RUNNING WITH THE SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB

Never make someone a priority in your life....... when they have only made you an option in theirs......

...where "Winning" is a way of Life.

Squad Dominates 800m at Oxy Invitational

SBTC had a very strong showing at The OXY Invite last Saturday night. Glennis Seldon got the team off to a great start with an exciting, pull-away victory in the womens' 800m. Then 15 minutes later, Jon Collins duplicated the feat with a carbon-copy race, destroying the competition in the final straightaway to capture his first 800m victory of the season.
Next up The Cal State LA Twilight Invite. Continue to follow the teams' exploits, and lend your support throughout the year right here, at makingtherules.com







2012 Workout Appraisal:
(This chart is an indicator of the athlete's involvement,progress,and committment to Training)

(As of 05/08/12)

Brandon Brisco, 13(13)[5]DISMISSED FROM TEAM

Jon Collins, 52(42)[10]

Edward Giles, 39(29)[4]

Steve Metz, 20(12) [1]

Mike Mitchell, 23(0) [5]

Glennis Seldon, 27(27) [0]


First digit represents missed 'Target-times' in workout (.25 Fine)
*Number in parenthesis denotes penalties paid
**Number in brackets denotes absences from practice (1.00 Fine) Current Pool: $43.50



MEET SCORING POINTS
*Based on 5-3-1 scoring & 1/4 pts for Relays*
(As of 05/08/2012)

1. Glennis Seldon (22)
2. Mike Mitchell (18.5)
3. Edward Giles (17.25)
4. Jon Collins (11.5)
5. Brandon Brisco (8.5)Dismissed From Team
6. Steve Metz (3)
7. Trevor Currie (1.25)


RECENT RESULTS

Bryan Clay Invitational 04/20/12

400m Dash Women

1 17 Wyrick, Deirdre JR-3 Fresno Pacific 57.24
2 18 Chambers, Alicia SR-4 San Francisco St. 57.28
3 23 Page, Alyssa FR-1 Cal St. Bakersfield 58.26
4 25 Seldon, Glennis South Bay TC 58.49
5 31 Acedo, Cynthia SR-4 Cal Poly Pomona 59.05
6 32 Ledtke, Valle JR-3 Western Washington 59.12
7 33 Hellesto, Audrey FR-1 Western Oregon 59.23
8 34 Coffey, Sydney SO-2 Western Washington 59.39

54th ANNUAL MT. SAC RELAYS
"Where the world's best athletes compete"
Hilmer Lodge Stadium, Walnut, California - 4/19/2012 to 4/21/2012

Event 103 Men 200 Meter Dash Open
Section 2 Wind: 1.0
1 Mike Mitchell South Bay TC 20.75
2 Demond Burns Ark-Little Rock 20.77
3 Babatunde Ridley Unattached 21.29
4 Akihiro Urano Waseda University 21.31
5 Brett Blanshan Washington St. 21.35
6 Tyler O'Brien Marquette 21.45
7 Hiroyuki Mihara Waseda University 21.48
8 Derek Bredy MSU-Moorhead 21.49
9 Juan Alanis Mexico 21.88



Titan Twilight
CSU Fullerton - 3/30/2012

Event 24 Women 800 Meter Run
===============================================================
Name Year School Finals
===============================================================
Finals
1 Frederica Foster Unattached 2:13.99
2 Ashlee Cervantes Cal Baptist 2:14.44
3 Anniya Louis Usc 2:14.81
4 Casey Candelaria Cal St. Fullerton 2:14.88
5 Glennis Seldon South Bay TC 2:15.48
6 Kelly Owen Usc 2:18.34
7 Brook Turner Unattached 2:19.11
8 Genevieve Graff-Ermeling IQ Athletics 2:19.40
9 Lexie Vukov Cal Baptist 2:19.43
10 Christine Gentile Unattached 2:19.44
11 Tijerra Lynch Cal St. Fullerton 2:21.13
12 Brittany Householder El Camino 2:21.46
13 Brandi Sexton Cerritos 2:21.67
14 Christina Dedios Cerritos 2:23.11
15 Malaysia Alexander Cal Baptist 2:23.29
16 Jackie Dion Usc 2:24.35
17 Angelyca Osnaya-Tyson Cerritos 2:24.51
18 Anna Burger Usc 2:25.34
19 Iliana Valasquez Azusa Pacific 2:29.12
20 Kelsey Degan Azusa Pacific 2:29.70
21 Jamie Crow UC Irvine 2:30.33
22 Alexandria Torres Unattached 2:31.42
23 Megan Smedley Cal Baptist 2:32.33
24 Angel Sifuentes Cerritos 2:34.51
25 Cindy Lopez Azusa Pacific 2:36.73
26 Giovanna Garcia El Camino 2:37.59
27 Kiana Henry Usc 2:43.67



69th Pasadena Games - 3/23/2012 to 3/24/2012
Pasadena City College
Results


Men 300 Meter Dash
================================================================================
Name Year Team Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 Stallworth, Joel Unattached 32.92
2 Larry, Lionel Unattached 32.92
3 Mitchell, Mike South Bay TC 33.78
4 Martin, Rodney Double Pillar 33.81
5 Megwood, Kenneth EVO 34.05
6 Howell, James Unattached 34.26
7 Collins, Jon South Bay TC 36.41


Santa Barbara Easter Relays--Open and Unattached
3/23/12 Santa Barbara, Calif.

Women 1500m Run

Place Overall Name Year Team Time

1 Seldon, Glennis South Bay TC 4:54.86
2 Nicholls, Heidi FR-1 Westmont 4:57.74
3 Cherne, Corinne FR-1 Westmont 4:59.27
4 McGregor, Melissa SR-4 Westmont 4:59.39
5 Younger, Ashley FR-1 Westmont 5:04.46
6 Corrao, Caitlyn SR-4 Westmont 5:04.69
7 Gonzalez, Angelina SR-4 Westmont 5:10.50
8 Jones, Shelby FR-1 Westmont 5:14.03
9 Haydock, Sarah JR-3 Westmont 5:17.10
10 Pacheco, Imuri SO Canyons 5:18.68
11 Tapia, Kristen FR Bakersfield 5:31.31
12 Lee, Ambrileen FR Cerritos 5:33.67
13 Herrera, Elizabeth SO LA Valley 5:47.48 14 Vasquez, Hilary SO Bakersfield 5:54.20


Men's 1,600m Sprint Medley

1 Canyons ( Brooks, Green, Gill, Low ) 3:27.53
2 Westmont ( Thompkins, Braxton, Hatchett, Shiney ) 3:28.88
3 South Bay TC ( Brisco, Mitchell, Collins, Giles ) 3:31.54
4 Cerritos ( Jackson, Tapia, Ramirez, Lewis ) 3:33.35
5 Canyons ( Russell, Sparks, Golden, Ruther ) 3:43.39
6 Antelope Valley ( Brooks, Taylor, Smith, McConnell ) 3:47.95
7 Bowdoin ( Lucyk, Tymoczko, Page, Bass ) 3:48.45
8 Citrus ( Avant, Loza, Guajardo, Gertmenian ) 3:49.52
9 Bakersfield ( Richmond, Rocha, Castro, Herrera ) 3:58.80

Men's 4 x 400m Relay

Place Overall Team Time Score
1 Westmont ( Hatchett, Shiney, Thompkins, Braxton ) 3:17.42
2 Cerritos ( Tapia, Pearson, Ramirez, George ) 3:19.11
3 South Bay TC ( Brisco, Mitchell, Giles, Collins ) 3:19.33
4 Canyons ( Low, Macias, Gill, Brooks ) 3:20.36
5 Cerritos ( Koeppe, Ricketts, Lewis, Frazier ) 3:29.54
6 Cuesta ( Robles, Chitwood, Schwarm, Lang ) 3:32.91
7 Bakersfield ( Moore, Purcell, Cleghorne, Colditz ) 3:34.04
8 Cerritos ( Craig, Jackson, Fong, Hernandez ) 3:35.55




2012 Ben Brown Invitational
CSU Fullerton
3/9/2012 - 3/10/2012


Section 3
1 South Bay TC 3:19.19
1)Brandon Brisco 2) Mike Mitchell
3) Trevor Currie 4) Jon Collins

2 Cal Poly Pomona 'C' 3:21.62
1) Oliver Santiago 2) Jesus Santoyo
3) Jesse Guthrie 4) DeVonni Terrel

3 Golden West 3:23.16
1) Ryan Watson 2) Joseph Lee
3) Leo Olvera 4) Nathaniel Simon

4 Pasadena 3:24.29
1) Robert Pachorek 2) Ron Spears
3) Desmond Jones 4) Devin Rojas

5 El Camino 3:25.66
1) Luckner Brady 2) Brailon Brown
3) Vincent Bui 4) Justin Cudjoe

Pasadena 'B' DNF
1) Michael Dennis 2) Keiton Winston
3) Daniel Walker 4) Malik Gillins






Beach Track & Field Classic - 3/2/2012 to 3/3/2012
Cerritos College

Women 800 Meter Run

1 Chambers, Althea elite healt 2:04.74
2 Munguia, Jenna Prado Racing 2:13.09
3 Muhammed, Fatimoh elite healt 2:13.76
4 Seldon, Glennis South Bay TC 2:17.44
5 Asserian, Lilia Glendale 2:20.18
6 Wilson, Katie Cal St. Full 2:20.59
7 Maddlone, Milana Long Beach S 2:24.88
8 Sexton, Brandi Cerritos 2:24.98
9 Cannon, Kiana Cal St. Dom. 2:25.69
10 Dion, Jackie USC 2:26.10
11 Candelaria, Casey Cal St. Full 2:26.30
12 Price, Astyne Cal St. Dom. 2:26.57

Men 200 Meter Dash
Heat 2
1 Dilihunt, Leon Compton 21.87
2 Mitchell, Mike South Bay TC 21.89
3 Jones, Dominic Mt. Sac 22.22
4 Craig, Ray Cerritos 22.48
5 Braden, Isaiah Riverside 22.49
6 Carcamo, David Cal St. Los 22.55
7 Schneider, Taylor Cuyamaca 22.71
8 Andrews, Allan Mt. Sac 22.75
Heat 12
1 Evans, Jacob Cuesta 25.36
2 Blaes, Michael Santiago Can 25.73
3 Murillo, Fausto Glendale 26.00
4 Elias, Peter Santiago Can 26.09
5 Lopez, Matthew Glendale 26.12
6 Metz, Steve South Bay TC 26.24
7 Renteria, David Glendale 26.66
8 Agamegwa, Emeka Long Beach 27.12

Men 400 Meter Dash

1 May, Javon Cal St. Full 49.70
2 Currie, Trevor Unattached 50.00
3 Collins, Jon South Bay TC 50.36
4 Glasgow, Cameron Long Beach S 50.39
5 Kriakin, Anthony Long Beach S 50.49
6 Morris, Kenyon Unattached 50.57
7 Ayetiwa, Michael Mt. Sac 50.70
8 Bladen, Gilroy Unattached 50.80
9 Whalum, Corbin Mt. Sac 51.01


Men 800 Meter Run

1 Smith, Ian New Era TC 1:58.71
2 Allen, dominick Unattached 1:58.91
3 Ruano, Gabriel Mt. Sac 1:58.98
4 Giles, Edward South Bay TC 1:59.39
5 Dao, Du Orange Coast 1:59.70
6 Hankes, Ryan Cal St. Full 2:00.20
7 Lewis, Anthony El Camino 2:01.00
8 Schwarm, Jacob Cuesta 2:01.00
9 Tidwell, Vijay Cal St. Los 2:01.09
10 Meferia, Fereon Cuyamaca 2:01.26
11 Gomez, William Golden West 2:01.40
12 Aquino, Uriel Cal St. Los 2:01.62



2012 Pomona-Pitzer T&F All Comers - 2/18/2012
Strehle Track, Pomona College
Claremont, California

Women 1000 Meter Run
================================================================
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
1 Glennis Seldon South Bay TC 3:01.82
2 Stephanie Reynolds Caltech 3:15.17
3 Casey Warendorf Occidental 3:15.96
4 Shelby Sato La Verne 3:26.55
5 Lisa Peterkin Chapman 3:30.30
6 Nicole Jourdain Chapman 3:31.06
7 Francisca Chamu West Los Angeles 3:33.34
8 Juliette Becker Caltech 3:34.24
9 Jasmin Gonzalez Citrus 3:36.43
10 Launa Kressin Chapman 3:40.27
11 Juliette Walker Pomona-Pitzer 3:57.94
12 Amanda Pierce Redlands 4:00.24
13 Brooke McCawley Redlands 4:09.89


Men 200 Meter Dash
================================================================
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
Section 1 Wind: 0.8
1 Mike Mitchell South Bay TC 21.62
2 Marcus Fortugno La Verne 21.81
3 Trevor Currie Unattached 22.55
4 Wallace Edward Unattached 22.75
5 Mike Kennedy Unattached 22.79


Men 400 Meter Dash
================================================================
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
Section 1
1 Chris Carson Unattached 49.11
2 Jacob Yowell Unattached 49.19
3 Brandon Brisco South Bay TC 49.45
4 Roosevelt Payne Long Beach 49.59
5 Trevor Currie Unattached 49.86
6 Kenyon Morris Unattached 50.45
7 Jimmy Aviles Citrus 52.71

Section 7

1 Adam Vega Unattached 52.89
2 Shaun Ellis Unattached 55.86
3 Kadeem Calhoun Unattached 56.76
4 Steve Metz South Bay TC 1:01.89
5 Stephen Gilbeath Unattached 1:04.21
6 Emeka Agamegwa Long Beach 1:07.77



Men 1000 Meter Run
================================================================
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
Section 4
1 Edward Giles South Bay TC 2:47.46
2 Sheridan Grant Pomona-Pitzer 2:50.42
3 Aaron Munger Unattached 2:57.64
4 Mark Arredondo Citrus 3:16.08
5 Allen Aiken Long Beach 3:17.28
6 Joseph Vasquez Citrus 3:37.15







Azusa Pacific Indoor #1 - 2/10/2012 to 2/11/2012
Cougar Stadium, Azusa Pacific University
Results


Event 6 Men 60 Meter Dash
================================================================
Top 8 Prelim Times Qualify for Final at 11:50am
APU Stadium: # 6.70 2007 Mike Mitchell, South Bay TC
NAIA "A": A 6.92
NAIA "B": B 6.95
===============================================================
Heat 7 Preliminaries
1 Leonetti, Michael SR Unattached 7.02
2 Pflueger, Trae SR Unattached 7.11
3 Warner, Kenneth SO Claremont-Mu 7.21
4 Williams, Trey JR Concordia (C 7.23
5 Young, Julian SO SD Mesa 7.54
6 Akasu, Kiyoshi JR Soka 7.59
7 Metz, Steve South Bay TC 8.04


Event 13 Women 600 Meter Run
================================================================
APU Stadium: # 1:32.12 2006 Sheena Johnson, Unattached
NAIA "A": A 1:37.50
NAIA "B": B 1:38.50
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
Section 1
1 Forsi, Brooke SR Biola 1:36.71
2 Seldon, Glennis South Bay TC 1:37.42
3 Nelson, Kapree SO Vanguard 1:37.96
4 Estell, Marline FR Vanguard 1:39.04
5 Marshall, Hanisha FR Fresno Pacif 1:40.81
6 Thompson, Erin FR Vanguard 1:42.98
7 Nealon, Theresa JR Westmont 1:43.37
8 Degan, Kelsey SO Azusa Pacifi 1:46.33


Event 14 Men 600 Meter Run
================================================================
APU Stadium: # 1:17.17 2007 Tony Ramirez, Azusa Pacific
NAIA "A": A 1:20.89
NAIA "B": B 1:22.25
Name Year School Finals
================================================================

1 Giles, Edward South Bay TC 1:22.91
2 Smith, Ian New Era TC 1:23.56
3 Collins, Jon South Bay TC 1:23.91
4 Harrison, Derik SO Redlands 1:24.43
5 Marshall, Thomas JR Redlands 1:24.89
6 Talamante, Jeremiah AOS 1:25.15
7 Cunha, Caleb FR Claremont-Mu 1:26.15
8 Gauthier, Cole JR Soka 1:27.25
9 Henry, Tanner FR Azusa Pacifi 1:28.22
10 McFaul, Brady FR Redlands 1:30.39
11 Espy, Matt FR Claremont-Mu 1:31.01
12 Morgan, Antwain FR Redlands 1:34.39
13 Macias, Cruz SR Soka 1:39.43



‎2012 Run For The Dream Indoor
University-Open-Masters-Elite
Save Mart, Fresno, CA - 1/20/2012

Event 65 Men 55 Meter Dash Masters
================================================================
Meet: * 7.20 2011 Eric Lietz, Unattached
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
Section 1
1 Michael Roberts Unattached 7.35
2 Steve Metz South Bay TC 7.44
3 Donn Imrie Unattached 8.12
4 Robert Hahn Texas TC 8.28
Section 2
1 Johnny Speed Unattached 7.01*
2 Scott Salerno Unattached 7.35
3 Makiini Enakaya Unattached 7.47
4 Ted Jeung Unattached 8.07
5 Dennis Duffy Unattached 11.83

Event 41 Women 600 Yard Run Open
===============================================================
Meet: * 1:21.75 2008 Ysanne Williams, Jamaica
Name Year School Finals
===============================================================
Finals
1 Elizabeth Olear Nigeria 1:25.44
2 Glennis Seldon South Bay TC 1:30.30
3 Aimee Sawyer Unattached 1:40.98
4 Fernanda Geniz Mexico 1:47.70

Event 55 Men 600 Yard Run Open
================================================================
Meet: * 69.97 2008 Khadevis Robinson, Unattached
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
Finals
1 Brandon Brisco South Bay TC 75.51
2 Eric Burnett Unattached 77.82
3 Jon Collins South Bay TC 79.85
4 Ben Mullin UC Santa Cruz 1:22.68
5 Shaun Schutes UC Santa Cruz 1:22.72

Event 56 Men 800 Meter Run Open
================================================================
Meet: * 2:00.37 2011 Eric Burnett, LA Tri Club
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
Finals
1 Chriss Grimble Unattached 2:00.07*
2 Edward Giles South Bay TC 2:02.45
3 James Cahill UC Santa Cruz 2:03.46
4 Eric Burnett Unattached 2:03.98

Event 58 Men 4x400 Meter Relay Open
===============================================================
Meet: * 3:26.87 2009 , Fresno State
School Finals
===============================================================
Finals
1 Unattached"B" 3:27.70
2 South Bay TC 3:38.66
1) Brandon Brisco 2) Edward Giles
3) Mike Mitchell 4) Jon Collins
3 Mexico 3:42.75
1) Gerardo Cardenas 2) Rodrigo Lopez
3) Renato Monroy 4) Alejandro Limon
4 UC Santa Cruz 3:48.71
1) 2) Shaun Schutes
3) Chinaza Oti 4) James Cahill

Kristen 'Bunny' Webb, performing in her first Talent Show, sings Alicia Keys' "No One"

SBTC 2012 Active Roster

Welcome To The South Bay Track Club

Welcome to the South Bay Track Clubs' Blog. On this page you will be able to follow the ongoing exploits of one of the countrys' best and longest lived programs in the sport of Track and Field.
Enduring since 1976, SBTC has managed to stay afloat because of its' basic philosophy...HONOR THE SPORT FIRST, RESPECT THE CLUB SECONDLY, and SUPPORT THE ATHLETES THROUGH EDUCATION AND MENTORING.
In keeping with that philosophy, please know that our ultimate dream at SBTC is to achieve a marvelous balance between a driven, goal-oriented person (a winner), and one who is at peace with themselves, on and off of the track.
It is easy in our sport, which is so intensely immersed in the idea of being healthy, eating properly, counting calories and getting fit, to lose sight of the value of being fit and strong mentally.
It's true that having a noncompulsive relationship with food frees our energy and time. It also allows us to feel lighter and less restricted. But happiness, as the saying goes, is not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have.
The truth is that many thin, fit people are miserable. Many of them don't like themselves. And all people -- thin or fat -- get old, have cellulite, and die. Being thin does not exempt anyone from illness, loss, or heartbreak.

