The 4:30 at 4:30!
Ok, just a little more info on the 4:30 at 4:30 for any who are interested. We're going to go at 4:30 tomorrow (Thursday the 28th) because that seemed to be the time that works for the most people. We'll plan on starting at 4:30, so if you're wanting to run, be warmed up and ready to go.
This year, it seems sub5 was the common goal, so that's what we'll be shooting for. The race will be paced for about 4:56-4:58. If you've got more in the tank, then leave us on the last lap!
I (Steve Gifford, not Herbert Philstead) intend to pace at least the first half of the race through 800 meters in about 2:26-2:27. If I think I can hold that pace longer, I'll keep going until 1200 or 1600 meters. No promises though, since I'm not in shape for anything this fast right now. Nonetheless, I've asked Joe Zeller to take over the pacing duties on the third lap if I'm out. The goal, after running through 800 meters in 2:26-2:27, would be to arrive at 1200 in about 3:41-3:43. After that, it's every man for himself in the last 300-400 meters.
There's a small chance I may not get out of work in time for this event. In this case, there will have to be some improvised pacing. Perhaps you can convince Joe Zeller and Dan Ruder to trade laps and take you through 1200 meters. We'll see. In any event, if I can't make it, I hereby appoint Dave Getz in charge of organizing this event.
Anyone who runs a PR or meets their goal of running under 5 minutes gets a hearty congratulations and a high five from me. Anyone who can run the 1600 in 4:30.99 or better gets a free dinner. This is why we are starting at 4:30 PM instead of at 4:59 PM. Anyone who can run it in 4:30.99 or better also gets asked why they didn't run that fast during the season.
The Main Street Mile
A new event in Peoria. On July 9th, at 7:00 PM, a downhill mile on the roads in Peoria. It starts at Running Central, goes down Main Street, and ends downtown. This sounds like an awesomely fun event, and a great way to claim a quick mile time, even if you can't count it as a real PR. That is, if you can run down that hill without falling on your face!
State This Weekend.
The State Meet starts tomorrow, and runs three days, with all the finals on Saturday, the 30th. It's in Charleston, Il, which is about a two and a half hour drive from here. I intend on going. I'll have a few seats in my car if anyone else wants to join me. It will pretty much be an all day thing since the meet runs about 6-7 hours, plus driving. We'll be leaving probably between 7 and 8 AM, and getting back around 6:30-7:30 PM.
If anyone is interested in joining me, let me know, make sure it's OK with the parents, and we'll start to work out details. You'll need $10 for tickets, some money for meals, and whatever you would need to sit under the sun in bleachers all day, such as hat, waterbottle, sunscreen etc.
Another Race:
Oh, and one other new event the Potters should participate in next year. Does that not look awesome?!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Potters Roll Through Sectionals With Honors!
Today's post is written in three distinct parts: The Legislative Branch, The Judi.....oops, my bad. I accidentally got the three parts mixed up with the three branches of government. The three parts are: Sectionals, Honor Roll, and the 4:30 at 4:30!
1. Sectionals
As the great philosopher Play Doh once said, "Give me liberty, or give me a 4 x 800 in under 8:45!" Well, the Potters had no liberty to hand out at the Sectional Meet in Bloomington last Friday night, so they had no choice but to oblige to Play Doh's second request. Austin, Dale, Dan, and Smittey each catapulted around the track twice for a final time of 8:44! Although there was some natural disappointment expressed from not running a PR, several factors should be taken into account. 1) The weather was very hot, 2) that time was 45 seconds faster than any 4 x 800 we ran last year, and 3) The Executive Branch.
In the 3200, Joe and Nick were determined to hack into their PRs as well. Although they didn't quiet reach their time goals, both runners turned in impressive times. Joe's 10:44 was a 45 second improvement from his time at Sectionals a year ago (11:30). Piper turned in an 11:04 running mostly by himself the whole race.
Dan bounced back from the 4 x 800 by running the open 800. He was out for the top spot in his heat, but when a Danville kid shot off the line like a rocket, Dan wisely decided not to chase him. Strategically, Dan slowly reeled him in during the third 200 and managed to kick his way to a 3rd place finish with a 2:12.
The Potters are sending a sprinter to the state meet this weekend. DJ Zahn qualified by time with a 50.5 clocking in the 400 meter dash.
In the 1600, Danny and Austin did exactly what they were supposed to; they each ran four laps. Austin played aggressively and took the lead from the gun. Danny slowly worked his way up the field in the middle laps and put himself in position for the lead with about 500 meters to go. Danny won the heat in 4:49ish and Austin was in the Top 5 with a 4:54.
After the meet, Steve, Nathan, and Dave went to Subway. Steve got the Sweet Onion Chicken Teryaki on Flatbread, Nathan got the Spicy Italian, and Dave got the Cold Cut Combo on Italian Herbs & Cheese Bread, and he got it toasted and it was delicious.
2. Honor Roll
Sunday morning found good news printed in the Journal Star. Morton was being represented in the Honor Roll Meet: the 4 x 800 squad, Joe Zeller in the 3200, and DJ and Scott in the 400!
The weather can best be described in the following adjective: bad. It was raining hard enough to melt a camel when the Potters showed up at Peoria Stadium. However, after a long period of waiting, the meet finally got underway.
In the 4 x 800 relay, Austin, Dale, Smitty, and Dan ran a great race. The field separated from them in the middle of the race, but they hung in there and showed the sturdy kind of determination that gives the nickname "Potters" its true meaning. Their time of 8:45 (ish) brought them in at 6th place in the Journal Star area! With all 4 members returning next year, we could be seeing some pretty exciting races next Spring.
Joe's 3200 was a treat to watch. Joe went out in control and let the other adrenaline-infused youths separate from him early. During the second mile, Joe began to go to work. He picked off a couple of stragglers in great tactical style to finish with a time in the 10:40s. Only a sophomore, we hope we will be watching Joe in Peoria this same time next year.
3. The 4:30 at 4:30
As most of you remember from last year, Steve organized a time trial after the season to give some people a chance to PR in races they didn't get to run in a whole lot. Thus, this year is no different. However, this year is different. This year, the time trail has a name: The 4:30 at 4:30.
This Thursday, at 4:30, any anxious Potters wishing to take a hack at the 5-minute Mile barrier are welcome to come out and give it a shot. Steve (and other current member of the 4-minute Club) will be helping provide pacing, and there may be appearances from some esteemed Morton alumni. The kicker is this: if anybody runs a 4:30 mile, Steve will buy them dinner. Thus, the event is entitled The 4:30 at 4:30. So, be all warmed up and ready to go at 4:30 (that means starting your warm up sometime before then) for this historic event.
