Christmas Break!

Its Christmas break, which means no school and extra practice time. Booker is home from school and gave me a SMALL taste of a college work out. We couldn't make it to the track today so we did some cross fields at a near by park. It was a good workout. It was a lot harder than I thought, probably cause I did it right for the first time today. It's been a while since my brother and I trained together, but the competitive nature is still there. I got to keep it up.

It's Track Season!

It has been a long time, and I have been waiting for so long to say this. Its time to lace up the track spikes and hit the track again. I have been so busy with school this year, especially this being my senior year. I was also occupied with football this past fall. I would like to thank God for keeping me free of injuries and allowing me to see another season. Now that my high school football season has concluded with a lost in the playoffs, I can hit the track and prepare for this important track season.
I got a number of goals that I want to accomplish this year, and I know what I must do to accomplish. I remember all the good and bad aspects of my season last year. I feel good about where I ended my season last year, but at the same time I know I could have done far better than what I did. When I look back on this season, I don't want any regrets.

Southeast Raleigh vs. Holly Springs

We got our first win of the season as we beat Holly Springs 41-17. I didn't start the game, but I had a huge impact. I had a touchdown and two interceptions. I had a great game.

Nicholas Sparks

Penned The Notebook, among other best-sellers

Ran 1:52 for the 800 meters and 4:11 for the mile in high school.

Earned a track scholarship to Notre Dame where he ran on their school record 4 x 800 meter relay team

Mentors young runners in New Bern, North Carolina.

Like many other people, I tried the other sports and they just weren’t right. I tended a little more towards individualism. I had dreams of making my freshman basketball team way back when, and that didn’t work out. I had had a moderate level of success running in junior high school, nothing major, only a few races. On our team at that time was a guy named Herald Kuphaldt, and he was a great runner and ended up winning the state meet in 1983 or ‘82 in the two mile (Editor’s note: Kuphaldt’s winning time in 1982 was 8:51.99). We were running when he was a freshman, and he said, “If you try here, you could be really good.” And that is really what set me off to try and be as good as I could in track and field.

Continue reading at: http://www.dyestat.com/?pg=us-Misc-Features-McCue-Features-Things-Ive-Learned-Sparks

ONE AND DONE!

IAAF adopts "no false start" rule beginning in 2010

BERLIN - The IAAF Congress on Wednesday approved a new rule that will disqualify athletes the first time they false start in any given race. The rule will take effect January 1, 2010.

The rule will replace the current false-start policy of the first false-start being charged to the entire field, with only subsequent false-starts resulting in disqualification. Implementation is set for 2010 in order to enable athletes to become accustomed to the rule well ahead of the 2011 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Speaking in support of the rule change, IAAF President Lamine Diack pointed to the NCAA's longstanding no false start rule as evidence that such a rule is practical and enforceable. He stated his belief that "the current rule gives sprinters the chance to play the system," he said, "to deliberately false start but not be punished for it."

The rule change was approved by a vote of 97 to 55, with six abstentions. The IAAF Congress on Wednesday also approved defining masters as age 40 and over for long-distance running and road racing.

The IAAF Congress is being held in Berlin prior to the start of the 12th IAAF World Outdoor Championships, which begin Saturday and conclude August 23.

For more information on the World Championships, visit www.usatf.org

About USA Track & Field

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.

Outstanding Season: New Bern

Coaches “Big” Dave Simpson and Nick Sparks knew they had something special this year with their New Bern HS / Track Eastern Carolina group. The had Hendrix twins Anthony and Andrew, freshman prodigies during Karjuan Williams’ senior year and now maturing seniors, with great range from 200 to 800. They had junior Fuquawn Greene, perhaps the most talented of the crew, with sprint range from 55 to 400. They had gutty Miles Sparks, Nick’s son and another junior, gradually dropping his 200, 400 and hurdle times to national class levels. And they had Daishawn Styron, a developing talent who brought much needed sprint speed. With the talent to challenge records in at least four different relays, and the resources to travel to big meets around the country, the group began a season-long odyssey that would take them from coast to coast.

New Bern/Track EC came out of the blocks fast, with a 1:27.02 4x200 on the fast oval at Arkansas, plus a 3:19.28 4x4. The 4x2 was #3 all-time and would hold up as the fastest of the winter, but the coaches knew their best shot was at 4x4. They got down to 3:17.00 at Virginia Tech, then the last weekend in January, they improved to a sizzling 3:13.24 – faster than the national record, but on an oversized track. Preferring a record without an asterisk, they migrated to New York the following weekend for New Balance Collegiate and nailed it down – 3:13.06 on the standard 200m oval. NB/TEC would go on to a US#1 1600 SMR at Simplot, and NIN titles in the 4x2, 4x4, and SMR in Boston, but the magical record in the Big Apple would stand as the indoor highlight.

Outdoors, they wasted no time. Historically, the 1600 SMR had always been a target with the blend of 200-800 talent at the school and at the Raleigh Relays in late March, they put it together like never before for an epic 3:19.58, destroying the USR by more than a second. Splits were Greene 21.4, Sparks 21.8, Andrew Hendrix 46.6, Anthony Hendrix 1:49.8. They also hit 1:25.20 and 3:12.82 at the meet.

The latter, unfortunately, would be a harbinger of things to come. They badly wanted to break the USR in the outdoor 4x4, too, but the 3:07.40 standard by Hawthorne CA (1985) was considerably more stout; indeed, it’s one of prep track’s greatest marks. So what followed was a string of performances at meets as far-flung as the Oregon Relays and Great Southwest – the latter meet finding them soundly defeated by an All-Star team in a hyped record-attempt. The squad had also battled with the suspension of Greene from the school team, which affected several earlier meets. There seemed to be a sense of fatigue, both from within the squad and concerning interest in the endless record attempts. Little did fans know what was to come.

NON would be the final display of the NB/TEC talents; could they muster a few more titles and outstanding times? The weekend began with an impressive US#1 1:24.80 4x200, then continued with a relatively modest 1600 SMR win in 3:24.54. But the 1600 SMR wasn’t what the team wanted that weekend. The next day in the 800 SMR, all of the NB/TEC brilliance was back in full force, as the quartet of Styron, Greene, Andrew Hendrix and Anthony Hendrix (46.39) blasted a 1:28.20 USR, taking down the 1:28.43 of the Bryshon Nellum-led LB Poly from two years earlier. Finally, it was time for the meet-ending 4x400 and most pundits would have told you if NB/TEC could get down around 3:10, it would be a great end to their season. But with legs of 47.0 from Anthony Hendrix, 47.7 from Sparks, and 47.45 from Greene, the baton went to Andrew Hendrix and it began to dawn on fans that something much bigger was happening. The final 45.87 brought the squad through in a jaw-dropping 3:08.05, history’s #2 performance. Only the team itself would have ever believed they could run 3:08, but in doing so, NB/TEC made the final race of an amazing year the most special of all – even if it wasn’t a record.