Bummer.

But there's another way of looking at this. Some people spend a good deal of life believing that someone else has it better than they do. Now, whenever I find myself thinking that the answers are out THERE as opposed to in HERE, or if I catch myself wanting what someone else has or believing that I am the wrong person to be living my life, I do two simple things:
1. I take a few deep breaths.
2. I turn my attention inside myself instead of outside. How do you know when you're outside yourself? The first clue is that you start to feel panicky about needing to be "fixed." You embark on a major program of self-improvement, feeling two feet tall, weak, stuck, and unable to move forward with anything. That's when you know you need to climb back into your own body and focus your attention on yourself and what's really important in your life.
To do this, make yourself notice simple, concrete things: the pale turquoise sky, the cool air, the crisp taste of an apple, the fact that I have arms and legs. And, oh, I almost forgot: the sheer fact that you are alive. (That last one really helps. As far as I know, there are not many opportunities for earthly happiness if you are dead.)
Being concrete about what we already have works every time, and here's why: One of the few things over which we have control is where we put our attention. And if we pay attention to the fact that we can move, breathe, feel, laugh, cry, and notice sunsets, there is cause for joy. Every single one of us has a richly embroidered life, though different from the one (we believe) we would choose. If we put our attention on what we already have instead of what we lack, that desperate, panicky feeling that something is wrong and someone else has it better goes away. We come back home to ourselves and begin liking our own lives -- which is all we ever wanted from being thin and fit anyway.
So, as a club we will pursue with all our might the dreams and goals that each of our athletes are striving for. But, we will also note that we have a blessed situation. We train everyday with people who we truly care about, and who we hope care about us. We get the opportunity to impress and inspire people who we don't even know. And we participate in a sport that is the very essence of competition itself.

We are The South Bay Track Club!

by Coach Len Webb

(Geneen Roth, Health Expert, contributed to this article)

USATF Chief Rips LaShawn Merritt

"We understand that Mr. Merritt's case is still ongoing with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and USATF awaits USADA's decision on the case. Any professional athlete in this sport knows that they are solely responsible for anything that goes into their bodies. For Mr. Merritt to claim inadvertent use of a banned substance due to the ingestion of over-the-counter supplements brings shame to himself and his teammates. Thanks to his selfish actions, he has done damage to our efforts to fight the plague of performance-enhancing drugs in our sport.

"Mr. Merritt has been an integral part of Team USA and the sport in this country. He has now put his entire career under a cloud and in the process made himself the object of jokes. In this day and age, a professional athlete should know better. Personally, I am disgusted by this entire episode."

(by Doug Logan, CEO USATF)

For The Record: There is no sympathy for cheaters from the management of The South Bay Track Club, only the sincerest desire to distance ourselves from those lost souls who jeopardize all that we, as a club for 37 years, have stood proud and tall for.

Metz Wins Two Golds at Final Masters Meet

Masters standout, Steve Metz won his age-group competition at 100m and 200 meters at the final Track and Field Competition ofthe season for the 39 year-old veteran runner. The meet featured some top-level masters athletes including NFL Hall of Famer, James Lofton and long-time Southern California standout, Katrell Berry. The Meet took place on the campus of Cal-State San Marcos in San Diego County.

Meanwhile, SBTC's Ukranian sprinter, Vitaliy Korzh captured second place in the 100 meters at The Ukranian Cup Meet on July 14th. Korzh's time was 10.56 and concludes his 2010 campaign.

Korzh Performing at European Team Meet

Korzh in Norway For European Team Championships

SBTC Makes Another Appearance in Japan

As has been the history of the club, SBTC continues to explore ways to broaden it's scope and venture into the path of global experiences. In 2007,after conquering the athletic turf throughout Europe, Canada, and the Carribean, SBTC set down in Japan for it's first foray into the Asian continent. In two separate visits that year, the club had astounding success with Carmelita Jeter, Mike Mitchell, and Louise Ayetotche thrilling the crowds in Osaka at the Grand Prix and subsequently at the World Championships.

This week the club has it's Masters competitor, Steve Metz touring Tokyo once again. In his capacity as a videographer, Metz has take time out to meet with several athletic groups, including a rag-tag collection of Locals who participate in a weekend-warrior style football league, complete with uniforms and helmets that each player must obtain on their own. Playing a game that they only know from watching the NFL on television, just for the pure joy of the competition strikes a very strong chord with SBTC. It is an emotional reminder of why this club was started in the first-place.

SBTC Takes Vegas By-Storm!

Team Wins Nine Medals at Nevada Track Field Championships

SBTC's star sprinter from The Ukraine, Vitaliy Korzh experienced his first hiccup of the season, finishing third in a 100m race in Crimea.
Korzh's time of 10.74 got the club's split-schedule weekend started in fine fashion, though.

The California squad travelled out of state to compete in the USATF Nevada Championships held on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas.

The four-men, one woman crew completely dominated the action, capturing a total of nine medals...five of them Gold and three of them Silver.

Mike Mitchell and Glennis Seldon won two events each, and Masters' star, Steve Metz captured his age-group in both sprints. Mitchell was awarded a Silver in the 100m despite coming in first place due to a Nevada resident placing in the top three which awards him the top prize because of the "Displacement" rule.

Mitchell's time of 10.70 was his best of the year, and was followed-up with a 21.68 clocking in the 200m.

Hurdler, Sharaud Moore captured his first victory in his specialty in three years, and Delante Nelson was third in the 400m and second behind Mitchell in the "deuce".

Next up, the Southern California Championships ar Mt SAC this Sunday.

Team's Recent Results

2010 Final Team Points Scored: Thru 24 Meets
(Based on 5-3-1 point-values for top-three finish)

1. Vitaliy Korzh...(37)
2. Steve Metz..(36.75)
2. Glennis Seldon..(31)
4. Mike Mitchell..(20.75)
5. Delante Nelson..(20.75)
6. Uchenna Obiora..(13)
7. Sharaud Moore...(6.75)



16th Steve Scott Invitational
UC Irvine:
5/02/2010


Women 400 Meter Dash
===============================================================
1 Heather Hallahan Soka 61.33
2 Glennis Seldon South Bay TC 61.67
3 Desiree Karotko Cal St. Northridge 64.34
4 Brianne Anderson Soka 66.45
5 Nicole Washington Mills College 75.84



Men 100 Meter Dash
================================================================

1 Evan Laveist Unattached 11.43
2 Kiyoshi Akasu Soka 11.55
3 Obed Garcia Unattached 11.89
4 Jerrod Fields USOC-CV 12.22
5 Steve Metz South Bay TC 12.37
6 Andrew Stewart Unattached 12.69
7 Cruz Macias Soka 13.25
8 Kortney Clemons USOC-CV 14.96



Men 200 Meter Dash
================================================================
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
1 Evan Laveist Unattached 23.20
2 Kiyoshi Akasu Soka 23.61
3 Felton Turnage Unattached 23.63
4 Darnell Crawford Unattached 23.70
5 Al Lorenzo Flores UC Riverside 23.90
6 Jerrod Fields USOC-CV 25.22
7 Steve Metz South Bay TC 25.44
8 Kortney Clemons USOC-CV 31.07



Men 110 Meter Hurdles
================================================================
1 Dominique DeGrammont Haiti 13.68
2 Alexander Al-Ameen Team England 13.98
3 Gianni Frankis Team England 14.06
4 Robert Williams Unattached 14.10
5 Nimrod Piggee Long Beach St. 14.41
6 Jacob Yowell UC Irvine 14.59
7 Andrew Hall Salt n Peppa 15.13
8 Spencer Philips Long Beach St. 15.30
9 Nicholas Armstrong Long Beach St. 15.43
10 Peter Guenther UC Riverside 15.46
11 Freddie Gladney UC Irvine 15.49
12 Javon May Cal St. Fullerton 15.59
13 Neil Macrorie Cal Poly Pomona 15.77
14 Michael Hernandez Cal Poly Pomona 15.79
15 Jake Deavers Cal Poly Pomona 15.86
16 Michael Esquivel Cal St. Los Angeles 15.95
17 Sharaud Moore South Bay TC 16.43
18 Derek Masterson Unattached 16.83
19 Ten Bosch Bryan Cal St. San Marcos 18.93
20 Kirchberg Dylan Cal St. San Marcos 19.88
-- Anthony Harbor Cal St. San Marcos DNF



Men 400 Meter Dash
================================================================

1 Charles Jock UC Irvine 46.72
2 David Johnson Speed Umlimited TC 47.33
3 Carter Griffin Cal Poly Pomona 47.44
4 Rashaad Johnson Perpetual Motion 47.60
5 Ethan Hewitt Alaska Anchorage 47.93
6 George Hernandez UC Irvine 48.00
7 Nicholas Stein Cal St. San Marcos 48.42
8 Chris Sweeney Long Beach St. 49.07
9 Dominic Jester Unattached 49.13
10 James McLaughlin Alaska Anchorage 49.19
11 Aaron Ray Cal St. Fullerton 49.46
12 Jerome Rideaux UC Riverside 49.67
13 Justin Abercrombia UC Irvine 49.86
14 Bradley Truax Alaska Anchorage 50.38
15 Greg Stanger UC Riverside 50.42
16 John Pratt Pac. Athletics 50.45
17 Gustavo Hernandez Cal St. Northridge 50.61
18 Brandon Grant Alaska Anchorage 50.69
19 Gianni Vernon- Reynolds Soka 50.81
20 Daniel Dinh UC Riverside 51.13
21 Adam Marvin Cal St. Northridge 51.50
22 Napoleon Greene Unattached 51.57
23 Adam Garrett Cal St. Fullerton 51.78
24 Keith Chambers Unattached 51.95
25 Jon Collins VS Track Club 52.09
26 Delante Nelson South Bay TC 52.37
27 Andrew Hernandez Unattached 53.22
28 Luke Daenitz Morley Field 53.85
29 Cameron Erhardt Morley Field 54.70
30 Hunter Hays Cal St. Northridge 54.74
31 Efrain Velasco TCLA 57.42
32 Cruz Macias Soka 58.08





Tiny Lister Invitational
(at Cal-State Los Angeles)
4/24/2010 :


Women 400 Meter Dash
===================================================================
Name Year School Finals H#
===================================================================
1 Alisha Belt Cal State LA 60.78
2 Glennis Seldon South Bay TC 61.85
3 Julia Fitch CS Bakersfield 63.86
4 Haley Orr Cal Poly Pomona 65.80
5 Caroline Lutzky USC 66.37


Men 400 Meter Dash
===================================================================
Name Year School Finals H#
===================================================================
1 Joseph Laetsch USC 51.15
2 Joseph Faulkner-Edwards Great Britain 51.82
3 Jorge Garcia Cal Poly Pomona 51.85
4 Delante Nelson South Bay TC 52.47
5 Fredy Santizo Unattached 52.96
6 Lance Gonzales CS Northridge 53.01
7 Crispin Collins USC 54.55



52nd Annual Mt. SAC Relays -
4/17/2010


Event 615 Men 100 Meter Dash Age 40-45 Masters
=====================================================================
Name Year Team Finals Wind
=====================================================================
Finals
1 Johnny Speed Oxnard Stars 11.56
2 Jeff Williams Unattached 11.73
3 Steve Metz South Bay TC 12.39
4 Kevin Biggers Unattached 12.45




Cal-State Los Angeles Twilite Invitational
4/15/2010:


Women 800 M Run
================================================================
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
1 Joni Strom JR SD State 2:23.77
2 Glennis Seldon SR South Bay Track Club 2:25.17
3 Madelyn Stoltze SO Moorpark Col 2:27.88
4 Melissa Lopez SO California S 2:28.88
5 Britteny Salvador FR CalStNorthri 2:45.10
6 Kristen Cole SO Moorpark Col 2:52.89


Men 200 M Dash
========================================================================
Name Year School Finals Wind H#
========================================================================
1. Brandon Linton FR Unattached 23.64
2. Steve Metz SR South Bay Track Club 25.41
3. Jerry Miller FR Moorpark Col 25.43
4. Justin Foster JR California S 27.00
-- Cooke Evans Unat FS





Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo Invite:
4/3/2010

MENS 100m Dash

Heat 1

1 Mike Mitchell South Bay Track Club 10.85
2 Deante Brown UNATTACHED 10.87
3 Charles Williams Fresno State 11.03
4 Quenton O'Neal Fresno State 11.21
5 Andre Pinon UC Santa Barbara 11.28
6 Delante Nelson South Bay Track Club 11.30
7 James Nunno UNATTACHED 11.42
8 Dominic Byrne Cal Poly 11.49
9 David Deal Fresno State 11.56

Heat 2

1 David Charleston CSU Bakersfield 11.57
2 Corbin Duer Cal Poly 11.59
3 Ricky Joy CSU Bakersfield 11.88
4 Adrian McCullum CSU Bakersfield 11.90
5 Seth Vlach CSU Bakersfield 12.21
6 Steve Metz South Bay Track Club 12.63
7 Blake Corl-Baietti UNATTACHED

MEN'S 110M HURDLES

1 Michael Keating Cuesta College 15.62
2 Michael Larocca UC Santa Barbara 15.67
3 Sharaud Moore South Bay Track Club 16.58
4 Josh Codding UC Santa Barbara 16.68


MENS 200m Dash

1 Michael Davis CSU Bakersfield 21.73
2 Mike Mitchell South Bay Track Club 21.79
3 Antwaine Miller Cal Poly 22.04
4 Marty Affentranger Cal Poly 22.42
5 Charles Williams Fresno State 22.73
6 Eric Suprenant Cal Poly 22.78
7 Quenton O'Neal Fresno State


WOMEN'S 800m

1 Briana Barlow UCLA 2:19.40
2 Allison Gonzales College of the Sequo 2:20.99
3 Ashley Nolasco CSU Bakersfield 2:23.20
4 Latrisha Jordan Fresno State 2:26.18
5 Breeauna Thompson Fresno State 2:27.17
6 Tiera Hilliard Fresno State 2:27.53
7 Glennis Seldon South Bay Track Club 2:27.58
8 Cecilia Lopez CSU Bakersfield 2:29.41
9 Leeandrea Morton Pepperdine 2:38.69








Santa Barbara Easter Relays:
3/26/2010

Women 800 Meter Run 4:00pm
================================================================
Name Year School Finals
================================================================
1 Dell, Caitlin (Unattached) 2:20.15
2 Lundin, Emelie (Santa Barbara CC) 2:26.29
3 Seldon, Glennis (South Bay Track Club) 2:28.18
4 Edwards, Janelle (Cerritos JC) 2:30.06
5 Sahagun, Mayra (Ventura JC) 2:31.41
6 Pattison, Sarah (The Masters College) 2:32.93
7 Arce, Carissa (Ventura JC) 2:35.65
8 Stovall, Aundrea (Cerritos JC) 2:37.06
9 Olson, Rachel (Moorpark JC) 2:50.67
10 Samano, Edith (LA Valley) 2:52.44
11 Galmez, Melissa (LA Valley) 2:59.25
12 Torres, Lupita (LA Valley) 3:15.07


Men 4x200 Meter Relay 4:30pm
===================================================================
School Finals
===================================================================

1 Santa Barbara 'A' 1:33.01

1) Rosecrance, Jeff 2) Maldonado, Fredeberto
3) Flores, Javier 4) Morgenson, Donald

2 South Bay Track Club 'A' 1:34.30

1) Nelson, Delante 2) Metz, Steve
3) Moore, Sharaud 4) Mitchell, Mike

3 Cuesta 'A' 1:35.17

1) Axom, Ian 2) Kistner, Kevin
3) Jordan, Chris 4) Giordanengo, Dylan

4 Compton 'B' 1:41.60

1) Smith III, Robert 2) Woods, Samuel
3) Davis, Ramel 4) Holley, Benjamin






Run For The Dream @ Fresno State:
2/5/2010

Womens 800m Finals

1 Alexandra Lawman... Azusa Pacific... 2:17.45
2 April Montgomery... Cal St. Stanislaus... 2:21.45
3 Rubye Foldager... Cal St. Stanislaus... 2:25.25
4 Cecilia Lopez... CS Bakersfield... 2:29.96
5 Glennis Seldon... South Bay TC... 2:30.53
6 Megan Barnard... Fresno Pacific... 2:30.72
7 Colleen Rooney... Fresno Pacific... 2:30.83
8 Justina Sadauskaite... Cal St. L.A.... 2:32.25
9 Alexandria Gambala... Fresno State... 2:35.09
10 Brijon Menefield... Fresno State... 2:36.86
-- Megan Erickson... Fresno State... DNF



Men 55 Meter Dash
=======================================================================
Name Year School Finals Points
=======================================================================
Finals
1 Josh Norman... Unattached... 6.21
2 Ruben Williams... Heritage TC... 6.24
3 Mike Mitchell... South Bay TC... 6.36
4 Rashaad Johnson... Unattached... 6.51
5 Ryan Nichols... CS Bakersfield... 6.39
6 Michael Davis... CS Bakersfield... 6.39
7 Zachary Keene... Azusa Pacific... 6.46
8 Aaron Thigpen... Unattached... 6.51
9 Charles Williams... Unat, Fresno... 6.55 (6.41 in Heats)
**Steve Metz... South Bay TC... 7.72 (Masters, 4th in Heats)



Men 55 Meter Hurdles
=======================================================================
Name Year School Finals Points
=======================================================================
Finals

1 Bryan Clay... NIKE... 7.24
2 Timothy Bogdanof... Unattached... 7.31
3 Dominique DeGrammount... Unattached... 7.34
4 Cedrique Smith... Azusa Pacific... 7.49
5 Chris Randolph... VS Athletics... 7.71
6 Ethan Dejongh... Fresno Pacific... 7.75
7 Casey Stevick... Azusa Pacific... 7.91
8 Andrew Clark... Fresno Pacific... 7.92
9 Richard Holmes... So Cal TC... 8.00
10 Sharaud Moore... South Bay TC... 8.39
11 Alex Williams... CS Bakersfield... 8.45

2010 L.A. Marathon a Family Affair

Vitaliy Korzh Becomes First European Member Since 1987

The South Bay Track Club has always been in the forefront of innovation in the sport, being one of the earliest teams to travel extensively throughout the world in search of competition in the early 1980's, and the signing of Ukranian sprint prospect, Vitaliy Korzh is another example of the club's "Outside of the box" approach.

