I'm Ready For More Abuse: Rankings Of The All-Time Indoor Alumni Records

As the third job I have in this current busy climate, this blog has a very good reputation for inaccuracy, mistakes and overall "I have to look that up".  I take abuse on just about everything I post, but posts involving statistics bring it from every corner of the world. So as an introduction to these marks, please update me on any inaccuraccies, mistakes or "I have to look that up".

Here are the tops marks for Penn State Mens Track Alumni Records from all-time as per the IAAF Scoring Tables.  These were compiled by Matt Grove from Coach Groves' notes and amended by all of us over time.  Undoubtedly, there are mistakes.  But that gives us all an opportunityy to get together in a collegial fashion and have a little fun along the way.   Hee hee hee

1.  600M          1226        1:14.91                         Casimir Loxsom '13                  2017 (WB)
2.  Shot Put      1209        70' 5.5" (21.47M)         Joe Kovacs '12                          2014
3.  800M          1196        1:46.13                         Casimir Loxsom '13                  2017
4.  Mile            1181        3:56.06                         Brannon Kidder '16                   2018
5.  1500M        1168        3:39.17                         Brannon Kidder '16                   2018
6.  60M HH     1137        7.70                              Mike Shine '76                           1978
7.  5000M        1117        13:39.27                       James Carney '01                       2005
8.  2 Mile         1107        8:35.0                           George Malley '77                     1979
9. Heptathlon   1099       5827 pts.                       Ryan Olkowski '02                    2005
10. 200M           1096       21.25                             Ryan Olkowski '02                    2003
11. TJ                1082        53' 2.75" (16.22M)       Ricardo Hall                              1995
12. HJ                1081       7' 2.25" (2.19M)            Dave Kriz '96                            1999
13. 1000M         1079       2:22.66                          Randy Moore '85                       1986
14. LJ                1073        25' 3.25" (7.7M)           Rob Boulware '87                      1988
15. 60M            1059        6.77                               Mike Shine '76                           1978
16. PV               1056        17' 2" (5.23M)             Rick Kleban '85                          1988
17. 55M            1056        6.1*  (6.34)                  Barney Ewell '42                        1947 (WR)
18. 55M            1056        6.1*  (6.34)                  Mike Sands '75                           1980
19. 300M            995         34.5                             Mike Sands '75                           1976

* 0.24 secs added to hand times as per IAAF standards.

Now Let's Rank The Penn State Mens Alumni Road Records *Updated*

There aren't as many events for the road records, so I will attempt to get them done without the Interns.  Again, we will use the IAAF Ranking Tables from the latest addition in 2017.

1.   10 Miles                  Greg Fredericks                 46:10*              1981     1139
      10 Miles                  George Malley                     47:02                1981      1091
2.   Half Marathon        George Malley                  1:01:43               1982     1122
3.   Marathon                 James Carney                   2:12:23              2012     1119 
3.   Marathon                 George Malley                   2:12:23              1985      1119
7.   20K                         George Malley                      58:35              1982      1112
9.   10K                         Tyler McCandless                29:27               2013      1006
       10K                         James Carney                     28:19                2009      1112
8.   15K                         James Carney                       43:31               2009      1101

5.   25K                         Tyler Mc Candless            1:15:24              2018     1088
6.   30K                         John Ziegler                      1:32:17              1980     1085 


10. 30K Race Walk       Steve Hayden                    1:32:06             1970       972
11. 50K Race Walk       Steve Hayden                    4:23:22              1972        943

*  Short Course Trevira Twosome

Additional:
        8K                          James Carney                   22:52                  2008       N/A
       12K                        Alan Scharsu                    34:54                  1985        N/A

Another Intern Has Been Sacked: The Updated Penn State Track and Field Alumni Outdoor Records For Each Event Rated By The IAAF Scoring Tables

Yeah, it was an honest mistake.  The IAAF Scoring Tables are confusing and the Intern forgot that there were both Male and Female Charts.  So when he looked up the 10000M record of James Carney, he somehow used the Female table, giving him many more points.  The time still ranks 4th in the updated standings.  Not too shabby.

The Intern involved has been sacked according to tradition.  But don't fear, he easily found a paid-for gig with the current Administration in Washington.  I think he's in charge of entitlements or something.  No harm, no foul.

That means my suspicion all along was correct.  The shot put mark of Joe Kovacs back in 2017 is the top mark.  At the time, it was the longest throw in many years.  And has been topped only once since then.  We'll see what he can do at the World Championships.  And Darrell Hill's recent throw to win The Match against Europe is only a little behind!  Michael Shuey also moved up with his recnt javelin toss at The Match.




