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I'm
not aware of a term that is the opposite of writer's block, but I'm sure the
condition exists. I know by experience. I have too many topics and not enough
time to cover them. Although I have been thinking about one in particular, I
have only been able to half complete it.
I was relieved today to get this year's UCONN Men's Track and Field Media Guide.
It led me on a tangent.
It looks like Coach Roy has found the right buttons to push. On the form letter
that accompanied the guide he crossed out Dear Mr. Estey and substituted it
with Dwight. Nice touch. It looks like this year's donation will be going directly
to track & field.
What really excited me was the information contained within the covers. The
indoor track that I frequented in the early 70's was redone in the late 90's.
Among the listed record holders for the new facility is none other than Latif
Thomas who ran the 200M in 22.50 in 1999. Believe me when I say that no matter
what they do to that track, until they bank it – it will not be fast.
So although Latif (Coach Thomas to his Foxboro athletes) probably doesn't consider
it fast, the record is significant.
A retired school record is the 60 yard hurdles, this one owned by URI head coach
John Copeland. John was an assistant coach for the Huskies when I ran (more
correctly jumped) there. We still cross paths. Maybe some day I'll be able to
send him an athlete so he can appreciate what it means to come from this program.
More about that later.
Finally, I reviewed the relay records. None of the events contested in the 70's
are still run. They have all been changed from yards to meters. But, I was thrilled
to see proof that I competed during one of UCONN's most successful periods.
Back then we had a pretty long undefeated streak going – something like
44 in a row if I remember right. The coaches decided that enough was enough,
so they scheduled Manhattan University. The previous year Manhattan had been
NCAA Indoor Champions. We lost!
Back to the relays! The 4X220, 4X440, 4X880 and 4XMile records were all set
in 1973, my junior year. I'd like to say we were better than the meter mavericks
of today, but in fact Coach Roy's teams are posting superior times. Maybe I
can blame it on better shoes.
The yard record holders were guys that I'd sneak over and run with when I wasn't
wrapped up in the high jump – or nursing an injury from my short career
as a triple jumper. To this day I wonder why I didn't spend more time on running.
Other than my belief at the time that concentration on one event would bring
the best results, I'm baffled. The importance of diversity is actually the subject
on which I've been working. Maybe my ideas will gel soon.
I'm following URI track because two NA alumni are doing great. Caitlin Hurley
(thanks for coming to the league meet) is burning up the straightaway –
she puts on a clinic in starts every time out. But for now I've got to say that
the most thrilling thing is the resurgence of Janet Pailes. After a promising
freshman outing she has suffered through a number of injuries and illnesses.
She is now a senior. Most athletes would have hung up their spikes but not Janet.
She recently ran a PR 2:18 in the 800M and I've been told that she looks a lot
like the Janet of old – except better!
Speaking of the 800M, I just came back from watching Meredith Leenhouts run
a 2:13.04 PR vs. Harvard and Princeton. She followed it up by leading off the
4X8 that set a meet record of 9:04. I was at Yale for the dedication of the
new Frank Shorter track. The facility is beautiful and a number of meet records
fell. Foxboro's Dan Saltzman was also part of a meet record as lead-off for
Princeton's 4X4 that ran 3:11.
Congratulations go out to the Hockomock for the outstanding championship performances.
This is definitely a springboard to success on the state level. Good luck to
all next weekend and remember – "Every day is a new opportunity for
greatness!"
I almost forgot. Speedy recovery wishes go out to Coach Sweeney of Franklin.
He underwent foot/heel surgery. I will save you all the pain of looking at the
pictures he sent me. He hopes to be back running this spring. At the moment
it looks more like wheelchair racing will be his style!