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Donna on the Side
at the Nationals
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T&F's own "March Madness"
Nike Indoor Classic BOYS
by Donna Dye
(Donna accompanies husband-publisher John Dye to meets and roams the
sidelines.)
March 11-12, 2000 at the Nike Indoor Classic, Bloomington IN
NIC: Devers & Kennedy - Anthony Ewers - Alan Webb - Race Walkers - Who Else was there
March means "March Madness," to basketball nuts. But "March Madness" does not belong to basketball alone. Track and field has its own madness for High School Indoor Track and Field (T&F) in March. This year there were two championship meets. In the West we had the Nike Indoor Classic (NIC) at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, the heart of basketball country. And in the East, we had the National Scholastic Indoor meet (NSI) at the New York Armory, in New York City, New York. Athletes crisscrossed in the skies and on the ground: some in the east going west; some in the west going east; some in the north going south and some in the south going north. Oh, yes, we even had our powerhouse Canadian neighbors coming south and east to make both meets international events. Most athletes chose between the two meets. However, two weight throwers, as strong as they are, and one runner chose to compete at both meets back to back thanks to "red eye" flights. "Boy, I love this sport!"
Like the Basketball sideline stories from Dick Vitale, T&F has interesting sidelines too from Donna On The Side. Here are a few T&F stories, highlights, and tidbits from both meets for your Internet viewing pleasure.
Nike Star Athletes Gail Devers and Bob Kennedy Congratulate and Inspire
Gail Devers two time Olympic Gold Medal winner, shook hands, hugged and congratulated winners as she bestowed medals, signed autographs, graciously smiled for photos and freely passed out advice to attentive athletes. Bob Kennedy, America's leading distance runner and former NCAA champion at Indiana University addressed the crowd to congratulate, compliment and encourage the athletes to reach for the highest goals. Having them at the meet made it a special event
Anthony Ewers Confirms His
Elite Status
Anthony Ewers of Lawrence is a picture of contrast. With me, he was gentle, cordial and gave me a wonderful smile as he answered my questions. But as we all know, he is a fierce powerhouse on the track. Anthony did 48.10 in the 400, his best of the year. Anthony does track keep him occupied and "out of trouble" in the neighborhood.
When he moved to New York from Florida in 10th
grade, he left behind teammate Aaron Luster. This year at the NIC Anthony
and Aaron competed against each other with Aaron coming in 
third
behind Anthony and Ricky Harris (left). Anthony works hard at his
studies too�.his grades are good and he is looking in the direction of
Seton Hall. His advice to other kids is to work hard.
Anthony is part of the Lawrence NY Track Team coached by
Bud Mcqulean and 
Cheri
Donnely. Cheri says that these boys are,
"great kids with lots of spirit. We've become a family, spending a
lot of time together on the track and at home." I was impressed with
the upbeat, confident attitude of the team. To my question, "Why do
you do track?" I got the answer, "To keep alert and think."
Cheri says that track has provided a great outlet for these kids to do
well and mature. Cheri will really miss these kids when they graduate this
year. Back home helping on the sidelines making trips like this one
possible, is Athletic Director, Pat Pizzarelli, cheering the team on and
providing support and necessities. Thank You Pat.
Alan Webb Came to Win
If you had seen Alan in the Virginia AAA State meet at George Mason the week before or talked to him before the NIC you knew he was ready! On Friday, with a wonderful smile, sparkle in his eye and radiating energy, Alan Webb told me his goal for this meet was to WIN. I thought, "pumped!" Seemed like he was still high from his sub-9 minute 3200 meters at the Virginia State meet. Like a lot of the athletes, Alan came for the competition. He trains hard and studies enough for a 3.0 grade average. Alan is starting to think about potential sites for college. But for now his favorites are his secret.
Race Walkers Get Help From The Locals
Mary Elliott and Angela Litzy from Bloomington were in the stands cheering for race walker, Amanda Bergeron who they just met the day before. On Saturday Mary and Angela drove through the Saturday snowstorm to pick up Amanda and John Chasse from Maine so that they could participate in the meet on Sunday. Mary started out doing a favor for her distant cousin and ended up in the stands having a good time. By the way Amanda came in third; John Chasse was second.
Who Else Was There
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William Fleming High from Roanoke, Virginia came to compete in the girls 400 and 60m dash. Coach Robert Vineyard and Athletic Director, John Harris brought the girls for the experience. Here is another example of a trip made possible by a generous Athletic Director who drove the group to Bloomington
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Thomas Johnson relay team from Frederick, Maryland went home with two PR's. Coach Paul Flynnn said they were going home happy for accomplishments under such competition.
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Coach Donald Goodwin of Ballard High, Louisville, Kentucky and his team were at the NIC to get the experience and competition that they can't get at home.