Along the same lines, be prepared for the 2nd Annual Blitzkrieg Preseason Invite this summer. More details to follow.
1. Sectionals
As the great philosopher Play Doh once said, "Give me liberty, or give me a 4 x 800 in under 8:45!" Well, the Potters had no liberty to hand out at the Sectional Meet in Bloomington last Friday night, so they had no choice but to oblige to Play Doh's second request. Austin, Dale, Dan, and Smittey each catapulted around the track twice for a final time of 8:44! Although there was some natural disappointment expressed from not running a PR, several factors should be taken into account. 1) The weather was very hot, 2) that time was 45 seconds faster than any 4 x 800 we ran last year, and 3) The Executive Branch.
In the 3200, Joe and Nick were determined to hack into their PRs as well. Although they didn't quiet reach their time goals, both runners turned in impressive times. Joe's 10:44 was a 45 second improvement from his time at Sectionals a year ago (11:30). Piper turned in an 11:04 running mostly by himself the whole race.
Dan bounced back from the 4 x 800 by running the open 800. He was out for the top spot in his heat, but when a Danville kid shot off the line like a rocket, Dan wisely decided not to chase him. Strategically, Dan slowly reeled him in during the third 200 and managed to kick his way to a 3rd place finish with a 2:12.
The Potters are sending a sprinter to the state meet this weekend. DJ Zahn qualified by time with a 50.5 clocking in the 400 meter dash.
In the 1600, Danny and Austin did exactly what they were supposed to; they each ran four laps. Austin played aggressively and took the lead from the gun. Danny slowly worked his way up the field in the middle laps and put himself in position for the lead with about 500 meters to go. Danny won the heat in 4:49ish and Austin was in the Top 5 with a 4:54.
After the meet, Steve, Nathan, and Dave went to Subway. Steve got the Sweet Onion Chicken Teryaki on Flatbread, Nathan got the Spicy Italian, and Dave got the Cold Cut Combo on Italian Herbs & Cheese Bread, and he got it toasted and it was delicious.
2. Honor Roll
Sunday morning found good news printed in the Journal Star. Morton was being represented in the Honor Roll Meet: the 4 x 800 squad, Joe Zeller in the 3200, and DJ and Scott in the 400!
The weather can best be described in the following adjective: bad. It was raining hard enough to melt a camel when the Potters showed up at Peoria Stadium. However, after a long period of waiting, the meet finally got underway.
In the 4 x 800 relay, Austin, Dale, Smitty, and Dan ran a great race. The field separated from them in the middle of the race, but they hung in there and showed the sturdy kind of determination that gives the nickname "Potters" its true meaning. Their time of 8:45 (ish) brought them in at 6th place in the Journal Star area! With all 4 members returning next year, we could be seeing some pretty exciting races next Spring.
Joe's 3200 was a treat to watch. Joe went out in control and let the other adrenaline-infused youths separate from him early. During the second mile, Joe began to go to work. He picked off a couple of stragglers in great tactical style to finish with a time in the 10:40s. Only a sophomore, we hope we will be watching Joe in Peoria this same time next year.
3. The 4:30 at 4:30
As most of you remember from last year, Steve organized a time trial after the season to give some people a chance to PR in races they didn't get to run in a whole lot. Thus, this year is no different. However, this year is different. This year, the time trail has a name: The 4:30 at 4:30.
This Thursday, at 4:30, any anxious Potters wishing to take a hack at the 5-minute Mile barrier are welcome to come out and give it a shot. Steve (and other current member of the 4-minute Club) will be helping provide pacing, and there may be appearances from some esteemed Morton alumni. The kicker is this: if anybody runs a 4:30 mile, Steve will buy them dinner. Thus, the event is entitled The 4:30 at 4:30. So, be all warmed up and ready to go at 4:30 (that means starting your warm up sometime before then) for this historic event.
Along the same lines, be prepared for the 2nd Annual Blitzkrieg Preseason Invite this summer. More details to follow.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
H.E.A.R.T.
...is NEVER saying I can't do this...it's never seeing a challenge that is insurmountable. It's the moments where you decide that enough is enough OR you attempt to go faster and harder...just to see if you can. Running is your sport men, the track is your BattleDome, the races are yours for the taking...take what is yours and stand tall!
Sectionals is upon us men of the Morton Distance Team, what are you going to make of it? Some of you have been here before on the brink of the end of another season...but this year things are different because this year it's not really the end all for all. Professor Gifford told you that there is the Honor Roll meet you can all attend if you so choose to run fast enough. This is not a task that should feel daunting, step up to the line and just do it.
Now though we should discuss the actual meet that you're running in tomorrow, since you should never put the cart in front of the horse (it doesn't work, apparently horses are pullers not pushers). Tomorrow you shall get on a bus to journey to the far away kingdom of the Titan himself: Professor D. Getz. But as we all know Professor Getz would like us all to believe he is the infamous Capt. Jack Sparrow (so he claims...) I bet he would like all of you to run as fast as his great ship the Black Pearl and terrorize the track with your amazing feats (or feets) of speed and strategic prowess.
Also lest we all forget, tomorrow may be the day that we all remember as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow...but honestly I hope for all of you that someone will catch his time just to keep his yapper closed for a little while. (no hard feelings since if you catch Jack you've flown by me).
In all seriousness though you all have your events...you all have a goal, I hope...and you better all have a good night's sleep tonight. Nothing stands in your way and no one but the ones you trip over (what is this I hear of rolling during races?! No rolling my friends this is an inefficient way to race.) and the ones you let get inside your head. A few pointers to dissuade this:
The eagle flies at midnight...but you have flown higher and farther than that eagle EVER could.
-Nathan
Sectionals is upon us men of the Morton Distance Team, what are you going to make of it? Some of you have been here before on the brink of the end of another season...but this year things are different because this year it's not really the end all for all. Professor Gifford told you that there is the Honor Roll meet you can all attend if you so choose to run fast enough. This is not a task that should feel daunting, step up to the line and just do it.
Now though we should discuss the actual meet that you're running in tomorrow, since you should never put the cart in front of the horse (it doesn't work, apparently horses are pullers not pushers). Tomorrow you shall get on a bus to journey to the far away kingdom of the Titan himself: Professor D. Getz. But as we all know Professor Getz would like us all to believe he is the infamous Capt. Jack Sparrow (so he claims...) I bet he would like all of you to run as fast as his great ship the Black Pearl and terrorize the track with your amazing feats (or feets) of speed and strategic prowess.
