Let me begin with a story of a pre-Milk Table April Fool’s Day. Two years year on this day, Coach Traughber sent us out for our run. The run was a Chasselle. Connor was up front in his own group, then Boyle also in his own group, and I was in the 3rd group with at-the-time-juniors. When we got to Olive we meet up with Coach and he asked if we had seen Boyle. We said no and guessed that he had probably stopped to go to the bathroom. When we returned to DeSmet Zach was already back. Coach asked where the heck he was because he didn’t see him on the run. Zach said he ran a Laduemont. He claims that he didn’t see where Connor went and assumed the run was a Laduemont because he wasn’t listening earlier. It ended up being quite the accidental April Fool’s joke.
Snap back to today. We wanted to top Boyle’s accident. And coach gave us the perfect opportunity. He told us that we had to wait for him to get back from dropping off the water before we could start the warm-up. So, we decided to hide. Oh and Scherping hadn’t made it to practice yet so wasn’t in on this. We went to the “balcony” outside the theater door looking over the track. Peaking over the rail we saw T-bone pull into the parking lot. When he got to the side of the track, all together we jumped up and yelled “April Fools!” It was awesomely hilarious. We totally had him.
The only thing better than getting coach was also getting Scherping. During the warm-up he recounted what happened to him. He came out to the track late and didn’t see anyone. He checked the locker room. Nobody. So he went up to 204 where we were going to have a goals meeting and didn’t see anyone. He then had the brilliant idea that we might be starting from AC Land (we haven’t used it to start practice for years). Then, he went and did it all over again and again found no one. Lucky he found Coach who told him want happened and he meet up with us in 204 for the goals meeting.
We began the goals meeting by turning all the desks around. After attendance we turned the desks back to the front and got serious. It was time for everyone to write down their goals for the season and post them in their locker. We have written down what we want to accomplish. Now, it’s time to work to make those goals a reality.
Everyone had one of three runs today: Conway-Mason, Laduemont, or loops at Conway Park. Matt, Jacob, and I rejoined the top group for our first road run in awhile. The run was money! Literally, Jacob found $5 dollars in the ditch. We played some 20ish questions and had a blast. Austin and I broke off at Laudemont. I shared the beginnings of my running career and some team history with him. You know how much I love telling stories, and if Austin found it boring, he never showed it.
Upon arriving back at DeSmet we were overjoyed to find the YMCA had been closed. The team gathered at the circle on the turf for core and stretching. It has been a long time since we have been able to do that. It was cool. Of course, we played telephone. This probably was the best practice of the year. So much fun.
Quote of the Day: “The T-bone is on the grill.”- Nick Martini. He came up with this phrase as our code for Coach Traughber arriving at DeSmet when we were in the middle of our April Fool’s joke.
Joke of the Day: Right after we finished core. “You guys have been lollygagging all day. Let’s go- plank position. UP!” [5 second pause] “April Fools!”- Coach Traughber getting us back.
Best Dressed: Matt O’Connor takes the first Best Dressed after a long lapse. He had the red Summer Training shirt matched with red striped shorts. For the run, he went Sun’s Out Guns Out and the always cool flag shorts.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Speed Suits
On the first day of the MLB season, the DeSmet Spartans made the short trip to CBC for our first big meet of the season- MCC Relays.
First on the slate was the 4x1600 relay. Running the opening leg, in his first varsity race, was Austin. His 4 laps was the performance of the day. He ran an extremely impressive time of 4:44. He got out fast and hung on, sticking with the SLUH guy for the first couple laps. DeSmet hasn’t seen a freshman run that fast in a long time. The rest of the season and beyond look enormously bright for our stud freshman, Austin. Running the remaining three legs were Goetz, Martini, and Waller. The guys took 2nd.
Next up for the distance squad was the Freshman-Sophomore 4x800. The was made up of J. Potter, M. Callahan, McGann, and Hilmore. They also finished in 2nd. Then came the Varsity 4x800 with O’Connor, Seiler, Martini, and Waller. They ran well under nine minutes for 2nd place. Waller did a nice job as the anchor in both races.
After that was the highly anticipated DMR. The team, made up of all soccer players—Abernathy (1 year), Potter (2), Struttman (4), and Scherping (3)—was hoping to take a run at the school DMR record of 10:58.6. Abernathy lead off running the 1200 and passed the baton (the back one with the dent!) to Potter for the 800. Struttman took it for one lap before giving it Scherping. DeSmet lead for the first 8 laps in the 10 lap race. Scherping held off the top runner in the area, Rackers, for the first two laps of his mile. He was passed but the race was not over. Brian made a big move over the last 100, but it wasn’t enough. DeSmet finish in 2nd by about a second, running 11:04. We didn’t win or get the record which was a little disappointing. But we ran a good race. Scherping went under 4:40 and Strutt was under 55.
