Word Problem: A track is 400 meters in circumference. Coach Young has entered you into the 1600 meter run. How fast can you run each lap without dying before you cross the finish line? Be sure to account for such variables as wind speed, what you ate for lunch, the caliber of your competition, and how much sleep you got the night before last.
Suddenly the term mathlete has a whole new meaning.
Whether it's the 300 hurdles or the 2 mile, racing can be as challenging mentally as it is physically. Many of our new runners have recently and unexpectedly found themselves confronted with this unpleasant reality. Not only are they learning how to pace themselves, they're also learning to compete with the runners around them and to train their minds to ignore and overcome the pain taking over their bodies.
"One of the best things you can do as a young runner is to reflect on each race and think about what went well and what you could do better or differently next time," commented Coach Chad Young.
Like many of her fellow track rookies, Freshman Nora McUmber did just that.
"I think I could have run faster in the second lap of my 800, but I didn't know until after. I wasn't sure during the race, but now I know I could have," she reflected.
A number of new and experienced runners were able to translate their past racing lessons into success on Tuesday.
Sophomores Nolan Ebner and Peter Horton both ran their way to PRs against some tough WJ competition. Ebner finished third in the 800 in 2:06.9, almost 5 seconds faster than his previous best time of 2:11.62.
"A 5 second PR is huge in the 800," noted Young.
Horton also recorded an impressive PR in a hard-fought 3200 meter battle. Horton dropped his PR from 10:17.52 to 10:09.1 on his way to a third place finish in the event.
"Both Peter and Nolan are learning what they're capable of in a race, and they're running with a lot more confidence as a result. They're not afraid to put themselves up with the front pack, and they're hanging with guys who are some of the best runners in the state," said Young.
The girls 4x8 team of Helen Webster, Ava Farrell, Laura Nakasaka, and Brittney Wade also drew on their past races as they attempted to run a qualifying time for Penn Relays. Their time of 9:41.8 is the fastest 4x8 time run by a B-CC girls team this year, but it remains to be seen if it will be fast enough to qualify them for Penn Relays. They will have another chance to improve on that time this weekend at the Cougar Relays.
Freshman Caroline Beakes repeated the racing strategy she utilized at last week's home meet as she again sat behind her competitor before overtaking her with a little over a lap to go. Beakes won the event in 11:49.9.
One of the most exciting races of the day was the boys 4x200 meter relay. Junior Max Braganza, Sophomore Carl Zambard, and Senior Luidgi Morton each ran strong 200 meter legs to maintain contact with the WJ team. Senior Weyimni Dorsu, the Baron's anchor, finished what his teammates started, surpassing his competitor on the home stretch as the boisterous crowd urged him along.
In the field events, particularly the throws, a mix of newcomers and returners made quite an impression.
Freshman Olea Rugumayo won the discus with a throw of 59' 3" in her first time ever competing in the event, and Freshman Haley Callicottt threw over 20 feet in the shot put in her second meet as a thrower.
"Our new throwers have so much natural talent and potential, and they're so into it and eager to work hard to improve," reported an enthused Coach Goidell.
Also throwing his way to a victory for B-CC was Senior Mike Nyarko who hurled the shot an impressive 37' 7".
Although neither Baron's team came away with a win, Junior Nick McGreivy triumphed in his effort to find a prom date. During a break in the races, McGreivy procured the microphone from the WJ coach and, in front of everyone
at the meet, asked Senior Ava Farrell to accompany him to (her) prom. Luckily for McGreivy, Farrell happily accepted his request.
"Flowers and Georgetown Cupcakes are always the way to a girl's heart," advised McGreivy, who presented Farrell with both as he posed the question.
A small Barons contingent will compete at the Couger Relays on Saturday at Northwest High School. All who are in town are invited to come show your support for the team. The meet begins at 9 AM.
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