In its' 33+ year history, SBTC has fielded athletes from The Bahamas, Belize, Finland, Great Britain, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, The Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Liberia, Mexico, Nicarauqua, Nigeria, Panama, Puerto Rico, Sierre Leone, and Yugoslavia. The unique thing about this situation is that Korzh will compete for the team while remaining in his home country, making South Bay TC a truly international club. The last european to compete for the club while living in his native country was javelin thrower, Reimo Eskola of Finland in 1987. Eskola attended Cal-State Los Angeles in the early Eighties.

The 6'4", twenty-two year-old Korzh has already run 21.95 this season at an indoor meet in eastern europe. He has a PR in the 200m of 21.02 and Coach Len Webb is eager to work with him, albeit via internet and text-messaging most of the time, to modify his workouts and improve on his times.

The coach says, "My initial intentions are to monitor his training regimen and introduce him to the 'Drive-phase' style of sprinting that we produced here in the U.S. and is now being utilized by the Jamaicans, among others. I had alot of success in teaching it to Carmelita Jeter and Mike Mitchell a couple of years ago and they had breakthough seasons. I can visualize Vitaliy, who is a very raw talent and a great physical specimen, making the same sort of progress. Of course, I had those athletes in camp everyday, so the challenge is to get it done long-distance. But, we will meet up in person in the summer when we take a local squad over to run on the european circuit, and perhaps Vitaliy will be able to spend some time in the U.S. training with us next year."

Vitaliy's goal this year is to compete in the European Championships, and perhaps make a final.

Meanwhile, his local teammates ready themselves for their opening competition, an all-comers meet at Cal-State Northridge next week.

Support The South Bay Track Club by patronizing the advertised products found throughout the entire website! Just click on the banners to go to secured shopping sites. The club thanks you for your contributions.
***GMP Certified (Food and Drug Administration's current Good Manufacturing Process regulations, ensures WADA, USADA, UCI, IOC, and USATF compliance)

The Future Looks Bright As The "New Kid", Delante Nelson, Begins The Journey

Pre-season Training...Erricka Feazell (above) and 'The Fellas' (below)

Please support and donate to this worthy Program. Any amounts will be greatly appreciated and are very much needed!! We thank you, in advance, ffor anything you can give..just click on the "Donate" button to make a secured payment.

The Team's Current Activities:

Team Manager, Adrianne Webb Gets The Squad Ready For Action

November 8, 2009

Pyramid 5k Team Results:

Mike Mitchell - 3rd in Age-Group (30th Overall)
Erricka Feazell - 5th in Age-group
Steve Metz - 6th in Age-group
Delante Nelson - 9th in Age-group

Importance of Stretching Downgraded by Study

Contrary to the prevailing idea that stretching enhances athletic performance, a new study by UNLV kinesiology researchers found that certain stretching may actually reduce performance by decreasing leg power.

The study, which appears in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, investigated how two typical stretching techniques for the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in the legs affected measures of strength and power in a group of male and female athletes.

Specifically, participants were asked to perform a vertical jump and seated knee flex on three occasions after a typical duration of basic static (holding) and ballistic (bouncing) stretches, or no stretching at all. While little or no difference was found in vertical jump and leg torque, power measures for the stretching groups were significantly reduced.

"Athletes typically include static stretching as a part of the warm-up, but the evidence is clear that this practice will decrease performance in sports that require explosive movements," said UNLV kinesiology professor and study co-author Bill Holcomb, who directs the university's Sports Injury Research Center. "Developing flexibility is important for reducing sports injury, but the time to stretch is after, not before, performance."

Holcomb suggests that coaches limit stretch duration as a part of the warm up in most sports and refrain from pre-activity stretching altogether for sports that are reliant on maximum power. Instead, athletes should perform a whole-body warm-up activity followed by sport specific, or dynamic, stretching.

Power, calculated using a force-measuring device during the vertical jump testing, decreased between 2.4 and 3.4 percent after ballistic and static stretching. Vertical jump is commonly used in research as a predictor of power because the process of jumping requires a person to effectively generate force with their legs at rapid speed. Also, the hamstrings and quadriceps both function as major muscles used in jumping.

While the percentage of the power decrease may not warrant a change in warm up routine for recreational athletes, it is quite significant for competitive athletes participating in activities requiring maximum power, such as track and field and football, for example.

Participating in the study with Holcomb were UNLV Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition professors Mack Rubley and Mark Guadagnoli, and graduate kinesiology student Michelle Samuel. The study appeared in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and can be found online at: http://www.nsca-jscr.org.

UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff. Founded in 1957, the university offers more than 220 undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. UNLV is located on a 350-acre campus in dynamic Southern Nevada and is classified in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

**Coach Webb's recent article on a "Code of Conduct" for Track athletes will be published in the periodical, "The Pole Vault Standard"**

The Coaching Origins of Len Webb

In his 33rd year as the only Head Coach SBTC has had, Coach Len Webb has spent much of it being a "Lone Wolf", creating his own workout-plans, Inventing a "Basecamp", standing alone against the advent of the Shoe-company track teams and the "Big-money" sponsors. He has stood-up to those who said that his athletes were fools for not succumbing to the concept that taking performance enhancers was "okay because everyone else was doing it". Probably his most noteworthy achievement is that he has personally funded the team each and every year of it's existence.

But, Coach Webb had to get his inspiration from somewhere. And if you just ask, he'll be very quick to point to several people from both his past, and his present, as being mentors, inspirational figures, and motivational characters.

His list includes: Willie West, his Basketball Coach at John Muir Junior High and Crenshaw High School; Elmer Douglas and Harold Williams, his co-coaches at Los Angeles City College; long-time colleague, Tony Veney of UCLA; and his High School mentors, Merle Magee and Joe Douglas.

"Little-Joe", who is the man behind such legendary athletes as Carl Lewis, Johnny Gray, Leroy Burrell, Mike Marsh, Francis Santine and many, many others

If you're ever lucky enough to talk to Joe, listen closely when he speaks, and if you close your eyes, you might think that it is Coach Webb speaking instead. The coaching apple didn't fall too far from the coaching tree.

Please Donate To The South Bay Track Club. We hope that those persons who were inclined to support our program with generous donations would continue to do so as our program is not sponsored by any corporate entity and funds are very scarce, so we need your help! Please be aware that the team still has tremendous needs on a daily basis. Any donation will help...$5, $10, $100...whatever you can give. You can click on the "Donate" button to make a secure payment using your credit card, or your paypal account. All donations are tax-deductible. After making your donation, please return to our "feedback" page to leave your "best wishes" message to our athletes along with your email address. We will contact you to arrange a personal "thank-you" and send you a gift as token of our appreciation.

On The Track Scene:

USATF "Sounds-off" on Subject of Headphones

This week I address a subject that has surfaced lately on the New England running scene — headphones. Changes in technology have made the use of music devices more convenient for runners. The result is more runners wearing headphones and it has forced some folks to take a stand.

There are two issues surrounding the use of headphones. The first is safety. There is a strong belief that when runners are using headphones and listening to music they aren't fully aware of their surroundings. The argument is that anyone listening to music is not going to be able to pay attention to traffic, other runners, or anything else. That is why USA Track and Field has taken a stance. If a race wants USATF sanctioning that race has to ban headphones.

USATF sanctioning is not a requirement for a road race but, like chicken soup, it can't hurt. A race that has USATF sanctioning is announcing to the world that it has met certain standards for holding a race. It is like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval or a motel receiving AAA ratings. When you look at a race flyer and see USATF sanctioning you know the race should be well organized.

You will also know music and headphones are banned from that race because of USATF's stance on the subject. Again, for the folks at USATF it is a matter of safety. USATF's position is that runners will not be able to hear instructions before or during the race, won't be fully attentive to traffic, and won't be fully aware of other runners around them. Not paying full attention could be cause for an accident.

USATF is right and we all know it, even those who listen to music while running. Please don't waste my time by telling me you can listen to music on your headphone and give one hundred percent of your attention to your surroundings while racing. You can't, end of discussion. That is why USATF is smart to adopt this policy and races are smart to support and enforce this policy. I know the policy is an inconvenience for many, but safety trumps convenience. If you are a headphone wearer, I hope you respect the rules.

The second issue surrounding headphone use has to do with the image of the sport. Apparently there are old timers in the sport who object to the use of headphones. These old timers feel that "true" runners don't use headphones, and that headphone users aren't serious runners.

This is not a new argument. As the sport evolved over the past 20 years more and more "casual" runners are taking part. The focus has shifted from serious competition to participation. A lot of old timers object to the switch and feel the sport has lost some of its identity.

It is worth noting that at any race the fastest runners don't use headphones and listening to music while running does appear to be more popular with slower runners. That is why the old timers, who tend to be amongst the faster runners, don't like the change.

(by Andy Schachat)

Pearls from "The Webb"...

Practice is the first "brick wall" you must climb...there will be many more to follow

Do not confuse sarcasm for "wit"; know the difference between being smart and being "smart-assed"; know too, that innuendo masks a coward who will not be forthcoming and honest...

Jeanne Daprano (Georgia) set a world record for women 70+ in the 400m (1:18.64)...MY NEW INSPIRATION!!

South Bay Track Club announces a special program for our members and visitors in which we now can purchase the most advanced line of sports drinks, energy gels and recovery drinks and receive a 30% discount on all purchases. I’m sure you are familiar with the Accelerade, Accel Gel and Endurox R4 brands. These products are unique in that they contain a patented 4:1 ratio (4 grams carbohydrate to 1 gram protein). This ratio has been shown to provide significant benefits to endurance athletes including extended endurance, faster muscle recovery, reduced muscle soreness and better rehydration. For easy, secure purchase go to www.accelsport.com/southbaytrackclub Receive a 30% discount and pay a flat rate of $5.99 for shipping regardless of size. Limited time offer -get a FREE WATER BOTTLE for the next 30 days.

Click Here to Place Your Order (use "Back" button to return to our site)

2010 SBTC Active Roster:

Erricka Feazell: Hurdles (1st Season)

Sharaud Moore : Hurdles (5th Season)

Glennis Seldon: Middle Distances (1st Season)

Mike Mitchell: Sprints (3rd Season)

Delante Nelson: Sprints (1st Season)

Steve Metz: Master's Sprints (7th Season)

UCHENNA OBIORA: 400M - 800M (1ST SEASON)




TEAM MINIMUM-STANDARDS:
At this time, we are not able to take on any field events. Marks have to have been achieved within the past 18 months, or reached by mid-season in '08. Athletes not attaining standards will be placed in inactive status. Standards apply to "Open" division only.

MEN

100m (11.00)

200m (22.20)

400m (48.80)

800m (1:54)

1500m/mile (3:54/4:12)

5000m (15:00)

10,000m (33:00)

110H (16.0)

400H (53.0)




WOMEN

100m (12.30)

200m (25.50)

400m (58.70)

800m (2:17.50)

1500m/mile (4:40/5:05)

5000m (19:10)

10,000 (40:00)

100H (15.0)

400H (1:05)

South Bay Track Club announces a special program for our members and visitors in which we now can purchase the most advanced line of sports drinks, energy gels and recovery drinks and receive a 30% discount on all purchases. I’m sure you are familiar with the Accelerade, Accel Gel and Endurox R4 brands. These products are unique in that they contain a patented 4:1 ratio (4 grams carbohydrate to 1 gram protein). This ratio has been shown to provide significant benefits to endurance athletes including extended endurance, faster muscle recovery, reduced muscle soreness and better rehydration. For easy, secure purchase go to www.accelsport.com/southbaytrackclub Receive a 30% discount and pay a flat rate of $5.99 for shipping regardless of size. Limited time offer -get a FREE WATER BOTTLE for the next 30 days.

Click Here to be Taken to Our Product Site for More Information

Somewhere Over The Rainbow, The Perfect Running Scene

Welcome to the South Bay Track Clubs' Blog. On this page you will be able to follow the ongoing exploits of one of the countrys' best and longest lived programs in the sport of Track and Field.
Enduring since 1976, SBTC has managed to stay afloat because of its' basic philosophy...HONOR THE SPORT FIRST, RESPECT THE CLUB SECONDLY, and SUPPORT THE ATHLETES THROUGH EDUCATION AND MENTORING.
In keeping with that philosophy, please know that our ultimate dream at SBTC is to achieve a marvelous balance between a driven, goal-oriented person (a winner), and one who is at peace with themselves, on and off of the track.
It is easy in our sport, which is so intensely immersed in the idea of being healthy, eating properly, counting calories and getting fit, to lose sight of the value of being fit and strong mentally.
It's true that having a noncompulsive relationship with food frees our energy and time. It also allows us to feel lighter and less restricted. But happiness, as the saying goes, is not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have.
The truth is that many thin, fit people are miserable. Many of them don't like themselves. And all people -- thin or fat -- get old, have cellulite, and die. Being thin does not exempt anyone from illness, loss, or heartbreak.

Bummer.

But there's another way of looking at this. Some people spend a good deal of life believing that someone else has it better than they do. Now, whenever I find myself thinking that the answers are out THERE as opposed to in HERE, or if I catch myself wanting what someone else has or believing that I am the wrong person to be living my life, I do two simple things:
1. I take a few deep breaths.
2. I turn my attention inside myself instead of outside. How do you know when you're outside yourself? The first clue is that you start to feel panicky about needing to be "fixed." You embark on a major program of self-improvement, feeling two feet tall, weak, stuck, and unable to move forward with anything. That's when you know you need to climb back into your own body and focus your attention on yourself and what's really important in your life.
To do this, make yourself notice simple, concrete things: the pale turquoise sky, the cool air, the crisp taste of an apple, the fact that I have arms and legs. And, oh, I almost forgot: the sheer fact that you are alive. (That last one really helps. As far as I know, there are not many opportunities for earthly happiness if you are dead.)
Being concrete about what we already have works every time, and here's why: One of the few things over which we have control is where we put our attention. And if we pay attention to the fact that we can move, breathe, feel, laugh, cry, and notice sunsets, there is cause for joy. Every single one of us has a richly embroidered life, though different from the one (we believe) we would choose. If we put our attention on what we already have instead of what we lack, that desperate, panicky feeling that something is wrong and someone else has it better goes away. We come back home to ourselves and begin liking our own lives -- which is all we ever wanted from being thin and fit anyway.
So, as a club we will pursue with all our might the dreams and goals that each of our athletes are striving for. But, we will also note that we have a blessed situation. We train everyday with people who we truly care about, and who we hope care about us. We get the opportunity to impress and inspire people who we don't even know. And we participate in a sport that is the very essence of competition itself.

We are The South Bay Track Club!

by Coach Len Webb

(Geneen Roth, Health Expert, contributed to this article)

A Poignant Lesson In Regret

Tyson Gay has spent the summer of 2007 living large as the fastest man in the world.

Most notably, the Lexington product claimed both the 100- and 200-meter sprint championships at the U.S. championships.

Every stride Gay takes into track and field history fills the mouth of a 26-year-old man in Western Kentucky with a bitter bile known as regret.

"Tyson Gay, I'm proud of him and happy for him, I really am," Casey Combest says. "But, man, in high school, I used to beat him by about 10 yards. I see what he's doing now, it tears me up."

So the former Owensboro High track star is -- after legal trouble, working factory jobs and being long gone from the national track scene -- thinking about an against-all-odds comeback.

Combest was in Lexington over the weekend. He brought his 3-year-old daughter, Naraya, to compete in the 4-and-under division 100-meter dash at The Bluegrass State Games. (She finished second, beaten by Fayette County's Makenzie Wharton.)

Back in the late 1990s, Naraya's daddy was the sprinter whose exploits created a buzz that spread around Kentucky. By the time his career was over, Combest held the national high school records for 60 meters, 100 yards and 100 meters.

Erin Tucker, UK's current sprints and hurdles coach, recalls his days competing for the University of Florida and being at a national indoor meet. A jolt of electricity went through the whole place, he says, when it was announced that the high school division winner in the 60-meter dash had run a faster time than the first-place finisher in the college division.

The college winner was Tennessee star Leonard Scott (who also played football for UT).

That high school victor was Casey Combest.

"He had an amazingly fast start," Tucker says of the book on Combest in his heyday. "And that kid's central nervous system was just wired."

More than sheer speed, Combest was interesting. At 5-foot-7, 130-pounds, he looked like a budding jockey, not a potential world-class sprinter.

While there is far too much racial consciousness in American sports viewing, one cannot deny that part of the fascination with Combest was skin pigmentation.

It may be that white men can't jump, but Casey Combest was one white boy who could flat-out run.

That 1998 state high school championship proved to be the most notable showdown between Combest and Gay. The Owensboro star, then a junior, won both the Class 3A 100 and 200 meters. Lafayette's Gay, only a freshman, was second in the 100 and fourth in the 200.

Anticipation built the entire next year for a state finals rematch. It wasn't to be. Combest missed the '99 state track meet with a hamstring injury. Gay won the 100 and the 400, and finished second (to Lincoln County's Maurice Napier) in the 200.

Different paths

From that day, the life paths of the two sprinters dramatically diverged.

Combest signed to run track for UK out of high school, but didn't qualify academically.

Without the structure of school, he soon ran into trouble. "A guy was wearing a wire on me," Combest says. "I thought he was my friend, but obviously he wasn't. I was just trying to help him out, but I got busted for selling marijuana. I wound up with 30 days in jail and two-and-a-half years probation."

After basically spending two years out of track, Combest tried a comeback and had a shining moment as a junior-college runner. Competing for Wallace State in Alabama, he set a national junior-college indoor record (6.78) for 60 meters in 2001.

The next year, a Barton Community College (Kan.) sprinter broke his record.

That runner, Tyson Gay, ran a 6.65.

After he graduated from Lafayette, Gay went to the Kansas junior college, then became a standout at traditional track powerhouse Arkansas. After college, he moved seamlessly into international competition and, eventually, stardom.

In the meantime, Combest never made it to a four-year college. After Wallace State, he worked odd jobs, including mowing yards with a cousin.

Eventually, he got a full-time position working in a factory in Henderson. That has turned into a business opportunity for him. With the help of the factory management, Combest has started his own janitorial business that services the factory.

"I've got six employees now," Combest says. "And I try to hire people who need a second chance, people who've had things go wrong but are trying to get their lives going in the right direction."

People like Casey Combest.