Yes, we were in the speed suits. Hopefully that never happens again.
In an encore performance for the distance squad, Matt O’Connor was tossed into the final race of the meet, the 4x400, for Potter who wasn’t feeling very good after his 800. Matt has demonstrated some speed running a couple good 800s last year and doing well in the all out 400 XC workout. Getting the baton in first as the third leg, Matt ran a great, fast lap: a 55 which held the lead. This helped the DeSmet 4x4 team win the race and set a new MCC Relays meet record.
The Milk Table had to document these two guys in the speed suits as its probably the only time it will ever happen. And Matt said after the race that he wasn't planning on giving it back.
In the final standings of the meet, DeSmet finished in a close second to SLUH. It wasn’t the desired the result, but you can’t get down about. We move on from here and get better. And then we’ll get them at the big conference meet. It was the first time we’ve had the whole team together for a meet this year and it was just a lot of fun.
A thanks to everyone that came to the meet to support us. Especially Liz and Hannah, and MT Hall of Famer, OC.
Quote of the Day: “I’m so happy.”- Austin between gasps for air after his terrific race.
Joke of the Day: “Matt, you know this means that you can’t run 2:10s anymore.”- Coach Russo talking about the 800 after Matt’s great 400.
If anyone has any action photos of the meet, we'd love to put them up. Email them to us at milktable@gmail.com.
First on the slate was the 4x1600 relay. Running the opening leg, in his first varsity race, was Austin. His 4 laps was the performance of the day. He ran an extremely impressive time of 4:44. He got out fast and hung on, sticking with the SLUH guy for the first couple laps. DeSmet hasn’t seen a freshman run that fast in a long time. The rest of the season and beyond look enormously bright for our stud freshman, Austin. Running the remaining three legs were Goetz, Martini, and Waller. The guys took 2nd.
Next up for the distance squad was the Freshman-Sophomore 4x800. The was made up of J. Potter, M. Callahan, McGann, and Hilmore. They also finished in 2nd. Then came the Varsity 4x800 with O’Connor, Seiler, Martini, and Waller. They ran well under nine minutes for 2nd place. Waller did a nice job as the anchor in both races.
After that was the highly anticipated DMR. The team, made up of all soccer players—Abernathy (1 year), Potter (2), Struttman (4), and Scherping (3)—was hoping to take a run at the school DMR record of 10:58.6. Abernathy lead off running the 1200 and passed the baton (the back one with the dent!) to Potter for the 800. Struttman took it for one lap before giving it Scherping. DeSmet lead for the first 8 laps in the 10 lap race. Scherping held off the top runner in the area, Rackers, for the first two laps of his mile. He was passed but the race was not over. Brian made a big move over the last 100, but it wasn’t enough. DeSmet finish in 2nd by about a second, running 11:04. We didn’t win or get the record which was a little disappointing. But we ran a good race. Scherping went under 4:40 and Strutt was under 55.
Yes, we were in the speed suits. Hopefully that never happens again.In an encore performance for the distance squad, Matt O’Connor was tossed into the final race of the meet, the 4x400, for Potter who wasn’t feeling very good after his 800. Matt has demonstrated some speed running a couple good 800s last year and doing well in the all out 400 XC workout. Getting the baton in first as the third leg, Matt ran a great, fast lap: a 55 which held the lead. This helped the DeSmet 4x4 team win the race and set a new MCC Relays meet record.
The Milk Table had to document these two guys in the speed suits as its probably the only time it will ever happen. And Matt said after the race that he wasn't planning on giving it back.In the final standings of the meet, DeSmet finished in a close second to SLUH. It wasn’t the desired the result, but you can’t get down about. We move on from here and get better. And then we’ll get them at the big conference meet. It was the first time we’ve had the whole team together for a meet this year and it was just a lot of fun.
A thanks to everyone that came to the meet to support us. Especially Liz and Hannah, and MT Hall of Famer, OC.
Quote of the Day: “I’m so happy.”- Austin between gasps for air after his terrific race.
Joke of the Day: “Matt, you know this means that you can’t run 2:10s anymore.”- Coach Russo talking about the 800 after Matt’s great 400.
If anyone has any action photos of the meet, we'd love to put them up. Email them to us at milktable@gmail.com.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Pronouns
The other day Alex broke the longest post draught the Milk Table has ever had during a season. Granted it was spring break and there were only a few practices and a handful of guys were out traveling. Guys were (hopefully) running on the ocean, in the Ozarks, and everywhere in between. It was a wonderful time to relax and hangout. But now it’s time to get back into the normal routine which includes blog posts.