Text by SteveU - Photos by Donna Dye and John Nepolitan

Junior Olympics!

I have completed my junior season now. I am happy the way my season went, although I wish my times were a bit faster, I can't complain cause I worked too hard to get to where I am now. Junior Olympics went well. For the second year in a row, I failed to make the 110 hurdle final. I was disappointed, I had such high hopes for the 110s. I ran 14.76 in the prelims which is well off my best time, I should have been in that final. I got it next year.

I was feeling really good after running the 400 hurdles. I truly had not thought about 400 hurdles or prepared for it all week. I just relaxed, ran my race, and did what I had to do. I ran the prelims Saturday morning at 8, which means I had to get up at 6. I got myself ready to run and only wanted to make the final, I ran 54.09 which was a new pr for me. Sunday morning I had to run the final early in the morning. I was tired, but I was ready. Not making the finals in the 110 hurdles gave me a chance to focus on the 400 hurdles. So many things came to mind, It was my last 400 hurdles race of the season, I have been stuck in the 54's all season, I got one last shot, the list goes on. I just wanted to do well, it had been a long season and all those races were taking its toll. I got lane seven, which was because my competition was behind me and I could focus on my race. I was kind of sore getting into the blocks, and my only thought when I got into the blocks was, attack the first hurdle. When the gun went off I used everything I had and relaxed. My last race of the season I run a pr. I came across the line in fifth, but when I turned around and saw my time I felt like I had won. I was happy!

It has truly been a long season. I would like to first give God the glory for allowing me to stay healthy and have a great season. I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through this year, we may not see eye to eye on things but they are the ones who have put me on the right path. Big brother Booker always has the right advice. I would like to give a big thanks to coach Mcgill and Byron Gibson, they have helped me become a better hurdler. I really thank Track Eastern Carolina, Big Dave, Nicholas Sparks for giving not only me, but the rest of the athletes an opportunity to run and compete we are thankful. I can't wait to do it again next year!

It is time to put away the track spikes and bring out the cleats, It is football season now!

Junior Pan-Am T&F Games

The Junior Pan-American games are also being contested this week. The 110 hurdle race will be the highlight of the meet of course. I know my brother will pull it out. There is only one way to close out a season like he had, and that is on top! Good Luck Booker...we all are pulling for you!!

7-37-09 Update

Congratulations to Booker, he had an awesome 1st year of college and he closed out his 39" hurdle height career with a PR of 13.32 in the 110h and won the silver medal today. Once again Congratulations!

Junior Olympics

This weekend in Greensboro I will be closing out my junior year at Junior Olympics. I'm competing in the 110 and 400 meter hurdles. I got some goals for my last track meet. I really want to break 54 in the 400 hurdles, actually I don't want to, I need to! My biggest goal is to break 14 in the 110 hurdles. My times have been on a steady decline in the 110 hurdles from a 15.1 my first meet, to a 14.26 now. I need to close out this season strong, when this meet is over I do not want any regrets!

Meet Results

One of the most frustrating things at youth and high school track meets is when your child does not know how they performed during or at the end of the meet. What I mean is that meets are being hosted and times and the results are not immediately available. To make matters worst it is taken some meet host days before they post the results. This is unacceptable. We would not leave a football, basketball, baseball or any other sport for that matter without knowing the outcome. Why then do we as parents and coaches allow our athletes to walk away from a meet not knowing how they did? In track and field your success is not only measured by whether or not you cross the finish line first but it is mainly measured by how fast you ran, how long or high you jumped and how far you threw etc...

Most meets are run professionally and as soon as your event is done you immediately know how you performed which is how it is suppose to be. I understand some delay in time posting when it is hand timed, however, when you post that your meet is going to be F.A.T. then there is no excuse for the ridiculous delays that are taking place at some meets. Times being posted almost a week after the meet is over sometimes later. Our youth and high school track athletes deserve better than this and we the advocates for the athletes need to demand better. If the meet you are hosting is suppose to be an official meet and you’re not experienced with timing then hire professional timers or experienced timers to run the meet.

Written by JNunley

My Goals!

I started of this track season hoping that I would be running at least a 52 in the 400 hurdles by now, but that has not happened, I still got time. On the other hand, I put the 110 hurdles off to the side for while and whatever happened in that race happened, and now I am sitting at a 14.26(F.A.T) and only getting faster. I have switched my focus for the rest of the season. I am aiming to run under a 14 in the 110 hurdles, and whatever happens in the 400 hurdles, happens. Although, I am still shooting for a 52, I am just not focusing on it as much.

Update

I have been on the move lately, and truly have not had a moment to update my blog. So much has been going on lately. I finally got some down time! I would like to congratulate Johnny Dutch for making the World Team going to Berlin, I would also like to say congrats to Booker Nunley and Wayne Davis for making the Junior Pan Am team going to Trinidad and Tobago. Lastly, big ups to Jarrett Samuels for making the World Youth Team, he will be doing his thing in Italy!

USATF & Flotrack To Provide Live Webcasts From Eugene

USATF and Flotrack partner to provide livewebcasts of 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships INDIANAPOLIS -USA Track & Field announced Tuesday that it will partner with Flotrack.org to provide live webcasts of both open and junior events at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore. The Championships will be held Thursday through Sunday at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field. This event is the selection event for the 2009 IAAF World Championships which will be contested in August in Berlin, Germany.Flotrack will supplement USATF's official television coverage with live, real-time coverage with race calls of every event at the USA Junior Outdoor Championships while also providing bonus, live, real-time coverage and race calls of select open events during the USA Outdoor Championships. In addition to race coverage, Flotrack will provide fans with exclusive interviews with track & field superstars, as well as behind the scenes access to select areas such as at the practice track and trackside press conferences.Coverage begins Thursday with full-day webcasts of all events with a focus on the early rounds of the 400m, 800m, 1,500m and open men's and women's 10,000m finals. About Flotrack.orgFlotrack.org has been a leader in web video coverage for the sport of track & field and long distance running for the last three years. Every year, Flotrack travels to hundreds of events in the U.S. and around the world to showcase some of the biggest and most prestigious events in the sport, with unique event coverage and behind the scenes interviews with athletes, coaches, event directors and legends of the sport, giving track fans the coverage our sport deserves. Track is back. www.Flotrack.org.