Not long ago, Combest says he walked out of his house in Henderson and noticed something at the car wash across the street.

"I saw a girl that I liked," he says. "I rolled by there and said 'hey, you need to quit hangin' with losers and get with me.'"

Apparently, the non-subtle approach can work. A few weekends back, Combest rented a limousine and he and that same girl, Tisha, traveled to Memphis to see Graceland.

And get married.

The couple recently had a baby boy, who they named King Casey Combest.

Long odds

Casey Combest the original says he hopes his kids will grow up to be runners themselves. He figures the best example he can set for them is if they get to see him run himself.

So he says he's been training hard for some four months. His dad, Keith Combest (a former high school sprint star himself), is again coaching him, just as he did during Casey's heyday.

The Combest plan is, if training goes well, to seek invitations to run as an independent in indoor college meets at UK this coming year.

"If I can put up national-level times, then maybe I can get invited to the Melrose Games (a prominent indoor meet in New York's Madison Square Garden)," Combest says.

Tucker, the UK sprints coach, points out that because Combest never made it to major-college track, he never got the targeted weight-training, specialized diet and advanced coaching that helps most Olympic-caliber athletes go to the proverbial next level.

Now, having more or less been out of high-level track since his year running in junior college in 2001, the odds of Combest ever getting to the level of his old high-school rival Gay are astronomical.

After a long pause to think about it, Tucker says he can't ever recall a male track athlete being out of elite competition as long as Combest has and making it to the top as a sprinter.

"I'm not going to say it's impossible because nothing is impossible," Tucker said. "But it's going to be difficult."

Combest knows this. Yet when he sees or hears about Tyson Gay reaching another milestone, he can't help but think about their shared past and wonder what if he himself had made different choices.

Can't help but wonder if it is too late now to get back in the game.

"I know God gave me a gift and I haven't always used it like I should have," Combest says. "I just want to try to get back (to being) fast and get back to where Tyson is. What he does, it motivates me every day."

As Casey Combest might tell you, it's hard to keep the regret tamped down when it seems your life's soundtrack would be that old Billy Ray Cyrus song:

It Could Have Been Me.

(by Mark Story)









IAAF CONTROVERSY


AUSTRALIA will not host the World Athletics Championships for at least a decade after the sport's governing body rejected a strong bid from Brisbane and left itself open to claims of corruption.
Having spent at least $3 million on its bid to host the event in either 2011 or 2013, and travelled to Kenya to make its case, the Brisbane bid team left a meeting of the International Association of Athletics Federations disappointed and disillusioned.

Daegu in South Korea comprehensively beat Brisbane in the race to the 2011 event, while Moscow won the 2013 event, benefiting from IAAF's need to return the event to Europe to gain television funding.

The World Athletics Championships, never before held in Oceania, is considered the third-largest international sporting event after the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, and is a major economic and tourist drawcard.

But the last days of lobbying and the final bids made by the winning cities put a cloud over the process. Moscow hired Papa Diack, the son of the IAAF President Lamine Diack, as a consultant, and promised $US70 million in sponsorship for the IAAF, along with lucrative travel packages for IAAF members.

Papa Diack, in Mombasa, Kenya, for the IAAF meeting, was already facing embezzlement charges, accused of withholding sponsorship funding from the Senegal Football Association.

Daegu, which put forward a strong presentation which appeared to be on par with Brisbane's, also offered sponsorship but would not disclose the amount.

Brisbane bid team member Des Power said the IAAF, which for the first time openly asked the cities to come up with added incentives, had invited clandestine payments and could be seen to be inviting bribes.

Mr Power, the chairman of Queensland Events, said other major sporting events had rights fees which standardised the cash payments required and left no doubts as to the criteria used to choose a host.

“That's how the governing bodies of sport fund themselves, we have no problem with that, that's how they reinvest in the sport, but this obscure thing called incentive is very confusing and leaves itself open to criticism,” Mr Power said.

“It is the very mechanism that could tarnish the image of athletics, and that would be a great shame.”

While Queensland Premier Peter Beattie vowed to bid again for the 2015 event, Brisbane would face additional challenges, with a new council and a push from some countries to have the event hosted in the US.

Even Mr Beattie, who put up a last-minute government assistance package in an attempt to compete with Daegu and Moscow, could not hide his frustration at the lack of transparency in the process.

“If it was based on merit, I think we would have done very well and could have won,” Mr Beattie said, before leaving Kenya for Britain on the last leg of a two-week trade mission.

Athletics Australia president Rob Fildes said Brisbane put in an excellent bid without knowing what the other cities would be allowed to offer and what the IAAF would consider.

“We knew all along that there were financial incentives that were going to be offered that were stronger than we were able to offer,” Mr Fildes said. “What we didn't understand was how that process worked.”

Lamine Diack refused to speak to The Australian and the IAAF cancelled a press conference scheduled for after the announcement.

BLOG

(Looks Like She Just Read The Blog!)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2008: Unbelievable!! I haven't put pen to paper in two-thirds of a year!! Eight months since last I shared my thoughts. Well, it hasn't been because there has been nothing to say. Rather, in trying to keep true to one of my oldest and wisest policies, that being..."don't act or speak in anger or haste"...I have laid silent. Now, having taken a month away from the Track and Field scene, the anger has finally subsided to a level in which I can speak in candor without trepidation that something I say might be borne from that state of mind. And, since months have passed, I feel no-one will accuse me of speaking hastily. So, here goes...

GODDAMN!!! I just spent time with the worse set of athletes in my entire life. From just days before Basecamp began last November, when Whitney and her shadow were sent packing until two-weeks before the US Olympic Trials, I have witnessed the dawning of a "Generation of Athlete" that has to be corraled or it will definitely be all overwith for this Sport.

Indeed, several of the people whom I depend upon for sources of insight, motivation and direction have warned me in the recent past that the Sport was more than just..."In decline"...that in fact it already is dead. Still, like the dedicated doctor working feverishly over a fallen patient who has lost all "Vital-signs", I persevered to keep this elegant pursuit from ultimate demise.

When Coach Veney of UCLA murmers to me.."This Sport would be awesome without the athletes."...the haunting truthfulness of his words gave me pause. And, in witnessing the almost tearful plea from an obviously passionate Coach Fraley in January for the athletes participating in his indoor Meet in Fresno to step up to the plate and give the audience a great show for their money, I became apprehensive. My concern deepened when news came of Jeremy Wariner's split from his coach/mentor Clyde Hart and the sordid details of the machinations involved behind the scenes in the HSI camp came to light.

In late May, we had a Meet in Santa Monica and the one person with whom I have had the longest relationship in Track & Field, Joe Douglas, stopped by our little group to issue a kind word of hello. But, in the brief conversation he sent chills down my spine as he matter-of-factly ushered a declaration that "This Sport is DEAD". And he meant it...without hyberbole.

We're all too aware of the damage done by the the Balco fiasco. The "Image" of the Sport is now non-existent. But, the thing is...until now my assumption was that, at the core of the problem, there was something "corporate" in the failings of the Sport. I felt that either there wasn't enough money involved, or that what money there was involved was being channeled ineptly. Maybe the money was being corrupted, or something. Bottomline was, in my mind, the problems were basically related to money.

I WAS WRONG.

Money has been blamed for alot of things, especially recently. But money, or the lack of it, cannot explain away everything.

It cannot explain away not having any character. It cannot explain not having any respect for the Sport. It cannot explain not caring about those who came before you. It cannot explain the lack of honor...or committment...or effort...or ethic...it cannot explain the complete lack of "TRUTH".

Here is some good-ole truth...

I personally did the worse job of managing this club in it's entire history. Everything that happened this season is a direct result of that.

My first mistake was in taking on too many athletes. Like in the school system, class-size matters.

I knew early-on that I should have gotten rid of Cavetra, Bennie, Mike and Christol. I should have never allowed this club to become associated with Mickey Grimes ever again.

Cavetra is not a bad person, but she never really wanted to run track at this point in her life, so the involvement became an ordeal for her. I recognized that as she completely alienated everyone in basecamp. It would have been truly in her own behalf to have dismissed her then.

The first time I ever encountered Bennie, he showed-up to practice in his pajamas and slippers. He couldn't have been more clear about his intellect, his attitude, or his character if he had plastered it on a billboard.
In trying to honor the friendship of Coach Jim Richardson, a colleague who I have known since the late 1970's when I coached at LACC, I took a second look at helping Bennie. I only hope now, Richardson and I can survive the experience as friends.

Mike is a good soul and a tremendous talent. But, he has personal issues with substance-abuse (not performance-enhancing), that I was and am not equipped to handle. If I were honest enough with myself, I would have let him go right after Carmelita was rightfully ejected from the team. And, his family members should step-in to help him.

Christol is a lost soul. Much was done to help her and my conscious is clear about the efforts put forth by the club on her behalf. When she refused to sign the release to participate in our proposed video "Team Project", something detrimental to our move towards success, I should have dismissed her. It would have been a prudent business decision, not a personal one. And it would have been correct. Then the eventual decline in her support and loyalty to the program that provided her best performances would have been avoided.

Mickey Grimes has yet to tell the truth about anything, anytime, anywhere. My fault he was here...period.

In short order, I should have kept it "business", and when Gerald and April couldn't pay the required fee by the deadline setforth, I should have let business be business. In that way, I would have never had to withstand the constant mendacious nature of these two. The fact that they each seemed to be going through tough times and needed a helping hand only disguised the fact that they mostly had contributed to their own fates by perpetuating this unfortunate trait. To this date, they have not paid. My only caviat to this self-revelation is that, were I not to give some people a chance, as I did with Terri and Christian, who did keep their word, would I not be defeated by the worst offense of this profession? To wit: "Don't give up on anyone".

In Kim, I see myself repeating a behavior that I must conquer. When I do dismiss someone, make it permanent. Often, the behavior that leads to the initial problem is one that is beyond the bounds of my involvement as a coach to solve for that particular person. So, I must purge them from the program so that others can be given that energy and attention. Still, I must find a place for forgiveness in the system...I will work on that.

It is my complete dedication to the concept that each of us are "part of the problem or part of the solution", that induces me to write these thoughts down and publish them for others to know about, for I fancy myself as a charter-member of the latter.

We must face the truth that it is not the format of the Sport that is causing it's rapid decline. Nor is it the lack of sponsorship, or lack of corporate involvement. The media isn't at fault. Or the fans.

I always tell my athletes that "You have the power". It is YOUR time. It is Your talents. It is Your abilities and efforts. It is Your SPORT!!! No coach can create what's not already there. No Agent can produce an opportunity that isn't already created by your efforts and accomplishments. No MONEY can make you endure the pain, anguish, sacrifice and sufferings you go through to become better in your event.

So, if it's not being accomplished it's YOUR Fault. And if this Sport is suffering it's YOUR Fault. If this Sport dies it will be YOUR FAULT!

It starts with each and every one of you. No matter the stature. No matter the ability. No matter the fame. No matter the level.

Understand some basic truths...

Your talent is a blessing.
Your talent is fleeting.
The Sport doesn't owe you, you owe the Sport. You're not there for the coach, the coach is there for you, appreciate that.
Know that you can't do anything by yourself, and you cannot follow from in-front.
Know that you are in-line...behind those who came before you, and in front of those who are still to come...keep the line moving and keep the line straight.
Know that you WILL be an example...whether it's positive or negative is up to you.
Know the differences between "personal", "private", and "secret". Know that to say nothing can be as damaging as telling a lie, and in fact, can be a worse sin.
Know that in any situation, if the only person that can benefit from your decision is you, then it's probably the wrong decision.

Something very poignant can be taken from the fact that the only true bright spots of the season were all cloaked in irony. To wit: Terri coming to the brink of quitting, only to find herself and become our most improved athlete. Sharaud showed me his true worth as he fought valiantly for his daughter. Steve, being a guiding light to some very lost souls during the season, even as he was personally dealing with day-to-day struggles. Taliah, persevering through the end of the season despite a brutal work-schedule and non-existent private support from her family. She may, or may not be with us next season, but I admired her grit and determination.

It was the worst of the now complete 33 seasons of SBTC. But, things are relative. We still had two people get lifetime bests. Two others ran their 2nd best times of their careers. Two participated in the Olympic Trials and four qualified (our 7th consecutive Trials with at least one qualifier). Some teams would call that a great year!

The good news is, I came through it with my will and spirit intact. I am anxious to correct some of the mistakes I made this year, proving that you're never too old to learn something...especially about yourself.
YOU ALREADY KNOW...SBTC!





WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007: Thought perhaps I'd get one last blog in before the end of the year. It has indeed been just short of four months since I last sat down to pen my thoughts. Much has happened in the interim, most of it disappointing, just about all of it avoidable. The focus of my attention has morphed, unintentionally, towards the building of "character" amongst some of the membership. I am sad to say that the progress has been slow-to-none at all. In fact, there are moments of abject despair on my part with respect to gaining some amount of headway with these people. There is a core of about seven or eight athletes whom I feel confident will see some significant success during the season. A few others, whom I had expected to continue to show promise, have been somewhat of a shocking disappointment. Then, there is a third group of whom I don't hold much hope of reaching, at least not this year.

Whitney Graham and her "entourage" never made to Basecamp, then went out the door disparaging the club in a manner that nearly resulted in a civil suit. In fact, I still reserve the inclination towards such an action should I get the slightest provocation.

I must admit to having the least amount of fun with a group I've coached in the past twenty years. The culture-divide has taken a far more intensive toll than any "generation" gap could have possibly done. The lack of a strong work ethic, social morality, and historical-reference knowledge adds-up to a modern-day athlete that is almost completely un-coachable. Administering team speeches has become tedious.

And from the "outside", the sport has left us with precious little to become motivated around. The classlessness of Marion Jones may actually be superceeded in its' arrogance, and lack of compassion for the sport by those athletes who were on the relays with her as they balk at returning the medals that were won dishonestly. Their hesitance exposing what is truly wrong with all of sport in the world today...greed and selfishness. (not to mention that I don't, for a moment, believe that Marion was the only one in that group dirty as hell!!!!)

Next week, we begin a new month...a new year..a new season. It will be my 33rd. And still I persevere.
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2007: Celebrating the end of my youngest childs' first week of school. It truly puts things in perspective. Realizing that she is just beginning to explore this big world, full of amazing wonders and glorious experiences, and the inevitable dissappointing situations that we all must fact at times. Still, hers' is an enviable position...to be so shiney and new to all the world has to offer.

It is truly perplexing how, in every tender moment of your life, a parallel set of circumstances of almost the exact opposite nature, will coexist in your life. While I fought back tears of joy in seeing my five-year old present her kindergarten teacher with the proverbial "first apple" (provided by my eldest daughter who accompanied my wife and I to witness the experience of her baby sister, 26 years her junior), those tears could just as well been shed in sorrow for one of my athletes whose come through our ranks, flourished in the riches that is our program, and then lose all contact with the human qualities necessary to be a true champion, namely...integrity, honor and character. The realization that I had participated in nurturing a fantastic athlete, only to fail miserably in being able to reach and mend a lost soul made me as tremendously sad, as my "Bunny" made me deliriously happy. In the Orient they call it "The Yen and The Yang". I call it "Life". YOU ALREADY KNOW!!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007: Feeling better after taking some time off, and then bringing the squad back in for the beginning of the summer session. Had an enjoyable ending to the season, with Mike coming through big-time in San Salvador, and having Louise taking part at the World Championships in Osaka. She has responded very well to my training techniques, and the 37.12 for 300m she turned-in during final tune-ups gives us a glimpse into the future...can you say "QUARTER-MILER"?

Sorry that we haven't been able to get Bennie to come to grips with how much potential he has, and how he's letting it go to waste, but...you know, horse to water, that sort of thing?

Dominique is injured, handled it poorly, but I'm glad he made a positive jesture by coming out to practice to talk this week. The "healing" has begun.

The team has a mole, unfortunately. You know, someone intent on sabotaging our success. The wrinkle is, I'm not sure that this mole knows they're a mole, nor do they know why they want people around them to fail. Not to worry, I know who it is, and I will exterminate it when the time is right.

First session highlights are Kim and Christian, though Mike has been turning-up the notch on his game as well, and we all know he's got mad-game. Sherron's quietly hangin', as is Destany. Whitney got a late start, and the newest member, Terri had to get a "wake-up call" about our committment level, but I think they'll be just fine. Basecamp is around the corner...excited to have Tunde back in the mix. Taliah is very talented, but I've got to have a heart-to-heart with her about the schedule she's trying to carry. Steve, Sharaud, Christol and the rest of the guys are stalwarts. I feel whole again, having Adrianne back on the scene. I miss Linetta, and sorry we lost Armond.
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007: Wow! You know this thing about "holding your tongue" is maybe the hardest task I've ever undertaken.

For the past two months, I've written at least forty-five entries into this blog..then deleted each in favor of letting things simmer. And, if you're thinking that now things are gonna come blasting out of me like a raging river, you'd be wrong. Like the first President George Bush once said, "aint gonna do it!"

Just want to say that the programs' success rate is fully intact. Once again, we set forth a torrid pace in terms of victories and personal bests. Of the seven core members that were with the team from beginning to end, each one of them crossed the finish-line first in at least one competition. Three had personal bests, two remained on the world-list throughout the season, and one has performed on four continents.

Though I am absolutely sickened by the "state of affairs" within the Sport, the prospects of having yet more athletes compete in the biggest spectacle in sports..The Olympic Games..has me looking forward with great enthusiasm to next year.

I fully expect that we will land at least two people in the Games, quite possibly three or four.

That exhilaration aside, I must reveal a deep disappointment in a few people that I've dealt with this season. Though it's no particular persons' place to sit in moral judgement of others, neither is it healthy to "look the other way" when people are behaving dishonorably or disrespectfully.

Everything can be taken as a positive though. The motto that will forever resonate with me, borne directly from what I've had to cope with in recent weeks, now adorns the top of our webpage, and is among the truest things I've come to know in my fifty-four years on this planet. And trust me, it was a painful lesson to learn after being the person that I've been, and doing the things that I've done. But, lesson definitely learned! I bless the persons who taught it to me the hard way..I will forever be in your debt.

Discovered a new term a couple of weeks ago in a newspaper article..."frienemy" WOW!!
Then realized I knew some.

The Picnic was a life-saver for me. The most fun I had all year. I cannot thank those who attended enough. We absolutely will do it again, next year!