Yesterday, we appreciated our seniors who didn’t have school but were still at practice. The team had a hills-track combination workout to build strength and speed. An all-around solid effort; it seemed like everyone to care of themselves of break.
Once again we had some not-so-spring-like weather. It was the long run for the week so guys were out on the Ladue Loops. I didn’t hear what happened out there so I guess no news is good news. Remember if you ever have anything you want to be included in a post just talk to me or shoot an email- milktable@gmail.com or kabernathy@desmet.org
Little OC, Jacob, and I did our run on the track today. We had a nice run topped off with some indoor cardio work. The topic of the run was ACT test strategies. Matt’s girlfriend asked me to tutor Matt. He wasn’t so thrilled- running and tutoring isn’t an exciting combination. But it actually went really well. Jacob and I told Matt what worked best for us and just talked about the different tests, mainly science which can be a tricky one.
There is a lot of excitement and hype for the upcoming MCC Relays meet this Thursday. Check back for complete details of the meet. The distance squad will be running freshmen-sophomore 4x800, varsity 4x800, DMR (Distance Medley Relay- 1200, 800, 400, 1600), and 4xMile teams.
Quote of the Day: “You could get five milks for that much.” “Just take one. They are all exactly the same.”- Coach giving trouble to kids buying (or not buying in the first case) chocolate milk.
Joke of the Day: “You can only use pronouns today- no nouns.”- kabes during skips. If only we could have pulled it off. “he” “it” “you” “that” were all used some many times in a matter of like 5 minutes. Coach didn’t understand what we were doing. He read off everyone’s name for attendance. He should have said: “He. He. He. He….”
Be sure to check out Alex’s post on the Wash U meet.
Yesterday, we appreciated our seniors who didn’t have school but were still at practice. The team had a hills-track combination workout to build strength and speed. An all-around solid effort; it seemed like everyone to care of themselves of break.
Once again we had some not-so-spring-like weather. It was the long run for the week so guys were out on the Ladue Loops. I didn’t hear what happened out there so I guess no news is good news. Remember if you ever have anything you want to be included in a post just talk to me or shoot an email- milktable@gmail.com or kabernathy@desmet.org
Little OC, Jacob, and I did our run on the track today. We had a nice run topped off with some indoor cardio work. The topic of the run was ACT test strategies. Matt’s girlfriend asked me to tutor Matt. He wasn’t so thrilled- running and tutoring isn’t an exciting combination. But it actually went really well. Jacob and I told Matt what worked best for us and just talked about the different tests, mainly science which can be a tricky one.
There is a lot of excitement and hype for the upcoming MCC Relays meet this Thursday. Check back for complete details of the meet. The distance squad will be running freshmen-sophomore 4x800, varsity 4x800, DMR (Distance Medley Relay- 1200, 800, 400, 1600), and 4xMile teams.
Quote of the Day: “You could get five milks for that much.” “Just take one. They are all exactly the same.”- Coach giving trouble to kids buying (or not buying in the first case) chocolate milk.
Joke of the Day: “You can only use pronouns today- no nouns.”- kabes during skips. If only we could have pulled it off. “he” “it” “you” “that” were all used some many times in a matter of like 5 minutes. Coach didn’t understand what we were doing. He read off everyone’s name for attendance. He should have said: “He. He. He. He….”
Be sure to check out Alex’s post on the Wash U meet.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
One for the Ages
Saturday was the Wash U meet. Wash U is known for horrible weather. Rain, wind, and sleet, Wash U always seems to supply the goods. In 2009, it was so bad the team left in the middle of the meet.
With many Varsity guys enjoying spring break outside of Missouri, Michael Callahan, John Waller, Justin Potter, Glen McGann and myself thought a Saturday track meet would be the perfect way to complete spring break.
Michael ran the mile. It was very cold and windy when he took the line. He went with the gloves and ear warmer. All the times for the day were slow, but Mike put up with the wind to run four good laps.
Waller and myself ran the 800 next. John went with his hat. I rocked only the speed suit. By now, the snow was here. In an effort to speed up the meet, they threw 20 people on the track at the same time. I have ran quite a few 800s in my day, and let me tell you, that is too many people. To make matters worse, after all twenty of us took off our several layers and took the line, several guys realized they did not have their numbers. So we waited. And waited. Finally we ran. As you can see, I almost went down. John ran a PR of 2.14. My time was slow, but I felt strong doing it, so I was pleased.
