Saturday, May 6, 2006, was the big day. After six weeks of training, the Mentor Christian School track & field team finally climbed aboard the school bus for the 3½ hour trip to Duncan Falls, Ohio. That day we competed against Zanesville Christian and Northside Christian. I was pleased with the results. We placed second in the boys and girls competitions and came away with the girls’ MVP award. Congratulations, Erika!
I’d like to thank (1) Mrs. Seitz who served as assistant coach and team “mom,” (2) Pastor Treg Spicer and Zanesville Christian for sponsoring the event, (3) those parents who came along to cheer, and (4) Brandon M. for jumping in at the last minute. We are also thankful to the Lord for keeping the team free from any serious injuries.
Probably the most exciting race that day had to be the junior high girls’ 400 meter race. If you don’t know, that’s one lap around the track. During practice I’ve stressed the importance of pacing yourself and saving energy for a sprint during the last 1/4 of the track. Hailey started out real strong. As she neared the halfway point, other runners were beginning to catch up to her. But she held on to the lead. I remember turning to one of the parents and shaking my head. “She’s not going to be able to keep that pace up.” A Zanesville runner kept trying to take the lead, but every time she heard her coming, Hailey picked up the pace. The last 100 meters were incredible! As she crossed the finish line team mates mobbed her with congratulations. That is a memory I’ll remember for a long time.
First Place Finishes:
JH 100m — Erika
JH 200m — Erika
JH 400m — Hailey
Mile Run — Amber
Mile Relay — Amber, Hailey, Janeen, Miranda
BOYS
JH 400m Relay — Paul, Caleb, Lee, Dan
JH High Jump — Caleb
JH Long Jump — Paul
HS Mile Relay — Kyle, Caleb, Lee, Devin
