Hoover, Spain Park runners set for nationals

Multiple Hoover-area runners have already proven they’re among the best in the state.

Now, the track standouts will test their talents against the best in the nation.

Headlined by Hoover’s Brittley Humphrey and Spain Park’s Daniel Nixon, a contingent of local runners will compete this weekend at New Balance Nationals Indoor, held March 11-13 at The Armory in New York, New York.

Serving as the de facto national championship of high school track and field, the elite meet attracts top individuals and relays from across the country.

Below is a breakdown of who will be participating.

Brittley Humphrey, Hoover: The decorated senior will compete as an individual in her signature event, the 60-meter hurdles. A four-time state champion at the distance, she will look to recapture the indoor All-American status she garnered as a sophomore in 2014.

Caitlyn Little, Hoover: A two-time indoor state runner-up in the event, she will compete alongside Humphrey in the 60 hurdles—literally. The pair has been assigned to adjacent lanes in the same section of the Girls Championship division.

Presley Weems, Hoover: Having captured her second straight indoor 800-meter title at last month’s state championships, the mid-distance star is primed for a strong showing in her marquee event.

Daniel Nixon, Spain Park: The reigning indoor 800-meter state champion notched a blistering personal-best time of 1 minute, 53.32 seconds at the University of Kentucky High School Invitational three weeks ago. Fitter than ever, he’ll by vying for All-America honors.

4x55 shuttle hurdle relay, Hoover girls: Composed of Humphrey, Little, Michelle Nkoudou and Kyla Horn, the talented relay will look to reclaim the national record set by Errin Perry, Sarah Sanford, Humphrey and Little in 2014.

4x800 relay, Hoover girls: The quartet of Caroline Franklin, Sydney Steely, Ava Weems and Presley Weems broke the Class 7A state meet and Birmingham CrossPlex records at last month’s state championships. With fresh legs, they’ll have a chance to lower their time of 9:26.76.

4x800 relay, Hoover boys: Joe Leventry, John Paul Rumore, Alex Leary and Tommy McDonough broke the school’s 42-year-old record in the event at last month’s state meet, rolling to runner-up finish in 7:59.49. The team they placed second to at state, Mountain Brook, will be in their same heat at the national meet, adding to the local rivalry.

To note, a top-six finish in any Championship division event guarantees All-America status. All individuals and relays listed above will compete in the Championship division.