Eye on NBNI: Jack Salisbury, La Salle Academy

(Photo by JOE NAVAS/Level Renner)

Throughout the week, RI MileSplit will feature some of the top athletes that will be competing at the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championships this weekend (March 13-15)

Jack Salisbury, La Salle Academy

This weekend could be a very special one for this Ram junior. Jack is entered in the mile run and as a member of a very-talented 4x1 mile relay. In the mile, Jack has potential to place among the top three. That was solidified last month when he finished second at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix where he ran his all-time best of 4 minutes, 8.76 seconds (US #3). Jack will be among an elite field that features two-time Foot Locker X-C National titlist and defending NBNI champion Grant Fisher of Michigan, who recently cranked out a PR of 4:04. Jack has the ability to run faster than his best. He's a gritty competitor that doesn't like to lose and will do whatever it takes to win. He also has a devastating kick, something he proved at the Grand Prix event with a 58-second final 400m. The pace will more than likely be fast for the opening 400m in this race. If Jack stays in contention with the lead pack and doesn't lose contact, good things can happen at the end. The target is on Fisher's back to win this race and it will be tough to defeat the Grand Rapids senior. But again, if Jack runs smart and doesn't get too caught up in the excitement of the race, he can do some damage. In 2009, former Westerly great Andrew Springer won a national title when he captured the now-defunct Nike Nationals. Can Salisbury bring a national title back to the Ocean State? He's somewhat of a longshot, but don't be surprised if he pulls off the shocker. The key is staying focused and not letting the hoopla of the event stand in the way.