Pam Am Junior Champs doubtful

By Michael Mendis, TrackAlerts.com

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago - The 2009 staging of the Pan Am Junior Championships, like the Caribbean Games, could be cancelled in the twin-island republic.
Gary Hunte, Trinidad & Tobago’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, hinted the Pan Am Junior Championships is in danger of being called off because of the Influenza A H1N1 virus.
"We are looking at the situation," said Hunte when asked about the possible cancellation at a press conference recently. "We have been in contact with the ministry of health on the matter," he added while saying the Ministry of Health would be the department to decide on the Championships’ fate.

Over 45 countries, led by the United States and Jamaica, are down to attend the Championships, July 2 to August 2. This would be more athletes than expected for the Caribbean Games, which even dented the hopes more.
However, Hunte maintained, "no decision is yet to be made".
Last Friday, Hunte announced that because of the concerns over increase in the swine flu infections in the country the organisers cancelled the inaugural Caribbean Games.
Hunte said: “the participants, officials and guests of other countries could be a source additional infection to the population of Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, the housing of athletes and officials could create an ideal environment for the transmission of the H1N1 virus”.

One last run for New Bern

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Andrew Hendrix grabbed the North Carolina flag from one side of the medal podium. His twin brother Anthony snatched the American flag from the other end. They both took off, along with Fuqauwn Greene and Miles Sparks for the only victory lap of the entire meet.

Continue reading: http://usa.milesplit.us/articles/24115

Puerto Rico!!!!!

This past weekend I was given a specialty opportunity to represent the USA in the 4Th Caribbean Scholastic Invitational in Carolina, Puerto Rico. It was an amazing experience I will never forget. I met new people, experienced a new culture and created memories that will last a life time. I would like to thank Nike and the NSSF staff; Jim Spier, Joy Kamani, Jacqué Kendall, Paul Limmer, Cedric Walker, Kristi Reiger, Dr. Jeffrey Webb, Dr. Margaret Ottley and Claudia "Sparky" Chapel. Without them, this trip would not have been possible, and I know every athlete is truly thankful especially I, for giving us the opportunity to take part in this experience.

The meet went well, Team NSSF went out there Saturday and we did what we do best. I went out there and did what I had to do. I ran a 14.54 in the 110 hurdles and got fifth. I did not understand this part, how can two athletes compete for the same medal when running over different hurdle heights? Tyler Stephenson and Jeff Lewis from team NSSF got first and third. the two athletes from Puerto Rico placed second and fourth, and they ran over 36 inch hurdles while Tyler, Jeff and I ran over 39 inch hurdles. Oh well can't do anything now. I competed in the 400 hurdles too, I ran a new pr 54.27 and placed third. It was not a great race, but I got to learn from it to get better.

2009 SEC 110H Finals

Track Moms Talk on Dyestat

Dyestat has a very interesting feature this week; it is a discussion between track moms and Donna Dye. The article is informative and very interesting. I have picked a few discussions that the moms had while in New York at the National Scholastics Indoor Championship.

Donna: What is a track mom?
Jeana:A track mom is someone who supports her kids by helping them to participate. She helps her children to develop into responsible, kind, caring people by teaching them to win and lose with integrity and to respect and mentor other competitors. She encourages her kids to enjoy all the moments; be happy when you win or improve and learn from your mistakes. Don't dwell on the negative aspects, make a plan for how you can fix it and follow through with your plan. She is also the chauffeur, equipment manager, "water girl", first aid provider and concession queen.

Donna: What should be the role of a track mom? Is there one way, your way, the athlete’s way? Is it bringing the hugs, kisses, tissues, food, cheering on the side or…all/none? How do you decide?
Jeana: My role is to support my child's' passion by getting him to practice, finding the right coaches, keeping him well nourished and hydrated, getting excellent medical care, making sure he his doing his school work , community service and helping him with time management so that he is not overwhelmed. My role is to be his biggest fan and to love him unconditionally regardless of his track performances and school performances. There are times that performances suffer for one reason or another and my job is to help sort out what's going well and what's not going so well and provide support and offer solutions. I need to help him make good choices. I am fortunate that Curtis is very motivated and I don't have to push him at all. I do have to help him manage his time as he would forget to do anything but track. My husband or I attend every meet that we can. I try to fit my "work schedule" around track and my kids' other activities. It's important to be there for them, even if they don't want you. Just being there shows them you care and that you are invested in their interests.

Donna: Is there fun to being a track mom?
Andrea:It is fun but sometimes stressful. I am usually very nervous before a hurdle race. It is so technical that a simple misstep could be horrific. That is what I fear about hurdles. The fun is in seeing my child and others happy and excited about what they accomplished.

Donna: Depending on the event, many meets can be long for track moms. What do yo do when your athlete isn't competing? When he is not around?
Suzanne:Always bring a book or newspaper

For the article in it's entirety please visit http://www.dyestat.com//?pg=home-Donna-Track-Moms&PHPSESSID=8b8831a03175c03088ca9c2d6a086c8b

YOG on track

By Terence Voon

WITH just 15 months to go before the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore, preparations for the inaugural sports extravaganza are on track.
This was the assessment given by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s coordination commission for the YOG after it concluded a two-day meeting in Singapore on Wednesday.
Said Sergey Bubka, chairmain of the commission: 'In the last six months, the organising committee has worked hard towards the finalisation of its venue master plan and YOG event schedule by day.
'Much effort has also gone into detailed operational and venue planning which will remain the organising committee's focus for the coming months.'
He added: 'It is clear that the organising committee is on the right track to deliver the First Summer Youth Olympic Games and is committed to the co-construction of these inaugural Games with the IOC.'
Organisers also launched the stylised pictograms for all 26 sports on Wednesday. The pictograms were inspired by the official YOG emblem, which features a distinctive flaming head and star-shaped body.
The YOG will be held here in August next year, and will bring together 3,600 athletes aged between 14 and 18.

The 2009 CSI Team

The 2009 CSI Team
The National Scholastic Sports Foundation has announced the team members for the Fourth Caribbean Scholastic Invitational. Twenty-eight male and female student-athletes have been selected, all of whom have recently completed the freshman, sophomore or junior years in high school.
This is the fourth year that the NSSF will sponsor a team to the meet, held in Carolina, Puerto Rico (a suburb of San Juan) and partially sponsored by that city. Teams from Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Guadalupe, and others are expected to be in attendance.