1.  Joe Kovacs            2017 2019       Shot Put       74' 0.25" 75' 2"(22.91M)   1275 1335
2.  Knut Hjeltnes       1985                Discus          228' 5"  (69.62M)      1238
3.  Casimir Loxsom   2015                800M            1:44.92                     1176
4.  James Carney         2007              10000M         27:34.62                   1172
5.  Brannon Kidder    2019                1500M          3:35.27                     1171
6.  Barney Ewell        1948                100M            10.1 (ht)                   1170
7.  Mike Shine           1976                400M IH      49.30                         1159
7.  George Malley     1978                 3000M SC   8:21.72                      1159
8.  Lennart Hedmark  1973                Decathlon     8,188 pts.                 1155
9.  Casimir Loxsom  2013                600M            1:14.84                    1154
10. Mike Shuey         2019                 Javelin          273' 0"  (83.21M)    1147
11.  Mike Sands         1975                200M             20.5                         1141
12.  George Adu        1999                 Long Jump    25' 10.75" (7.89M) 1114
13.  Larry Mangan     1983                Mile               3:56.90                    1113
13.  Alan Scharsu       1985                3000M           7:50.40                    1113
14.  Mike Sands         1976                 400M             46.01                       1111
15.  Mike Shine          1979                110M HH       13.80                      1103
16.  James Carney      2008                5000M           13:31.61                  1097
17.  Casimir Loxsom  2014                1000M           2:19.16                   1092
18.  Ricardo Hall        1995                Triple Jump    53' 7.75" (16.22M) 1082
19.  Dave Kriz            1996                High Jump      7' 0.75" (2.15M)    1046
20.  Dave Masgay       1987                Pole Vault      16' 8.75"                 1021
21.  Alvin Jackson      1979                Hammer         211' 11" (64.60M)   957    

Ranking of All-Time Best Outdoor Performances of Penn State Track Alumni*

* Performances after PSU eligibility has expired.

The IAAF, or whatever they call themselves now, has a ranking system that can be used to gauge performances across Track and Field times and distances.  This system is very useful, but is only one way to interpret Athletic performances across all the disciplines.

While these tables can never be a definitive measurement of the level of performance
considering the differing opinions among sports statisticians concerning their basis and
method of construction, they do allow us to consistently measure and compare athletes and their performances across the rich variety of event disciplines.

So, I combined our previous compilation of the Event Record Holders in each discipline with the IAAF Scoring Tables.  The results are sometimes surprising.

1.  James Carney       2007                10000M       27:34.64                    1386
2.  Joe Kovacs           2017                Shot Put       74' 0.25"  (22.57M)   1275
3.  Knut Hjeltnes       1985                Discus          228' 5"  (69.62M)      1238
4.  Casimir Loxsom   2015                800M            1:44.92                     1176
5.  Brannon Kidder    2019                1500M          3:35.27                     1171
6.  Barney Ewell        1948                100M            10.1 (ht)                   1170
7.  Mike Shine           1976                400M IH      49.30                         1159
7.  George Malley     1978                 3000M SC   8:21.72                      1159
9.  Lennart Hedmark  1973                Decathlon     8,188 pts.                 1155
10.  Casimir Loxsom  2013                600M            1:14.84                    1154
11.  Mike Sands          1975                200M            20.5                         1143
12.  Mike Shuey         2019                 Javelin          271' 10"  (82.85M) 1141
13.  George Adu        1999                 Long Jump    25' 10.75" (7.89M) 1114
14.  Larry Mangan     1983                Mile               3:56.90                    1113
14.  Alan Scharsu       1985                3000M           7:50.40                    1113
16.  Mike Sands         1976                 400M             46.01                       1111
17.  Mike Shine          1979                110M HH       13.80                      1103
18.  James Carney      2008                5000M           13:31.61                  1097
19.  Casimir Loxsom  2014                1000M           2:19.16                   1092
20.  Ricardo Hall        1995                Triple Jump    53' 7.75" (16.22M) 1082
21.  Dave Kriz            1996                High Jump      7' 0.75" (2.15M)    1046
22.  Dave Masgay       1987                Pole Vault      16' 8.75"                 1021
23.  Alvin Jackson      1979                Hammer         211' 11" (64.60M)   957       

Comments appreciated!                       

Penn State Track Alumni Road Records

Here is the final listing from Matt Groves' research.  As with the Indoor and Outdoor Records, we are looking for any updates that are available!

                                                      *  Marathon         2:12:23         George Malley(77)      1981?

A Lull In The Action Means Housecleaning Commences

With not much happening in the Track World, it is time to do a little Spring cleaning, even if it is a little late.  So let's all get to work and crowdsource an updated Penn State Track Alumni Record Book!  Sorry ladies, I don't even know how to begin compiling one for the women.  Maybe an ambitious member of our group will try!!!!    Hint, hint!

But at least we have a starting point for the Men's Records which includes Indoor, Outdoor and Road records.  Matt Groves has done much of the legwork from his dad's notes in the past.  We are certain that our listing needs updating, and that's where you come in.  If we all get together on this we can fully update the listings in no time.

Let's start with the Men's Outdoor List:  Any changes can be made via the Facebook Page or on the comments below.  Please help!

