The next greatest thing behind Saturday Morning Cartoons? Saturday Morning Continuous Tempos. That’s what we had today, and it was superb. It was also a great day for the team as a whole. For the first time all year, we had a full team warm-up, cool-down, stretch, and core.
We headed off to Conway Park to knock-out the tempos. Everyone, from top to bottom, was tremendous today. Guys went after their 2, 3, or 4 miles on the renowned Conway mile loop. Of course we were aided by the booming voice of T-bone at the fork, pushing all of us to have a good workout. It was the final prep-work for the Nike XC Kickoff this coming Wednesday. After a few recovery days, we are going to be sharp and ready to race.
Upon returning to DeSmet, we found that we were the only ones around. So, there was no hesitation in us moving to the middle of the field for stretching. The team looked awesome surrounding the big D. Coach Traughber went around the circle distributing knuck-bumps to everyone for the solid effort. After the very successful full team stretch and core routine, we brought it in and had a “1-2-3 DESMET!” We don’t do that often so it was pretty cool.
Quote of the Day: “Wow, this stretching is so great. I feel way more flexible.”- Glen
Joke of the Day: “Horrible. Horrible. Pitiful. Terrible. You’re ugly.”- Rob commenting on our side leg lifts. He said the last one was to me.
Best Dressed: Beers. He wasn’t discouraged by his narrow defeat earlier in the year. Mega Group was doing its own jersey day in prep for Jersey Week. Matt, as a member of Mega Group was participating. It wasn’t exactly his jersey that set him apart. It was the fact that he got a “sweet shirt” from one of the football players who have their first game today. And it was unquestionably a sweet shirt. It was a 2006 Italy World Cup Champions jersey with pictures of the team and the cup.
Jersey Week: Monday kicks off jersey week with Soccer.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Shutdown Street
On an easy recovery day, most of the team ran Graeser with the others guys going Mosley or Mailbox. It was the first time in a while for many of to run a Graeser which is simply a very pleasant run.
On the feast day of St. Monica, it is only right that we speak about the alums of the fine school named in her honor. First of all, Milk Table Hall of Famer Big OC made an appearance at practice (what a coincidence!). He’s back from Mizzou to run in the esteemed Westbury Manor Triathlon. Two groups were graced by his presence on their strides. St. Monica Alum and younger brother, Lil OC, had a noteworthy practice. With Rob, he knocked out his continuous tempos a few seconds fast in an impressive fashion. And lastly, just a shout-out to the rest of the St. Monica Alums.
Word to the Wise: Next week is going to be a themed week. It is going to be Sports Jerseys Week. Each day of the week, a different sport. Something like this has never been done before. So a few notes (1) check the blog to see what the next day’s jersey is (so tomorrow will have Monday's theme and etc.) (2) you have to be dressed in theme to win Best Dressed (3) there will be the first ever Best Dressed of the Week given out on Friday (gotta have the endurance and consistency to get this) (4) if you are in theme you get in the picture which goes on the blog (being in Milk Table pictures is awesome, just ask Glen). This is going to be great!
Quote of the Day: “Matt, you’re going to do fine. Everything is going to be great. You have Rob with you, and he’s the pace master”- Abernathy to Lil OC who was dreading his tempos. As it says above, he did great, and that is because he got those negative thoughts out of his head and took care of business.
Best Dressed: Padre. His impressive look from mass in the morning (he was all fancy in his bowtie) carried over to practice in the afternoon. In a similar look that won to others best dressed this year, he had on a flag shorts combo. His Germany shorts matched with a nice-looking Germany jersey. Yes, it may been too early with today being the announcement of Sports Jersey Week, but Jacob assured everyone that there’s more where that came from.
Title: On my solo part of the run, I ran by the accident that we had heard lots of sirens heading for. They shutdown Laude from the Temple to the stoplight. Never have ran by an accident or seen one this close to school; it was pretty interesting.
