Throw Back

We returned to Conway today for some more tempos on the epic finale of Jersey Week. We went back to our roots. The days we when we all went to different school spread across the city and played sports that involved balls.

This time for the tempos everyone had faster paces and an extra mile, but the workout was even better than last week. The Varsity guys had a 3 by 2, JV guys had a 2 by 2 and the freshmen had just 2. We had a great cool down with T-bone afterwards. After core we got brought it in and ended with “1-2-3 DESMET” before the long weekend.

I got my Splash just before I went inside after we finished. For those of you who don’t know, we have a tradition of dumping the water cooler on people for their 18th Birthday. It was well executed. Seiler blocked the door. Alex grabbed my bag. And Matt dumped the cooler. It was cold and awesome. Nice work guys, thanks!

Quote of the Day: “Potter texted me this morning”- Seiler after I told him that for a few minutes I thought they forgot to dump the water on me.

Joke of the Day: [insert Madey tool gibberish]- Madey after being called a tool for his arm sleeve while we were doing drills.

Morning Best Dressed (not part of Jersey Week): The Morgenthalers. The only thing more ridiculous than one green man suit is two green man suits. That’s exactly what we had. They continued the Morning Mean Green theme of Matt from last week. Two people running a mile in green man suits is way more ridiculous than you would think.

Best Dressed: Today was grade school jersey day. Josh Goetz and Drew Higgins had old baseball jerseys. The Bulldog, STEVE PLACHT, Jordan Bender, and Kabes went basketball for the second day in a row. Jacob Seilar and Greg Clever had soccer. And Glen McGann had a track shirt! But Matt O'C has won best dressed. After a week of feeling left out, Matt claims the gold on the final day of jersey week. Matt borrowed Tyler O'Connor (T OC, OC3)'s St. Monica soccer jersey. But won gave Matt the victory over Madey's armband was the official St. Monica socks that he wore through 5 dominating tempos. Matt O'Connor. You are the best dressed.
-Best Dressed written by Potter-

Week’s Best Dressed: Jersey theme week has come to an end. Although most runners participated, some went above and beyond. In the close, but not so much category is Michael Callahan, Jordan Bender, Glen McGann, Brian Scherping, and Michael Ahlheim. So that leaves the semifinalists for the Winner Of The Week. Matt O'Connor, Kevin Abernathy, Jacob Seiler, and John Madey put the effort out there, all four days. The winner has to be Kabes. Kevin Abernathy went 110% every day. From Peter Crouch, to Trent Green, to Shawn Kemp, to the Assumption basketball jersey, Kevin could have won the individual award every day. Kabes. You are the Winner Of The Week.
-Best Dressed written by Potter-

Jersey Week: It was a great success. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Grazing

Today was a long recovery day after the first meet of the season. Just about everyone had a combination of Ladue Loops. The top guys had the popular Double Graeser. The best part about a Double Graeser: when you finish the first one, you still have one to go.

The top guys had a literally unbelievable run. There were two main highlights: both games. The first, GTTG (Guess-The-Temp-Game). The second, Spotter. For the enjoyment of the entire team I putting the rules up.

GTTG
A simple game of guessing the temperature. Everyone in the group guess what temperature they think it is at or before Olive and Mosley. There is a temp on the Champions Bank but the official one is at the Firehouse. Price is Right rules so closest without going over. And whatever the Firehouse as you run by it is the answer.
Spotter
It’s your classic game of spotting cars. 3 points for an Escort (Escort-Esqueeze). 2 points for a Woody. 1 point for a Bug (Slug-Bug). Call it out when you see it. If the vehicle is permanent—consistently there (Doc J’s Bug in the parking lot)—then it does not count. If there is a tie, whoever gets the punch or squeeze first gets the points. If you mistaking call out a car, then you lose however many points it would have been worth. Most points at the end of the run wins.

Back to the run. In our GTTG Madey had 90 and I had 91. As we approached the station the reading was 90. Then the next time through it was 91. With another 150 meters to go, none of us knew what to expect. Another 90 showed, and it looked like it was going to be Madey. But, just as we were passing the reading came up again this time showing 91 and giving kabes the W. Madey immediately congratulated me knowing that an epic match like this is very rare.

Insanely Epic. Those are the two word that describe the game of Spotter today. It was a battle between Matt OC and kabes. The team has never seen a game so back-and-forth, a game this high scoring, a game that had looked over at multiple times only with more surprises to come. They played even through the first half at 8 points. It was tight the whole way as neither gained more than a two point lead. The 2nd loop was dry till Olive. At this time Matt got two quick ones and took that lead into the water stop. Abernathy then made up the gap with a Woody that shocked everyone. He then snipped an Escort to complete a 5 point swing. We were now on Ballas and everyone but Matt thought he was done. Staying focused he grabbed two more. It was now 13-12. Looking to put it away, Kevin got the Escort at Old and New Ballas. 16-12. Matt countered with an Escort of his own but it was not enough as it ended 16-15. What a game!