Also lest we all forget, tomorrow may be the day that we all remember as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow...but honestly I hope for all of you that someone will catch his time just to keep his yapper closed for a little while. (no hard feelings since if you catch Jack you've flown by me).
In all seriousness though you all have your events...you all have a goal, I hope...and you better all have a good night's sleep tonight. Nothing stands in your way and no one but the ones you trip over (what is this I hear of rolling during races?! No rolling my friends this is an inefficient way to race.) and the ones you let get inside your head. A few pointers to dissuade this:
- Do not stand on the line telling every other person on the track your best time, your worst time, what you had for lunch that day, how your name is Dave Getz and you are a newbie runner (oops shouldn't have said that part)
- Get in the zone and know what you can do, then run that way. We all have a slightly different way of psyching up and not freaking out. For some it's Rudy, for others it's Mulan, A girl worth Running for, and for some it is just something else completely.
- Remember run through the line...the one painted on the track...the one in you mind...the one that separates just enough from EVERYTHING.
As I said once long ago, run until you have nothing left so that when you're done you fall to the ground in exhaustion and with a satisfaction that there was nothing else you could have given. ONLY then can you never lose...we ask nothing else of you but that.
MEN OF MORTON...it's time to R-U-N!!! Run so that you know your best and have to find a new one. I wish you the best of luck tomorrow and I hope to see some great races because I'm gonna be there for once!!!The eagle flies at midnight...but you have flown higher and farther than that eagle EVER could.
-Nathan
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Here comes the sectional!
Alright, we all know that tomorrow Nathan will post up all that is needed to inspire you all for your final performances. But I'm here to offer you a few tips that will allow you to channel that inspiration to the track.
Friday is the Sectional meet in Bloomington, likely the last track competition of 2009 for most of the Potters. But there are still opportunities for some other competitions, should the Potters excel on Friday. A superb, transcendent performance could send some Potters to the State meet in Charleston the next weekend. Also, quality performances may send some Potters to the PJStar Honor Roll meet at the Peoria Stadium next week. Some of you are closer than you might think!
So I will offer some advice for these final races. Since we have so many Potters focusing on the 800 or 4x800 meter race, and since those races are dear to my own heart, I will give this advice with that focus. But the ideas behind my tips really can apply to all the distance races.
Friday is the Sectional meet in Bloomington, likely the last track competition of 2009 for most of the Potters. But there are still opportunities for some other competitions, should the Potters excel on Friday. A superb, transcendent performance could send some Potters to the State meet in Charleston the next weekend. Also, quality performances may send some Potters to the PJStar Honor Roll meet at the Peoria Stadium next week. Some of you are closer than you might think!
So I will offer some advice for these final races. Since we have so many Potters focusing on the 800 or 4x800 meter race, and since those races are dear to my own heart, I will give this advice with that focus. But the ideas behind my tips really can apply to all the distance races.
- Head down - towards the second half of the race, as you tire, it is common for the head to tilt back, to look up at the sky. This is inefficient and causes you to waste energy. It sneaks up on you and you do it before you realize it, but try to keep your head level or even angled slightly down.
- Shoulders relaxed - this one goes hand in hand with the head down idea. As you tire, your shoulders will tighten up and start heading towards your ears. Relax them and try to keep them low and your upper arms relaxed, but still driving
- #3 - Chant this to yourself as you race. What does it mean? The third 200 of an 800(3rd lap in the mile, etc.) can make your race. It's very easy to go out quick for the first lap of an 800. It's very easy to give whatever it is that you have left for the last 200. Where most young athletes run into trouble is slowing too much in the beginning of the second lap as they tire. Focus on pushing harder that 3rd 200, on not slowing, and you'll be amazed at how people will be coming back to you as you set up for your kick. So if you hear me yelling #3, now you'll know what I mean!
- Smooth and efficient - A good 800 should feel like 1 fairly quick, but easy, relaxed 400, followed by about the hardest 400 you could possibly run. So focusing on #3, and hammering the last 200 with relaxed shoulders and a level head will get you through the second lap. But the first lap should be run using as little energy as possible to stay in contact with your race. Run inside lanes if possible, but try not to get bounced around by guys, or stutter stepping over other peoples legs. If you make a move, find the gap and make it once and make it well. Every time you make a surge for a position you use up energy, energy that you'll need later in the race. So if you can get where you need to be with less surges, you'll have more left for the second lap. Relaxed arms and shoulders and even efforts.
- Practice your handoffs - A handoff in the 4x800 may not be as crucial as it is in the 4x100, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked. In addition, you have congested, sometimes complicated exchange zones, which the sprinters (in lanes the whole way)don't have to worry about. That congestion is often really bad for the 1st exchange. Make sure you're prepared for it, that you can execute a quick, precise handoff and not lose time or effort. And make sure you can read the situation, and the incoming runner can decide if he needs to slide out to lane 3 or 4 for the handoff or not. A lot of guys see the congestion early, and start sliding out, when everything clears up and they didn't need to. Learn to read that.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Herbert Philstead writes about Steve telling Dave about the Mid-Illini Conference meet!
Greetings
Greetings from Herbert Philstead! It is I, winner of the M&M counting contest! I apologize for the delay in this report, but it has been a busy weekend of craving various ice cream treats, and not eating them.
Introduction and Thesis
The other night, Dave Getz called Steve Gifford and asked him for a play by play report from the Mid-Illini Men's Track and Field Championships of the Year Two Thousand and Nine, which Steve promptly delivered while driving home in his 1999 Toyota Camry CE 4 cylinder automatic transmission 4 wheeled horseless motor carriage. Unbeknownst to Steve and Dave - but knownst to us - I, Herbert Philstead, was dropping some eaves Samwise Gamgee style on that conversation, and I will now preemptively strike to deliver the race report to you, the fans of the MHS Runners!
So I will now state two things of note from this evening of racin'. Although there were many great performance, and I'll do my best to mention them all, two trends stood out.
The Body
Sadly, Steve did not realize the F/S 3200 ran earlier than the other finals and did not catch this race. Or at least that's what he claims. There is a very high probability that he actually was present and simply was distracted thinking of DQ Blizzards. Nevertheless, he walked into the stadium (or started paying attention) just in time to see Nick Piper deliver a stinging kick to a Limestone athlete, henceforth known as 'The Guy Who Always Wears the Shades". Nick came from a good 10-15 meters back to just nip this guy at the line, good for second place in the F/S 3200. Word on the street is that his time was 10:51, which is a new PR. Isaac Ackerman also had the honor of being selected to run this race for the Potters, though Steve was too busy dreaming of soft serve (it's not ice cream!) to know how he did.
