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Questions I wasn't asked but I know you're interested.

Why does North Attleboro wear those special uniforms in the 4 X 100M and are they legal?

The last question first – are they legal – is easy.

Yes they are! If not, I certainly wouldn't have my team wearing them. I'm constantly surprised by people who think they are somehow improper.

Two years ago I had a coach try to reprimand my assistant coach because he was sure the uniforms did not meet regulations.

Although I was sure they were legal, I took the opportunity to go over and double check with the head official who was surprised that I even asked. His simple answer was “Yes”.

But even this year my team has reported back that a few zone judges didn't seem to be sure about it.

What has me baffled is the fact that more teams don't use them. As early as 1979 I watched Falmouth rule the state in uniforms that were similar. And it was only a few years ago that Allison Culley and her Foxboro teammates were speeding around the track similarly attired.

If you go to any college meet you will find these uniforms to be the norm, and anyone seen wearing baggy shorts stands out as different. If college programs find it important to wear this style uniform, why wouldn't high schools also do so?

I'm fairly clairvoyent, so I can read the minds of those who consider the uniforms too revealing. Don't get me started! High school swimmers and gymnasts wear uniforms that have less fabric. Don't these same people go to the beach?

So let's get on to the real question. Why do North Attleboro track athletes wear them? It goes back to 1999 when my daughter Emily was running at Yale. I was going to many college meets and getting accustomed to seeing top-flite athletes dressed that way. At the same time, I was looking for a way to create more “event identity” – particularly for the relays. Relays are special because of the teamwork involved and I was looking for a uniform that would be symbolic of becoming a relay team member.

I sent out for a wide-range of uniform samples and used some of the upperclassmen to try them on and comment. They – we – settled on the red “speed suit”. Speed suit is a misnomer here because it conotes a one piece spandex suit that IS against federation rules.

But we call it the speed suit because when the team wears them they run faster. Maybe it is coincidence, but North Attleboro has won the Hockomock League 4X100M relay and placed in the State Coaches Invitational relay every year they have worn the uniform. This year they won the State Class B 4 X 100 for the 4th consecutive year. Just this week they won another Class B State Meet title. Every year the 4X1 has worn them they have made state finals. Why would they ever want to change back to the old style?

Two years ago at the state relays the long jump team decided to go "speed suit". They literally jumped out of their shorts as the team placed much higher than expected. I'm starting to wonder why I don't make that our only team uniform. Not really. If everyone wore them they would no longer be special.

Only one thing surprises me now. In a day and age when everyone is looking for an edge and emulating successful athletes, why aren't more teams dressing this way?