TEAM ROSTER
Women
Shanae Bailey, Swenson, Philadelphia, PA, jr
Dominique Booker, Immaculate Conception, Montclair, NJ, jr
Kristin Brown, McDonogh, Owens Mill, MD, soph
Michelle Brown, Seneca, Tabernacle, NJ, jr
Erin Busbee, Collinwood, Cleveland, OH, jr
Ashley Collier, Dunbar, Fort Worth,TX, jr
Emmy Fraenk, Bethel, Hampton, VA, jr
Patrice Gates, Villa Rica, GA, jr
Bridgette Owens-Mitchell, Oak Park, MI, jr
Jill Rushin, Jackson, MO, jr
Sha'Keela Saunders,Great Bridge, Chesapeake, VA, frosh
Aurieyall Scott, Eleanor Roosevelt, MD, jr
McKinzie Schulz, Benet Academy, Lisle, IL, jr
Olicia Williams, St. Anthony's, South Huntington, NY, frosh

Men
DeVaughn Benion, George Washington, Danville, VA soph
George Chambers, Archbishop Curley, MD, jr
Marquise Dendy, Middletown, DE, soph
Alec Faldermeyer, Minisink Valley, Slate Hill, NY, jr
Dominic Filiano, Lebanon, NH, jr
Jordan Hill, Albemarle, Charlottesville, VA, jr
Anthony Kostelac,Albemarle, Charlottesville, VA, jr
Bill Ledder, Gonzaga Prep, Washington, DC jr
Carlton Lavong, Methacton, Fairview Village, PA, jr
Jeff Lewis, Western Branch, Chesapeake, VA, jr
Justin Lord, Glen Hills, Augusta, GA, jr
Malcolm Nunley, Southeast Raleigh, NC, jr
Bradley Sylve, South Plaquemines, Port Sulphur, LA, soph
Tyler Stephenson, Lancaster, TX, jr

For more information on this event visit http://www.nationalscholastic.org/caribbean.
Congratulations to all of those selected, what a great honor and opportunity!

Breaking News!

Gamecock Freshman Booker Nunley runs a collegiate best of 13.49 and takes 2nd behind his teammate fellow Gamecock Senior Jason Richardson who ran a 13.29 at the SEC Track & Field Championship in Gainsville, Florida. Their other teammate Johnny Dutch placed 4th with a Season best time of 13.68. Congratulations to all of the Gamecocks!

Update: Johnny Dutch also went on to place 1st in the 400h with a season best time of 48.58! The Gamecock Men went on to place 4th overall in the SEC conference.

Written by Jacqueline Nunley

RACES FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

From Booker, Malcolm, Justine and Alex, we would like to say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to our mom. We love you, more than you know!!!!

I see you working hard for me
And wonder what it means:
Whether I will do the same
And give up my own dreams
To offer someone else my world,
A stranger from my womb,
And say: Here, take my life,
So you, not I, can bloom.

I often wonder at the depth
Of that cool sacrifice;
I know it can't be "just because,"
Or simply to be nice.

It is so awesome, I can't think
How I could make that choice,
Except I see something in you
That gives my own heart voice.

I see sometimes a happiness
Amid the stressed-out day
That no one else can hope to know
In any other way.

I feel it when you look at me
And understand sometimes
That things I do, I do for two,
And then your hard life shines.

And when I give you grief, I know
That all the bitter pain
Between a mom and growing child
Is simply like the rain

That alternates with sunny days,
Passion without end,
While underneath is more of life
Than we can comprehend.

And then I know, perhaps, why I
Like you might be so moved
To give my life to someone else,
And know that I have loved.

Outdoor Season Update - Malcolm

This trackstar has had a busy week. Starting on Sunday evening he ran at the Duke Twighlight meet in Durham, NC. Where he ran his personal best of 22.46 in the 200 meters right after stepping off the track from competing in the 400 hurdles. As his older brother states he is strong. On Thursday he ran at the Greater Neuse highschool conference meet where he took second in the 110 hurdles and 1st in the 300 hurdles where he ran a personal best of 38.05. He also anchored the 4x200 team to a third place finish and the 4x400 team to a 2nd place finish. No time for rest he ran yesterday at the Chick-Fil-A UNC Elite meet in Chapel Hill, NC where he ran another personal best of 54.34 in the 400 hurdles. Malcolm will take some much needed rest for the next couple of days and then he will pick it up with his hurdles coach and a few days of sprint and endurance training with his school team early in the week. No meets until next weekend where he will compete in his regional meet for a spot at the NC 4A state meet. Malcolm currently has the #1 State times in the 300 and 400 hurdles!

Written by: Jacqueline Nunley

Outdoor Season Update - Booker

I can't believe it Booker has completed his freshman year of college, well that is academically speaking. As for Track we are just getting to the good stuff! After a much needed rest and break so that he could finish up his finals. He hit the track yesterday at the Chick-Fil-A UNC Elite meet in Chapel Hill, NC. Back at home where he is in his element. He ran his collegiate best so far this year in the 110 hurdles with a 13.82 to take second in the event. Booker will be running next week at the SEC Conference in Gainsville, Florida and the following weekend he will be back in NC at Regionals being held at A&T in Greensboro, NC.

Written by: Jacqueline Nunley

Duke Twilight

Tomorrow I will have another chance to improve my 400 hurdle time. I will be running at the 2009 Duke Twilight Meet, Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. My last 400 hurdle race was a PR, and I plan to get another one tomorrow. I'm shooting for a 52, so if I fall short I can still try to run a 53. The trials for the youth team going to Italy is approaching fast, and I need to be at least at a 53 going in. I'm feeling good about tomorrow, now I have to perform.

Wake County Champion!!!!!

Yesterday I ran at the 2009 Wake County Championships in Cary, North Carolina. This year the meet was held at Panther Creek High School. I set out to bring home some gold and that is exactly what I did. I had a full load to run out there; 110 and 300 hurdles, 4x200 and 4x400 relays. Their weather was great too, except for the 90 degree heat!!!!


In the prelims of the 110 hurdles I ran a 15.28. I was not focused and it showed. The race was terrible! I came back in the finals to run a 14.70. I have a lot to work on. I was real sloppy toward the end of the race. It was straight, but it is not where I need to be, at least I am running in the 14's more consistently.

After, taking the gold in the 110 hurdles. I told myself to win the 300 hurdles also. By the time we got to 300 hurdles, I did not know how I would run this race. I had already run two rounds of the 110 hurdles and the 4x200 meter relay. I was so tired I didn't feel like getting into the blocks. While I was warming up I felt terrible, my legs were sore and I was starting to get a headache, but I decided to run anyway.

My goal was to run 37 seconds, but the way I was feeling, I was just hoping to run a 40. I got set in the blocks and began asking myself what am I doing?? When the gun went off it was another story. I got to the first hurdle, hit in stride and then I thought to myself, I'm going 37. My steps were on point! I got to the last hurdle and just lost my mind. I was tired, thought about alternating, I started shuffling and forgot all about the hurdle and I hit it. I fell on the last hurdle and still ran a 39.31, that should have been a 37!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Today on April 22, 2009, our dad Booker Nunley III has reached a milestone in the journey of life. Our dad turned 40 years young today. Another year older, another wiser. Our dad has been a key part in our success so far in life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Outdoor Season Update

The past few weeks have been difficult due to the lost of our Granddad. Trying to practice and perform while in mourning was especially tough for both my brother and I, but by the Grace and Mercy of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we are persevering through these tough days. Below are a few updates since our last post in March.