During the Varsity 3200, Joe Zeller apparently thought there was some kind of fire drill happening instead of a race, but failed it miserably as he managed to drop and roll, but did not successfully stop. That's only 2 out of 3 steps and almost only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades. Oh, and maybe the wintersport of curling as well? This occurred about 125 meters into the race, and when Joe realized his error, he rejoined the lead pack and continued the race with an knee aching from the fall. Joe dueled with a Redbird for the 5th spot and ultimately ended the race in 6th, scoring points for the Potters and running one of his better times of the season. Dan Ruder ran a solid, even effort, splitting 5:18 and 5:24 to run a PR 10:42.
Three of these same men of manly Potter men, having already run the 3200, came back to run the 1600 as well. Joe and Nick were entered in the F/S 1600, and Joe felt he had something to prove after being disappointed with his fire drill antics. Nick Piper was also prepared to make an assault on the 5 minute barrier. Both Potters went out just behind the lead pack, and started gaining on some of the early leaders near the end of the second lap. At the beginning of the third lap, Zeller came alive, and started surging like mad, catching those who were falling off of the front. I say accelerating, but in actuality, his splits were supposedly pretty even, but other athletes were coming back after starting too fast. I like to think he learned a thing or two from watching Dave and Nathan last year. Zeller finished in around 5th in the race with a 4:54. Piper similarly gained on the faders the last two laps and just missed sub 5 with a time between 5:00 and 5:10. I want to say 5:03, but I had trouble overhearing Steve as I was spying on him at this point in his conversation with Dave.
In the Varsity 1600, Austin Bradford and Dan Ruder competed. The race started out somewhat slow, going through halfway in 2:23-4 with a good 8-10 athletes still bunched very close together at the start of the third lap. They were really tight, as Pekin's Tyler Veerman did his best to impersonate Joe Zeller and did a drop and roll about 825 meters into the race. He pretty much nailed the impersonation as he forgot to stop as well. Later in the third lap, things started to heat up near the front, and the pace quickened. As the front guys started to stretch it out, Austin tried gamely to hang on, with Dan a few seconds back behind the main pack. Austin finished in 4:53, with Ruder just a little ways back in 4:56.
And now on to point 2, which will precede point 1, because that's just how I, Herbert Philstead, roll. The guys running up to longer distances put on quite a show. First up was "I Can't Remember His First Name So I'll Just Call Him German" Fernandez. This was Fernadez' first race over 400 meters all season, and he made it a doozy. He was entered in the F/S 800, and immediately bolted out to big lead, having probably 30 meters by the 200 meter mark. Steve reports having feared that the young man was pulling a rookie sprinter mistake, but also being hopeful he could hold it, knowing Fernandez had some distance success in Junior High School. Hold it he did, and he made it look easy. Fernandez never relinquished his lead, nor even let it shrink, as he held on for 2:12.0 win, with probably a 4 second margin of victory. This was his frist 800 all year. This kid has the build and speed of a sprinter, but needs to explore the longer distances, as he might be a great 800 runner.
Next up in the overdistance category is DJ Zahn. DJ had been running 100s and 200s all season, along with assorted jumps. Last week, he was called upon to run a leg on a 4x400 and did superbly. This week they enter him in the 400 at the Mid-Illini meet and he almost wins the thing, just losing in a lean at the line. I didn't get his official time, but heard reports of around 51 flat, which is not too far off of a state qualifier. Let's see what he can do next Friday in Bloomington.
Now on to point #1. The two lappers! What a night they had! The line up for the Varsity 4x800 was, in this order, Austin, Dale Domnick, Dan Getz and Nathan Smith. And they ran in that order too! (That is I, Herbert Philstead, attempting to use Dave Getz style humor, which is kind of ripped off of Dave Barry and a few other comedians too.)
Austin lead off, and was up against the big boys, with guys going out quick and rubbing and whatnot. He hung onto the front pack as long as he could, through about 600 meters in 1:31-1:32 and did a pretty good job of holding on to handoff in a PR of 2:05, in about 5th spot. Dale ran a smart, patient leg, slowly eating up ground on people and I believe he made up a spot on Pekin's 2nd man, but am not sure, handing off in a PR of 2:10. Next up was Dan Getz, who was promptly passed by Pekin's 3rd man. Dan kept his cool, however, and slowly chewed the dragon up over the next lap and spit him back out the final 200 meters, catching up to East Peoria's 3rd runner in the process, and running a PR of 2:05. He gave the baton to Nathan Smith a half step ahead of EPs anchor, and those two runners had a great duel all the way around the track (twice!), with Nathan finishing in a PR of 2:09. Though he just got outkicked by the EP athlete, this race was a PR for Nathan, and showed a solid return to form for him after being sick.
Oh, and the Potters ran a season best relay time by 20 seconds. Let me say that again, 20 seconds!
Finally, in the Varsity 800, Nathan came back, and was joined by Jordan Thomas. Fresh with no races under his legs that day, Jordan went out quick with the leaders, while Nathan went out a little more cautiously, feeling the effects of the relay. JT held on after the fast start and suffered home down the last 200 to a 2:12, while Nathan came back in with a 2:14.0.
The Conclusion (with no thesis restatement)
In other news, the Lady Potters had their sectional the next night, and sent two qualifiers to the State meet, one Melissa Kirck in the high jump, and one Ashley Pribble in the 3200. Way to go ladies! Next up for the men is the sectional meet at Bloomington H.S., on Friday the 22nd.
Oh, and if you're wondering why this says it was posted by "I'm Steve", it is because I, Herbert Philstead, hacked his accounts while I was dropping eaves on Steve and Dave. That's right, I can multitask. And I'm l33t.
Peace out
Peace out, dawgs!
Greetings from Herbert Philstead! It is I, winner of the M&M counting contest! I apologize for the delay in this report, but it has been a busy weekend of craving various ice cream treats, and not eating them.
Introduction and Thesis
The other night, Dave Getz called Steve Gifford and asked him for a play by play report from the Mid-Illini Men's Track and Field Championships of the Year Two Thousand and Nine, which Steve promptly delivered while driving home in his 1999 Toyota Camry CE 4 cylinder automatic transmission 4 wheeled horseless motor carriage. Unbeknownst to Steve and Dave - but knownst to us - I, Herbert Philstead, was dropping some eaves Samwise Gamgee style on that conversation, and I will now preemptively strike to deliver the race report to you, the fans of the MHS Runners!
