Rocket man, record man

Freshman trackman Ben Karcz establishes unbeatable mark at Greenburg

Throughout history, there have been many seemingly unbeatable records that have fallen. There was Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak before Cal Ripken Jr. came along or Fleetwood Mac's album sales for Rumours before Michael Jackson released Thriller.

But it's got to be a good feeling for one Penn State sprinter to know that it's unlikely anyone will ever be able to break his record.

On Saturday, the Greenberg Indoor Sports Complex hosted its last President's Invitational before the Penn State track and field team moves to new indoor facilities. Freshman Ben Karcz capitalized on the opportunity by breaking the fieldhouse record in the 600 meter with a time of 1:20.22.

Showing good team running, both Karcz and Hubbard were able to set another fieldhouse record at the 500 meter-mark of the race, where both runners had a time of 1:05.67.

Karcz grew up near Pittsburgh, where he began running in eighth grade and attended West Allegheny High School. A three-sport athlete in high school, Karcz's dedication and love of running led him to Penn State and to a lot of success in his first season with the Nittany Lions.

"This season, I've been taking things as they come and trying to take advantage of them," Karcz said. "There's nothing I would change about my freshman season, and I think if I keep working hard and keep getting good coaching and good experience, I'll keep improving."

Coach Harry Groves said he has been pleased with the freshman's performance this season.

"He's been solid for us all year," Groves said. "And that's really all you can ask of anyone."

Karcz is majoring in secondary education and hopes to become a high school Biology teacher and coach track and field.

When asked who has motivated him to reach such success, Karcz mentioned football, wrestling and track coaches, and especially his parents.

"My parents have always told me to have pride in myself, and with God's will you can accomplish whatever you're willing to work hard for," he said.

The 600 meter record isn't the only accomplishment for Karcz this year. As part of the sprint medley relay team, he helped break the 20-year-old University record in the event on Jan.17.

Karcz has been enjoying success all year. After this season's first meet, sprint-medley teammate Joe Loner said Karcz and fellow freshman Brad Del Muto were already making positive contributions to the team.

"Those guys really have a positive attitude," Loner said, "and you can always hear them out there."

At the time, Groves agreed with Loner.

"(The freshmen) really stepped it up," he said. "When things get more intense later, I hope they can step up then too."

A few weeks and three new records later, the freshman has done just that.

When asked his outlook on next weekend's Big Ten Championships, Karcz said he is a freshman who hasn't been there before, but he admitted he does have his eye on some teams.

"I've always heard that Wisconsin is tough," Karcz said, "but we haven't seen any of the Big Ten teams this season. Illinois looks pretty good in my events."

Karcz's events will be the 600 meter and 4x400 relay, and both look to be highly competitive in the Big Ten Championships. The 4x400 relay team from Illinois has the second-best time in the Big Ten at 3:08.97, just short of Iowa's team mark. In the 600, Illinois has the top two times in the Big Ten this season, with Bobby True and Matt Klima leading the pack.

However, Karcz is not far behind. This past weekend's record time puts him fifth in the Big Ten this season.

"Being a freshman, I haven't seen the championship end of the season," Karcz said, "but what I do see is this: We have all the gaps filled. We are a solid team that might surprise a few people. And we work well as a team."

It is this "team-mindedness" to which players have been attributing their successes all season.

"It's our strongest asset," Karcz said. "The team itself -- jumpers, throwers, everybody -- we're all close. We're not a distance team with a separate sprint team, we're all out there for each other and we're all about getting behind each other and helping everyone push for their personal best."

Karcz said this team aspect gives him the most confidence going into his first Big Ten Championships.

"We've got all the right guys, and all the spots are all well-filled," Karcz said. "All that's left to be seen is whether it will all come together next weekend."

But one thing is certain, according to Karcz.

"I'm excited."