Teg Retires

[DrJay]

Seems like this slipped under the radar, just a front-page link that's already pretty far down the scroll-down list:

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2016/02/matt-tegenkamp-retired-six-greatest-moments-career-awesome-old-school-video/

When I think of our distance stars of the last ten to fifteen years, I think first of a cluster of four, since they were with us for so long....Teg (HS class '00), and Webb, Hall, and Ritz ('01). Now it's just Ritz, and it can't be much longer for him, with all the injuries and frustration he's had.

This factoid surprised me: : "According to our research, Tegenkamp is the only American to be ranked in the top 100 all-time in the U.S. in both the 1500 (24th at 3:34.25) and marathon (97th at 2:12:28) (Stats came from tilastopaja.org)." Who's our 100th fastest over 1500, with what time?

[26mi235]

He came "oh so close" (0.03 seconds - about 20cm - from Bronze in the 5000) at a time when so few Americans distance runners, especially men, where placing at the WCs/OGs.

[cubehead]

It slipped under the radar, just like his career unfortunately, compared to Webb, Ritz, Hall and now Rupp. When he announced his retirement I didn't realize he was still running.

[26mi235]

Teg came closer to medalling than all of the others other than one race by Rupp.

[ExCoastRanger]

Ritz does have bronzes from 2001 World Champs XC Juniors and 2009 World Half Marathon Champs.

[booond]

And, not to take away from Teg, but Webb and Hall are AR holders.

[ExCoastRanger]

Teg has the US best in the 2-mile.