(Updated with new picture of the race at the bottom)So the handsome young man between his father and uncle (the monkey in the middle) is Sean. Sean is Ed's nephew.
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He is a great guy (he used to be a great kid, but he is growing up). He is a freshman on the JV Track Team (for youse in England - this is quite a feat. He is a 1st year High Schooler on the 3rd/4th year team.)
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And he is good. We will turn to Grandpa Don for the play by play. (PS Don was an amazing Track and Field coach at University of Wisconsin at Stephen's Creek, that was what he was put in the Hall of Fame for, so he knows of which he speaks....) (and yes, I know it is Stephen's Point.)
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This might be a bit long, however, it is important.
Yesterday Jo and I had a chance to go to the conference junior high track and field championships in South St. Paul. There were some quality young boys competing for that level and age.
Yesterday Jo and I had a chance to go to the conference junior high track and field championships in South St. Paul. There were some quality young boys competing for that level and age.
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Sean ran a 800 in a 4/800 relay, we did not see it. I guess it was ok,not sure no one was jumping up and down.His next race was the two mile which he had run once before therefore he had established a time to beat. Remember that Spring sucks for track and field meets in minn. Today was perfect. In the mid 70's very little wind and just a great day for mom/dad,Jo and I. Faith had a dance thing to get ready for.
Sean ran a 800 in a 4/800 relay, we did not see it. I guess it was ok,not sure no one was jumping up and down.His next race was the two mile which he had run once before therefore he had established a time to beat. Remember that Spring sucks for track and field meets in minn. Today was perfect. In the mid 70's very little wind and just a great day for mom/dad,Jo and I. Faith had a dance thing to get ready for.
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Upon my arrival I asked John where Sean was? "He is doing his science homework in the middle of the field" and just enjoying the day. For your information, Sean has a history of doing his homework or reading a book between events. So that was cool. I am surprised he never had a book at the basketball games.
Upon my arrival I asked John where Sean was? "He is doing his science homework in the middle of the field" and just enjoying the day. For your information, Sean has a history of doing his homework or reading a book between events. So that was cool. I am surprised he never had a book at the basketball games.
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The two mile was coming up and Dad and I were wondering why he wasn't warming up just a little, he had complained of some cramps throughout the season, so warming up a little would have helped.
The two mile was coming up and Dad and I were wondering why he wasn't warming up just a little, he had complained of some cramps throughout the season, so warming up a little would have helped.
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The story, he goes to the starting line- lines up in the back of about20 runners. And there off in the first turn he stumbles around a bunch of guys all trying to position themselves, (remember two mile race-8laps), completion of the first lap and in my opinion his eyes or expression was "Gosh 7 more laps. On the back stretch of the second lap he moves up a little and tries to run with the top group. Much what we all say as coaches and parents. I mean if you going down, go down from up front, right? Finishing the second; lap Sean is about 30 yards out of the leaders, on the third lap he catches the top 5 and DOES NOT SIT BEHIND THEM, BUT CONTINUES AND HAS A 20 YARD LEAD at the completion of the third lap. Oh God when do the others go after him?
The story, he goes to the starting line- lines up in the back of about20 runners. And there off in the first turn he stumbles around a bunch of guys all trying to position themselves, (remember two mile race-8laps), completion of the first lap and in my opinion his eyes or expression was "Gosh 7 more laps. On the back stretch of the second lap he moves up a little and tries to run with the top group. Much what we all say as coaches and parents. I mean if you going down, go down from up front, right? Finishing the second; lap Sean is about 30 yards out of the leaders, on the third lap he catches the top 5 and DOES NOT SIT BEHIND THEM, BUT CONTINUES AND HAS A 20 YARD LEAD at the completion of the third lap. Oh God when do the others go after him?
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Not!!!! Sean continued to break away, maintains a sold lead for the second mile, does not panic, stay yards ahead, relaxed and wins the race by 20 yards. So we have a conference champ in the family today.
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The sad part, his season is over. The look on Sean face was great, however the looks on John, Sue and Jo face was priceless. Needless to say I was track side most the race telling him to say relaxed and focus. His first comment to me was "did I run fast enough? I asked him why he did not just stay with the group and as a "seasoned" runner" he said the pace was to slow and I felt comfortable. Young runners don't normally say these things with such little experience. His first and last lap were the fastest of the eight per Dad.
The sad part, his season is over. The look on Sean face was great, however the looks on John, Sue and Jo face was priceless. Needless to say I was track side most the race telling him to say relaxed and focus. His first comment to me was "did I run fast enough? I asked him why he did not just stay with the group and as a "seasoned" runner" he said the pace was to slow and I felt comfortable. Young runners don't normally say these things with such little experience. His first and last lap were the fastest of the eight per Dad.
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So as we all celebrated, I reminded Sean again the "cat is out of the bag". I think he has great potential as a runner. His first love is soccer. One final comment. "so much for warming up. don
So as we all celebrated, I reminded Sean again the "cat is out of the bag". I think he has great potential as a runner. His first love is soccer. One final comment. "so much for warming up. don
Picture added of Sean at the end of the race. Smoking the competition.