The 2017 VA Showcase saw 11 U.S. No. 1 performances, two national records, and its alumni went on to win a staggering 33 indoor national titles. Needless to say, it was the greatest regular season meet of all time. 

Believe it or not, this year's installment in Lynchburg, Virginia, looks even better! It all goes down this weekend.

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Things are a little different this year with two meets being held at the same time. This change, and a separate AAU meet, has enabled an elite body of age-group athletes, private school athletes, and out-of-state athletes a chance to shine where they normally would not have. Though their times won't count towards VHSL State Standards or be recognized by the NFHS, they will still count towards records (T&F News) and New Balance Indoor National qualifying. 

So enough of the technical stuff: here are 20 events that you cannot, under any circumstances, miss this year!

1. Team Jamaica Times 2 vs USA In Round 2 

(Girls 4x400)

Last year it took 3:39 to win the indoor national title; this year it could take a 3:36 or faster to win the VA Showcase gold. Entering the competition, Hydel of Jamaica will be the overwhelming favorites on paper with their 3:33.99 outdoor best last year. They return their entire top five just like the Bullis School does. 

Then you also have St. Jago, who were the runners-up at Penn with a 3:36 last April and their 52 leg returning. Simply put, there could be three teams under the 3:38 world junior record on January 19.

Following them and all seeded within the top five in the entire country are likely going to be Western Branch (3:43), Franklin (3:45), Southeast Raleigh (3:46), and Pickerington Central (3:47) in our estimations currently. That means a sub-3:50 team could be left out of the top section in this race — something you don't even see happen at nationals. 

Last year Team USA went one-two against Jamaica, but this year the tables could very well be turned on the red, white, and blue.

2. Will Someone Seriously Break 60 Seconds In The AAU 500? 

(AAU Boys 500)

Most people don't know that Tyrese Cooper's 1:01 last year in the 500 almost didn't happen. Just hours before the race his coach suggested running it while they were there and the rest was history. Despite never having run the event before, he was able to out-kick Chantz Sawyer and run the second fastest time ever in the event. 

This year, though, he is a prepared for it and ready to dip under 60 seconds in an attempt to not only take down the U.S. national record of 1:01.68 but also the world junior record of 59.83 set two years ago. 

His greatest competition will most certainly come from Georgia's Brian Herron, who just opened his indoor season with a 20.95 and a 46.43 double. Both of those are U.S. No. 4 of all time! 

Early indications are that Igo Grimes, EJ Richardson, Zach Kindel, Randolph Ross, and perhaps others will be entered in this very fast and likely record-setting race. 

3. Can Tyrese Break His Own World Youth Record? 

(AAU Boys 300)

Cooper took down the national record last year at the VA Showcase and then two weeks later broke it again. This year he is coming for much bigger goals. He is not chasing 33.05 like he was last year; he's chasing 31.87, which is the outright world record set last year by Noah Lyles. 

He might be the favorite but he most certainly is not the only one capable of winning this title. Joining him here will be Brian Herron (20.95/46.43) and Eric Allen Jr., who went 33.4 last year at the Showcase. 

Expect three guys under 33 in what should be the quickest 300 in high school history. Only three races ever have had three guys break 34 in a single race; this one could blow them all to shame! 

4. Solo Records Are Hard, Can Tuohy Push The Pace for 25 Laps?

(Girls 5K)

NXN Champion and 5K phenom Katelyn Tuohy (NY) is ready for some records this season. All XC season she dominated her competition and took down course record after course record. She went on to win the NXN national title in a record 16:44 clocking. 

To put that in perspective, her speed rating would put her as Loudoun Valley's No. 4 on their guys team.

Tuohy certainly has the speed and endurance to take down the national record (15:55) but it will be tough doing it in a solo effort. The field will be small, ideal for records, but she will still have to hit the splits. 

You can take one thing for certain: the raucous crowd at the VA Showcase will be doing its part in helping her crank out 25 laps at 38.2 pace!  

5. Clean Handoffs = National Record For Bullis Boys? 

(Boys 4x200)

Everyone is hyped for the Bullis School, but frankly, they don't know what is in store this indoor season. Finally, at the VA Showcase, they will bring the big dogs out in what should be a star-studded showdown of sub 1:30 teams.