Taking a break from it all now...but,
YOU ALREADY KNOW!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2007: To quote one of my all-time favorite songs, "I guess you've wondered where I've been...I've searched to find the love within. And I came back to let you know, I've got a thing for you (Track & Field), and I can't let go."
Yes, it's been just over a month since my last entry. So many times I've had so much I wanted to share, but in the end I conceded to the notion that "silence is golden". As a team, we've continued to perform well. Destany Cearley shows promise in a new event (800m), and Steve Metz has shown unbelievable perserverence throughout the season, steadily dropping his times among the ranks of the Master's division. CJ and Mike were among the brightest stars at the Grand Prix Meet in Osaka, Japan. It marked the first appearance by SBTC in Asia, and we were a huge hit with the locals. The half-mile walk from the stadium to the train station for our ride back to our hotel took almost an hour as we were approached by a throng of young Japanese fans, clammering for our autographs.
The Japanese trip aside, the season has had its' ups and downs. To be sure, the state of the Sport makes operating a program very difficult, at best. Of course, the foundation of Track and Field is built on the concept of high individual achievement. But, it is also very clear that, as an entity, the Sport cannot sustain itself by placating the individual athlete. And so, as many have been proclaiming for a real long time, we as a Sport, continue to slide downwardly.
There are some (even within my own club), who are constantly saying to me..."don't write so negatively in your blogs." But, masking the truth is never a sage solution in the end. Those who only want to hear and see the positive, won't have much of it to savor, unless things that need to be addressed, are addressed.
The rest of the song referred to in my opening sentence goes..."My friends wonder what is wrong with me...well I'm in a daze from your love (Track & Field), you see. And I came back to let you know, got a thing for you (Track & Field), and I CAN'T LET GO. What you won't do for love (Track & Field)...you've tried everything, but you won't give up. In my world, only you (Track & Field) make me do for love, what I would not do." Feel Me?
Tomorrow, the Adidas Classic...Mike, Dom (injured) and CJ. YOU ALREADY KNOW!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007: Well, what a weekend! I guess for most people turning 54 years old, as I did on Saturday, the high-point would be the knowledge that in 12 more months' you qualify for the "Seniors" menu at Dennys'. But, for me this was one of the more memorable birthdays I've ever enjoyed. When others might be out trying to find the "fountain of youth", I already know where mine is. It's in watching my wife, Adrianne, continue to compete, and improve in the 5k. She knocked another 33 seconds off of her previous season's best at a race in Hermosa Beach, improving an overall 59 seconds in the last three weeks! I feel younger just watching Linetta continue to defy "father time", improving her time at three-miles by more than a minute and placing second overall to teammate Kimmie "G" who won the overall just one week after suffering through a miserable showing in her first race in more than a year, at an event held in Rancho Cucamonga. Over at Long Beach State, still another of my inspirations, Steve Metz, continued to impress in the 100m with a season's best time. The day was capped by Dominique taking time out of his off-day to make an appearance at the meet in support of his teammates and making the effort to deliver a gift from Destany of homemade cupcakes, baked hours after completing a day only those of us who have pulled the infamous "all-nighters" studying can appreciate. After taking her college exam, she drove thirty-something miles to compete in the 400H at Azusa Pacific and then went home to bake the delicious treats! Those who have known me awhile, know that I am not above shedding a tear, or two, from time to time. And this was one of those times. Unbelievably, she still had one more race to struggle through on Sunday at MT SAC. And, oh what a day Sunday turned out to be! CJ and Mike put on a show that had the entire stadium buzzing! I was soooo over-joyed for the both of them, and for our program. We have persevered, each and everyone of us, through many challenges during this, and many, many seasons. Still, we continue to be a proud, decent, honorable and successful team.
As I sat to do this blog, I was going to speak about the second story posted at the top of this page by The L.A. Times, in which the writer referred to us as "second-tier" athletes. I was so mad about it, my hands were shaking. But, as I reflected on the actual events of the weekend, I decided not to let some hack ruin the efforts of "MY" ELITE TEAM!
To Christol, "They too, serve, who sit and wait".
Next week: UC San Diego...YOU ALREADY KNOW!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2007: Today, contrary to the tag of this day being a "bad-luck" day, we had a very productive one. C.J. and Mike were absolutely stellar in representing our squad at the TEAM-USA relay practice held at Mt SAC. Both were selected to what amounted to the "A" teams in the 4 x 100m.
The only wrinkle in the otherwise beautiful experience came from the USA Head relay coach. It was his intention to consider the pool of athletes as the collective unit that will represent the United States in the next several major international meets. This despite the fact that, in actuality, all of the athletes have to qualify by making it through this years' nationals in Indianapolis and then next years' Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. So, he lept ahead of himself in his initial orientation speech, providing the athletes, several of whom were attending their first-such meeting, with information pertaining to this years' World Championships in August. Most of the athletes were of the mindset that they were there to prepare for the race at Mt SAC on Sunday, the ensuing Meet at Penn, and then the Grand Prix meet in May at Osaka, which confusingly, is the same site of the Worlds. So, with blank faces, the athletes sat trying to dicipher what exactly he was telling them. Giving out dates that were several months down the road, and explaining travel-details under a structure that pertains only to those athletes who have actually qualified for the team. Most confusing of all, was his reference during hand-off practice of an $80,000 payday for the relay. The reference being of the prizemoney for winning the World Championships. The same amount will be available to the winning relay team at the Olympics in Beijing. In 1996, our Linetta Wilson shared in a $60,000 relay victory.
So, relax team. When you travel, there is just a prepaid plane ticket in the offering, no choice of upfront cash. And, while there is no money at all for the race at Mt SAC, or Penn, there will be at the meet in May at Osaka, but it will fall way short of the $80,000 mentioned by the well-intentioned coach.
In other developments today, Destany fought her way through a very tough personal schedule to place third in her heat at Azusa Pacific. Tomorrow, Steve and Sharaud do battle at Long Beach State, Adrianne runs the 5000 at Hermosa Beach, and Kim will accompany Linetta in a 5000 in Rancho Cucamonga. On Sunday, Destany does battle with the 400m Hurdles again. Mike will run the 200m along with his 2nd leg assignment in the 4 x 100m relay Invitational. Dominique, unfortunately, will miss his third consecutive meet as he nurses a knee injury suffered at Stanford. And, C.J. will be featured in the womens' 100m Invitational which follows her stint in the 4 x 100m (3rd leg). YOU ALREADY KNOW!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


SUNDAY, APRIL 8,2007: HAPPY EASTER!
How appropriate it is that today, as a team, we celebrate a "rebirth", in a manner of speaking, of two of our most hard-working members, Steve and Sharaud. Given the opportunity to carry the clubs' banner while several teammates enjoyed a well-deserved day-off, these two stepped-up their game and made us all very proud. Sharaud (affectionately known as #19) got the day started-off is fine fashion, capturing his heat of the 110m Hurdles at The Pomona-Pitzer Invitational in a seasons' PR no less. And, after nearly pulling-off a stunning come-from-behind victory in his heat of the 100m, Steve ended the afternoon for SBTC by winning the 200m, also in seasons' best form. With Mike Mitchell suffering an uncharacteristic false start in his heat of the short sprint, these two veterans kept alive the clubs' streak, this season, of having at least two victories in every meet in which the team has participated.
Mike's sister Cavetra tried her hand at the 100m in this meet and looked very good in capturing 4th place, though tender hamstrings prevented her from competing in the 200m.
But, it is quite clear that this day belonged to the "S-Boys". Anyone who has followed these blogs will note the ongoing admiration I have for the persistence of Steve Metz. And to have it come to fruition is about as satisfying a moment any coach can experience. Sharaud now, has won two of the last three races he has run. Wow! What a turnaround for a guy who had to be talked-down from the ledge, so-to-speak, after a bad start to the season in Seattle. Gentlemen, Bunny and I doff our bonnets to you on this fine Easter Sunday! Well-done.
And kudos go out to Dominique and Destany who cheered so loudly for Steve people would have thought he'd just won the nationals. All of you continue to make me soooo proud of this team.
I am the leader, and often, as the saying goes..."heavy lies the head that wears the crown." On many occasions I must act as The Good Parent and mete out chastisement just as I do with my own children at home. But, like with my kids,it is done with the utmost of love and concern. Christol has referred to me on occasion as "track-daddy", a term I cherish. Some say that I rub people the wrong way at times. Well, I guess they said that to Mr. Lombardi. I know Kobe doesn't always think Phil Jackson is such a minch. It is said that Knute Rockne and the recently deceased, Red Auerbach & Eddie Robinson could make their players' blood boil at times. So, I feel in priviledged company. To my group, please know this..."If you really do put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price."
I find that this club has an incalculable value!
In closing today, I want to send holiday greetings to our agent, Tekoa Shalom, and his family. I want to thank him for his continued hard work on our behalf. You, too, have added to that value!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2007: Let's just get this out of the way first, because it's a small petty issue that started out with humor, but like many things in life, people don't seem to know where to draw the boundaries. Please miss me with the complaints about the gear! While I think sometimes it's meant as playful banter, beyond that point it's just rude and obnoxious. Dominique, you complain more than anybody I've ever coached with respect to the garments. It borders on obsessive. Sometimes it just seems to be complaining for the sake of complaining. Number One, the suit fits the way the suit is supposed to fit. You ordered one too small. But, it leaves me with no grounds to complain to the company, because that's the suit we ordered. The style might not be to liking. That's fine. I'm not a fashion designer...and I don't play one on the radio. I acquiesced to your favor, and bought you guys compression shorts to wear underneath. I have since seen at least ten teams doing the same. For weeks you have been wearing them. If now, all of a sudden they don't fit, one can only come to one of two conclusions: either you have grown, or YOU have shrunk them. In either case, again, miss me with the complaint. Simply do what I did...go to Sports Authority and buy another pair. DONE! CJ, your top and shorts are a "match", not a suit. So, the two "whites" up-close, are not identical. But, neither is "dingy" (at least they weren't when I gave them to you, lol). And, girl, NOBODY IS MAD AT YOU WHEN YOU'RE WEARING THEM!! Please trust me.
I purposely noticed the other teams. VS is a sporting goods company, and their gear looks to be from the bottom of their entire line. "Prime-whatever" don't even have any discernable gear, at all. I saw the so-called "Shoe-company" sponsored athletes, and they too, were pretty much non-descript.
The nuts and bolts of the situation (and I shouldn't even have to do this, because you guys just shouldn't even being going here with this crap), is that when you buy gear, not only do you have to find something you guys are gonna think is stylish, which no two of you agree on much, but you also have to find enough in the right sizes. You aren't all symetrical, so you can take a medium in one thing, large in something else and an extra-large in another thing. Then, that garment has to be silkscreened. The screener is usually backed-up several weeks on orders. Don't ask me why, but All of them are like that, even Hassan Bangurah. They then charge a "set-up" fee, a "screen" fee, and a print fee which is multiplied by the number of logos per item. It just isn't cost-effective to piece-mill a purchase. I can't just go buy one top and have it screened when the top cost $35 and the screening cost $80. Because the screening fee is per order, not per item. So, it's $80 for one garment, or 150 garments!
And you guys might still not get it, but the only thing that really matters to me is that logo!
Now, especially during the season when we have so many other costs associated with running this team (like the $3000 we're gonna spend going to Stanford this weekend), the last thing I'm concerned with is your shorts riding a little high! Pullllllllllllllllllezzze!
By-the-way, Mike, you are a super-star in the making. CJ, they are shit-faced in your wake. And the rest of you do nothing but make me proud every Meet. Adrianne, you're nowhere near the top of your Game, but you make them feel you everytime you're out there. Let's take it up a notch. Kim, come get yours'! Cavetra, like Steve, you give me such personal inspiration. Sharaud, not cool dude, standing up the team for a minor-league football game on Saturday.
You are all like my own kids. Sometimes I have to scream at you, but I love you very much!
Next up, Stanford....YOU KNOW!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2007: It was a very interesting day at practice...I had only one athlete scheduled (at 5:00am) and the session was over by 6:45am. Destany was introduced to the "Blast", and she handled it with flying colors.
Did some research, and found that CJ is number one in the USA in the 100m, 3rd in the world. She has also run the fastest 200m under any circumstances (wind, or no wind) in the world thus far in 2007.
Mike "Mississippi" Mitchell and Dominique are both among the top-ten in their events in the world, with Mike sitting as number two American in the 400m.
When Basecamp broke in November, we had a core of seven athletes. We now have the same number, with two others rounding into condition. Of the core seven that we now have, five have won at least one race in this early outdoor season. The sixth is about to run the first race that she's had in over six years, and the seventh, a Master's runner has, perhaps, made the most dramatic improvement of everyone on the team, and continues to toil away each and everyday.
In this "Day" of let's just all participate, and "give it our best", some of us are not afraid to "win". I am not afraid to coach my people to win!

On another note, there was an old seventies song that had a chorus that said..."you're so vain, you probably think this song is about you." Well, I'm not vain enough to think that everything somebody says is directed towards me. Still, some of my athletes think that some garbled attempt at composition from somebody in search of an identity was, at least in part, pointed in my direction. In the three and half decades in this business, I have never had my head so far up my back-side so as to try to tell someone else how to coach or run their organization. One of the first things the legendary Joe Douglas (who, along with Elmer Douglas and Merle Magee were my mentors) told me was how valuable it was to the sport to have as many different types of clubs and coaches as possible for the athletes to seek out, because it's not "one-size fits all". Still, the rant posted, challenged club coaches not to charge their athletes to be on their teams. This point alone, absolves me from possibly being the subject of this misguided attempt at castigation. For surely an adult healthy enough to contemplate involvement in Sport is capable of affording $15 per week in a show of committment to the process, when said process costs at least that much to cover Meet-fees without having that athlete feel like he's being put-upon. And, sad is the person who would spend 60 hours per week as I do, developing and nurturing a program for young professionals and then valuate that enterprise and expertise at a rate that amounts to $.50 cents an hour as being their "coaching fees". Ridiculous! I don't charge for coaching, so they can't be talking about me!
I have spent the past thirty-two years supporting the Sport of Track & Field, literally. To the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, from my own personal finances. My athletes wont for nothing. I give them the most precious thing I own...my time, just about all of it, and the absolute best instruction in America. The record bears it out. Olympians, Gold Medalists, National Champions, Meet and Country record-holders. A team member PR rate over the years of 98%. The current team is a testament to the continuation of that legacy. And the ones who don't survive the program are unfortunate.

Now, I don't have a sob-sad, dramatic story to tell. I was blessed to be raised by a dad who was always there, and a mom everybody on the block wanted for their own. And they're still alive. My grown children were never gang members. Today, both make six-figure salaries. My wife is multi-talented...and FINE! I'm financially secure and professionally accomplished. And I'm not so emotionally repressed that I needed to name the club after myself. So, I guess I'm not a sympathetic enough figure who goes around patting himself on the back for "surviving".
I do know this...when all of the "little dogs" are yappin' at your feet, it means you're the leader of the pack.
Tomorrow, Cerritos...YOU KNOW!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007: Slept in this morning (6:30am) wow, it was nice. Spending some time alone with my youngest daughter while my wife is attending a funeral today. I have begun work on an informational guide concerning professionalism. Basically a "how-to" offering on the correct approach to conduct becoming a professional with obvious emphasis on sports. As I have spent a considerable amount of time dealing with the development of Track & Field as a viable product in the sports industry, it is the natural progression towards helping its' participants to understand their proper involvement, and more importantly, their "responsibility" in the growth of the "product" they seem so intent in gleening a profit from. I often sit in complete amazement of athletes who expect so much, but are willing to "give" so little. My instinctive nature is to live the example that I espouse, but unfortunately, that isn't enough sometimes. In the recent weeks, I have fallen silent in witness of opportunity after opportunity for people who I know have heard my message to show me that they "get it", only to be disappointed on each occasion. I think that because I don't scream and shout, or call people out on the things they do at every opportunity, those people think that I didn't catch the things they've done, or that I don't care about it. Or, worse still, they think that I "approve". Instead, what I'm doing on those occasions is merely observing, because what I'm about is "big-picture", macro-issues. I have a creedo..."don't pet the sweaty things and don't sweat the petty things".
I intend to use these experiences to not only help put some of the current people on the right path, but to help those yet to come, on whatever team (because it's really about the survival and growth of the sport), to be willing participants in the nurturing of Track & Field.
When the piece is finished, it will be published on our site first, and then disseminated via USATF to athletes throughout the country.
Today, Steve will run the 100m and 200m at the opening session of The Aztec Invitational in San Diego. The remaining members of the team will compete tomorrow. This has been a very good week, training-wise, and I anticipate some very strong results from everyone. Let's have some fun.
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2007: I spent a glorious Sunday afternoon with my wife,daughter and the family pooch, cruising the coastline from Dana Point all the way back down to Long Beach. We stopped in Newport Beach for a nice seafood lunch. Then got the news that my son's Anaheim Hills neighborhood had been evacuated due to a raging wildfire. Fortunately, he was able to get out, taking some important personal items with him. Don't know how long he'll be displaced.
Another example of how life's fortunes can turn in a heartbeat.
The team opened the outdoor season in grand SBTC style at the Ben Brown Invitational hosted by Cal-State Fullerton and held at MT Sac due to Fullerton's renovating facilities.
Capturing four first places and a third place in nine total races, the club boasts three members on the early-season World list. Dominique got the day started with his all-time best season's opening race in the 110 Hurdles, clocking 13.86 for 5th on the list. Mike "Mississippi" Mitchell matched the 5th place ranking with a sizzling 45.88 for the 400m. And, after Sharaud's best effort of the year in the 110's with a third place finish in his heat, followed by a rousing finish in the women's 400 Hurdles by Destany to win the race, CJ capped the day with a world-leading 200m (23.46).
The day wasn't perfect. Steve and Cavetra were less than happy with their efforts in the sprints, though it was Cavetra's first competition in more than six years, so "survival" was more the goal in her case.
I was quite pleased with the performances, and while I do have some criticisms, they fall more in the category of team aesthetics and decorum. I am always trying to get the athletes to understand who and what this club is, and what it stands for. For some, this is going to take as much effort in which to comform as does their individual events. But for me, it is absolutely vital.
In the past several meets, one can look into our camp at the track meet and see CJ's little sister, Sharaud's daghter, Linetta's god-kids, as well as my youngest. That image means more to me than I think most of you know. This sport will be fine if we continue to promote that type of wholesomeness and family-oriented presence. To that end, I thank those of you who bring the kids out, and those of you who help keep an eye on them while they're enjoying the day with the people they assuredly look-up to. Please be mindful that we do have these young people in attendance. Keep your language clean around them. Don't litter, or set any other bad examples. Eliminate, at all-times, the N-word. Be courteous to the meet directors and the personnel who help conduct the meet, especially the starters and the clerks. If you intend to invite people, make sure they are aware of the type of atmosphere we promote. The "thugged-out" look is NOT welcomed in my camp. No bandanas...no saggin'. They're welcomed in the meet since I don't own it. But, not in the SBTC camp.
Corny? Fine. Not hip? Aint trying to be.
What I'm trying to do is appeal to the entities who we are trying very hard to impress so that we can get PAID! I want to be the people who the companies want representing them...to be partners with. Time to be professional and look professional.
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2007: My cold is under control. Down to just a nagging cough, which is triggered mostly when I laugh. So, dealing with this team works like the best cough syrup known to man.
We open the Outdoor season tomorrow at MT SAC with the Ben Brown Invitational. For those who may not know, "Benny", as he was known to us who had the pleasure of competing along side of him, was a high school rival of mine. We also, later, worked for a short time at the same courier company as very young men. He was an extremely talented runner, Gold Medalist on the '72 USA 4 x 400m relay team, a respected budding coach for Cal-State Fullerton at the time of his death from a car accident. But, mostly I remember him as a father and husband to his kids and wife. The virtues that I hold in the highest regard. I am honored every year to be able to bring a team to compete in the meet that bears his name. Here's to you Benny!
To my squad, I was encouraged to see you all starting to bond. Hope the IHOP stop was fun for all who attended.
Still, we must persevere to overcome the petty, nagging, complaints that threaten the sanity of your coach. I wonder if Phil Jackson ever has to deal with an athlete who tells him that he's tired of wearing the same uniform every game. I mean, the Lakers play 3-5 times per week, and especially on the road, they wear the same uniform every game. And don't get it twisted, they DO NOT have several of the same jerseys. On the road, they carry just one. Same with the Dodgers, or Angels. They play 162 games a season! Every, single one of them in the same uniform! They just alternate home and road gear. The individual shirts and pants may be different, but the uniform is exactly the same...same number, etc.
But, here we GIVE you guys expensive, one-of-a-kind, specially designed bodysuits, that you wear, at most, once a week! And I have to field text messages in the middle of my WORK DAY! about how "I don't like wearing the same thing all the time." LORD, WATCH OVER ME!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2007: Oh my gosh! It's March already. I still have Christmas pajamas from my son I haven't worn yet. We're into the third month of the calendar year, where has the time really gone? Indoors are a thing of the past and next week we get our first taste of the outdoor season.
We finished our most sucessful indoor campaign since 1997, when David Ashford, Mario Russo and Linetta Wilson made headlines. Only, this time the return home was a bit painful. After changing Gates, and waiting at the terminal for an hour and a half, we spent the same amount of time sitting on the plane waiting to be de-iced amid one of the heaviest snow-storms of Boston's winter season, before finally getting airborne.
Upon arriving home, I found that I had come down with the flu, the last thing I needed. As all of the team members know, my house is being remodeled, and we have no running water except in the showers, so we either have to eat out or send out. So, for the remainder of the week, I have just been struggling to get back on my feet.
On the track, I took the team through the season's first retro-periodization to focus on shoring up some of the base conditioning that had been sacrificed during the indoor racing cycle. That concluded today at Bluff Park in Long Beach.
Mike "Mississippi" Mitchell was especially impressive, though emotionally moody. Agitated, is the adjective to describe CJ, whose brief blurb silenced an otherwise gregarious moment along the tranquil ocean setting. My mom used to say that "her" dad used to have a saying..."even your teeth and your tongue have a falling out sometimes." Enough said.
Heard some rumblings about a proposed athlete's pow-wow, of which I have no details, seek none, and don't want to know the outcome of.
This I will say to all before you go in...
Most of the complaints that have led to this meeting, while valid in their offerings, are of a nature begging for proof of anything smaller in importance. And, while all who meet with criticism should certainly take it to heart with an open mind and a willingness to achieve harmony, let those who make the complaints know that I have complaints, too. And they are NOT small. And they include almost everyone of you who will attend this little confab. But, it is seasoned wisdom that has led me to know how to help you overcome that which "you don't know, that you don't know". And I do this with as little damage to either your personal character, or your relative status on this team. And, most importantly, with as little harm to your standing with me. For, it was one of you who said the truest thing stated this season in reference to me...I am here for you, you're not here for me.
So, go now, and fix that which seems so annoying that it blots out the success that we've enjoyed thus far together. Mend, if you must, those things which threatens to break the specialness that those outside of our organization yearn to experience and share. But, like my dad used to tell me and my brother whenever we'd make a mess..."make sure you get it all".
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!




