Drazba Heading to Foot Locker; Burcham to Nike

Jacob Burcham and Maggie Drazba - Lance McDaniel photos

Two of the greatest all time West Virginia cross country and track and field athletes have decided on their post season races.

U.S. #12 high school cross country runner Maggie Drazba of St. Marys, has chosen Foot Locker to continue her post season. This is a big catch for Foot Locker.

Drazba at the 2012 WV State Championship - Lance McDaniel photo

Drazba is the greatest high school distance runner in the history of West Virginia. Drazba owns the best all-time West Virginia high school distance records in the 5000m (17:17.89), 1600m (4:51.88), 3000m (9:55.66) and 3200m (10:27.32). Last season in outdoor track Drazba set 4 state meet records. The defending and three time (freshman, junior and senior years) cross country state champion was undefeated this cross country season.

Drazba's personal best are: 4:53.67 mile, 4:51.88 1600m, 10:37.81 2 mile, 10:27.32 3200m, and 17:17.89 5000m.

Jacob Burcham finishing his record setting 14:58 5K - Lance McDaniel photo

New balance national outdoor mile champion and U.S. #9 All-American  Jacob Burcham of Cabell Midland has decided he wants to compete in the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) Southeast Regional with his teammates in Cary, NC. Burcham likes the idea of the team factor along with individuals competing at NXN. 

Last year, Burcham did not compete in either Foot Locker or Nike, but decided he was ready to return. Coach Chris Parson's of Cabell Midland states, "It was a great experience for him 2 years ago and he really liked the challenge of the European style XC course." This should make the competition at Nike a little worried after reading this next comment from his coach. Parsons added, "He is still on an upswing in his training and competing. Every week, he gets stronger & stronger, so by NXN Finals in Portland, he will be at his best for the season. We gave him almost 6 weeks off this summer and he didn't start back until almost the 2nd week in August."

Since his sophomore year, Burcham has won every state title he individually has contended for. He has 3 WV AAA Cross Country State titles, and 6 outdoor WV State titles by winning the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m his sophomore and junior years with his senior year left to compete in. His personal bests are: 4:02.73 in the mile, 3:46.55 in the 1500m, 8:57.73 in the 3200m, and 14:58 in the 5000m.