So I will now state two things of note from this evening of racin'. Although there were many great performance, and I'll do my best to mention them all, two trends stood out.
- This was an evening for the Potter two lappers
- This was an evening for Potters who were running longer than their regular event
The Body
Sadly, Steve did not realize the F/S 3200 ran earlier than the other finals and did not catch this race. Or at least that's what he claims. There is a very high probability that he actually was present and simply was distracted thinking of DQ Blizzards. Nevertheless, he walked into the stadium (or started paying attention) just in time to see Nick Piper deliver a stinging kick to a Limestone athlete, henceforth known as 'The Guy Who Always Wears the Shades". Nick came from a good 10-15 meters back to just nip this guy at the line, good for second place in the F/S 3200. Word on the street is that his time was 10:51, which is a new PR. Isaac Ackerman also had the honor of being selected to run this race for the Potters, though Steve was too busy dreaming of soft serve (it's not ice cream!) to know how he did.
During the Varsity 3200, Joe Zeller apparently thought there was some kind of fire drill happening instead of a race, but failed it miserably as he managed to drop and roll, but did not successfully stop. That's only 2 out of 3 steps and almost only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades. Oh, and maybe the wintersport of curling as well? This occurred about 125 meters into the race, and when Joe realized his error, he rejoined the lead pack and continued the race with an knee aching from the fall. Joe dueled with a Redbird for the 5th spot and ultimately ended the race in 6th, scoring points for the Potters and running one of his better times of the season. Dan Ruder ran a solid, even effort, splitting 5:18 and 5:24 to run a PR 10:42.
Three of these same men of manly Potter men, having already run the 3200, came back to run the 1600 as well. Joe and Nick were entered in the F/S 1600, and Joe felt he had something to prove after being disappointed with his fire drill antics. Nick Piper was also prepared to make an assault on the 5 minute barrier. Both Potters went out just behind the lead pack, and started gaining on some of the early leaders near the end of the second lap. At the beginning of the third lap, Zeller came alive, and started surging like mad, catching those who were falling off of the front. I say accelerating, but in actuality, his splits were supposedly pretty even, but other athletes were coming back after starting too fast. I like to think he learned a thing or two from watching Dave and Nathan last year. Zeller finished in around 5th in the race with a 4:54. Piper similarly gained on the faders the last two laps and just missed sub 5 with a time between 5:00 and 5:10. I want to say 5:03, but I had trouble overhearing Steve as I was spying on him at this point in his conversation with Dave.
In the Varsity 1600, Austin Bradford and Dan Ruder competed. The race started out somewhat slow, going through halfway in 2:23-4 with a good 8-10 athletes still bunched very close together at the start of the third lap. They were really tight, as Pekin's Tyler Veerman did his best to impersonate Joe Zeller and did a drop and roll about 825 meters into the race. He pretty much nailed the impersonation as he forgot to stop as well. Later in the third lap, things started to heat up near the front, and the pace quickened. As the front guys started to stretch it out, Austin tried gamely to hang on, with Dan a few seconds back behind the main pack. Austin finished in 4:53, with Ruder just a little ways back in 4:56.
And now on to point 2, which will precede point 1, because that's just how I, Herbert Philstead, roll. The guys running up to longer distances put on quite a show. First up was "I Can't Remember His First Name So I'll Just Call Him German" Fernandez. This was Fernadez' first race over 400 meters all season, and he made it a doozy. He was entered in the F/S 800, and immediately bolted out to big lead, having probably 30 meters by the 200 meter mark. Steve reports having feared that the young man was pulling a rookie sprinter mistake, but also being hopeful he could hold it, knowing Fernandez had some distance success in Junior High School. Hold it he did, and he made it look easy. Fernandez never relinquished his lead, nor even let it shrink, as he held on for 2:12.0 win, with probably a 4 second margin of victory. This was his frist 800 all year. This kid has the build and speed of a sprinter, but needs to explore the longer distances, as he might be a great 800 runner.
Next up in the overdistance category is DJ Zahn. DJ had been running 100s and 200s all season, along with assorted jumps. Last week, he was called upon to run a leg on a 4x400 and did superbly. This week they enter him in the 400 at the Mid-Illini meet and he almost wins the thing, just losing in a lean at the line. I didn't get his official time, but heard reports of around 51 flat, which is not too far off of a state qualifier. Let's see what he can do next Friday in Bloomington.
Now on to point #1. The two lappers! What a night they had! The line up for the Varsity 4x800 was, in this order, Austin, Dale Domnick, Dan Getz and Nathan Smith. And they ran in that order too! (That is I, Herbert Philstead, attempting to use Dave Getz style humor, which is kind of ripped off of Dave Barry and a few other comedians too.)
Austin lead off, and was up against the big boys, with guys going out quick and rubbing and whatnot. He hung onto the front pack as long as he could, through about 600 meters in 1:31-1:32 and did a pretty good job of holding on to handoff in a PR of 2:05, in about 5th spot. Dale ran a smart, patient leg, slowly eating up ground on people and I believe he made up a spot on Pekin's 2nd man, but am not sure, handing off in a PR of 2:10. Next up was Dan Getz, who was promptly passed by Pekin's 3rd man. Dan kept his cool, however, and slowly chewed the dragon up over the next lap and spit him back out the final 200 meters, catching up to East Peoria's 3rd runner in the process, and running a PR of 2:05. He gave the baton to Nathan Smith a half step ahead of EPs anchor, and those two runners had a great duel all the way around the track (twice!), with Nathan finishing in a PR of 2:09. Though he just got outkicked by the EP athlete, this race was a PR for Nathan, and showed a solid return to form for him after being sick.
Oh, and the Potters ran a season best relay time by 20 seconds. Let me say that again, 20 seconds!
Finally, in the Varsity 800, Nathan came back, and was joined by Jordan Thomas. Fresh with no races under his legs that day, Jordan went out quick with the leaders, while Nathan went out a little more cautiously, feeling the effects of the relay. JT held on after the fast start and suffered home down the last 200 to a 2:12, while Nathan came back in with a 2:14.0.
The Conclusion (with no thesis restatement)
In other news, the Lady Potters had their sectional the next night, and sent two qualifiers to the State meet, one Melissa Kirck in the high jump, and one Ashley Pribble in the 3200. Way to go ladies! Next up for the men is the sectional meet at Bloomington H.S., on Friday the 22nd.