Quote of the Day: “Hey Potter, I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but this is the largest pocket west of the Mississippi.”- Glen as he was making his bid for Best Dressed.

Joke of the Day: “I’m sorry Matt, but you can’t win. We’re playing in degrees not dollars.”- kabes after Matt shouted $1 multiple times during GTTG.

Best Dressed: Today's theme was basketball. Many people came to play. Scherping and the Bull Dog looked like they were ready to suit up for Coach P. Mike Callahan kept the Notre Dame theme going. Michael Ahlheim had a slick Carmelo jersey. Jacob Seiler went the extra mile to make sure he was in theme. Special hello to Matt O'Connor, who had some matching penny and shorts, but hey, that counts. Kabes was wearing in old school Shawn "Wes" Kemp jersey from the Abernathy basement. Special thanks to Andrew O'Connor for letting me borrow the JJ Duke jersey. But today's gold goes to Glen McGann. Glen followed up yesterday’s fantastic race with a CUSTOM McGann-bright orange-#1-Charolate Bobcats-jersey. His pocket did nothing but help his cause. Glen McGann. You are the best dressed.
--Best Dressed written by Potterman--

Jersey Week: We conclude this glorious week with Grade School Jerseys. Dress to Impress.

Fleet Feet Nike 2 Mile

Fenton City Park

Today was the highly anticipated true kickoff to the season. Many guys have been training since the end of May, and today was the first time to show that hard work pays off. Those competing took off for Fenton right after school. I stayed back to watch the Bull Dog and a few other runners get started with practice, and do their own two mile time trial.

I got to the meet right as the gun was going off for the JV race. Senior Josh Goetz and Adam Morgenthaler were near the front at the mile. They both finished strong after slightly falling back in the second mile.

Finishing first for De Smet and 5th overall was one member of the strong freshman pack from a season ago, Collin "Joey" Vieth. Collin was extremely excited about the time, a PR by more then a minute. Collin ran a smart race, coming in around 15th at the mile, then took off by himself when it was time to move.

"It just felt really good to keep passing people and it wasn't hurting or anything"

Running the race of his life for the JV squad today was Pat Callahan. Pat could be seen ferociously taking down his competition from the gun to the tape.

"In track I ran 12:06 and today I ran 11:21. I was tired at the end but not gasping for air so I knew I could continue my place."

After his first official race as a coach, Coach Rob Garwitz was impressed.

"JV went well. The course was flat and fast. Any time you put guys in a competition with other jerseys, they are going to run fast. Collin Vieth is a monster."

For the next race, there were several runners running their first ever race on Varsity

"I'm beyond excited. So much is on the line and I can't wait to let everyone up (as in not let them down)" -Seamus Hamilton

Track standout Brian Scherping was set to make his cross country debut.

"I'm sweatin' like a hog. I'm really pumped, but my nose is bothering me."

The Bulldog, who will make his return on the V squad at Parkway Central knew the guys were ready.

"Not much chatter. They are thinking about what they have to do. They're ready."

During the last minute words of wisdom and famous Coach Williams handshakes, Coach Traughber simplified how to be successful in the sport of Cross Country. The quote should go on the goals poster.

"You have three options. You can lead the pack. You can be part of the pack. Or you are not part of a pack, not helping the team"

All ten members of the varsity team ran extremely well. All member ran under 11 minutes. Senior Kevin Abernathy came in 3rd overall with a pure crazy time of 9:37. Jacob Seiler and Matt O'Connor came in second and third for the Spartans. The varsity finished a very strong 2nd as a team, and brought a tear to Liz Traughber's eye. We now know what the color we have to target this year.

Being the first race of the season, it is as good a time as any to learn what we can improve on.

"I will do a better job of pacing with a group next race."- Collin Sullivan

"It was way crazier then I was expecting in the beginning. I was happy I passed someone in the final stretch, but I wish I could have gotten a few more"- Steve Placht

"I won't stop when I get cut off next time"- Drew Higgins

"It was a lot faster than I thought it would be. When I was watching last year, I didn't realize how fast they actually go the entire race. I'll get used to it."- Brian Scherping

Overall it was a great day for the De Smet Cross Country Program. I leave you with some words of wisdom. FINISH THE RACE! Some people had too much in the tank after the race. That should be when you reach your fastest gear. Take advantage of the late start, and prepare for a rainy practice.

From Fenton City Park
Alex Potter
M.T.B.L.

Jesery Week: We resume tomorrow with Basketball.

The Calm Before The Storm

Not pictured Coach Russo - Blue Norte Dame

After receiving our jerseys it was off to the track for practice. Today’s practice was the same for every guy on the team. It was a practice of the pre-race warm up. It went really well. Most of us are focused and ready to go for tomorrow’s meet. Beers did an excellent job ringing in the bell lap on the 2 mile warm-up. During the warm-up we were accompanied by a surprise guest, Mr. Fior. He was one day the curve as he had on Brazil soccer shorts.

Please note the redesigned title for this week thanks to Padre the Sailor Man.

