(Pocatello High School - Idaho)
Class of 2015
Elijah Armstrong loves racing at the 5K distance in cross country so much that he tried to compete in as many 5K's as possible on the track. A 2013 New Balance Nationals indoor 5K champ, Armstrong posted three strong times around the oval for the 3.1 mile race with a 14:48 performance at New Balance Indoor Nationals, 14:29 runner-up finish at New Balance Outdoor Nationals, and fourth place showing of 14:33 at US Junior Nationals in an attempt to make the World Junior team. Armstrong last year qualified for both NXN and Foot Locker Nationals, but opted to run in the West Regional qualifier for Foot Locker Nationals instead of racing Nike Cross Nationals on the same day. Armstrong rolled the dice, qualified, and then earned All-American honors at Balboa Park with a sixth place finish in the Foot Locker finals. Highlights from Armstrong's track season included a 8:55 3200 run at the Arcadia Invite and dipping under 4:10 in the 1600 at the Idaho State Meet.