MONDAY,FEBRUARY 12,2007 : To quote (paraphrasing, of course) the noble bard...to blog, or, not to blog, that is the question. Whether it is nobler to set things that be in the mind free, or, though it be purer than the purest truth, keep it to thine own heart lest the blog shall stingeth and render its' reader a death unbefitting and unnecessary. I shall retire in deference to the latter except to say that today was a glorious revelation, as all days are on this earth.




WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2007 : Another good day of practice, with 6 of the seven members on-hand for a rather tough day of sprinting. Destany continues to impress as she works her way into hurdling shape. Today, the national rankings were announced and our Carmelita Jeter (she likes to pronounce it.."Jet-ter") has the second fastest time in the U.S. in the 60 meters. She has also made it onto the national list in the womens' 200 meters (23.71). Also moving up on the list is Mike Mitchell ("Mississippi"). He is in the top-twenty (15th) in both the 60m and 200 meter Dashes.
C.J.'s ranking is the highest for a South Bay TC athlete since Linetta Wilson was 1st in the nation in the 400m after the 2nd round of the Olympic Trials in '96. Others to land in the top ten over the years have been: Donna Mayhew (1st for the entire seasons of '87 & '88 in the womens' Javelin), Renita Robinson (Olympic Trials winner in the Triple Jump in '88), and Sherron Rhetta (5th in the 800m at midway of outdoor season last year).
BIG-UPS to C.J.!
I think that it is time for me to make an annual announcement. PLEASE DON'T HELP ME COACH!!
For as many years as I can remember, I've had to admonish my athletes, whom I know have the best of intentions, but must be told not to step outside of their roles within this team. Fight the temptation to whisper into your teammates' ear some advice on their form, or to critique someones' performance. You can't possibly understand how overwhelmingly qualified I am to handle the half-dozen or so of you. Your job at practice is to listen intently, work aggressively and to be as encouraging as you possibly can to your teammates. Please don't admonish, berate, or criticize anyones' workout or race. Just be a cheerleader, when you can. Offer words of encouragement. AND...DON'T ASK EACH OTHER FOR A CRITIQUE! It is okay to share "war stories", its' not okay to say.."you should do it like this..." It's okay to share your general feelings about a particular event or workout that you've done. But, stop short of offering advice or critique as the listener. As the listener, just listen and encourage. Share a like experience, if you want. But, don't instruct. Remember, just because you have a drivers' license doesn't mean you know how to teach drivers education.
When you see a teammate make an error, or have a flaw, and you don't hear me say anything about it, its' generally not because I haven't caught it...or think its' okay. I have my reasons for why I say what I say, and for when I decide to say it. You might not agree with all of my assessments, but this is my job, and I've more than earned the right to have the benefit of the doubt. You wouldn't want to bet your paycheck, your car, or your house against my judgement. I take very seriously the responsibility of training each person out there. And no matter what one athlete might think of another one, I approach everyone with the same amount of energy and passion. If a mistake in judgement, or an error in instruction is to be made, IT HAS TO COME FROM ME! I AM YOUR COACH. I am THE coach out there, period.
Again, don't any one person take this personally. Like I said, I almost always have to give this speech each year. It's usually because people are trying to help. But, this is your careers, it has to be handled by an authority. If you want to be a coach, do it somewhere else. If you want to learn how to coach, ask me, and when I have time I'll give you some personal insight on what it all entails. Just trust me, I make it look alot easier than it really is! Seriously.
Congratulations to Sharaud for winning last weeks' MTR Quiz Grand Prize (Armitron Sports Watch).
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6,2007: What a grand morning! Had the chance to sleep in today, and it was awesome. Just lay in bed, watch the morning news and not have to rush out into the dark, cold morning. Aah, but nothing lasts forever. Heading out to give Adrianne her workout. Yesterday was another of those rare times when all seven members of the team were present at practice. It was a moderately difficult workout on a hill near campus, and everybody handled it splendidly. Was especially please with Cavetra and C.J., they really hung tough. So did Steve and Sharaud. The entire squad was really energetic and no one really lagged behind. Best of all, we were in and out by 7:30am! Truly a nice day, capped-off with a wonderful Italian dinner at Marri's with my wife and youngest daughter, Bunny...can you see me smiling from here?
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!




SUPERBOWL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2007: Must get this entry in as quickly as possible because I want to be in full "football" mode today. Just finished watching Spike Lee's momentous tribute to the Jazz Musician, "Mo' Better Blues" this morning and feeling very philosophical, or should I say, more philosophical than usual.
Yesterday, we had a split schedule for the team. Adrianne did a magnificent job, taking half of the squad to Long Beach State's all-comers meet. Destany and Sharaud had good days, much needed for the latter. Steve also performed in the 60m and 200m. We're still trying to get some work in for Cavetra so that she can be placed in the mix soon.
The other portion of the team accompanied me to Flagstaff, Arizona for the Mountain T Indoor meet. While times continued to improve for all three athletes in the group, unfortunately, we came away with just two victories (Mississippi won the 200m Invitational in 21.08, and C.J. won the womens' 200m in 23.71).
We were reduced to runner-ups in both genders of the 60 meters , as well as the 60m Hurdles.

On another note, I have found that the best way to handle a potential crisis is to not allow it to become one. So, let me remind the membership, once again, that this is a "team". And that it is my complete intention to have it remain one, and to have it run smoothly, professionally, and in a dignified manner.
Having been involved in this sport since long before ANYBODY on this team was born, I am fully aware of how easily track athletes tend to slip into a single-mindedness, and start to think only about themselves. Hence, the designation "unattached". Being a part of something isn't always for everyone. Some people need to be on their own. I think those types of people miss-out, but I understand the dynamic...just don't agree with it. Here at SBTC, it will always be about the "team".
On still another subject, Adrianne and I were having a conversation about how difficult it is to get Track & Field athletes to understand the essence of the sport. And then, on a larger scale, Sport in general. I was pointing out that what sport is about is competition. That an athletes' first competitor is themselves. We agreed that competition was the way of seeking answers to three instinctive questions. To wit: "Can I do THAT?" "How well can I do THAT?" And, "Can I do THAT better than YOU?"
What we discovered though, was that there's a fourth question that comes into play..."How will I react to the answers?"
And when you examine the world of sports today, it's dealing with that last question is what creates the broadest spectrum for analysis. For surely there is evidence that in discovering the answer to this most difficult, but simple, question can cause results as vast as the many circumstances under which the answer, itself, was reached. It is also the bane of every coach, in every sport known to mankind.
Some, who have the answers come back in the affirmative, bask in the glory of a journey well travelled and conquered. While others, succeeding as well, let the experience transform them (often for the worse). And perhaps for those whose answers come back in the negative, the reactionary realm is even more expansive. Some shrug it off, and adopt an attitude simular to an appreciative "winner", realizing the triumph that exists purely in the involvement. While others see it as a complete indictment of their worth as a person. And again, the coach must help guide each type through a healthy resolution. NOT AN EASY TASK!
I want to end this entry with this pearl of wisdom to my membership (whom I have nothing but affection for, though I often have to chide them, as I have done for all of my past athletes...and my kids, too): Know that Track & Field, Baseball, Football, Basketball, etc. could all be contested without clocks, scoreboards, or tape-measures. Just need rules and an objective. Statistics are just tools to subjectify the outcome in case that outcome is not in your favor. In each sport, whether you're playing or watching, if you know the objective, you know who won. And who won is the point. When I coached at Los Angeles City College, my assistant was also the football coach. On Mondays I would always ask him who won the game over the weekend. Then I would automatically ask him the score. And everytime he would look at me with this bizarre expression, and say..."too-much to not-enough". It took me awhile, but I finally got it.
There is a line in an old song (I know you guys hate 'old-school') that says..."you might be a sweet young pretty-pretty. At the dances you can't keep your seat. But, if dancin' don't lead to romancin', you might as well be born with two left-feet." WORD
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!




WEDNESDAY,JANUARY 31, 2007: The week has been a blur. After an exhilarating, but exhausting trip to Seattle, this week has seen 4:30am training sessions on Monday as well as today, with more of the same tomorrow. And then we split the squad this weekend for Meets in Long Beach and Flagstaff, Arizona. Personally, I am completely fatigued.
As mentioned, we did very well at the University of Washington Indoor Meet. Mississippi completely dominated the competition at 60m and 200m. Included in the field against him was Baylor University's top sprinter, Reggie Witherspoon who proved to be no match for SBTC's Mitchell. C.J. was just as impressive on the women's side, matching Mississippi's USATF National Indoor qualifying mark at 60 meters with a splendid time of 7.32...her best-ever opening mark.
Others who looked good in the Meet were Dominique and Destany. Dom overcame two bad starts in both the prelims and finals of the 60m Hurdles, and still managed to be the only hurdler in the house to break 8 seconds, clocking 7.99 and 7.96. He just missed the qualifying mark by .04 hundredths of a second.
D.C. ran a very aggressive women's 400m race settling for second place in her heat, as she gave up the lead late.
Those in attendance were treated to what a "professional" team looks like.
I think my team has come to expect some harsh criticism in these blogs, and there were some things that didn't go as I would want them to, but I think that people on this team have come to understand what types of things bother me, thus I think that mostly those who offended know what they did.
Just want everyone to focus on the fact that what we are trying to do with this club, we do with the overall concern for the sport of Track and Field primarily and, while it is important to me that each and every one of my members are given the opportunity to be all that they can be, I treasure providing a platform for these talented people to stay in the sport and help it thrive. It is not my intent, however, to be seen as Mr. Money-bags. It is common knowledge that I have been blessed to this point in my life to amass a small fortune. I consider myself committed to providing the athletes with their needs. But, it is within reason. People need to understand that the path I took to financial solventcy has more to do with how I "spend" rather than how I "earn" my money. And I monitor very closely that spending. I want the athletes to continue to have a sense of priviledge rather than a sense of entitlement. No one is EVER "entitled" to anything in this life.
I work harder than they can possibly know to help put them in a position to do their best, and I don't want a single thing in return other than their continued maximum effort to do and be their best. An occasional "thank you" is nice, but a driven committment to achieving their individual potential and loyalty to the club means more to me.
I won't put her on the spot by blogging a note sent to me, unsolicited, by one of the ladies on the team, but I want to say to her that she sooooo GETS IT!! And it is a pleasure to be able to work with her.
We are off to a great start, but there is alot of hard work ahead. I am proud of the chemistry that has begun to blossom on the team, though some members still have to understand that I don't assess the value of the membership by the results of the races, but by the overall contribution each person makes to the team. Winning races are what we're "supposed" to do, that is what it is. But, I look for more.
And I am profoundly sorry for those athletes who started out with us, (and others who we had offered this opportunity to), who have not taken advantage. You have truly missed-out. This club is starting to show that it is very special.
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!





MONDAY,JANUARY 22, 2007: Today we trained at the incredible time of 4:30am, at Cal-State Long Beach. This was due to C.J.s' job obligations. As evidence of how strong the bond is becoming between the members, five athletes showed-up to train with her, sacrificing that valuable extra hour, or so, of sleep. It's difficult to verbalize what this will mean to the success of this particular squad. It is immeasurable. I especially applaud Cavetra, who was extremely sick with a cold, and still she attended at that ungodly hour. Though he assured me that he would get the workout in later in the day, I am dissapointed that Steve(he's sick, too) was a no-show.
I feel it necessary to counsel the squad on the nature of committment. If you tell someone that you are committed, dedicated and pledged to a certain pursuit. Those words have no shape, no form, no identity...until the moment that something presents itself to challenge those doctrines. It is only in that moment that you can verify your character. And be aware that those moments don't necessarily repeat themselves. You may get only one opportunity to display your inner-self. When, as a coach, I find that people come up short, it doesn't make me angry so much as it dissappoints me. I feel sorry for them actually. Because, to not be able to authenticate your willpower leaves you in a vulnerable state, not capable of being counted-on for the things that you say. In fact, you can't even count on yourself. And that can have disasterous results in some cases.
It is part of my Gig to challenge athletes' will...their courage...their heart. When they sense anger, what they really are perceiving is my dissappointment in their failure. There is no value to me, the club, or even the sport, to have athletes fail. And though failure is a real element of life, a person should heed the message from a literary classic which reads: "...and so do not go gentle into that good night. Rage! Rage against the darkness of the night!"
When things are hard, when times are tough, show your "rage" against the looming failure. Be it the competitor in the next lane, or the situation at work that threatens your tranquility, or the significant-other who wants you to come over late at night when you know you've got to be at practice early the next day. Say to yourself, "I'm not going to let this sitation defeat me, or make me quit. I'm going to absorb the challenge, and come out the victor!"
On another subject, after doing this job for thirty-two years, it has become second-nature to pick-out the tiny subtle hints in an athletes' conversation that lets me know they have an issue with a topic or concept that I have expoused. Such might be the case with respect to my position on perserverance where injury is concerned. Thus, I shall try to make it clearer.
In a competitive environment, the essential concept is VICTORY! Not clock, not reward. This has to be an uncompromising state of mind. It can't be governed by the perceived value of a particular event, such as a national championship or a Meet final. It can't be dictated by the values of the other people in the contest, or their reputations and accomplishments. It has to be a "Right Here-Right Now" attitude, nurtured to the point of being subconscious. Once you arrive at that psychological destination, the only thing that will interrupt your mission will be a legitimate physical breakdown(and sometimes, not even that will stop you). Anything else leaves you subject to underperforming under various circumstances. Now, many people have the concept of..."It's hurting and I don't want to make it worse." Unfortunately, a "little" injury often has just as much of a debilitating effect...sometimes more...than an injury that takes you completely out of action. Hence, to me, other than the severity of the actual pain, it is just as well that you go through with the complete breakdown. Often the treatment is more well-defined, and thus the recovery is more complete. Even the overall time away from action can be shorter than if you are "babying" a nagging problem. How do you know when to characterize a problem as an actual injury? Simply, when you can't perform the range-of-motion required for your event without compensation. Pain-level should not be a factor. If you can't take the pain, that's more of a sensual concern usually. Some people have a minor challenge physically, but if they possess a low pain threshold, they think their injury is worse than it really is. Because this particular sport involves dealing with a certain amount and type of pain on almost a daily basis, it is very advantageous to develop a tough mentality to better cope with pain. If you are going to abort an effort everytime you reach a certain pain level, it is going to be a challenge for you to attain your ultimate potential. And succumbing to the subjective statement..."well, I know MY body better than anybody else", is about as sure a formula for failure as exists in the world. Please know that "pain and fatigue can make cowards of us all."
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!




