Sahlman Opts For Higher Competition, But Will Lose High School Eligibility

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Carlos Celio photo

The legendary era of the Sahlmans and Youngs running for California's Newbury Park has reached a conclusion this week.

Aaron Sahlman, who won the Arcadia Invitational 800 meters last Saturday in a US#1 time of 1:49.07, said Thursday he will compete in the 800 meters Friday against professional racers at the Bryan Clay Invitational and has also entered the pro mile field April 22 at the Oregon Relays. 

California Interscholastic Federation rules do not allow for high school competitors to compete unattached against college or professional athletes during the school season. 

Already this spring, fellow Newbury Park seniors Lex and Leo Young, ran unattached at the Bob Larsen Distance Carnival at UCLA. They, too, are seeking higher levels of competition and will race unattached. 

Sahlman, his older brother Colin, and the Young twins, took high school distance running to new heights in the fall of 2021 when they comprised the nucleus of the most talented high school cross country team in history. 

Despite not running for Newbury Park this spring, the results of the three high school athletes are still eligible records and all-time rankings on the Track and Field News lists. They would no longer qualify for NFHS records. 

Sahlman is set to join his older brother, Colin, at Northern Arizona next year. Lex and Leo Young are committed to Stanford.