Our first update to the list doesn't change the record, but clarifies it.

(George)Malley's AR was NOT the 8:21.72 you have listed. Henry Marsh had the AR at the time (1978) and it was 8:21.55...Malley's AR was in 1977 at the AAU National Championships at Westwood, CA at 8:22.54.

Nearly A New Alumni Record In The Marathon!

Tyler McCandless placed second at the California International Marathon yesterday.  This was the USATF Marathon Championship.  His 3 minute PR 2:12:28 was just 5 seconds short of the Penn State Track and Field Alumni Record! (James Carney and George Malley, 2:12:23)

Tyler's race was remarkably evenly paced, actually a negative split, as he moved up in the standings from 10th at mid-race to his eventual second-place finish.  Congrats Dr. McCandless!

The Authoriatative* PSU Mens Alumni Indoor Records

Also compiled by Matt Groves from original sources (mostly his dad) and put into an Excel spreadsheet, translated into a pdf, sent to me via email  and then made into another Excel Spreadsheet, poorly manipulated and then posted in the blog that "gets everything wrong".

*Authoritative is meant as a bit of a joke, as was Definitive in a previous post.  Everyone (most) know that I'm an authority on things other than PSU Track Records and Excel.  Unfortunately, those with more knowledge about these things are hard to find and motivate to participate. We get corrections and admonitions all the time about things we have gotten wrong.  We welcome them.**  That's kind of the whole point of trying to generate interest in joining our group to honor Coach Groves along with the past and future of PSU Track/XC. Remember the mirth, and you can skip the golf.

** Small, caffeinated and poo-flinging monkeys are currently hard at work correcting the PSU Mens Alumni Road Race Records.  Another set of horrible monkeys is being recruited right now to correct these Indoor marks and the upcoming Outdoor marks.***

***Scorn and admonitions can be directed at me for any errors in accuracy, formatting and just general disdain at the effort.  I'm getting used to it.
 

Distance	Mark	Individual, Team	Year
55 meters	6.1	Barney Ewell '42	1947
"	6.1	Mike Sands '75	1980
60 meters	6.77	Mike Shine '76	1978
200 meters	21.25	Ryan Olkowski '02	2003
300 meters	34.5	Mike Sands '75	1976
400 meters	47.5	Mike Sands '75	1976
500 meters	1:03.9	Mike Sands '75	1976
800 meters	1:51.0	Randy Moore ' 85	1986
1000 meters	2:22.66	Randy Moore ' 85	1986
1500 meters	3:42.3	Larry Managn '81	1982
One mile	4:03.7	Greg Fredericks '72	1975
3000 meters	8:08.7	Greg Fredericks '72	1979
Two mile	8:35.0	'77	1979
5000 meters	13:39.27	James Carney '01	2005
60 meter HH	7.70	Mike Shine '76	1978
DMR	9:48.59	Owen Dawson '12, Kevin Fuller ' 10,	2012
		Ryan Foster ' 11, Brian Fuller ' 09
High Jump	7' 2 1/4"	Dave Kriz '96	1999
Long Jump	25' 3 1/4"	Rob Boulware '87	1988
Triple Jump	53' 2 3/4" (16.22m)	Ricardo Hall	1995
Pole Vault	17' 2"	Rick Kleban '85	1988
35 lb weight	65' 0"	Alvin Jackson '77	1980
Shot Put	70' 4 1/4" (21.44m)	C.J. Hunter '90	1999
Pentathlon	3909 pts.	Jamie Cook ' 97	2002
Heptathlon	5827 pts.	Ryan Olkowski '02	2005

 

The Definitive Listing Of PSU Mens Alumni Records!

I didn't do the work.  Turns out Matt Groves has essentially finished the work his dad started by compiling these lists all along.  Apparently Coach Groves kept voluminous notes over the years in his distinctive scrawl.  They were published in readable format in the Track and Field Guide annually until 2006.  The kids today wouldn't even be able to read these original documents from Coach.  Cursive doesn't even exist anymore.  Just ask the prosecutors in Florida!

Matt took the old lists and updated them in complete fashion and put them into Excel format, converted them to pdf's and sent them to me to be published in the "blog with it all".  I can't thank him enough.  Maybe we can now be the repository for the future.  The "go to" site for everything PSU Track Alumni.  We can dream....

First up, I give you the PSU Alumni Mens Road Racing Records:

Distance	Time	Individual	Year
8K	23:17.90	James Carney '01	2005
15K	44:17.00	James Carney '01	2005
10 miles	46:10.00	Greg Fredericks '72	1981
20K	59:42.00	'77	1982
Half Marathon	1:01:41	'77	1982 (American Record)
30K	1:32:17	John Zeigler '79	1980
Marathon	2:12:23	James Carney '01	2012
20K Race Walk	1:32:06	Steve Hayden '66	1970
30K Race Walk	4:23:22	Steve Hayden '66	1972

Next up:  The PSU Alumni Mens Indoor Records