Oh, and if you're wondering why this says it was posted by "I'm Steve", it is because I, Herbert Philstead, hacked his accounts while I was dropping eaves on Steve and Dave. That's right, I can multitask. And I'm l33t.
Peace out
Peace out, dawgs!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
H.E.A.R.T.
...is waking up the fire within to burn white hot and setting ablaze the old limits because each of you has none...except those you've set.
I don't think we need to tell you how to run...you know how to do that.
We don't need to tell you be passionate about this sport...you've shown that.
We don't need to ask for your best...you give that every time you step to the line.
We do ask for something else though...a show & illustration to the rest of the Mid-Illini that Morton is no longer messing around.
Show them that we (yes...we) are not a team that is content to score a petty handful of points anymore. Show them that the administration assigned a coach that knows what he's doing (K-Hode!), show them that you have trained just as hard as them, show them that you work not to finish but to compete.
Show Metamora what happens when they let their guard down, show Limestone that they can't depend on one man anymore, show Dunlap that their eagle is low flying poultry. Never let anyone tell you that you are anything less than the best... but also show 'em what ya got just to make sure there is no doubt.
The races will be fast tomorrow...all the better to cruise to a wicked PR!
The competition will be fierce...(of course because Morton is there) but you race the best to run your best.
Nothing stands in your way...NOTHING except the speed bumps you put there. You have a max of 8 laps to get your job done (hint hint if you're not running the 3200 you don't have 8) and that is while getting yelled out by a crowd of fans who love watching you run in a circle in a bowl in the ground. Listen to the ones that matter...tune out the ones that don't...but make sure you differentiate well between the two. But most importantly run your race and run it smart, this means using all that knowledge of past mistakes to your advantage. Make sure you don't leave EastSide tomorrow regretting anything...give your best then be proud of it. Nothing is better than being proud of your accomplishments and you all have so much to proud of...bask in it!
I apologize that I cannot be there as you step to the line...but I'll be cheering just the same...so turn you ear to the Southwest and you might just hear the cries for Morton wafting on the wind from the University of Illinois.
Run for Morton...run for you team....run for the love of the sport...run with your heart and with H.E.A.R.T.
The eagle flies at midnight...but you have flown higher and farther than that eagle EVER COULD!!!
-Nathan
I don't think we need to tell you how to run...you know how to do that.
We don't need to tell you be passionate about this sport...you've shown that.
We don't need to ask for your best...you give that every time you step to the line.
We do ask for something else though...a show & illustration to the rest of the Mid-Illini that Morton is no longer messing around.
Show them that we (yes...we) are not a team that is content to score a petty handful of points anymore. Show them that the administration assigned a coach that knows what he's doing (K-Hode!), show them that you have trained just as hard as them, show them that you work not to finish but to compete.
Show Metamora what happens when they let their guard down, show Limestone that they can't depend on one man anymore, show Dunlap that their eagle is low flying poultry. Never let anyone tell you that you are anything less than the best... but also show 'em what ya got just to make sure there is no doubt.
The races will be fast tomorrow...all the better to cruise to a wicked PR!
The competition will be fierce...(of course because Morton is there) but you race the best to run your best.
Nothing stands in your way...NOTHING except the speed bumps you put there. You have a max of 8 laps to get your job done (hint hint if you're not running the 3200 you don't have 8) and that is while getting yelled out by a crowd of fans who love watching you run in a circle in a bowl in the ground. Listen to the ones that matter...tune out the ones that don't...but make sure you differentiate well between the two. But most importantly run your race and run it smart, this means using all that knowledge of past mistakes to your advantage. Make sure you don't leave EastSide tomorrow regretting anything...give your best then be proud of it. Nothing is better than being proud of your accomplishments and you all have so much to proud of...bask in it!
I apologize that I cannot be there as you step to the line...but I'll be cheering just the same...so turn you ear to the Southwest and you might just hear the cries for Morton wafting on the wind from the University of Illinois.
Run for Morton...run for you team....run for the love of the sport...run with your heart and with H.E.A.R.T.
The eagle flies at midnight...but you have flown higher and farther than that eagle EVER COULD!!!
-Nathan
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Ultra-humorous: Dave and Steve watch the Morton relays...and then have way too much fun writing about it.
Seventy seven score and twenty minutes ago, Dave and Steve ate some food and left Carper Field. But in the preceding three score and fifteen minutes, we watched a bunch of high school athletes run around a track. And now, for the next score of minutes (depending on your rate of reading), we will tell you about those young men running around the track.
First up for the distance men was a contest consisting of thirty two hundred meters running divided almost equally between four almost equally tall homosapiens, who all almost equally probably ate lunch that day. Jordan Thomas was the first wielder of the Flame of Arnor, commonly known by the layfolk as the "baton". He wielded this weapon around the track for two whole revolutions consuming a time of two minutes and thirteen seconds before handing the deadly baton, henceforth known as "Sally", to Dale Domnick, henceforth known as Dale. Dale took Sally on two dates around the track, while chasing, and catching, an Irishmen and an athlete from the Chatham Glenwood Knights who Say Nee!! (link to their fight song). Dale completed his double date with one date in two minutes twelve seconds by handing Sally, henceforth known as "The Jolly Roger" to Dan Getz. Dan took The Jolly Roger on a three hour tour that lasted for two minutes and nine seconds before handing over to Nathan Smith. Oh and he passed an Irishmen and a Grey Ghost. Nathan took possession of The Jolly Roger, henceforth known as "The Hammer of Thor" and ran a solid closing split of two minutes sixteen seconds to finish the Potters in third place in this absurd contest, henceforth known as the four by eight hundred meter relay.
Nathan came back, and in a confused daze, teamed up with several sprinters on the Potters team to run another 800 meter leg in a strange event referred to as Mousetrap. Note that Dave Getz is the only person who refers to it as that, and that everyone else called it something along the lines of the 1600 Sprint Medley. ("That's kind of like Mousetrap," says Dave.) Nathan was not given much recovery after wielding the powerful Hammer of Thor, henceforth known as "The Constitution of the United States of America", and completed his two circuits wielding The Constitution of the United States of America in two minutes twenty seconds.
Next up for the distance squadron, henceforth known as Rogue Squadron, was an absurd "relay" in which all men ran at the same time, no one wielded a weapon, and there were only three men per squadron. Those three men were Dan Ruder, Joe Zeller, and Nick Piper. They ran a race.
