BACAA Winter Corporate Relays - 1999

The first exciting finish of the day happened in the 2nd event (3 Lap Sprint) where Lucent was able to hold off a fast closing SCVAL team (2:51.5 Vs 2:51.6).

Sub-Master Distance Relay saw the SCVAL throw a team together at the last minute by recruiting Hal Daner (who thought he was only there to watch) to run his first race in over 20 (or was it 30) years. Walt Van Zant pulled a muscle but still got the stick to the exchange to Hal. Walt was heard muttering, "I can still run another 400, I have 2 hours to rest." but everyone else knew he was done racing for the day.

Women's 800 saw newly turned master Debbie Roche still has it by winning in 2:31.3 but she had company (2nd-2:32.3, 3rd-2:32.4). IBM won with a 5:03.7 team time to SCVAL 5:15.7 and HP's 5:55.9 (and to think, last years winning time was 6:40).

The 4x200 saw a new meet record (2:02.4 '98 Lock-Mart) with a 1:57.9 running by SCVAL (24.2 split by Sample).

Men's Mile was a tactical race with the first 2.5 laps being run at 85 second pace. IBM, SCVAL and Lucent all had their 2 runners in a tight pack of 6 when Lee pushed the pace with a 550 to go. The pack split up quickly and while Lee was trying to run away from IBM's 2 runners, Dillon was trying to stay close to them (Lucent fell out of the race picture at this point). Lee won with IBM's 2 runners finishing together and Dillon finishing what appeared to be as far behind IBM as Lee was in front of them. First glance had IBM with the nod. When the times were tallied, SCVAL won be a mere 2 seconds.

Kids 400 saw 6 finishers (one on dad's shoulders) and a dog.

Master's relay was a see-saw race between Lock-Mart and IBM. Coming off the last turn had Lock-Mart with the lead until their anchor runner pulled his hammy and was reduced to a walk to the finish. This allowed IBM to regain their momentum, only to pass Lock-Mart 10 yards from the finish - one running, one walking. This flip of the order of finish would appear to be critical when down to the final 2 events for the team champion (but we still have 6 events to go).

The Repeat Relay made it's debut with 4 teams running. All I can say is everyone who ran said it was a "killer" event (meant in both ways). Lock-Mart is the Nationals Record holder with a 10:26.5 clocking.

Senior's Relay saw Marshall Clark come out of retirement for the injured Van Zant (2 hours didn't help Walt any). A 1:50 half miler in his hey day at USC, Marshall was still able to run 76 seconds in street clothes and all.

With 2 events to go, SCVAL had a slim 2 point lead over Lock-Mart (had Lock-Mart won the Master's Relay, they'd be holding a 1 point lead). All of a sudden, the team from SCVAL wasn't sure they liked the pressure of being in the lead (by a little) with 2 events to go. Decade mile saw IBM win with a new meet record of 4:14.9 (they held the old record set in '95) with master Roche running a 63 second 400. SCVAL was 2nd and Lock-Mart took 3rd. If SCVAL could finish no worse than 2nd in the Sprint Relay, there would be a new team champ.

The first 2 legs of the Sprint was still bunched up for the 3 teams. Dillon for SCVAL ran a 60 but Bang of Lock-Mart ran a 56. Clark took over and ran a 57 to give SCVAL a lead but not "in the bag" yet. Meyers opened it up and Sample put it away with a 23.7 split giving SCVAL the win and the team championship.

Post meet party was at Jakes pizza for awards and the trophy presentation. It's too soon to say, but we hope the SCVAL team will plan on being at this years Regionals and Nationals.