Malcolm
PR in the 110 hurdles with a 14.61 at the Bill Carver Invitational in Fayetteville, NC on 4/4/09
PR in the 300 hurdles with a 38.45 at the Bill Carver Invitational in Fayetteville, NC on 4/4/09; I also won both events at that meet.
PR in the 400 hurdles with a 54.65 at the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, TN on 4/10/09.
I will be running this week at the Apex Relays, in Apex, NC.

Booker
PR in the 110 hurdles with a 13.90 at the SC Collegiate State meet in Columbia, NC on 4/8/09.
1st Place at the Weems Baskins meet in Columbia, NC on 3/28/09 in the 110 Hurdles and in the 400 Hurdles.
1st Place at the Spec Towns Relay meet in Athens, Georgia on 4/11/09 in the 110 Hurdles. Booker currently has the 2nd fastest time in the SEC Conference.
He will be running this weekend at the International Friendship and Freedom meet in Greensboro, NC.

In Loving Memory

R.I.P. Melvin Anderson (Granddad) 3/26/09 and Treondale Bailey (Cousin) 4/15/09 both of you will be greatly missed.

OUTDOOR SEASON!!!

I kicked off my outdoor season with the Raleigh Relays Friday. I competed in the 400 hurdles. It went okay for the most part, stumbled at the 5th hurdle and was off the rest of the race. I posted a 55.25, I wasn't happy but I was content, for now.

Today I ran at the 2009 Spartans Invitational at Southern Durham high school. I started off the meet with the 110 hurdle prelims, it was terrible but somehow I qualified for the finals with a 15.81. I just wasn't focused and it showed. I made some what of an improvement in the finals running a 15.12, it was still bad for me. Its no where near I want or need to be right now.

After that hurdle performance, I was down a little but I was looking for redemption in the 300 hurdles, and that's exactly what I got. Determined to run good, I got focused. I got in the blocks and I knew what I had to do. Came out okay, but I focused on getting my steps right. I was even thinking about alternating if I had to. I think I ran well and posted a 38.54, a new PR! This weekend went well, and has given me a new boost of confidence for the season.

MileSplit - Interview with Malcolm Nunley

By: Ben Hovis - ben@ncrunners.com
Published: 2009-03-17 06:13:00

Q: First of all, Malcolm, how old were you when you started running track?

A: I started running track in the 8th grade when I was about 13. At that time I ran track just to run it, basketball and football was my thing. I didn't know where track could take me at that time. Although I was good, I didn’t take it seriously.

Q: Growing up with an older brother, were you guys pretty competitive?

A: Yes!! Booker and I competed in every little thing. Our competitive nature helped us both get better, especially in track. Ever since we began running track, we have been competitive. That competitive spirit was there in practice. In our workouts, we pushed each other to get better. I would try and beat him, while he was trying to hold me off.

Q: Why the move to Southeast Raleigh?

A: I wanted to be on a more competitive team, a team that would be in the running for a state championship. A state championship is exactly what I got, my first season there! To win by .5 was great, but for me to have to catch Knightdale for fourth place for the title, made the win feel even better! Southeast is a good team and we’re planning to win more championships.

Q: You have run so many events, from the 55 dash, to the open 500m, to the 400mH . . . what is your favorite?

A: I love to run, that’s why I’ve competed in every event up to and including the 800m. It’s good to have a wide range of events; it makes a track athlete look better. Although I have competed in so many events, I would have to say my favorite is the 400 hurdles. It is a great mix between my two passions, the 400 and the hurdles.

Q: With times of 55.13 & 55.14 in the 400mH, seems you have a bright future in that event. Would you consider those two performances highlights of your career thus far?

A: Yes, for now, I plan to blow those times out the water. But those times helped me earn my first event championship title, and got me a fourth place finish at the 2008 Junior Olympics. Those times have also put my name on the map for the IAAF Youth Team going to Brassone, Italy. When I ran 55.13, it gave me a new boost of confidence.

Q: Have you thought about your college plans?

A: I would like to stay close to home, and I would also like to play football in college. That’s why I have been looking at schools that allow their athletes to be dual sport athletes. I want to get my times lower in track and see what schools are interested in me before I decide.

Q: Being at a school like SE Raleigh, I'm sure your training began pretty early this season. When did you start getting ready for the indoor season? How early in your training did you start going over hurdles?

A: I started early, as soon as I came back from Jr. Olympics, football season started. There was no down time. I would practice football through the week and on the weekends I was hitting the track practicing with my hurdles Coach Steve McGill. Those off-season workouts were the worst; doing high reps of 800's, 600's, 500's and 300's. I did not touch a hurdle until November. I had to get my base down, before I began hurdling. My off-season training went well and helped me set new PR's this indoor season.

Q: It seems you have gotten to travel quite a bit with your running. What has been your favorite experience? What is your favorite track?

A: Thanks to Track Eastern Carolina, Coach Dave Simpson and Coach Nicholas Sparks, I have been given an opportunity to travel and run. I would have to say that the Randal Tyson Track Center is my favorite place to run. The high banks on the curve made the track so fast. It felt real good to run down off those turns, when I came off the turns, I felt like I was shot out of a sling shot. I hope I can run there again.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I don't know; I love to eat. If I could have one thing to eat though, it would probably be pizza.

Q: Thanks for your time, Malcolm. Now for the thinker. Who has been your biggest inspiration as an athlete?

A: My inspiration as an athlete would be my brother. Booker Nunley went through so many hard times during his high school track career, yet he still persevered through to become the US#1 110 hurdler in 2008. When Booker was hit with hard times, he made the best of it and by turning a negative situation into a positive one. When he was declared ineligible for high-school track, instead of giving up, Booker trained over the 42 inch hurdles competing in college meets unattached, running a 13.91 over the 42 inch hurdles as a senior in high-school. Booker then went on to take silver at the IAAF World Junior Championships. I have looked up to him and I am trying to follow in his path now. He has shown what hard work can do, and has helped pave the way for me.

Alternative to TrackShark

It has been about a week now since TrackShark closed down its website. TrackShark was the leading source of information for the Collegiates and also offered information for the Youth as well as Professional Track and Field Athletes. TrackShark was apart of the daily news in our family and will be missed.

For those of your like us who want to stay informed about what is happening in the Collegiate world you can visit Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association http://www.ustfccca.org. It has schedules, results, rankings and more for DIV1 to 3.

2009 NIke Indoor Nationals

Malcolm will be closing out his indoor season at the Nike Indoor National Championship this weekend in Boston. Malcolm will be traveling with his track club TEC out of Newbern, NC and he will be competing in the 400m and 60m hurdles. You can check out dyestat for a complete listing of entries.

