All-Americans Crowned at New Balance Nationals

By Chris Drake

This past Friday at the Armory in New York City, seniors Alex Ostberg, Carter Ashcraft, Arthur Cassidy, and junior Army Noonan competed in the distance medley team event at the New Balance Nationals. Noonan ran the opening 1200 meters for the team, Ashcraft the following 400 meters, Cassidy the next 800 meters, and Ostberg the final 1600 meters. The relay team finished in 2nd place for the event with an impressive time of 10:05.47, good enough to earn the four runners All-American status. Their time also breaks Staples’ FCIAC and State records and ranks 12th in the United States all-time.

    Two days later, Ostberg and Noonan also competed in the 2-mile event at the Armory. Ostberg shattered his previous school and FCIAC record he set at this year’s New Englands of 9:00.58 and set a new state record with a time of 8:48.88, finishing 3rd in the event and ranking 8th all-time for United States indoors. Noonan also turned in an impressive performance, finishing 15th with a time of 9:16.80.

    Noonan, Cassidy, and Ashcraft all received their 2nd All-American honors, while Ostberg earned his 6th. Noonan commented,“coming home with a new FCIAC and State record and two-time All-American accomplishments is just incredible, and it’s an even better feeling knowing that all of this was achieved through teamwork.” The four runners also placed second in the outdoor track Nationals last year in the distance medley, and Noonan says that their experience together has been incredible. “I’ve never had a closer group of friends in my life, and to share the moment of a close second place finish with them was unreal,” Noonan said. The team isn’t done, however- look for them to be back for more during the outdoor track Nationals this year and try to be tops in the nation after their second place.

Cassidy, Noonan, Ostberg, and Ashcraft wearing their All-American crowns after their 2nd place finish in the Distance Medley finish last year.