After jogging the whole course for the warm-up, we had a small workout. We ran the first 800 at race place to get a feel for Saturday. We picked it up again for 400 during the second mile. Finally, we did a 4x200 on the final stretch of the course. It was another good workout for what could be called the “Superpack.” No longer just 2-5, the pack has become 2-9. John Waller was a difference maker as he was the critical link between the front and the back.
We are pumped and ready to race on Saturday. It’s going to be great.
Senior Kevin Abernathy has made the honorable mention list of the Big River Running Rankings for the second time this season.
Quote of the Day: “We’re going to come back here on Saturday and have some fun”- Coach Traughber
Joke of the Day: “Hey guys, this is where I hurdled to make that big move.”- Matt O’Connor mocking how Kevin likes to tell the story of his pass during the last race at Central.
Best Dressed: Scherping. He wore his Nike XC shirt. It’s a cool shirt, white with a red “XC.” It matched perfectly with his red with white stripes soccer shorts. A simple but effective look.
Parkway Central
As I said a month ago when we first raced at Central, we are back. The Varsity squad will run at Central on Saturday in the Class 4, District 2 race. Top 4 teams and top 30 individuals advance. It's pretty simple math. Tomorrow, the JV and Freshman will be running in the Clayton Invitational at Shaw Park, with the top 7 times from that meet qualifying for the Challenge Race next Saturday.
The first race tomorrow will be the Varsity. The Varsity squad will be made up of Senior Dan Bowman, Junior Adam Morgenthaler, and Sophomores Michael Callahan, Jimmy Reed, Collin Sullivan, Glen McGann, Justin Potter, Mackenzie Smith, and Freshman Steve Placht. This will be the first time most of these runners will run in a Varsity Race. The Sophomores in particular trained very hard during the summer and are now rewarded by being on Varsity.
The remaining runners will be running in the JV race. Near the front of the large group will be Sophomore Matt Beers.
I have had a good season, and I’ve been getting better. If feel good coming in to the last couple of races, and I want to finish out the season with strong performances. 3. I want to go out and race all the way to the finish line. I want to go out and set a new pr in these races."
Good luck to all the Spartans racing tomorrow.
On Saturday, the playoffs begin. First off will be the Varsity Race. The guys have looked especially good the last week or so. John Madey will rejoin Kevin Abernathy, Nick Martini, Jacob Seiler, Matt O'Connor, Josh Getz, and John Waller for the big race. The goal is pretty simple. If everyone finished in the top 30, we move on no matter what. Madey talked about the small setback and what's to come on Saturday.
"My hamstring issues have kept from 1 race this year (MCC’s). I was truly looking forward to this race, but you just have to get over it, and look to the most important race of the year, which is districts. Besides missing one race, I have had to elipticise for the first time in my career, and I had to opt out of the always amazing Oregon 8 workout."
"Its simple. Be the pack, or lead the pack. My first race at PC this year didn’t go so great. Now that I have learned how to run with the pack, I will be able to be right in the middle of the pack for the whole race.
Because John missed the Conference race, he along with Brian Scherping and Seamus Hamilton raced last week in the Patriot Classic and all ran PRs. John and Brian know it will help Saturday.
"Racing last week proved that I am reaching the top of my game at the right time. By breaking the 17 minute barrier, it showed that by buying into the plan that I have been buying into is paying off. I’m head over heels confident heading into Saturday’s race." Madey
"The race at Castlewood Park made me realize some words of wisdom that I was told is actually true. Coach T-bone said that I can run with the Calvary and that the reason I was not able to was the lack of mental focus and just not believing." Scherp
After the Varsity races, Seniors Brian Scherping and Seamus Hamilton will race the same course with other runners hoping to make the Varsity for their teams at Sectionals. Both runners have come on extremely strong in the last few weeks. Brian is now getting a grip on how to race the 5k.
"I am more confident to run which will help during the run. The fact that all the problems I have been having that I could not run with the Calvary were mental have been fixed"
Everyone knows what Brian's goal will be going into Saturday.
"Number 1!!!! (Number 1!!!!, Number 1!!!!)"
Good luck to all the runners racing Friday and Saturday! Wear your Race Day Black! There will be more dress down days, you have support Race Day Black tomorrow.
From Central
Alex Potter
M.T.B.L.
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