Boys Matchup of the Week: Bizzarri Mile at the Mason Rod Russell Invitational

The boys’ race will feature several Central Ohio competitors, including Charlie Guerrera, Mick Temple, Ethan Ishida, Graham Tyler, and Tate Ruthers. Like the girls’ race, this field is absolutely loaded. Three boys are seeded under 4:10: Guerrera, Max Friedrich, and Daniel Emmert. Other top contenders include Will Sheets, Tyler Umbright, Mick Temple, Jackson Davis, and Sam Darmanie.

As for the Central Ohio athletes, I expect all of them to hit 1600 splits under 4:15. Ishida and Tyler have personal bests of 4:16 and 4:17, and while Ruthers’ PR is 4:22, he just ran 9:11 in the 3200 last week—proving he’s capable of a very fast mile. Of those three, I’d predict the finishing order to be Ishida, Ruthers, and Tyler.

The other two Central Ohio runners—Temple and Guerrera—are legitimate contenders to win the race. Temple has raced sparingly this season but is poised for a big performance. I see him finishing in the top five, with a solid chance to place even higher. He should break 4:10 in the 1600 split and potentially in the full mile as well.

As for the likely showdown, it’s between Friedrich, Guerrera, and Emmert. I expect all three to run 4:08 or faster for the full mile. And for my predicted winner? I’ve learned my lesson about betting against him this year. Full mile, on trial, winning with style—Charlie Guerrera in 4:05.