Booker's Gamecock Indoor Season - Virgina Tech Last Chance Meet

Booker finished his freshman indoor season Saturday in Blacksburg Virginia at the Virginia Tech Last Chance meet. He placed 4th in the finals after he ran 7:86 twice which was a personal best and a NCAA provisional time. Congratulations Booker on a great start to your collegiate career!

A relay storm from New Bern NC expected to arrive in Boston by next weekend

By: David Mann - david.mann@darton.edu
Published: 2009-03-04 22:07:00


Some years ago, New Bern High School Coach "Big Dave" Simpson felt that having kids under 13 in his Track Eastern Carolina club was too much like running a day care. Odds are he’ll be singing a different tune next weekend.

A former teammate told Simpson of 12-year-old twins Anthony and Andrew Hendrix who were running 2:15 halves at the local recreation center. At about that time, Simpson ran into Nicholas Sparks training his son Miles on the oval. Soon thereafter, young Fuquawn Greene was in also in the picture. Something was brewing in New Bern, N.C.

But that was five years ago. Now heading up what is possibly the most talked about high school indoor team in the nation, Simpson is days away from taking these New Bern High School boys on a mission to break records at the 2009 Nike Indoor Nationals. That’s right – the focus in Boston on March 14 and 15 is not just to win – but to set a new standard.

"They’re an out of control roller coaster going into the national meet," Simpson said. "They are mentally really getting perked up for this."

The perk may have come from an ironic twist noticed as they stomp down records held by one of high school track’s most note-worthy teams.

Running as Track Eastern Carolina at the Simplot Games recently, Simpson’s boys Greene, Sparks, and the Hendrix twins turned heads as they broke two meet records set in 1996 for the 4 x 200 and the sprint medley relay.

Those meet records were recorded by Pasenda, California-based team, Muir High School, who following the Simplot games in 1996 went on to set the national records in the those same events weeks later in Boston.

These 2009 nationals, for the first time in 12 years, will also be held in Boston.

"We’ll break it," Anthony Hendrix said of the SMR record. "I think we can break the 4 x 200. We just have to run the fastest times we’ve ever ran indoors."

When you look at their accomplishments thus far, Anthony’s confidence is easily understood. It may even be understated.

He is ranked #1 in the 500- and 600-meter dash (1:03.48 and 1:18.38, respectively) and twin Andrew is right there with him, ranking #2 on the 500 and #3 on the 600. Teammate Greene holds the top spot on the 200 with 21.39.

Track Eastern Carolina is ranked #1 for both the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400, and has already beaten the national record for the latter (3:13.06).

"We have come to a point that we don’t go to meets just to win meets," Simpson said. "We’re going to meets to break records."

There is one more meet to go for New Bern, and these day-care racers turned indoor-track phenoms are making a lot of room for themselves.

USATF Indoor Championship

Congratulation to fellow hurdlers Lolo Jones and South Carolina Alumni Terrance Trammell for their Indoor Championship Titles and their Visa Championship Series wins.

Jones is the first female back to back winner in the history of the series. She won by winning the 60m hurdles final with a time of 7.84 which was worth 1202 points for the win.

Already the Visa points leader with 1226 entering the USA Championships, Trammell led from start to finish Sunday afternoon, winning in 7.37 seconds to break Reggie Torian's 10-year-old meet record of 7.38. The time was just .01 off the American record, was a 2009 world leader, and gave him 1259 points in the Visa standings. This is Trammell's 2nd Visa Championship win; he won his first in 2006.

Both athletes receive a bonus Visa check in the amount of $25,000.00

Booker's Gamecock Indoor Season - SEC Championship

The first event up was the 60m hurdles as Richardson, sophomore Johnny Dutch and freshman Booker Nunley again set the pace with a 1-6-7 finish. With Richardson earning Carolina's first individual indoor title since 2002, Nunley and Dutch both ran 7.92's to take sixth and seventh, respectively, bringing Carolina's total in the event to 15 points. Congrulations to Jason Richardson and the Women's 4x400 team for the SEC Championship titles that they earned this weekend! Way to go Gamecocks!

Booker's Gamecock Indoor Season - Gamecock Invitational

Booker won his first collegiate meet Saturday at the Gamecock Invitational in the 55m hurdles. With a personal record of 7.39 and just missing NCAA Provisional time by .01 Booker steadily improved his times in the Prelims, Semis and Finals.

Men's 55m Hurdles Prelims

3. Booker Nunley - 7.59

Men's 55m Hurdles Semis

T2. Booker Nunley - 7.

Men's 55m Hurdles Finals

1. Booker Nunley - 7.39

Booker will be competing next week in the SEC Championship in Kentucky.

Booker's Gamecock Indoor Season - Tyson Invitational

This week Booker ran at the Tyson Invitational. After a disappointing false start last week at the New Balance Meet in New York, he claimed some self vindication with two personal best in the 60m hurdles. On Friday, Frye said "Booker Nunley and Johnny Dutch run tomorrow in the finals of the hurdles. It's a breakthrough for Booker." Booker Nunley qualified for Saturday's final in the 60m hurdles after running a season best 7.97 to place eighth. For the 14th-ranked men, Booker Nunley and Johnny Dutch finished 6-7 in the 60m hurdles final. Nunley ran a season best 7.93 while Dutch followed at 8.03.

Southeast takes title by half point

CHAPEL HILL -- You'd be hard-pressed to find a half-point as valuable as the one Steven Bell of Southeast Raleigh scored at Saturday's state 4-A indoor track and field championships. Bell finished tied for fourth in the high jump, netting his Bulldogs squad 4.5 team points.

Of course, it took a clutch run from a quartet of Bell's teammates to wrap up an unforgettable day for Southeast. The Bulldogs held off New Bern in the team point tally, taking the team championship 62.5-62.

A fourth-place finish in the meet-closing 4x400 relay -- exactly the position Southeast had to earn to hold its lead until the end of the meet -- brought the title home.

"This was all team effort," Bulldogs coach Eddie Hardin said. "Everybody wants to talk about our superstars like Wayne Davis, but when you look at winning a state meet, it's all about a team effort. We gave a team effort today, and our 4x400 team was a perfect example of that."

Although New Bern -- carried by superstar brothers Andrew and Anthony Hendrix -- rolled to a meet record win in 3:21.79, the Bulldogs' Malcom Nunley made up a 10-stride deficit for fourth place on the anchor leg of the race.

"Malcom is one of our hardest workers, but he's always been a bit of a practice star," Hardin said. "We've challenged him to turn into a meet star and stop being a practice star. He did exactly that today."

