A silver lining for Corbett, Clasen

DES MOINES -- James Harrington is a sprinter, one of the best in Iowa history.

So imagine Nicolas Corbett's surprise when the Cedar Falls ace pulled up next to him in the starting blocks in the 400 meters at last week's district meet.

"Yeah, it was a surprise," said Corbett, a junior at Cedar Rapids Washington.

Harrington proved he has range to go with his speed at the state track meet Thursday at Drake Stadium. The University of Alabama signee outran Corbett for the Class 4A 400-meter title, finishing in 48.27 seconds.

Corbett was second in 49.46.

"I had the mindset that I could win," Corbett said. "Who wants to get second?

"On the other hand, when you're running against James Harrington, it's awfully tough to win."

Corbett's finish -- and a runner-up result for Cedar Rapids Xavier's Alec Clasen in the high jump -- were the highlights of Day 1 for area 4A boys.

West Des Moines Dowling is the leader with 22 points. The Maroons are followed by Bettendorf (17), Waukee (13) and Pleasant Valley (12.5).

Harrington was assigned Lane 4 of the fast heat, with Corbett in Lane 5.

"It was a disadvantage, but only a small one," Corbett said. "I consider myself a chaser."

Corbett was cool with his second place. Clasen was much more disappointed after earning a silver for the second consecutive year.

After all, the gold was so close he could almost taste it. But Burlington's Justin Randall snatched it away, clearing 6 feet, 8 inches on his final attempt.

Had Randall missed, Clasen -- who cleared 6-6 -- would have been the champion based on fewer misses.

"I was a little angry," Clasen said. "It's never fun to be the guy trying to come from behind."

Cedar Rapids Prairie's Jacob Aune was fourth in the 3,200-meter run, in 9:32.10. Linn-Mar's Josh Evans, the No. 1 seed based on his district time, finished seventh.