for an automatic qualifier for third place by 0.03 seconds. I think this represents the first time he has failed to make a final including his days as a Nittany Lion. Next year, Isaiah! 

800U Rolls On

 

Incoming Sophomore Handal Roban kept his season going as he cruised to victory in the 800M at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

The Games were in San Salvidor in El Salvidor,  Handal is from  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. His PR of 1:45.93 was another punctuation to this stellar Freshman campaign.

The "Alumni-Singlet" Is Always Appreciated

3 First team All-Americans for the Nittany Lion Men in 2023!

• Tyler Merkley in the Hammer Throw.   7th with 237' 6"
• Evan Dorenkamp in the 1500M.         8th in 3:44.2   (3:40.34 in Semi-Final)
• Handal Roban in the 800M                 3rd in 1:45.95

And again, the Nittany Lions chose the "Alumni-Singlet like" tops for the events on the Final Day!  This is always great and appreciated by us old-timers.  The singlets were originally invented by Dennis Pollow and have taken off in a big way. 

 

Quick Poll:  Do the Alumni Singlets improve the performance of wearers?

• Yes, of course they do.
• No, are you crazy?
  

Another Award For 800U!

 As the final qualifier for the NCAA Indoor Championship 800M Final, Handal Roban ran a very nice race, finishing in 4th place.  With the disqualification of the lead runner because of his severe swerve into second lane, impeding the surging Texas runner, he ends up in 3rd place! 1:47.28 at altitude.

Ryan Foster, Handal Roban and Coach John Gondak