SUNDAY,JANUARY 21, 2007: Yesterday we competed at an all-comers Meet at Cal-State Long Beach. As expected, we did quite well. Particularly, C.J. and Dominique. Both were very impressive with multiple efforts during the day. Dominique got the morning off to a great start with an outstanding 60m Hurdle time of 7.84 in his first race of the year. Focusing on a new start-technique, he looked very explosive from the blocks and carried it throughout the race. Also in the Heat and having a fine debut, was Sharaud finishing in third place. It was one of his better hurdle races since he's been on the team.
C.J. was just as explosive in the womens' 60m race, performing one of the best marks in the Meet. Her opening round time of 7.12 was bettered when she jumped into the mens' section and gave them all a hell-of-a-challenge, finishing in an outstanding 7.0 (one judge had a hand-time of 6.96). With her glorious smile and charm, she reminds me of another athlete that I've been associated with...Linetta Wilson. Despite possessing untapped ability, they each were obsessive about their mechanics and are consumate perfectionists. Yesterday, with the entire gallery of onlookers in absolute awe, C.J. was seemingly close to tears. The emotions wore on her face so evidently that, while I was in the midst of counseling her on the outcome, another coach felt compelled to come to my aid in assuring her that the performance, indeed, was spectacular. One day, in 1996, Ms. Wilson ran argueably the greatest single-day double in American history, winning the 400m in 51.56 and then coming back to get second in the 800m in 2:02.60, losing the race by one-hundredth of a second. On that day, it was all I could do to convince her of the quality of that effort. The second-place 800m was ruination for her.
I am loath to live through that again with another athlete. I want to have C.J. comprehend how talented she is and bask in the glory of achievement, all-the-while, fully understanding the need and desire to keep getting better. But with the vision that the preverbial glass is half-full, not half-empty. That we are on this wonderful and marvelous journey, never really knowing where the destination is. No one has EVER run the perfect race, and hers' certainly wasn't. But, the flaws were earned honestly. By that I mean, she knew instantly what she had done wrong and the errors weren't from lack of effort, but lack of practice. There was nothing in her performance beyond her ability to grasp and correct with time. I want to celebrate with her after these triumphs, not "cheer her up".
Others who impressed on this day were, Mississippi with a 33.80 effort at 300m. And Destany (42.0) for the same distance. Both led comfortably throughout their events, with Destany looking particularly sharp and strong. Rounding out the teams' efforts yesterday was Steve, whose improvement continues to amaze me. I'm starting to have serious considerations for processing him through the Masters' division at Meets this Spring. For now, though, he's battling the youngsters still, and doing a great job.
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!




WEDNESDAY,JANUARY 17, 2007: Today we trained at CSULB with a nearly full squad on hand. Only Cavetra was missing due to job-obligations. I had the requisite pep-talk with C.J. and she responded with a stellar workout under tough conditions as she's still recovering from a bout with the Flu. She is going to have a fine season, I can tell...barring any bad injury. The same can be said of Dominique, who is rapidly becoming one of the best team-captains we've had in quite awhile. Right now, he's cringing at split times in the hurdles that many orninary runners would love to be able to do at this point in the early pre-season. It's a great sign of his high expectations. This morning we timed his touchdowns over the second hurdle, and despite some inconsistency in his approach to the first hurdle, his touchdown times would consistantly put him in the low 7.7's for the 60H, and that would rank him very high nationally right now. Still, he and I know that he is very capable of much more...
Steve continues to impress as he pushed Dominique through some session-ending deuces. Steve seems to have found some sort of fountain of youth. His effort level is second to no one on the club.
Quietly, Mississippi has resumed his position as the clubs' top propect. Rolling through a set of 200m's with moderate rest, Mike is regaining some of the strength lost during his vacation to,where else? Mississippi!
Final roster for the early-season travel squad is: Destany Cearly (400m); Dominique DeGrammont (60H & 200m); Carmelita Jeter (60m & 200m); Steve Metz (60m); Mike Mitchell (60m & 200m); and Sharaud Moore (60H).
Those athletes must secure proper photo ID and a secondary ID (Credit Card,Gas Card,school ID) and have it in your posession whenever we travel.
We will discuss flight arrangements, room assignments and other details at practice.
Saturday, the above athletes will compete at Long Beach State's all-comer meet. I will announce event assignments tomorrow.
I am ready for the season to begin, hope that the athletes iron-out some the wrinkles that have cropped up mostly off of the track in recent days. It might sound beligerent, but let's get our shit together RIGHT NOW! Those who WANT to, let's...and those who are just trying to "BLEND", let's not!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!




TUESDAY,JANUARY 16, 2007: Today was a scheduled off-day. Week is off to a rather slow start. Mondays' workout was marred by very cold weather, illness and a couple of absent athletes. In addition, it was a national holiday and the overall atmosphere around town was quiet.
We are within two weeks of our first official Track Meet. Scheduled to compete in the Meet to be held in Seattle, Washington are: Carmelita Jeter (womens' 60m & 200m); Dominique DeGrammont (Mens' 60H & 200m); Mike "Mississippi" Mitchell (60m & 200m); and Steve Metz (60m). Questionable for the trip and the remainder of the indoor season is Micah Levi-Clark due to injury. In addition, I have decided to replace Sharaud Moore on the trip with fast-improving new-comer, Destany Cearly (womens' 400m). A final roster will be sent to the Meet Director on Friday, Jan. 19th.
The practice schedule resumes tomorrow at our home track in Long Beach, where we're scheduled to compete Saturday in an all-comers Meet. !SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!




SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2007: Today was to be our first organized meet of the season, an all-comers affair at Serra High School (Meet was originally supposed to be at Lawndale H.S., but there were some snafus amongst the organizers and they sent it over to this little school in Gardena).
The television show "On The Spot", had contacted me earlier in the week and wanted to do an interview with me regarding my humble induction into The Global Society's Who's Who In Executives and Professionals. In keeping with my personality, I asked if they could do the interview at our track meet so that I could share the experience with my team. Afterall, it's the pursuit of excellence with this club that has led to much of the success that I am being honored for.
However, it became clear to me that it would be better if I conducted the interview in a more private setting. In part because of the disorganized manner in which the meet was being held. But, also because I was very dissappointed in the overall level of our performance.
I need to be very clear that my entire ire is directed at the men's portion of the squad. In fact, the ladies were stellar. Carmelita (CJ) Jeter ran a very impressive 38.75 for 300m (52 seconds 400m pace) and Destany, Cavetra and Adrianne went through a tough fartleck as part of a planned workout during the meet, and they looked great! Destany is weeks ahead of the projected developmental schedule and will be re-evaluated and accelerated. Cavetra is showing extreme dedication towards regaining her competitive conditioning after an extended hiatus from the sport. And Adrianne (almost exactly twice Destany's age) continues to amaze with her resilence. By-the-way, an alumnus of SBTC was in attendance as a participant in the Triple Jump, Lavelle Davenport, a member from 1983 - 1988, was with the team when most of the people on this year's squad were still in diapers. Kudos to Lavelle!
The men's 4 x 200m team of Mitchell (20.90),DeGrammont (22.76),Moore (23.14) and Levi-Clark (21.56) looked very smooth with really no competition after the first 100m of the opening leg. And Mike "Mississippi" Mitchell impressed in the 100m (10.60). A sick Steve Metz fought valiantly through a rare 400m performance.
My irritation came with the lack of professionalism displayed when I asked the athletes to warm-down properly; and when Sharaud continues to think that our purpose at the meet is to provide the crowd with a stand-up comedy routine instead of an all-out effort on the track with little or no fanfare. But, most of all, I was dissappointed in a lack of toughness, heart and guts shown by a couple of people on the club, one of them I am particularly counting-on to come through with the season of his life.
It is true that we have many new faces on the team, and some are not accustomed to what to expect from me when certain things occur on the track. Well, here's what to expect...
expect that, unless your leg is dangling in a 90-degree angle from your torso, I will assume you're "Jaking-it". Unless your temperature is over 102.5, I assume that you're punking-out. Unless I have to give you smelling-salts, I assume you're a slacker.
Understand this...Ronnie Lott of the 49ers cut-off the tip of a broken finger so that he could go back into a football game (and it wasn't the super-bowl). Know that in 1969, the year after Bob Beamon smashed the world record in the Long Jump in Mexico City, he broke his right foot (his take-off leg) mid-way through the season. Without enough time to regain full strength in the foot just weeks before the Nationals, he went on to the meet anyway and won the Long Jump with a leap of 27-plus feet ON HIS LEFT LEG! My own daughter ran a cross-country meet one Saturday at Mt SAC in 90-degree weather, wound-up going to the hospital in an ambulance brought onto the track...she was at practice that Monday!
Now, if you are going to pull up everytime you feel a twinge somewhere, somebody (and it might as well be me) needs to tell you that TRACK and FIELD AINT FOR PUNKS,PUSSIES,SISSIES,SOFTIES, or the heartless!
Let me tell you guys this...whenever we go somewhere, wherever we go, I have your backs in every way. Monetarily, morally and if need-be, I will get down in the mud and scrap with and for you. You are MY team, and I will never let you down or embarrass you! I want you to feel secure enough to say..."hey coach is here, we'll be okay". I will go to war with you. But I gotta know that you will do the same for me. I gotta know that you're not on that field looking for a way to punk-out. You don't have to always win, but I don't ever expect you to lay down and quit!
If these words sting, then I'm probably talking to you. If not, then war-on!
We've got one more all-comer meet coming-up next week. And then it's on! We practice Monday, at the regular time. I was fortunate enough to have lived through the lifetime of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and saw him speak in person. And anyone who thinks that he would have wanted people not to go to work on his behalf, need to pick up a book and read about one of the most remarkable human beings ever to walk the earth. We will work very hard Monday...in his honor! !SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!


FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2007: Today is a scheduled off-day, designated for light jogging and/or weight lifting. Yesterday, we trained at our home-site under cloudy, cool conditions. For the first time this season, there was a full squad of ladies to do a workout together. After losing the core of our women's program due to unforeseen situations, it was nice to see that the club was resilient enough to regain its' footing and things look very good for that portion of the program. New-comer, Destany Cearly, has joined the team as a 400m Hurdler to accompany 100m hurdle specialist, Cavetra Mitchell (Mike's sister) and sprint star Carmelita Jeter, also in her first season with the team.
The guys had a very light session, working exclusively on block starts and baton exchanges.
There were a couple of indvidual personal issues concerning a couple of members that were succesfully remedied. It's all-good!
Tomorrow, we have our first all-comers meet, used to test our fitness-level at this particular point. Times and marks are not important right now, but we plan, as always, to win our events.
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



Monday, January 8,2007 :Today practice returned to our home track at Cal-State Long Beach. For the first time in over a month, all of the men on the roster were in attendance. The workout, done in flats, was moderately difficult. We worked in three separate groups, though Cavetra, whose workload was increased today, blended into Group II after completing her plyometric drill and Dominique caught the end of the Group I drill as his group was depleted when Sharaud (who lost last night's dinner into lane four) and Steve left early to keep Job committments. Carmelita was absent today. Mike struggled some as well in his first full track workout of the New Year.
For the first time all season, every member is current with their fees! Great Day!
!SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!



Saturday, January 6,2007 : Today we trained at a popular workout spot in Manhattan Beach, California known as "The Dunes". It is an approximately 100 meter-high mound of sand with a 7-degree vertical angle that tests ones' aerobic fitness intensely without much of a residual effect on the joints.
There were some three or four hundred people of all fitness levels and ages, both male and female out there enjoying the fabulous weather and getting in a great workout.
After a brief encounter with the parks' security regarding my puppy not being allowed on the premises, we got started with what amounted to a lackluster session. In the past week or so, we have had a much better effort-level and some visible improvement is evident in most of the athletes, particularly Micah, Dominique and Carmelita. But most improved of all at this point has to be Steve Metz. Except for a chronic tardiness problem (which was addressed by both, his peers and yours truly), his overall effort-level has been raised a couple of notches over what it used to be.
Over the years I have learned to let some of the things that crop up to annoy me,have time to work themselves out without my having to intervene. Still, it is necessary for everyone to understand what will and will not fly with me.
I guess what will never cease to be an absolute irritation with me is missing practice. I refuse to accept that, short of a life or death situation,there isn't any legitimate reason for missing practice. As I have done with every team that I have coached (even my college teams), I let it be known that I will work with almost any time frame to get in our scheduled session. That said, on occasion someone will oversleep. Someone will need to go in early to work or school. But, a three week "vacation" after a gruelling basecamp period designed to achieve a career-changing fitness level? In that period of time, we had ten meaningful workouts that can never be replaced. Oh, we will get Mike in shape, but there will always be the question of how much was sacrificed by the loss of time. If you think that nothing was lossed, you are plain ignorant to the process of physical achievement.
That's a first for this club. And I won't let it happen ever again.
On another subject, I'm at once, happy and irritated with Sharauds' mocking impersonations of my lectures. I'm glad that he does listen (apparently intently) to what I have to say. But, I want him, and everyone else on the team to know that I am serious about the topics I choose to impart wisdom on, and that I mean to be taken seriously. Many times I will repeat a statement, or a story, to edify my squad on various lessons pertinent to both life in general, and things that will take place in competition. If I'm saying something that you've heard before, kindly stand silent and let the message get through to someone else, better still, listen to it again yourself. Often you'll get new meaning from the same story. Either way, don't mock me. I don't like it.
I want to thank Carmelita, Dominique and Steve for being paid up for the season. And Micah and Sharaud for catching up their accounts. It shows your committment to the program,and Adrianne and I appreciate that more than we can say.
The subject of the equipment came up again today. In being honest, I have never had as many comments on this subject in the entire history of the club. I'm talking National Champions, Olympians, record-holders...none of them showed as much misguided concern over the apparel. In addressing this, as it seems I must, let me tell you that what we give out we do EXACTLY THAT, GIVE it to you. But, there is no entitlement intended or inferred. We committ to outfitting our club with a collective "UNIFORM", with the intent to portray an affect on the witnessing public. The inherent "LOOK" comes from the collectiveness, that is, when we all are wearing the same thing it has a powerful effect visually. It says that you belong to something that is bigger that yourselves. Some of the athletes on the team are concerned with how "they", in particular, look. It is meaningful to note that these people use the word "Gear" and not uniform. I understand that it comes from the single-mindedness infused in this individualistic sport, but that is exactly the point. The uniform is the only thing that draws us all together as one unit...as a "team". So, it is not my intent to have absolutely everyone be totally in love with the apparel. I've never had a team in which everybody liked everything. But, unless the garments prevented them from exercising the various ranges of motion necessary to succeed in the particular events, no one has ever "threatened" not to wear the uniform. If I don't make an impression upon an athlete within the first week, or so, of training with me, that this is going to be the best, most interesting, most fulfilling track experience of their lives, then I haven't gotten my message through. If an athlete wants to be on my team because my uniform is cute, rather than the fact that they are going to be a part of something great, then that athlete needs to go where the uniforms look sweet. And when we come to a Track Meet, we will whip that sweet uniform right off of that sweet ass. Been there, done that...many times! Priorities, people, priorities!
Today, there seemed to be some fraying of nerves around the edges. Sharaud snapping at Micah for urging him down the hill; Steve taking exception with being chastised about being thirty minutes late to practice. Everyone needs to take a deep breath (see the article above). It's going to be a long season and we need to be able to take some criticism from time to time. On the other hand, I urge everybody to back down on the raggin' and teasing a little...it does get old. We are getting ready to go on some trips, and I promise you with every honest bone in my body, if anyone embarrasses this club, or me, with loud, vulgar outbursts, or speaks out of turn rudely to any of our hosts, or acts inappropriately on the plane or at the Meet, I will send the person(s) home immediately and I never want them around SBTC again...period! And I especially implore you to watch the cursing when we travel.
I am proud of the group we have. I am impressed with the capabilities of each person on the team. I hope that we will continue to grow closer to one another. I see alot of WINNING in our future! SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB!

If Runners Ruled The World

Imagine a new world order in which running twice a week is mandatory for schoolchildren. Kids will be initiated into a vigorous lifetime fitness routine that will go far toward alleviating childhood obesity and promoting a healthier nation.

And more: For everyone younger than 30, running twice a week is required by law. Those older than 30 and younger than 50 who choose not to run may procure exemptions but will pay a "sedentary" tax. For those older than 50, walking may be substituted for running at a ratio of 2 miles to 1. Running octogenarians are required to register where and when they run so that others may line those routes and applaud.

Sure, this sounds ambitious, perhaps unenforceable, to the faint-hearted. And I've anticipated a few complaints:

"I'm 32, I've run for two weeks, I'm tired and achy, and I don't want to pay that tax."

Coffee and ibuprofen. Everyone's tired, that's why God invented Starbucks. More than half of today's runners imbibe the magic java bean before they run. The other half, how they get out the door I have no idea, although Barry Bonds might. Sore, even injured? Pop a tab; 200 milligrams of ibuprofen will likely cure what ails you. Ibuprofen is the penicillin of the modern world.

"It's too cold to run during the winter."

You're not running fast enough. Striders, pickups and tempo runs chase the blues and the chill away. If you must, go to the gym and run on a treadmill, but indoor running is only rarely a good alternative to getting outside, no matter the weather (and may soon be subject to a fine). By the way, warm-weather running in rainsuits "to lose weight" will be illegal in the new world.

"I know that running is good for you, but is it really a sport?"

Not only is running the world's first and best sport, it is also the purest. And based on general principles that have nothing to do with the fact that soccer -- soccer!-- is more popular than track and field, David Beckham will be forced to relinquish half his salary to USATF. Moreover, the men's and women's national marathon championships will be held on Feb. 4 in Miami and finish in Dolphin Stadium during halftime of the Super Bowl. Finally, Rosie, Trump and Babs will settle their differences on the track at 5,000 meters; if that isn't sport, I don't know what is.

(by Jim Hage)

When San Jose Ruled The World In Human Velocity

Once upon a time, San Jose ruled the world in human velocity.

As a consequence, it also spawned an iconic symbol for human rights.

That, ostensibly, is the reason for the newest exhibit at our local history museum.

But who am I kidding? If you are a sports geek, you will mostly love seeing the cool old starting blocks. They once held the feet of San Jose State's numerous world-record sprinters.

Also, the USA warm-up suit from the 1960 Rome Olympics. It belonged to Muhammad Ali's coach there, Julie Menendez.

Also, some unbelievably mammoth trophies that were presumed lost many years ago after San Jose State dropped track as a varsity sport.

These are among the artifacts displayed in ``Speed City: From Civil Rights To Black Power.'' After an opening VIP reception tonight, the display opens to the public Friday, January 12 at the History San Jose complex in Kelley Park.

Let me put this as succinctly as possible: Every resident of our city -- and every lover of athletics -- should stop in for a look. And please take your kids.

Here is one of my pet peeves: Because our schools and teachers are so overwhelmed teaching the mandatory subjects for national tests, local history is often neglected. Kids grow up knowing so little about their own city's past. And no element of San Jose's history is more compelling than the scene that developed here in the late '60s, when San Jose State became a whirling, multiracial salad bowl of sports activism.

The whole thing climaxed with the famous raised-fist demonstration by SJSU athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos after they won medals at the 1968 Games in Mexico City.

Urla Hill, who graduated from Independence High in 1981, had seen a photo of Smith and Carlos' Black Power salute. But not until Hill enrolled at San Jose State did she develop a passion to explore the era that produced the salute. Her father's employment with United Airlines allowed her to take trips around the country to collect information and memorabilia. And now, as guest curator for the exhibit, she can finally show off her hard work.

