Back in New York City this weekend for two classic meets, both at Madison Square Garden: the Millrose Games and the Colgate Women's Games.

The Millrose Games

On Friday evening, we were at the Millrose Games. The Games date back to 1908 making it the oldest indoor meet in the U.S. What began in a small indoor track has evolved into a meet held continuously at Madison Square Gardens since 1914. The Millrose Games boast 86 world indoor records that have been set or equaled. In addition 117 Millrose Games winners have been Olympic Champions.

The Millrose Games were first held by the Millrose AA, the recreational club of the employees of the John Wanamaker Department Store in New York City, the . "Millrose" was the name of the home of Rodman Wanamaker, then head of the store.

The Games features sprints, hurdles, middle distance, pole vault, high jump and the famous Wanamaker Mile.The Wanamaker Mile tradition started when Rodman Wanamaker gave the first trophy for the popular mile-and-one-half in 1916. In 1926, the race bacame known as the Wanamaker Mile and soon developed into the highlight of the Games. (Thanks to millrosegames.com for the history.)

The Millrose Games is a USATF Golden Spike Tour event, with elite athletes. This year's Olympians included Jeff Hartwig and Stacy Dragilia in the pole vault, Regina Jacobs in the mile; Amy Acuff and Tisha Waller in the High Jump; and Gail Devers in the 60m.The Golden Spike Tour is a series of indoor and outdoor events that offers U.S. athletes the opportunity to compete on U.S. soil for substantial prize money in front of large crowds and a national television audience.

Winners of the High School Boys 4 x 800

Fordham Prep NY-Conrad Dalton, Jose Fernandez, Father Joseph Parkes S.J., Brian McCabe and Olusola Olaleye. Father Parkes is President of Fordham Prep.

George Febles, Coach for Fordham Prep. George and his team have worked hard this year to raise the level of play significantly putting them in competition with better teams.

 

Colgate Women's Games

On Saturday we went back to Madison Square Garden for the Colgate Women's Games. The Games are an all ladies event for elememtary through college students, plus adult women. Participants compete in 4 preliminary meets, a semi final at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and finals at Madison Square Garden. During the meets, competitors accumulate points to qualify for the finals. Finalists compete for trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate Palmolive Company. Educational grants-in-aids totalling $60,000 go to the top 3 point scorers at the end of the series. The Games are organized into 6 age groups and 8 events: 55 meter dash, 55 meter hurdles, 200, 400, 800, 1500, high jump and shot put.

The Colgate Women's Games go back to 1973. Then, 5,000 young women from the New York area participated. Today more than 11,000 registered from Boston to Virginia. The Games were organized to provide an opportunity for girls to develop a strong self concept, sense of personal destiny and an appreciation for education through athletic competition.

To support the education goal, participants submit an essay around an important topic of the year. This year, the topic was "What September 11 Means to Me."

The Games were founded by Coach Fred "Freddie" Thompson. Coach Thompson has spent many years coaching and guiding girls in track and field, particularly through his Atoms Track Club in Brooklyn. He has also been an Olympic Track Team coach. Coach Freddie has the love and respect of many, many women, young and old, for all he has done to help girls achieve their best.

Working as announcer, Dr. Lilian G. Chamberlain is another very special person to the Games. She is an accomplished professional and former athlete.

Dr. Chamberlain is the first U.S. National Champion in the 800m before it became an Olympic event and the first African American woman to respresent the U.S. in the 400m and 800m in international competition.She was a gold medalist in the 400 at the Pan American Games and 3 time National Champion and member of the U.S. Women's All American Track and Field Team.

In the business community she is an international physical fitness and sports consultant and motivational speaker. She also has a long and active history with the Women's Sport Foundation in various capacities. (Thanks to the colgate.com and womenssportsfoundation.com sites for the facts.)

Leigh Lumford SO from Cottonville High School in Staten Island. Leigh won the High School high jump at 5'2.

Rising Stars

Alexandra Coppadge, Wilmington DE. Alexandra is an 8th grader who won the Middle School High Jump at 5'6. She was also named the Most Outstanding Competitor Award. Alexandra has reached a high jump mark well above many high schoolers.

Alexandra with Dad and Coach Joel and Mom, Arlene.

Briana Jackucewicz with Dad, Roger. Briana is a 5th grade 11-year-old from New Jersey. She was 3rd today in the Elementary 800 meter. She is the youngest runner ever on the DyeStat Elite for her 10:31.03 3000m time earlier this year. Look Out High Schoolers!

Jennifer Croghan with Dad, Joe. Jennifer finished 3rd today in the Middle School 1500. Jennifer, an 8th grader from New Jersey, is already on the DyeStat Elite list for her 4:51.52 1500m time earlier this year. She is someone to watch as she moves to the high school level.

Great American Cross Country Festival Inc.

National Scholastic Sports Foundation