Carter Spradling, a junior at Clovis East High in California who boasts the second-fastest 3,200-meter time in the country this season at 8:51.62, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing in the invitational 3,200 race April 8 at the 55th Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High in California. Spradling, a Division 1 all-state competitor in cross country in November along with being a state finalist in the 3,200 in June, prevailed March 25 in the invitational race at the Meet of Champions Distance Classic at Azusa Pacific University by leading six athletes to sub-9 performances. He also triumphed April 1 in the gold section of the 1,600 meters at the West Coast Relays by clocking 4:12.68 at Buchanan High's Veterans Memorial Stadium. Spradling explains how significant it is to be competing in the invitational 3,200 race at Arcadia after running in the seeded section last year. He also examines how meaningful the breakthrough is to produce a sub-9 effort for the first time in his career and not having to chase the barrier at Arcadia like he did last year after clocking 9:01.14 at APU. Spradling revisits running a personal-best 4:12.26 in the 1,600 in December and the inspiration it provided for winter training in preparation for the outdoor season. He also analyzed how much running 400 and 800 races have contributed to his success in the 1,600 and 3,200 this season. Spradling also shares how valuable it has been to have competitors like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo-bound senior Christopher Caudillo from Clovis High, the reigning state 1,600 champion, in the Tri-River Athletic Conference, in addition to athletes like Josh Bell from Templeton and Buchanan teammates Noah Ray and Zach Weaver also in the Central Section to help him improve. He speaks about the overall strength of the Clovis East program and being able to share the experience at Arcadia with several teammates, in addition to the strength of his faith and the support of his family and the Timberwolves coaching staff, especially head coach Dustin Marzolf.

WATCH LIVE WEBCAST APRIL 7-8 OF 55TH ARCADIA INVITATIONAL