``It feels really good to see it come together,'' Hill said recently as she tended to the exhibit's final touches. ``And I think my parents are going to feel even better about it. They probably want to see what I've been doing all these years.''

Hill has indeed been busy. Besides all of the above, the exhibit includes a jacket from Olympic discus thrower John Powell, a protest banner that reads ``LET US MARCH!'' and a mural painted at SJSU that depicts Smith and Carlos and is defaced with angry graffiti that reads ``DAMN COMMIES.''

Neat stuff. But the best museum exhibits -- in sports or otherwise -- do not just display neat stuff. The best exhibits explain why the neat stuff matters. And what it signifies.

For those of us who were not in San Jose during the '60s, one question rises to the top: Why did it all happen here? Why did two track athletes from San Jose State, rather than some other school in some other city, become such a focus for civil rights? Why did other athletes here back their cause?

The ``Speed City'' exhibit makes a stab at an answer. Hill's interpretation points the arrow at several equality-minded coaches who landed at San Jose State during and just after World War II.

Among them was Bud Winter, a track and field genius. In 1939, the San Jose State yearbook shows no black athletes. By 1942, a picture of the track team coached by Winter includes four.

Meanwhile, a military veteran named DeWitt Portal had also arrived as the school's boxing coach. In the service, he had met Menendez, an Hispanic kid from East St. Louis. When the war ended, Portal invited Menendez to enroll at San Jose State.

``There were people angry at Portal for doing that because Menendez didn't speak English well,'' Hill says. ``So what does Menendez do? He majors in English, graduates from San Jose State magna cum laude and then goes on to Stanford and earns a master's degree.''

After Portal died, Menendez took over the boxing team and followed Portal's non-discriminatory practices. By that time, San Jose had also become home base for Yosh Uchida, a Japanese-American veteran who started the school's judo team after the war and eventually became the U.S. national team's first coach, at the 1964 Olympics.

A photo of Yoshida's team from that year shows faces of all races, including a Native American named Ben ``Nighthorse'' Campbell, who went on to become a U.S. senator from Colorado.

This multicultural stew, combined with the outspoken nature of certain San Jose State faculty members, created the energy that led to the Mexico City moment. Hill would love to locate the two black gloves that were lifted skyward by Smith and Carlos. But their whereabouts remain a mystery. Instead, she is settling for something more tasty.

It seems that in the 1950s and '60s, many downtown restaurants would not serve the men. Winter and his wife took it upon themselves to keep his athletes from starving.

``Bud's wife would cook pies or cakes as a reward for winning races,'' Hill said. ``Tommie Smith's favorite was her pineapple upside-down cake. We got the recipe. We're going to serve it at our reception opening night.''

(by Mark Purdy)

Above and Below, The Club Is Putting In The Hard Work

The South Bay Track Club Has Travelled The World

1996 Olympic Gold Medalist, Linetta Wilson

Coach Webb's Biography

LENARCE BRIAN WEBB
Born: April 14, 1953
Birthplace: Michigan City, Indiana
Eldest of four children(siblings: Lawrence,a Cable TV Producer; Leslie,an Auditor & CPA for IRS,and Lauren,homemaker)
Wife: Adrianne, road-racer (17:04 for 5K; 1:24.10 for Half-Marathon)
Children: Kerri(34)Information Director for LA County Board of Corrections, Kenneth(32)a Gourmet Chef & Accountant for Living Spaces Furniture Chain,and Third-grader Kristen(8)

EDUCATION: Crenshaw High School('71); Los Angeles City College('73); Cal-State Los Angeles('76)
Degree(s): AA Degree(Journalism);BA Degree (History); MA Degree(History/Kinesiology)

ATHLETIC HISTORY:

Hockey: James Whitcomb Riley Pee-wee League Goaltender of the Year('63)

Football: Indiana Pop Warner League Rookie of the Year('63); South Central(Los Angeles)Annual Middle School Football Classic Player of the Game('68)

Baseball: Van Ness Junior League Batting Champion('67); Harvard Recreation Center Playoffs MVP('67); South Bay Baseball Jamboree MVP('67)

Wrestling: John Muir Jr. High School Light-weight Champion('68)

Basketball: Watts Summer Games Junior High School Tournament MVP('68); Crenshaw High School "CEE" Level MVP('69); Crenshaw High School MVP('70); Crenshaw High School City Championship Team('71);Los Angeles City College School of Journalism Basketball MVP('73)

Golf: Once held the Cal-State Los Angeles Juniors Course record

Tennis: Student Instructor of the Month at Cal-State Los Angeles(Spring '76)

Track & Field: John Muir Jr. High School record-holder @ 50yd(5.85), 660yd(1:21.80), 440yd(50.04),mile(5.01); Crenshaw High School 3 x State Meet Participant (880yds & Mile Relay); All-City @ 880yds('71)
TOP MARKS:(Track marks Converted from Imperial to Metric)
100m(10.86); 200m(21.40); 400m(46.31); 800m(1:48.95); Mile(4.16); 5K(16.46); 4 miles(20:32); 8K(28:53); 10K(36:00); Half-Marathon(1:22); Marathon(2:58)

PROFESSIONAL COACHING: Served as Road Marshal for the Mens' and Womens' Marathon at the 1984 Olympics. Represented the USA at the Italian Conference on Muscular Dystrophy in Bologna('93). Served as Meet Director of The Cub Invitational('81), The Southern Calif. Master's Championships ('80), The Schick Centers 5/10k('79) and The Now Commercial Brentwood 5/10K('80). Won Three Southern California Conference Junior College Championships @ Los Angeles City College in five-year career('78-'82).
For South Bay Track Club, coached five National Champions(Daymon Lee & Renita Robinson,'85 Juniors; Donna Mayhew,'87-'88; Robinson again in '88 Seniors); Five Olympians(Joe Radan,'84; Donna Mayhew,'88 [FINALIST]; Renita Robinson, '88; Linetta Wilson, '96 [GOLD MEDAL]; Andrew Reyes, 2000); Sixteen Olympic-Trials Performers; and as international coach, five foreign Olympians(Fabian Whymns, '80 for The Bahamas..Victor Alvarez,'80 for Honduras..Beatrice Utondu, '92 for Nigeria..Henry Andrade,'96 for Panama..Andrew Reyes, '00 for Liberia); one NACAC Carribean Gold Medalist (Mike Mitchell,'07); three World Championships participants..Mickey Grimes,'01 [GOLD MEDAL]..Louise Ayetotche and Carmelita Jeter,'07)

Currently: Owner of Making The Rules, Inc; United Council of American Athletes and The South Bay Track Club. Webmaster of Makingtherules.com And Junior Writer for Essay Writers of America (EWA).
Honored as "Who's Who In Executives and Professionals" in 2007.

SOUTH BAY TRACK CLUB
ALL-TIME ALUMNI RANKINGS (Based on overall contribution to the success of the club)

(As of May 2012)


MEN

100m / 200m

1) Mike Mitchell ('07 - ), **20.33; NACAC Champion ('07)
2) Mike Lewis ('93 - '97), **10.10
3) Rodney Lewis ('92)
4) Aaron Thigpen ('90)
5) Jeff Williams ('87 - '88), Olympian ('96)
6) Antonious Dotson ('92 - '94)
7) Mickey Grimes ('99 - '00), WC Champion ('01)
8) David Thomas ('77 - '79)
9) David Brown ('88)
10) Fabian Whymns ('79)
11) Ruben Benitez ('99)
12) Johnnie Johnson ('86)
13) Ezell Mayfield ('84 - '86)
14) Robert Hackett ('88)
15) John Gloud ('77)
16) Al Ros ('93)
17) Clifton Mayberry ('78)
18) Andrew Reyes ('99 - '00), Olympian {Liberia,'00}
19) Asa Aarons ('86)
20) Sweeney Williams (2010)
21) George Reddick ('77)
22) Neal Gadison ('88)
23) Steve Metz ('99 - Present)
24) Damien Murphy ('04)
25) Anthony Beamon ('92 - '94)
26) Andre Norris ('84)
27) Bennie Robinson ('08)
28) Lonnie Cruel ('09)
29) Delante Nelson (2010)
30) Jorge Richardson ('05)
31) Sean Foster ('00)
32) Michael Washington ('87)
33) Armand Ross ('77)
34) Crayton Moore ('77)
35) Michah Levi-Clark ('07)

400m
1) Daymon Lee ('85 - '87); National Junior Champion {45.80, 1985
2) Mike Mitchell ('07 - ), **45.88
3) Antonious Dotson ('92 - '94)
4) Jeff Thorbs ('92 - '93)
5) Bennie Miles ('79)
6) Carl Jenkins ('82 - '87)
7) Erwin Hickman ('82)
8) Marvin Douglas ('87)
9) Albert Shorts ('79)
10) Shante Williams ('94)
11) Jerome Ussery ('76 - '77)
12) Billy Shores ('86)
13) Greg Washington ('87) {deceased}
14) Paul "Bootsy" Harris ('81)
15) Jon Collins (2011)
16) Brandon Brisco (2012)
17) Delante Nelson (2010)
18) Anthony Smith ('79)
19) Hopeton Rochester ('80)
20) Harold Williams ('83)
21) Keith Davis ('06)
22) Timmie Smith ('80)
23) Gary Brown ('87)
24) Christian Dennis ('08)
25) Lonnie Cruel ('09)
26) Jason Hitchens ('06)
27) Ray Craig (2011)
28) Micah Levi-Clark (2011)

800m

1) Percell Keeling ('78 - '82)
2) Frank Nelms ('76 - '82)
3) Peter Mogg ('79 - '88)
4) Terry Goods ('88), **1:47.97
5) Jeff West ('82), {deceased}
6) Edward Daily ('84 - '97 & present)
7) Robert Brown ('79)
8) Victor Alvarez ('79 - '81); Olympian {Honduras}
9) Troy Collins ('95)
10) Michael Armbrister ('83 - '85)
11) Randy Osborne ('84 - '86)
12) Keith McDaniel ('86 - '88 & '95), {deceased}
13) Brandon Shaw ('05)
14) Edmund Chavis ('85)
15) Conrad Gonzales ('77)
16) Arnold Fisk ('89)
17) Bill McCullough ('78)
18) Ron Rosas ('79)
19) Aaron Phillips ('90)
20) Floyd Brown ('78)
21) David Rodrigues ('99 - '00)
22) Jon Collins (2011)
23) Ed Giles (2011)
24) Ty Bennett ('95)
25) Hopeton Rochester ('80)
26) Greg Pratt ('00)

1500m / Mile

1) Ian Alsen ('94 - '95)
2) Sasha Vujic ('94 - '95)
3) Wes Ashford ('87 - '88), **3:49.50
4) Percell Keeling ('78 - '82), 4:09.00 {mile}
5) Cleveland Whelan ('84)
6) David Rodrigues ('99 - '00)
7) Rich Burns ('84)
8) Steve Flynn ('97)
9) Ryan Holman ('80)
10)Treg Scott ('89)

5000m / 5k

1) Jeff Smith ('89), **13:59.00
2) Sasha Vujic ('94 - '95)
3) Ian Alsen ('94 - '95)
4) Carl Smith ('79)
5) Victor Carrillo ('83)
6) David Rodrigues ('99 - '00)
7) Tom Gurley ('79)
8) Fred Doubell ('83)

110H

1) David Ashford ('93 - '95 & '97)
2) Malcolm Dixon ('86 - '90), **13.50
3) Mario Russo ('96 - '97 & '00)
4) William Skinner ('88)
5) Dominique DeGrammont ('05 - '07)
6) Terry Johnson ('95)
7) Johnnie Johnson ('86)
8) Tony House ('92)
9) John Johnson ('91 - '92)
10) John Kelly ('77)
11) Kim Kelly ('79)
12) Darrell Reed ('77)
13) Mike Lee ('88)
14) Brandon Hendricksen (2011)
15) James Macraney ('91)
16) Michael Simmons ('91)
17) Sharaud Moore ('06 - 2011)
18) Tony Amerson ('88)
19) Kelvan Gamble ('97 & '00)
20) Elmo Paige ('88)
21) Armand Goodin ('07)
22) Deric Hughes ('97 & '00)
23) Ray Jenkins ('86)

400H

1) Paul Thompson ('97) **49.97
2) Antonious Dotson ('93 - '94)
3) Andrew Fields ('87)
4) Stefan Flenoy ('92)
5) Keith Davis ('04)
6) John Johnson ('91)
7) Bernard Oliver ('88)
8) Aaron Roberson ('88)
9) Hassan Bangurah ('00)


10,000m / 10k

1) Carl Smith ('79) **31:02
2) Victor Carrillo ('83)
3) John Roberts ('00)
4) Billy-Ray Maldonado ('80)
5) Carlos Naranja ('80)


High Jump

1) Ken Banks ('86) **7' 6 1/2"
2) Greg Denby ('82 - '84)
3) Joe Radan ('86 - '87), Olympian ('84)
4) Henry Boyd ('79)
5) William Winston ('77)
6) Jesse Hill ('77)
7) Bill Abbott ('86)
8) Clinton Haynes ('77)
9) Edgar Lightbourne ('00)


Triple Jump

1) Douglas Garner ('83 - '84) **54' 5"
2) Darryl Taylor ('86 - '88)
3) Stan Oporski ('89)
4) Rayfield Dupree ('83 & '88)
5) Lavelle Davenport ('88)
6) Ralph Mitton ('88)
7) Ray Jenkins ('86)


Long Jump

1) Dannie Jackson ('90) **25' 11"
2) Veryl Switzer ('88)
3) Babatunde Ridley ('05)
4) Erin Bailey ('95 - '96)
5) Darryl Taylor ('85 - '88)
6) Marvin Douglas ('87)
7) Ralph Mitton ('88)
8) Glen Ladson ('79)
9) Lupe Rios ('79)


Pole Vault

1) John Besmer ('93 - '94)
2) Doug Wicks ('88) **17' 8"
3) Keith Adams ('79)
4) Jeff Ferguson ('79)
5) Robert Pullard ('79) {deceased}


Javelin

1) Bill Staengel ('79) **222' 0"
2) Reimo Eskola ('87)



Women


100m / 200m

1) Carmelita Jeter ('07) **11.05; **22.82
2) Louise Ayetotche ('07 - '09)
3) Beatrice Utondu ('97)
4) Kateena Bugg-Berry ('99)
5) Linetta Wilson ('91 - 97 & '00 - '06)
6) April Brown ('08)
7) Cavetra Mitchell ('08)
8) Myra Mayberry ('85)
9) Terri Andersen ('09)
10) Whitney Graham ('07)
11) Robin Simmons ('89)
12) Stella Martin ('97)
13) Danielle Athy ('08)


400m

1) Linetta Wilson ('91 - '97 & '00 - '06), **51.02; Olympic Gold Medalist('96)
2) Marcia Tate ('88)
3) Easter Gabrielle ('91)
4) Becky Sorensen ('99)
5) Louise Ayetotche ('07 - '09)
6) Destany Cearley ('07 - '09)
7) Lori Shaw ('90)
8) Terri Anderson ('08 - '09)
9) Sherron Rhetta ('03 - '08)
10) Glennis Seldon (Present)
11) Loretta Whitehead ('95)
12) Kim Gildersleeve ('06 - '08)



800m

1) Linetta Wilson ('91 - '97 & '00 - '06)
2) Becky Sorensen ('99)
3) Marcia Tate ('88) **2:02.31
4) Tania Acosta ('95 - '97)
5) Jackie Love ('93)
6) Erin Doherty ('04 - '05)
7) Sonja Southerland ('90)
8) Destany Cearley ('07 - present)
9) Claudia Ortega ('03)
10) Glennis Seldon (present)
11) Trecia Palmer ('90)
12) Sherron Rhetta ('04 - '08)
13) Kim Gildersleeve ('06 - '08)
14) Christol McDonald ('05 - '08)


1500m

1) Erin Doherty ('04 - '05) **4:23.90
2) Tania Acosta ('95 - '97)
3) Jackie Love ('93)
4) Sherron Rhetta ('03 - '08)
5) Clauda Ortega ('03)
6) Denita Reese ('84)
7) Christol McDonald ('05 - '08)


Distances

1) Patricia Story ('84) **10k 34:08
2) Adrianne Trader ('83 - present) **Half-Marathon 1:24.40
3) Martha Pinto ('97 & '99)
4) Erin Doherty ('04 - '05) **5k 16:58 & 3k 9:23.50
5) Angela Cook ('88)
6) Lisa Davis ('97)
7) Denita Reese ('84)
8) Patricia Flores ('00)
9) Zuleyma Sarmiento (2011)

100H

1) Natalie Day ('86) **13.51
2) Laverne Hypolite ('93)
3) Lisa Hale ('93)
4) Taliah Chatterfield ('07 - '08)
5) Cavetra Mitchell ('07 - '08)


400 Hurdles

1) Linetta Wilson **56.04 ('91 - '08)
2) Destany Cearley ('07 - '09)


Triple Jump / Long Jump / High Jump

1) Renita Robinson ('85 - '88) TJ **44' 5"; National Champion; Junior Natiional Champion
2) Sheila Hudson ('86)
3) Althea Moses ('87) TJ National Junior Champion
4) Miloe McCall ('90) HJ **5' 8"; LJ **19'10"
5) Gaylen Ames ('87)


Javelin

1) Donna Mayhew ('87 - '88 & '97) **208' 6"; Olympic Finalist ('88)


NOTE: ** denotes Club Record

Excerpt of A Synposium on Sprinting and Racing by Coach Webb

IT IS A CONTEST, NOT A TIME TRIAL
Of course, the foregoing must be viewed against a
background of a progression of balanced overall
strength; technique drills; and sound medical and
lifestyle management; all woven into a program over
a period from 1-4 years in length.
In addition to a systematic approach to the physical
preparation of the athlete for maximum speed—
there must be meticulous preparation of the athlete for
a variety of competition situations. While the word
“concentration” is readily understood when it comes to
expressing the lifting technique at maximum speed the
focus of concentration may not be such when race
situation variables are introduced. The thought processes
in chasing and catching an opponent are not the
same as those when running at an opponent; nor when
chasing but failing to catch an opponent.
The coach must ensure that the athlete has opportunity
to learn appropriate thought processes through
the experience of the full range of race situations.
More than this there must be regular return to
such learning situations under increasing pressure so
the athlete’s performance capacity improves.
CONCLUSION
The sprinter’s development of maximum speed, both
in terms of time for 100m and speed achieved within the
run—rests squarely on establishing a sound technical
model, improving relevant physical ability, then building
towards expressing the technical model at progressive
speed through those stimuli which facilitate speed both in
training and competition. The key technique is the sprint
stride-with the sprint lift (maximum speed) and sprint
drive (start and acceleration) built onto this technique.
While stride, lift and drive are each practiced separately
they are constantly referred to the continuous whole of
the linked sections of the discipline. In the final analysis,
the discipline is, however, a contest and athletes must
learn through competition and experience to master the
range of situations which head-to-head 100m competition
implies.

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