Bullis will enter as the favorites, potentially chasing the national record (1:26.09) but they still have to get the stick around cleanly. 

Posing the strongest threat to them will be Pickerington Central (1:28), Western Branch (1:26), Southeast Raleigh (1:28), Team War (1:29), and Parkland (1:28). That field once again makes for arguably the best 4x200 of the entire year. 

6. They Won NXN — Can Loudoun Valley Win The AAU DMR? 

(AAU Boys DMR)

It's amazing how much difference a year can make. This year, with 4:04 miler Sam Affolder at the helm, it looks like The Jungle (Loudoun Valley) will be the team to beat in the distance medley relay (12-4-8-16). They have the other legs to not only win but chase the national record as well with Peter Morris, Jacob Hunter, and Colton Bogucki all fighting for a spot on the relay team. 

The name of the game, though, will be to give the anchor the biggest lead possible with NXN runner-up and 4:01 miler Brodey Hasty anchoring Brentwood's club team. Last year he put on the jets for the win and this year he could do the same with a decent group of guys running before him.

Both of these teams are joined by a staggering four other teams seeded at 10:30 or better already this indoor season. That includes clubs from Bishop Shanahan (PA), Ocean Lakes (VA), St. Peter's (NY), and Mount Tabor (NC). 

This special AAU event has big shoes to fill after last year's U.S. No. 1 race, but it certainly has the depth and speed to be the best one yet. 

7. Britton Wilson: National Class Record? 

(Girls 500)

Last year, Wilson took down the state outdoor 400m record indoors; that should tell you all you need to know. She also went on to finish as an All-American in the 400 indoors in a sophomore class national record. This year, it looks like she is chasing that 500m national class and national overall record. 

She went 1:13.70 last year at the Showcase and is certainly looking for more than that this year. She will have to run fast with Adriana Shockley (1:14.51 flat track), the 6A state champion, right by her side. 

Jaydan Wood of Pickerington Central is no slouch either with her 54.16 best in the open 400. All three of these ladies in fact should be at the very top of the U.S. leaderboard when this race is over. 

Finally we will also see Shaniya Hall of Bullis in her real 500m debut. She may not be a name you know yet, but just know she runs under seven seconds for the 55m dash and split 52 (FAT) last year as a freshman — so study up, because she could do some serious damage in this one.

The national record in the event is 1:10.30 and the meet record is 1:11.75. 

8. Crean, Wilson, & Others Slated For Fastest 300 of The Year

(Girls 300)

When you have five sections of the 300 and everyone is seeded under 41 seconds, you know you're going to have a great race. In an all sub-39 final, it looks like we could have another U.S. No. 1 time from whomever reigns supreme over this stacked field. 

Last year it was eventual national champions Jayla Kirkland and Lynna Irby stealing the show with their U.S. No. 1-2 finish, but this year it could take an even faster time.

Though entries are not finalized, it looks like we could have Jenna Crean, Britton Wilson, Kori Carter, Jaydan Wood, McKenzie Long, and others entered in these top sections. Bullis might enter a couple ladies as well, but with the 4x400 on Friday it is unlikely to see Shaniya Hall in this one. 

9. Thelma Davies: Is She One Good Start Away From The National Record? 

(Girls 55)

Anything under seven seconds is fast for the girls 55, but when you go 6.82 as a sophomore that's just insane. That is exactly why we are so hype for Thelma Davis and her 11.4 (100) speed to be hitting the straightaway at the VA Showcase. 

She will be joined by Jamaican national champion and another 11.4 100m runner in Kimone Shaw.

Pending other entries, it could be a completely sub-seven final this year in the 55m dash. 

10. Finally, We Get To See Michaela Rose Race in VA! 

(AAU Girls 800)

Homeschooled superstar Michaela Rose never gets the chance to run in the actual state of Virginia. That is all changing with the addition of the AAU Girls 800m run this year. In this race she will face off with great competition as she chases some of Virginia's records. 

She has already gone 2:57 in the 1K this indoor season and owns PRs of 55.10 in the 400 and 2:12 in the 800. Those last two times she ran last year in 8th grade! 

Finally, with equally fast competition, she should be able to push close to a sub 2:10 and even faster performance in front of a friendly VA crowd. 