The weather was by far the worst for Glen and Justin. Justin had Under Armour and a hat, Glen was a champ and had nothing. The track was completely white as the sophomores attempted to count their eight laps. Glen had a patch of snow on the top of his head throughout the whole race that looked hilarious. Coach Williams got some video that will be great to look at some time.
This meet was definatly one to remember. Coach Likos said this is the worst weather ever for a Wash U meet, and that is really saying something. It was a great way to complete spring break. Hopefully Thursday will bring a better day for the MCC relays.
With many Varsity guys enjoying spring break outside of Missouri, Michael Callahan, John Waller, Justin Potter, Glen McGann and myself thought a Saturday track meet would be the perfect way to complete spring break.
Michael ran the mile. It was very cold and windy when he took the line. He went with the gloves and ear warmer. All the times for the day were slow, but Mike put up with the wind to run four good laps.
Waller and myself ran the 800 next. John went with his hat. I rocked only the speed suit. By now, the snow was here. In an effort to speed up the meet, they threw 20 people on the track at the same time. I have ran quite a few 800s in my day, and let me tell you, that is too many people. To make matters worse, after all twenty of us took off our several layers and took the line, several guys realized they did not have their numbers. So we waited. And waited. Finally we ran. As you can see, I almost went down. John ran a PR of 2.14. My time was slow, but I felt strong doing it, so I was pleased.
The weather was by far the worst for Glen and Justin. Justin had Under Armour and a hat, Glen was a champ and had nothing. The track was completely white as the sophomores attempted to count their eight laps. Glen had a patch of snow on the top of his head throughout the whole race that looked hilarious. Coach Williams got some video that will be great to look at some time.
This meet was definatly one to remember. Coach Likos said this is the worst weather ever for a Wash U meet, and that is really saying something. It was a great way to complete spring break. Hopefully Thursday will bring a better day for the MCC relays.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Remember When…
For starters, yesterday was a great practice. We had an awesome pack for a double Greaser. The run was packed with all of the classics: GTTG, Spotter, and See-Ya. Joining the top group was Austin DelRosso. He’s a freshman new to the team because he played soccer in the fall (maroon team). His first appearance was at camp over the summer, but now he’s part of the team and he got his spot up top with an awesome 5:04 at the time trial last week.
As for today, cruise intervals. We were joined by Potter!! He made his first distance team appearance to run some 800 repeats. It was so nice to have him back and I know Potter has been waiting for this day. Things just felt right having him with the squad. And he loved being able to do so "manly skips" today instead of that sprinter junk. Most importantly, the return of Potterman also means the return of the "Potter vs. Food" scoreboard. After one day its Potter=0 Food=1. Scherping was also running 800s. The rest of the guys had miles. And everyone kicked butt. Coach was really impressed with the solid performance.
With it being my first week back I had a long run instead of the CI. I was extremely grateful to be joined by my running mentors today. Joe Gibson and Kevin Lawder (Class of 2010), both on spring break, decided to come join me for a run. Just like the old days. It was great. So much fun to catch up and reminisce. There was no way we could have counted the number of times we said “Remember when…” I owe a lot to these two and I really appreciate what they did for me. They took care of me and got me started. We talked a lot about the 09 XC season. It could easily be turned into a sports drama on TV.
Today reminded me of all the fun of years past and why I do what I do. Its days like today that make running awesome. Just hanging out and remembering all the good times we’ve shared. I looking forward to the days I get to do this with the guys on the team now. Love what you do.
Quote of the Day: “We made the cake, but you guys pulled it out of the oven”- Gibby talking about the development of the close-nit team attitude of the DeSmet cross country team.
Joke of the Day: “So is that what that shire in our room is?”- Michael to Patrick after Pat said that there are people who worship Seamus.
Best Dressed: Kabes. He dressed to impress the Alums that came to run with him. Everything matched. He wore his classic orange shorts &hat and paired them with his brand new 2011 Miami Marathon shirt which has a sweet orange sleeve.
Theme Day Tomorrow: WEAR GREEN! It’s St. Pat’s Day.
As for today, cruise intervals. We were joined by Potter!! He made his first distance team appearance to run some 800 repeats. It was so nice to have him back and I know Potter has been waiting for this day. Things just felt right having him with the squad. And he loved being able to do so "manly skips" today instead of that sprinter junk. Most importantly, the return of Potterman also means the return of the "Potter vs. Food" scoreboard. After one day its Potter=0 Food=1. Scherping was also running 800s. The rest of the guys had miles. And everyone kicked butt. Coach was really impressed with the solid performance.