Oh, did you want to know how they ran the race? With their legs.
Oh, did you want to know how they competed and finished? Magnificently, as Dan Ruder became the first Potter of the season to eclipse the time barrier of four minutes and fifty seconds for one hundred sixty thousand centimeters, with a four forty eight. Joe Zeller came in close behind with a four fifty two, followed by Nick Piper in five oh nine.
And the Mortonite that should be a Potter but isn't, CJ Elward of Notre Dame, won the race in four minutes twenty four seconds. "Let's bring him in folks. That's an impressive mile," said the voice monotonously over the PA.
Finally, we have some awards to give out. Did you think that was only a fall thing? No, we can do it now too. But they're newer awards. Differenter awards.
Wrong Event Award - DJ Zahn - DJ split fifty one point oh seconds to anchor the frosh/soph sixteen hundred meters Relay, henceforth known, by Dave Getz only, as Candyland. DJ has been running hundreds and two hundreds all season, and has now discovered that he is almost at a state qualifier(link for all events) in the four hundred meters contest. At least we hope he has discovered that, since we have.
MIA Award - Austin Bradford - 'Nuff said.
Correct Number of Laps Award - Dale Domnick - Because in his race, he ran the correct number of laps.
Embezzlement Award - Joe Zeller - Joe was seen after the meet carrying three sandwiches and a candy bar that he did not pay for.
The Moocher Award - Dave Getz - Dave took Joe's candy bar.
Backward Racer Award - Nobody - Everybody ran their races the correct way, or forward.
And the winner of the contest to guess how many M&Ms were in the jar was Herbert Philsted, with a guess of four. He got it exactly right! Way to go, Herbert!
And now to go turn a dragon....
First up for the distance men was a contest consisting of thirty two hundred meters running divided almost equally between four almost equally tall homosapiens, who all almost equally probably ate lunch that day. Jordan Thomas was the first wielder of the Flame of Arnor, commonly known by the layfolk as the "baton". He wielded this weapon around the track for two whole revolutions consuming a time of two minutes and thirteen seconds before handing the deadly baton, henceforth known as "Sally", to Dale Domnick, henceforth known as Dale. Dale took Sally on two dates around the track, while chasing, and catching, an Irishmen and an athlete from the Chatham Glenwood Knights who Say Nee!! (link to their fight song). Dale completed his double date with one date in two minutes twelve seconds by handing Sally, henceforth known as "The Jolly Roger" to Dan Getz. Dan took The Jolly Roger on a three hour tour that lasted for two minutes and nine seconds before handing over to Nathan Smith. Oh and he passed an Irishmen and a Grey Ghost. Nathan took possession of The Jolly Roger, henceforth known as "The Hammer of Thor" and ran a solid closing split of two minutes sixteen seconds to finish the Potters in third place in this absurd contest, henceforth known as the four by eight hundred meter relay.
Nathan came back, and in a confused daze, teamed up with several sprinters on the Potters team to run another 800 meter leg in a strange event referred to as Mousetrap. Note that Dave Getz is the only person who refers to it as that, and that everyone else called it something along the lines of the 1600 Sprint Medley. ("That's kind of like Mousetrap," says Dave.) Nathan was not given much recovery after wielding the powerful Hammer of Thor, henceforth known as "The Constitution of the United States of America", and completed his two circuits wielding The Constitution of the United States of America in two minutes twenty seconds.
Next up for the distance squadron, henceforth known as Rogue Squadron, was an absurd "relay" in which all men ran at the same time, no one wielded a weapon, and there were only three men per squadron. Those three men were Dan Ruder, Joe Zeller, and Nick Piper. They ran a race.
Oh, did you want to know how they ran the race? With their legs.
Oh, did you want to know how they competed and finished? Magnificently, as Dan Ruder became the first Potter of the season to eclipse the time barrier of four minutes and fifty seconds for one hundred sixty thousand centimeters, with a four forty eight. Joe Zeller came in close behind with a four fifty two, followed by Nick Piper in five oh nine.
And the Mortonite that should be a Potter but isn't, CJ Elward of Notre Dame, won the race in four minutes twenty four seconds. "Let's bring him in folks. That's an impressive mile," said the voice monotonously over the PA.
Finally, we have some awards to give out. Did you think that was only a fall thing? No, we can do it now too. But they're newer awards. Differenter awards.
Wrong Event Award - DJ Zahn - DJ split fifty one point oh seconds to anchor the frosh/soph sixteen hundred meters Relay, henceforth known, by Dave Getz only, as Candyland. DJ has been running hundreds and two hundreds all season, and has now discovered that he is almost at a state qualifier(link for all events) in the four hundred meters contest. At least we hope he has discovered that, since we have.
MIA Award - Austin Bradford - 'Nuff said.
Correct Number of Laps Award - Dale Domnick - Because in his race, he ran the correct number of laps.
Embezzlement Award - Joe Zeller - Joe was seen after the meet carrying three sandwiches and a candy bar that he did not pay for.
The Moocher Award - Dave Getz - Dave took Joe's candy bar.
Backward Racer Award - Nobody - Everybody ran their races the correct way, or forward.
And the winner of the contest to guess how many M&Ms were in the jar was Herbert Philsted, with a guess of four. He got it exactly right! Way to go, Herbert!
And now to go turn a dragon....
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Morton Fresh-Soph Invite was a lot better than "X-Men: Wolverine" in my opinion.
The Moron Fresh-Soph Invite that took place on Monday was a great chance for our underclassmen to show their stuff against the competition they’ll be facing in a couple years. Based on our performances, things look very promising in the future.
In the 4 x 800, the only Distance Guys entered were Austin and Nick. Austin led off the relay and hung with the leaders throughout the entire race. His 2:10ish split put Morton in a good position to score some points. When Piper took the baton for the anchor leg, a victory in the race did not seem attainable, but there’s always victory that comes from running a PR! And Nick did just that with a perfectly consistent race that put him at 2:18 (both 400s were 1:09s).
In the 3200, Joe and Isaac got the nod. In the first lap, Joe sized up the competition and took the lead from the gun, followed closely by a Normal West runner. Isaac settled in ahead of a couple of Pekin runners and kept them at bay the entire race. The Normal West kid stayed on Joe’s tail through 5 laps until Joe decided that enough was enough. Over the next two laps, Joe put about 5 second on the kid and took the win in a 10:25 effort. Isaac came in around 13 minutes, and claimed to not feel good, but I thought he ran a great race.
In the 800, Austin performed a felony. He smoked on school property....smoked the competition, that is. He won the 800 going away in a time of 2:09.