11. Will Oscar Smith's 1-2 Punch Be Enough FTW? 

(Boys 55m Hurdles)

Oscar Smith enters the meet with their U.S. No. 2 and U.S. NO. 4 hurdles (Kurt Powdar 7.33 and Aaron Shirley 7.36) not only ready to rumble in the open race but also the shuttle hurdle race as well. They are not the top seeds, though, with U.S. No. 1 and national champion Kyle Garland (PA) 7.25 entered as well. 

Expect some fast times from all these superstars and potentially a national record in the SHR.

12. Will We See A 6-Foot Girls High Jumper?

(Girls High Jump) 

It is extremely rarefied air when the cross bar rises to six feet in high school. That is why it is a huge deal that the VA Showcase has three girls within striking distance of this record height. 

Entered already in the meet are Sydney Banks (5-11), defending champion Kenya Livingston (5-10), and Thea Shaw (5-8). This means it could be a very tough group of girls still in it with the bar reaching record heights. 

The invitational high jump will likely start around 5-0, meaning it is conducive for record performances where athletes will only have to hit four clearances before six feet. 

13. And/Or Will We See A 7-Foot Boys High Jumper?

(Boys High Jump)

Kyle Garland (PA) is not only the best hurdler in the country right now, he is also the top returning high jumper with his 7-2 best. He will be taking on that personal best in an attempt to not only go over 7-0 but ultimately over 7-2 as well. 

His toughest competition will be VA's Trey Causey, who has already gone 6-10 this indoor season. 

14. Will Cole Beck Be In Top Form & Ready For A Stacked 55? 

(Boys 55)

Speaking of fast runners, this race could very well be the fastest of them all. You have outdoor national runner-up Cole Beck and then 5A superstars Donovan Louis and Bryan Ahouman all seeded in the low 6.30s. That means it will definitely take a sub-6.30 to win this one. 

The current U.S. No. 1 is 6.34, so expect at least three guys under that mark. 

15. Three Sub 45 (4x100) Relay Teams Highlight Girls 4x200 Competition 

(Girls 4x200)

Though they are not American, St. Jago and Hydel both enter this indoor season after running 44.53 and 44.56 outdoors last year in the 4x100. Those times would rank U.S. No. 2 and U.S. No. 3 all-time just off of the 44.50 national record. 

Bullis also ran a fast 44.88 last outdoor season. 

That means entering the competition this year we have three teams under 45 seconds entered into the 4x200m relay. Now, indoor track is very different, but when you have that much raw speed you can almost guarantee a quick time. 

Western Branch and Pickerington Central are also looking for a quick time here with Western Branch looking to defend their title. Finally we will also have Team War entered who were the indoor national champions last indoors. 

16. State Records Will Certainly Fall But How Far Will It Take To Win? 

(Girls Shot Put)

We got a little preview last week at the Nike Throw Down, but the main event is going to be the VA Showcase when Alexis Clark, Veronica Fraley, and Kayla Beasley all attempt to win the shot put competition this January. They all have thrown 44-0 and further already this season meaning it could take a 46 or better for the gold. 

17. Back-to-Back Champion & Facility Records? 

(Boys Pole Vault)

Austin Goolsby came to put on a show last year, and that is exactly what he did. He went on to clear 15-8 to set the facility record for the win. This year he returns having cleared a personal best of 16-2. He will likely be joined by fellow 15-plus vaulters making for one of the best vault competitions our state has ever seen. 

18. Brodey Hasty... How Fast Can He Go For 1K?

(AAU Boys 1K)

In one of the final AAU special events, we will get to see the nation's best miler (Brodey Hasty) on the track in his first 1K of the year. Expect him to crush this race in a sub-2:25 performance. The national record (2:22.28) is definitely not out of contention either in a race that should see multiple sub-2:30 performances. 

19. Pickerington Central... Are They The Smart Pick?

(Boys 4x400)

Finally in the last race of normal meets, first at the Showcase, we will have Ohio state champions Pickerington Central ready to rumble in the 4x400. They return nearly all their firepower from last year and have entered in the meet with a seed time of 3:18 — just ahead of Parkland's 3:19. Entries are open for another two weeks, so expect some very fast times. 

20. Everyone's Favorite... The Mile Race Walk! 

After a long day last year, the entire facility erupted during the one mile race walk. The same will be true this year, as the crowd gets on their feet for this awesome eight-lap race. 

By Nolan Jez