Paris Reddick-Simmons, injury substitute Kevin Howell and Davis kept the Bulldogs in the race long enough for Nunley to get the spot the Bulldogs needed.

The top-six finish was one of 11 on the day for Southeast.

Davis broke his own national record in winning the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 7.05 seconds. Nunley was fifth in the same event and also sixth in the 500.

Bell added a third-place finish in the triple jump and a fourth in the long jump to go along with fourth in the high jump.

Jalen Holt was third in the high jump (6-0) and sixth in the triple jump. Reddick-Simmons was second in the 1000.

Garner's Ashton Anglin-Stone picked up the shot put state championship with a throw of 50-7, while Torrance Hunt of Durham Jordan came home with a new moniker -- the fastest man in the state, indoors. Hunt won the 55-meter dash in 6.25 seconds.

Green Hope finished a distant third (with 31 points) behind Southeast and New Bern. The Falcons did their scoring in the distance events.

Green Hope's Zak Roshdy led a Wake County 1-2-3 in the 1,600, winning in 4:20.71. Southeast Raleigh's Kurt Zehnder was second (4:25.16), while Cary's Mohammed Abushouk finished third.

Abushouk took the win in the 3,200 meters later in the meet. He was just short of his goal time of 9:30, winning in 9:31.01. A pair of Falcons joined him on the medal stand. Doug Black was second, while teammate Brian Spreitzer finished third.

Knightdale's Steven Merritt picked up the bronze medal in the 1,000. Wakefield joined Southeast Raleigh and New Bern on the medal stand in the 4x400 relay. The Wolverines were third at 3:27.74.

D. Clay Best - Correspondent
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/1406459.html

New Bern Sets New National 4x400 Record!

This past weekend, New Bern High School traveled to the Amory for the New Balance Collegiate Invitational. New Bern was on a mission, and the only thing in their way was national records. After running 3:13.24 at the KTC Invitational on an oversized track, they wanted to prove they could do it on a legal size track. In the process, New Bern posted a 3:13.06 a new PR, with splits from Anthony Hendrix (47.6), Fuquawn Greene (48.7), Miles Sparks (49.0) and Andrew Hendrix (47.5) set their own national record by winning the junior boys 4x400 in 3:13.06, eclipsing Muir High’s 1996 record of 3:13.34.

The Twins, Anthony and Andrew Hendrix competed in the 600 meter run. Anthony took the gold in a time of 1:18.36 while Andrew came in third with a 1:18.89. New Bern also competed in the 4x200 meter relay. New Bern won the 4x200 with a 1:27.06 setting a new personal record.

Word of the Week!

Perseverance:Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.

“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak”

-Thomas Carlyle

Track Eastern Carolina Runs 3:13.24!!!!

Friday:

Friday was the start of KTC Indoor Track Classic. Track Eastern had some athletes in the first day of competition. In the high school girls triple jump, Kayla Jackson took first with a jump of 37-08.00 feet and teammate Johniqua Fonville took fifth place with a jump of 35-06.00 feet. Track Eastern had two people to compete in the 200 meter dash prelims. Tiffany Downing and the US#1 200 meter runner Fuquawn Greene. Tiffany posted a time off 25.98 in the prelims. Fuquawn ran a 21.56 in the prelims qualifying #1 for the finals.

The story for Friday was the 3:13.24 in the 4x400 meter relay posted by Track Eastern Carolina!

The New Bern boys from North Carolina continue to impress with an incredible indoor season of amazing relay performances topped most recently tonight at the KTC Indoor Track Classic in Tennessee as their 4x400 meter relay ran the #2 time ever in high school history on all sized tracks with a 3:13.24 performance on the oversized track at East Tennessee State. Their time was actually faster than the listed "national record" in the high school boys indoor 4x400 meter relay set by Muir High School in 1996 at 3:13.34, but Muir High School will keep their national record (for now) as they ran their time on a 200 meter indoor track which is the standard for all high school national record performances in the circular running events. The fastest oversized track performance belongs to Dallas Lincoln at 3:11.7, which puts the performance by the New Bern boys in perspective since they just ran the fastest high school 4x400 indoor time since the 1970 performance from the Dallas Lincoln squad.

WHAT A DAY!

Saturday

Track East kicked off day two of competition with the high school girls 800 meter run. Ryhanna Henderson of TEC competed in the 800 meter run taking second with a time of 2:22.82. For the boys, Banks Barnes and Steven Harpe competed in the second section of the 800 meter run. Barnes posted a 2:03.85 while Harpe came in with a 2:06.90. The 60 meter hurdle prelims were contested next. Miles Sparks and Malcolm Nunley represented TEC in the hurdle prelims. In heat six Miles Sparks posted a 8.81, While his teammate Malcolm Nunley ran a time of 8.44 qaulifying for the finals. Malcolm Nunley would go on to run a 8.39 in the finals to take third place. In the 400, Track Eastern had three athletes to compete and all three were in the top eight overall. Anthony Hendrix took first in a time of 48.23, Andrew took second with a 48.64 and Malcolm Nunley was seventh overall with a 50.95. The 60 meter dash gave Fuquawn a chance to showcase his speed once again. In the prelims, Fuquawn ran a 6.95 and would go on to the finals and post a 6.80 to capture the gold.

To finish up the day, Fuquawn Greene competed in the 200 meter dash finals. Although Fuquawn qualified with the fastest time, he was given lane one. That didn't stop Fuquawn from blowing the competition off the track with a 21.55. Great Race! TEC ended the day with a girl's mile run by Ryhanna Henderson, she posted a 5:30.48 to take the silver medal.

Interview of the Week: Anthony Hendrix

This week I had chance to have a brief chat with the national high school track & field phenom Anthony Hendrix. I asked him just a few questions. Straight out of New Bern High (Track Eastern Track Club), Anthony Hendrix is truly one of the Nation's premiere athletes in track & field. Compiling numerous State and National Championships, Anthony Hendrix has made his mark on high school track & field forever!

Malcolm: When did you and your brother start running track?

Anthony: I started running in the 7th grade.

Malcolm: What events would you say are your best?

Anthony:400 Meter Dash - 47.73
800 Meter Run - 1:51.55
400 Meter Hurdles - 54.21
300 Meter Dash - 35.84
500 Meter Dash - 1:004.64

Malcolm: Now as this being your senior year, what are the goals that you have set?

Anthony: Our goals for this year is to break four records as a team indoor and four outdoor. The 4x200m (1:23.31 Wyatt, Ft. Worth, Texas Winter Park, Florida 5/30/98). The 4x400m (4 x 400 3:07.40 Hawthorne, California Austin, Texas 4/06/85). The 4x800m (4 x 800 7:32.89 Auburn, Washington Raleigh, North Carolina 6/14/02). Also the SMR (Sprint Medley 3:21.15 Hawthorne, California Los Angeles, California 3/16/85).
My goals for this year is to break the 400m (44.69 Darrell Robinson (Wilson, Tacoma, Washington) Indianapolis, Indiana 7/24/82 ) the 500m (1.02) and also the 800m (1:46.45 Michael Granville (Bell Gardens, California) Norwalk, California 5/31/96 ).


