Never Enough Steeple

One thing for certain this season is that The Armory's introduction of the steeplechase has been embraced by the high schoolers and the professionals alike.

On Saturday at the New Balance Games came the biggest spotlight yet when Ashley Higginson out dueled Stephanie Garcia — both hopeful Olympians — in the first-ever elite running of the event at The Armory.

While it may have been run for the last time this season (the events for the Collegiate Invitational have been cancelled), it doesn't mean that the indoor development is over. In fact, on Thursday — beginning at 4:15 pm — there will be a free Armory Steeplechase Clinic conducted by two-time Worlds' participant Tom Nohilly.

The clinic — intended for novice through advanced steeplers — will involve three phases of the steeplechase. One component will cover active isolated flexibility and strength training. Another will give insight into hurdle drills and plyometrics. And a final phase will cover the water jump techniques, lead and trail leg resistance and water jump landing.

Now future steeplechase stars will be able to gain some experience long before the outdoor season and under the watch of Nohilly, a former NCAA steeplechase champion at Florida and the fastest steepler ever from the state of New York (8:16.92).