On the feast day of St. Monica, it is only right that we speak about the alums of the fine school named in her honor. First of all, Milk Table Hall of Famer Big OC made an appearance at practice (what a coincidence!). He’s back from Mizzou to run in the esteemed Westbury Manor Triathlon. Two groups were graced by his presence on their strides. St. Monica Alum and younger brother, Lil OC, had a noteworthy practice. With Rob, he knocked out his continuous tempos a few seconds fast in an impressive fashion. And lastly, just a shout-out to the rest of the St. Monica Alums.
Word to the Wise: Next week is going to be a themed week. It is going to be Sports Jerseys Week. Each day of the week, a different sport. Something like this has never been done before. So a few notes (1) check the blog to see what the next day’s jersey is (so tomorrow will have Monday's theme and etc.) (2) you have to be dressed in theme to win Best Dressed (3) there will be the first ever Best Dressed of the Week given out on Friday (gotta have the endurance and consistency to get this) (4) if you are in theme you get in the picture which goes on the blog (being in Milk Table pictures is awesome, just ask Glen). This is going to be great!
Quote of the Day: “Matt, you’re going to do fine. Everything is going to be great. You have Rob with you, and he’s the pace master”- Abernathy to Lil OC who was dreading his tempos. As it says above, he did great, and that is because he got those negative thoughts out of his head and took care of business.
Best Dressed: Padre. His impressive look from mass in the morning (he was all fancy in his bowtie) carried over to practice in the afternoon. In a similar look that won to others best dressed this year, he had on a flag shorts combo. His Germany shorts matched with a nice-looking Germany jersey. Yes, it may been too early with today being the announcement of Sports Jersey Week, but Jacob assured everyone that there’s more where that came from.
Title: On my solo part of the run, I ran by the accident that we had heard lots of sirens heading for. They shutdown Laude from the Temple to the stoplight. Never have ran by an accident or seen one this close to school; it was pretty interesting.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
General Rob
After a fairly slow day yesterday that ended up being a rest day for the Milk Table, today was a great day for all with lots of action.
For starts we had an excellent morning run and weights session. Of course Scherping was late. Coach Traughber came along with us and ran through the sprinklers. It was on this run that we learned that we had lost a former key member of the squad: The Scooter. Coach’s Escort which had for years done the grunt work of carrying the water and transporting the troops. RIP Scooter.
Some of us knew right from the start of the afternoon practice that it too was going to be a great practice. Madey, Goetz, and I broke the warm-up record single lap 4 times, and set a new overall record! The splits were 1:53, 1:52, 1:49, 1:48 for 7:23 overall.
On the actual run, a Chasselle, we had an interesting occurrence that spawned the title. Matt noticed a free wood sign and picked up a plank; then, Goetz and Martini followed suit. I stopped running for a moment out of laughter. So, Rob was in front leading three guys with wooden planks. I thought of them as the Army of Creve Coeur lead by their fearless leader, General Rob. The Army was swiftly defeated by T-bone at the Battle of St. Monica. And that was the end of the Army of Creve Coeur.
I’m proud to present our first contribution of the season. It comes from Patrick Callahan, and tells the story of Mega Group:
Celebrity Update: Yesterday we were joined by Alumni runner Ryan Doyle. It was a pleasure to meet him and run with him. Had a great time and heard some great stories. Today we were graced by the presence of a DeSmet Cross Country Legend, T-Time (Nick Traughber) a former coach. The guys that know him were excited to see him for the first time in awhile.
Quote of the Day: “This is the best day of running ever.”- Collin Vieth during Mega Group’s run.
Morning Best Dressed: Matt O’Connor brought out his inner Gumby for the first morning practice of the year. He had on all green, Boss shirt and Nerinx shorts. A bit of a goofy look, but it took the cake this morning.
Best Dressed: He said he would, and he delivered. Michael Callahan was today’s champ with a full soccer kit. He was sporting the famous blue of Chelsea. Not much can touch that great look. Simple yet sophisticated. The full jersey said he meant business. Nice work Mike.
p.s Michael has predicted another victory tomorrow. Bring your A game and see if you can take down the current champ.