With it being my first week back I had a long run instead of the CI. I was extremely grateful to be joined by my running mentors today. Joe Gibson and Kevin Lawder (Class of 2010), both on spring break, decided to come join me for a run. Just like the old days. It was great. So much fun to catch up and reminisce. There was no way we could have counted the number of times we said “Remember when…” I owe a lot to these two and I really appreciate what they did for me. They took care of me and got me started. We talked a lot about the 09 XC season. It could easily be turned into a sports drama on TV.
Today reminded me of all the fun of years past and why I do what I do. Its days like today that make running awesome. Just hanging out and remembering all the good times we’ve shared. I looking forward to the days I get to do this with the guys on the team now. Love what you do.
Quote of the Day: “We made the cake, but you guys pulled it out of the oven”- Gibby talking about the development of the close-nit team attitude of the DeSmet cross country team.
Joke of the Day: “So is that what that shire in our room is?”- Michael to Patrick after Pat said that there are people who worship Seamus.
Best Dressed: Kabes. He dressed to impress the Alums that came to run with him. Everything matched. He wore his classic orange shorts &hat and paired them with his brand new 2011 Miami Marathon shirt which has a sweet orange sleeve.
Theme Day Tomorrow: WEAR GREEN! It’s St. Pat’s Day.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Runnymede – The Greatest Neighborhood in the World
Typical St. Louis weather. Just when we think it will be nice spring time weather, we get snow. Again. Like we haven’t had enough already. To make it even better it’s supposed to get up to 70 on Thursday. The snow couldn’t stop us, but it did alter the practice plan.
With some impressive alterations Coach put together a good, safe practice today despite the snow. In a very unusual fashion we began with core. The sprinters beat us to the wresting room so we took over the hallway. Coach gave any passerbyers permission “run over” anyone who was in the middle of the hallway. Next we headed to Runnymede to knock out the hills instead of the typical Laude Hill. After the full loop warm-up groups took care of their reps in the sloppy mess.
It was incredibly awesome to be out there with you guys for the first time all year. I remembered why I run- all of you. Today was a blast. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week; it’s going to be so much fun! I’m feeling great and can’t wait for my first workout.
Today was special for another reason besides being a snow practice. It is the Traughbers anniversary . Congratulants Liz and T-Bone! The team roared into a thunderous applause when Coach mentioned this during our short 204 meeting.
Quote of the Day: “People thought we were going to cancel practice today. HA! Nonsense!”- Coach Traughber. He was on fire today. This was one of many good quotes.
Title: That’s what coach said about Runnymede (a neighborhood by DeSmet that is a team favorite especially after snow) during the warm-up today. He went on to mention that he once ran a half marathon there. If you want to hear a really good Runnymede story, talk to Rob- it’s unbelievable. Runnymede is considered the “Birthplace of Champions” as it is the typical location of the enormously important winter tempos and repeats.
Remember to enter the team’s bracket challenge. It’s going to be sweet! Trash Talk it up. And please come up with a creative name for your bracket.
With some impressive alterations Coach put together a good, safe practice today despite the snow. In a very unusual fashion we began with core. The sprinters beat us to the wresting room so we took over the hallway. Coach gave any passerbyers permission “run over” anyone who was in the middle of the hallway. Next we headed to Runnymede to knock out the hills instead of the typical Laude Hill. After the full loop warm-up groups took care of their reps in the sloppy mess.
It was incredibly awesome to be out there with you guys for the first time all year. I remembered why I run- all of you. Today was a blast. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week; it’s going to be so much fun! I’m feeling great and can’t wait for my first workout.
Today was special for another reason besides being a snow practice. It is the Traughbers anniversary . Congratulants Liz and T-Bone! The team roared into a thunderous applause when Coach mentioned this during our short 204 meeting.
Quote of the Day: “People thought we were going to cancel practice today. HA! Nonsense!”- Coach Traughber. He was on fire today. This was one of many good quotes.
Title: That’s what coach said about Runnymede (a neighborhood by DeSmet that is a team favorite especially after snow) during the warm-up today. He went on to mention that he once ran a half marathon there. If you want to hear a really good Runnymede story, talk to Rob- it’s unbelievable. Runnymede is considered the “Birthplace of Champions” as it is the typical location of the enormously important winter tempos and repeats.
Remember to enter the team’s bracket challenge. It’s going to be sweet! Trash Talk it up. And please come up with a creative name for your bracket.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Game Time
It is the most wonderfull time of the year. The March Madness Bracket will be released in about an hour. We will do a Yahoo bracket again this year. Track guys and alums are welcomed. Our scoring system is a little different, so check that out. No buy in, all bragging rights.
Click here to join
Past winners: Andrew O'Connor 2010
Click here to join
Past winners: Andrew O'Connor 2010
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