In the 1600, Joe and Pipes came back to show the gigantic field of 20+ runners how the mile is supposed to be run. Both runners were hungry for that 5 minute mark, and Nick was looking to break it for the first time. Although it was not eclipsed today, both Potters proved extremely capable of reaching that mark in a faster field. The winner won in around 4:54, and Joe and Nick finished back to back in 5:01-5:02.
Next up is the Morton Relays, one of my favorite meets from last year. You just can’t beat the Team Mile event. Who’s hungry for some PRs this Friday? I know I am, and I’m not even on the team.
In the 4 x 800, the only Distance Guys entered were Austin and Nick. Austin led off the relay and hung with the leaders throughout the entire race. His 2:10ish split put Morton in a good position to score some points. When Piper took the baton for the anchor leg, a victory in the race did not seem attainable, but there’s always victory that comes from running a PR! And Nick did just that with a perfectly consistent race that put him at 2:18 (both 400s were 1:09s).
In the 3200, Joe and Isaac got the nod. In the first lap, Joe sized up the competition and took the lead from the gun, followed closely by a Normal West runner. Isaac settled in ahead of a couple of Pekin runners and kept them at bay the entire race. The Normal West kid stayed on Joe’s tail through 5 laps until Joe decided that enough was enough. Over the next two laps, Joe put about 5 second on the kid and took the win in a 10:25 effort. Isaac came in around 13 minutes, and claimed to not feel good, but I thought he ran a great race.
In the 800, Austin performed a felony. He smoked on school property....smoked the competition, that is. He won the 800 going away in a time of 2:09.
In the 1600, Joe and Pipes came back to show the gigantic field of 20+ runners how the mile is supposed to be run. Both runners were hungry for that 5 minute mark, and Nick was looking to break it for the first time. Although it was not eclipsed today, both Potters proved extremely capable of reaching that mark in a faster field. The winner won in around 4:54, and Joe and Nick finished back to back in 5:01-5:02.
Next up is the Morton Relays, one of my favorite meets from last year. You just can’t beat the Team Mile event. Who’s hungry for some PRs this Friday? I know I am, and I’m not even on the team.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Pekin Dagron Invitational - By David Barfolomew Getz
At this time last year, the Potters track team sat on a bus for an hour only to await the decision that the Pekin Invite had been cancelled due to weather. This year, however, was a completely different story. It was a marvelous day for running, and the Distance Guys proved it with their performances.
The first event, as usual, was the 150 meter saunter to the bleachers from the bus, in which nearly the entire track team set a PR. Then came the 4 x 800. Austin Bradford led-off with a solid sub 2:10 effort (2:08? 2:09?) to set a good tone for the race. Dale took the baton next and proceeded to carry it around the track two times. It took him just 2 minutes and 12 seconds to do this (PR, Dale?)! When Dan took the baton, Limestone was just a few seconds ahead. On the backstretch, Dan ran the Rocket down and made him look like a space shuttle just sitting on a launching pad the way he blew by him. After his 2:12 leg (PR also I believe), he handed to Smitty. Smitty brought the crew in at a season best 8:50 and a personal season best 2:15ish split.
The 3200 proved to be dramatic as well, with Joe and Czar Pipes as Morton’s entrants. Joe went out with the lead chase pack (chasing CJ) and went through the mile in 5:04. Pipes led another group through around 5:20. Both were on pace for huge PRs...and they didn’t dissapoint. Joe finished the 8-lap race in a PR of 10:23 (give or take) and Pipes broke 11 minutes with a 10:54 (take or give)! I think that Morton is beginning to strike fear in the hearts of many distance programs throughout the country of central Illinois.
In the 800, JT and Dale raced extremely well. Dale came back from his 2:12 in the 4 x 800 to run a 2:15ish for his second 800 of the day. JT went out with the leaders and hung on for a PR of 2:11. Both runners looked strong throughout the 2-lap crucible (look it up).
In the 1600, Danny and Austin were given to go-ahead by Coach Hodel to run the race. I don’t know whether he told them to dominate the race, but whether he said it or not, that’s what they did. Danny and Austin both took the lead convincingly during the 3rd lap and never looked back. Danny ran a PR of 4:51, and Austin broke 5 easily with a 4:54 effort. Austin becomes the 3rd member of the “Give me a 5 minute mile, or give me death!” club. Who else will join before the year’s over?
That’s all I got. Let’s go cheer on the underclassmen at the Morton Invite today! Go Potters!
The first event, as usual, was the 150 meter saunter to the bleachers from the bus, in which nearly the entire track team set a PR. Then came the 4 x 800. Austin Bradford led-off with a solid sub 2:10 effort (2:08? 2:09?) to set a good tone for the race. Dale took the baton next and proceeded to carry it around the track two times. It took him just 2 minutes and 12 seconds to do this (PR, Dale?)! When Dan took the baton, Limestone was just a few seconds ahead. On the backstretch, Dan ran the Rocket down and made him look like a space shuttle just sitting on a launching pad the way he blew by him. After his 2:12 leg (PR also I believe), he handed to Smitty. Smitty brought the crew in at a season best 8:50 and a personal season best 2:15ish split.
The 3200 proved to be dramatic as well, with Joe and Czar Pipes as Morton’s entrants. Joe went out with the lead chase pack (chasing CJ) and went through the mile in 5:04. Pipes led another group through around 5:20. Both were on pace for huge PRs...and they didn’t dissapoint. Joe finished the 8-lap race in a PR of 10:23 (give or take) and Pipes broke 11 minutes with a 10:54 (take or give)! I think that Morton is beginning to strike fear in the hearts of many distance programs throughout the country of central Illinois.
In the 800, JT and Dale raced extremely well. Dale came back from his 2:12 in the 4 x 800 to run a 2:15ish for his second 800 of the day. JT went out with the leaders and hung on for a PR of 2:11. Both runners looked strong throughout the 2-lap crucible (look it up).
In the 1600, Danny and Austin were given to go-ahead by Coach Hodel to run the race. I don’t know whether he told them to dominate the race, but whether he said it or not, that’s what they did. Danny and Austin both took the lead convincingly during the 3rd lap and never looked back. Danny ran a PR of 4:51, and Austin broke 5 easily with a 4:54 effort. Austin becomes the 3rd member of the “Give me a 5 minute mile, or give me death!” club. Who else will join before the year’s over?
That’s all I got. Let’s go cheer on the underclassmen at the Morton Invite today! Go Potters!
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