Remember to wear your meet day shirt tomorrow.

Quote of the Day: “We need the Blanche Funnel!”- kabes in the locker room as we were filling bottles with Gatorade after practice.

Jersey Week: Rest Day. Check the tomorrow’s Meet Post for Thursday’s sport.
--above written by kabes--

Best Dressed: Today was football day as jersey week continued. It was great to remember The Greatest Show on Turf days as all the key members had at least one jersey being worn. This is just a warning. Kabes comes to win every day. Although he finished in third today, most days a St. Louis native Trent Green jersey and Chiefs helmet would come out on top. But Brian Scherping and John "Bulldog" Madey brought out the old school jerseys. Scherps finishes second with his pop's high school jersey and Canada shorts. Very close call, but the Bulldog comes out on top. Long story short, John was wearing the jersey that was dedicated to former MICDS coach Ron Holtman after he passed away. Mr. Holtman lived next to John as he was growing up, and along with his dad, helped develop John's passion for sports. Congrats Bulldog

Tomorrow is the first race of the year, so M.T.B.L. was on location for pre race day coverage. We were able to sit down with Senior Jacob Seiler and Sophomore Mike Callahan.

Senior Jacob Seiler has been on varsity for parts of going on three years now. But this time, there is no one named Connor or Zach to lead the way from day 1. How will it be different?

"I must say that it indeed has been a change not having any older runners to look up to each day. However as my fellow seniors and I take up their responsibilities there is a sense of accomplishment seeing the team develop. Being a pure bred runner, my wisdom and knowledge has greatly grown thanks to the seniors before me."

Jacob also talked about how important the Nike meet is.

"The first meet is extremely important if not tangibly then in terms of team mentality. If we start the season with a bad showing, then it kills the team morale. Also De Smet is the two time defending champion, so pressure is on the varsity for the 3 peat."

Sophmore Mike Callahan will make his varsity debuet tomorow. Last year he took on the role of freshman leader. He talks about how it will be different to start the year.

"Instead of being a leader, I have to become more of a follower. I feellike I have to represent the sophmore class well."

Mike is known for having a plan to the maddness. Mike shared how he is going to attack Fenton City Park.

"I am going to take down Fenton City Park by by running the first mile sub 5:37 then coming home in 5:32. Maybe closer to 2 5:30s. I think the varsity team will be finishing in the top two at worst."

Juniors Josh Pribe and Steve Placht could not be reached for comment....

Good luck to all those competing tomorow. Plenty of coverage from Fenton City Park to come.

From Fenton City Park
Alex Potter
M.T.B.L.

AC Land United

Reverse!! That’s how today started: a reverse warm-up. Things continued to be equally as great the rest of the practice. In the middle of our warm-up we took a minute to wish Senior Joe Detwiler a happy birthday via video message (check back tomorrow to see the video). Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his sister.

We had a fantastic turnout on the opening day of Jersey Week. Everything from generic to England to U.S.A to Barça to unknown Ireland. The top group went on new run today: A Villa. We had a great time. Matt and I got to tell the story of our adventure on Saturday. After hill sprints it was off to AC Land for the first time all year. An abbreviated core session and some chocolate milk and we were done.

Quote of the Day: “Can I be in the picture even though I don’t have socks?”- Scherping as we are changing in the locker room.

Joke of the Day: “Kevin’s Ego: Old!”- Matt OC after Kevin was listing all the new things we were doing today.

Best Dressed: Jersey Week was kicked off today with Soccer Jersey Day. Many soccer icons showed up. USA World Cup hero Landon Donovan returned from Africa to grace us with his presence. One time prodigy Freddy Adu was sporting his shorts from when he was still a prodigy. Cristiano Ronaldo had the backwards black Nike hat going. Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chivas support was in full effect. Madey looked like he was ready to scrum on the rugby field. Today's best dressed however comes down to the highly anticipated revealing of the custom Celtic Foglamesh jersey/dress, and Kabes, who was dressed in a full head ball ace Peter Crouch Liverpool get up complete with socks and matching red Rebocks. The competition however was over when Pat bought the jersey from China. The several week wait was worth it, because Pat "Foglamesh" Callahan is the best dressed on Soccer Jersey Day.
-Potterman

Title: With it being Soccer Jersey Day and the first time we were in AC Land it was fitting to put the two together for the title as a play on soccer teams Manchester United & DC United.

Jersey Week: Fútbol to Football. Bring your best grid iron gear for tomorrow.

BREAKING NEWS

It's after 10:00, but breaking news is breaking news.

2010 graduate, Ethan Stack, who became one of only a hand full of runners to break 10 in the two mile under T Bone and member of the 2009 state cross country team recently found out he has a stress fracture in his foot. Unfortunately after a summer full of hard work, he will be unable to compete with the Bills of SLU this fall.

The Milk Table is proud to report that Stack will be using his new found spare time to help coach the De Smet Cross Country Spartans. More information to come, including Stack's first interview in the days to come.

Welcome back Ethan!

-Potterman