Varenka Zhuk is no stranger to the big stage. Representing the New Orleans Metro Stars, Zhuk has faced some of the best young distance talent in the nation as she has competed in the AAU National Junior Olympics on several occasions. This year, Zhuk is leading Louisiana's top middle schoolers in the 1600m with a best of 5:27.26. Right behind Zhuk is St. Thomas Aquinas' Celia Adams , who is competing in LHSAA action for STA and looks to be one to reckon at next month's LHSAA State Outdoor Championships. Adams is ranked No. 2 among all of Louisiana's middle school girls with a best time this year of 5:27.99. Zhuk and Adams are the only two middle school runners who have broken 5:30 in the 1600m this year. For reference, both would be ranked among the Top 30 in Louisiana high school action this year.
Other impressive performances have been turned in my University Lab's Eden Temple (5:38), a name we remember from last summer as she competed at the national level for U.S. Express Trac...