Wheeler calling all milers for elite race

Can you run a fast mile?

If so, Wheeler boys cross country and track coach Louie Guillen cordially invites you to come on by the high school fieldhouse Monday to lace up the spikes for a showcase race highlighting past, present and future prep distance runners.

"We're just trying to get the most competitive mile that we can, get the word out to alumni, people who are home from college," said Guillen, who pow-wowed with Drake Sterling of Indiana Runner on the idea.

Time cutoffs are 4 minutes, 40 seconds for men and 5:30 for women. The concept has some roots at Andrean, where a legends two-mile run was held outdoors in the spring/summer.

"We're trying to bring it back, but have it in the winter time," Guillen said.

The event is the centerpiece of the Wheeler Holiday Indoor Series, a six-week stretch of Mondays in which track athletes of all ages and abilities can compete. The meets, featuring a range of running and field events, originated a number of years ago under then-Bearcats coach Tom Taylor. Guillen brought them back in 2009 when he came to Wheeler.

"A lot of clubs, the (Calumet) Striders, and high schools do it," Guillen said. "We're coming off a successful cross country season and want to get kids excited for track."

Monday's slate of events is the most extensive, featuring the shot put, long jump, high jump, 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles, 200, 400, 800 and a community (joggers) mile.