For starts we had an excellent morning run and weights session. Of course Scherping was late. Coach Traughber came along with us and ran through the sprinklers. It was on this run that we learned that we had lost a former key member of the squad: The Scooter. Coach’s Escort which had for years done the grunt work of carrying the water and transporting the troops. RIP Scooter.
Some of us knew right from the start of the afternoon practice that it too was going to be a great practice. Madey, Goetz, and I broke the warm-up record single lap 4 times, and set a new overall record! The splits were 1:53, 1:52, 1:49, 1:48 for 7:23 overall.
On the actual run, a Chasselle, we had an interesting occurrence that spawned the title. Matt noticed a free wood sign and picked up a plank; then, Goetz and Martini followed suit. I stopped running for a moment out of laughter. So, Rob was in front leading three guys with wooden planks. I thought of them as the Army of Creve Coeur lead by their fearless leader, General Rob. The Army was swiftly defeated by T-bone at the Battle of St. Monica. And that was the end of the Army of Creve Coeur.
I’m proud to present our first contribution of the season. It comes from Patrick Callahan, and tells the story of Mega Group:
Mega group all started on Wednesday when coach Traughber put three groups together and called them "Mega group" little did he know that he just set off a chain so massive and awesome that it already rivals that of the Trojan War, and will be a story to surpass Homer's Illiad. The members of Mega Group and those who saw us in action know what I speak of. Bowman Dan, Josh Pribe, Glenn McGann, Foglamesh, Justin Potter, Collin Veith, Matt Beers, Drew Higgins, Steve Placht, Patrick Burns, and Collin Sullivan (although the last 2 didn't run due to injuries) are the esteemed members of Megaaagroooooup. To start the day was a game of cricket before the warm-up with Madey pitchin. Then it started. Our theme song the "nah nah nahnah" from Shots was founded on the way out of Emerson followed by a "MegaaaaGrouuuup" RAWR. After every street we crossed we would sing our theme song. Michael Callahan, and Jimmy Reed ran ahead like sheep chased by dogs when we came into contact with them. It just got better as we entered Falaise we found a tennis ball rolling on the sidewalk and had some major catch with it while maintaining a good AE pace of course. Then during strides we got another theme song for tempos and strides which I believe was from the song Ice Ice Baby. After strides we put our hands in and shouted "MEGAGROUP!"
MEGAGROUP RAWR
Celebrity Update: Yesterday we were joined by Alumni runner Ryan Doyle. It was a pleasure to meet him and run with him. Had a great time and heard some great stories. Today we were graced by the presence of a DeSmet Cross Country Legend, T-Time (Nick Traughber) a former coach. The guys that know him were excited to see him for the first time in awhile.
Quote of the Day: “This is the best day of running ever.”- Collin Vieth during Mega Group’s run.
Morning Best Dressed: Matt O’Connor brought out his inner Gumby for the first morning practice of the year. He had on all green, Boss shirt and Nerinx shorts. A bit of a goofy look, but it took the cake this morning.
Best Dressed: He said he would, and he delivered. Michael Callahan was today’s champ with a full soccer kit. He was sporting the famous blue of Chelsea. Not much can touch that great look. Simple yet sophisticated. The full jersey said he meant business. Nice work Mike.
p.s Michael has predicted another victory tomorrow. Bring your A game and see if you can take down the current champ.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Dinner Time
We had tons of excitement today. First was the all-important 2 mile time trial. Second was the always popular parent meeting/team dinner. Both went extremely well.
After the full warm-up and a lap of in-and-outs, it was finally time for the 2 mile time trial. The top half of guys spiked up and went to the line for the first heat. The results of this would determine the Varsity Team at the Nike XC Kickoff. A solid effort from all meant so very good results. Notable performances came from John Madey, Michael Callahan, Jimmy Reed, and Kevin Abernathy. It was Madey first action in a long time and he was a little excited which made he get out too hard. It was a good learning experience and he will make the adjustment for the first race. Callahan and Reed, both sophomores, hard work over the summer paid off as they are starting the year off on Varsity. Abernathy ran a impressive PR today finishing in 10:07. Rounding out the Nike team was Matt OC, Seiler, Martini, Adam Morgenthaler, Seamus, Hussmann, and Waller.
In the second heat, Steve ran a great race leading the way by a fair distance. Pribe turned a great performance showing the importance of Summer Training. Burns also ran very well as he was moving up through the field the entire race. All of the other guys turned in solid performances as well, and for many of them this was a new experience. A lot was learned today and everyone now has a starting point on which to build.
Following practice we all got together in the cafeteria with our parents for some eating and learning. While enjoying some nice sandwiches, salad, pasta, desert, and Gatorade, coach talked about the sport. He shared all the fun things we’ve learned about at practice with the parents so that they are in the loop.
Joke of the Day:
Seiler: I’m jealous of your relationships.
Kabes: I have a way with…
Seiler: … inanimate objects.
Best Dressed: Bowman showed up to race today. He had a jersey and everything. It was a rare complete set of the old DeSmet uniforms- shirt and shorts.
Monday, August 23, 2010
mmm, Chocolate Milk
Today was a great practice on the first Monday of the school year. Everyone had an easy run on one of the Ladue Loops.
The top nine had a blast. It was a great team bonding run so of course Hussmann missed out. We practiced all-sorts of running formations. Some old-school classics and some brand new ones. It was so much fun. We were running like a well-oiled machine. Be on the lookout for the official DeSmet XC Playbook.
The end of practice marked the long waited return of the ever popular Chocolate Milk. And it sure was delicious. It was a bitter sweet moment for those of us who miss the Milk Man.
Quote of the Day: “Money talks, BS walks”- Coach Mahoney when he was selling Dri-fit shirts in the locker room before practice.
Joke of the Day: “I’m going to play football next year. Coach Mahoney has been asking for years. I’m going to be the power back and just run guys over”- Patrick
Best Dressed: We had the hands-down closest race since the famous Russo tiebreaker (if you have no idea what that is, read this). Each guy had many pluses . Potter: + all race day black; + brand new Dri-fit shirt + got it for 10 bucks right before practice; + ran on the streets today; + was the scribe. Beers: + new shoes; + new shirt; + lots of other guys had the shirt but he was the only one with it today; + new fancy running shorts. And the winner is… Potter. Way to go both of you; It was a lot of fun.
NOTE: This is the second post today, so be sure to check out the other one as it too is jam packed. Look below or click here.
The top nine had a blast. It was a great team bonding run so of course Hussmann missed out. We practiced all-sorts of running formations. Some old-school classics and some brand new ones. It was so much fun. We were running like a well-oiled machine. Be on the lookout for the official DeSmet XC Playbook.
The end of practice marked the long waited return of the ever popular Chocolate Milk. And it sure was delicious. It was a bitter sweet moment for those of us who miss the Milk Man.
Quote of the Day: “Money talks, BS walks”- Coach Mahoney when he was selling Dri-fit shirts in the locker room before practice.
Joke of the Day: “I’m going to play football next year. Coach Mahoney has been asking for years. I’m going to be the power back and just run guys over”- Patrick
Best Dressed: We had the hands-down closest race since the famous Russo tiebreaker (if you have no idea what that is, read this). Each guy had many pluses . Potter: + all race day black; + brand new Dri-fit shirt + got it for 10 bucks right before practice; + ran on the streets today; + was the scribe. Beers: + new shoes; + new shirt; + lots of other guys had the shirt but he was the only one with it today; + new fancy running shorts. And the winner is… Potter. Way to go both of you; It was a lot of fun.
NOTE: This is the second post today, so be sure to check out the other one as it too is jam packed. Look below or click here.
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