Malcolm: Anthony, you run for the Track Eastern track Club, how would you say that Track Eastern has helped you in all your success in track and field so far?

Anthony: Track eastern has helped us a lot because it keeps us in shape and busy and its just been the best team and the only team we have ran for.

Malcolm: How has Coach Dave Simpson and Coach Nicholas Sparks helped you in your career?

Anthony: I think Coach Dave Simpson and Coach Nicholas Sparks have also helped us so much in not just track&field but also in life because without them two I really do not know were I would be at or what I would be doing.

Malcolm: What are your plans after high-school?

Anthony: Right now I have signed with the army but I don't think I will go into the army right away because of all the different schools that are calling.

Booker Nunley: A Hurdler with a Heart

Every now and then real life gets in the way of track and field. All the aspirations dreams and goals get put on hold for a while as we’re reminded that death is an integral, inescapable part of life. And we realize, quite ironically, that awareness of death is what gives life its depth and meaningfulness, and that it motivates us to live more authentically. This past fall one of my former athletes endured a scary ordeal that served that not only threatened his promising track career, but also his life.

The summer of 2008 proved to be a stellar one for Booker. He won the Junior National Championships with a nation-leading 13.40, went on to finish second at the World Junior Championships in Poland with a 13.41, and concluded his career over the 39’s with a 13.41 victory at the US Junior Olympic Championships. Everything seemed to be going Booker’s way. In addition to all the victories and accolades, he would be heading to the University of South Carolina in the fall on a full athletic scholarship. He was on top of the world. Little did he know that that world would soon fall apart.
Gilbert Syndrome
On Tuesday October 28, 2008, according to Booker’s mom Jackie, Booker missed class and track practice due to what Booker described as flu-like symptoms. The following day, Jackie wrote in an email, “he called [home] and told us that he hadn’t left his room because he was having some stomach pains and was throwing up.”
According to Booker himself, “I hadn’t eaten for a couple days b/c my stomach was hurting. I threw up three times, dryheaving. It was killing my intestines. I also had chest pains because I was throwing up so much.”
Finally, on the morning of Friday October 31, talked to the team trainer and told her his stomach “was messed up.” The night before, he had been urinating blood. “I didn’t know what was going on,” he said. “I should’ve gone to the hospital that night. But first I just looked it up on google. I was like, Is red urine bad? When I looked it up, the site said to go to a doctor immediately.”
The following morning, the trainer took him to the local hospital in Columbia, SC. After doctors ran several tests, they diagnosed him with Gilbert (pronounced “zheel-bayr) syndrome, a mild liver disorder in which the liver doesn’t properly process a substance called bilirubin. This condition was the reason for the red urine, which probably came about because Booker hadn’t eaten for three days. This rare illness, which is not even considered a disease because of its benign nature, affects only three percent to seven percent of the US population. Symptoms rarely appear, so people may live with it without even realizing they have it. In Booker’s case, its discovery may have saved his life.
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
The chest pains brought on by the constant vomiting led the doctors to perform an EKG later that same day, just as a precaution. The test revealed that Booker had another condition, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which is much more serious than Gilbert Syndrome.
At www.medicinenet.com, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome is described in the following manner:Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a condition characterized by abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause a disruption of the heart's normal rhythm (arrhythmia). This extra connection can disrupt the coordinated movement of electrical signals through the heart, leading to an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia) and other arrhythmias. Resulting symptoms include dizziness, a sensation of fluttering or pounding in the chest (palpitations), shortness of breath, and fainting. In rare cases, arrhythmias associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden death. To address the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, the doctors would have to perform surgery, which they did the next day. Booker’s not-so-medical explanation of the surgery is as follows:
“They scoped out my heart by taking a tube camera and they stuck it in my groin and looked at my heart to see if there was a nerve that wasn’t supposed to be there. There was, so once they found that out, they did some type of electro-test and put an electrical charge into my heart. If the nerve that wasn’t supposed to be in there reacted, they would have to take it out. It reacted. They said that if they didn’t take it out, I’d have to stop running track or it would possibly kill me. So basically they went in there and burned the nerve out.”
Booker has had no side effects from the surgery. He was up the next day walking around, and ended up missing only four days of school. According to his doctors, there’s a 1% chance that the syndrome will come back. It’s highly unlikely, and they’ve never seen it happen.
© 2009 Steve McGill

You can read the entire story at http://hurdlesfirst.com/bnun.htm

Deepest Sympathies

Our hearts and prayers are with Coach Big Dave of Track Eastern and the rest of his family in the lost of his father earlier this week. May GOD keep you and give you comfort and peace!

Leading North Carolina Candidates

US World Youth Championships TrialsEastern Michigan,

Ypsilanti MI, June 30-July 1, 2009

IAAF World Youth Championships
Bressanone, Italy, July 8-12, 2009

NC Girls
100 METERS
Dominique Weathers (Vance, Charlotte, N.C.) 11-18-92 11.72 NON (1h2) Greensboro 6-20 +1.8
Aakiya Tyson (Jordan, Durham, N.C.) 8-4-92 11.82 State 4A (2) Greensboro 5-10 +1.0
Vashti Bandy (Butler, N.C.) 4-29-92 11.84 State 4A (4) Greensboro 5-10 +1.0
Varonica Johnson (Myers Park, Charlotte, N.C.) 1-19-93 11.93 USA Reg. III JO (1h1/15-16) Rock Hills 7-13 +0.7
Gabrielle Gray (High Point, N.C.) 12-22-93 11.96 AAU Reg. III A JO (1h2/15-16) Knoxville 7-12 +1.9
La’Creasha Gore (East Gaston, Mt. Holly, N.C.) 4-7-92 12.01 State 4A (6) Greensboro 5-10 +1.0
JoAnn Blakney (Millard Creek, Charlotte, N.C.) 8-9-92 12.03 State 4A (7) Greensboro 5-10 +1.0

200 METERS
Varonica Johnson (Myers Park, Charlotte, N.C.) 1-21-93 24.07 USATF Nat. JO (1h3/15-16) 1-21-93
Dominique Weathers (Vance, Charlotte, N.C.) 11-18-92 24.14 Taco Bell (1h9) Columbia 4-11 +1.5
Zakiya Tyson (Jordan, Durham, N.C.) 8-4-92 24.22 USA Reg. III JO (1/15-16) Rock Hill 7-14 -2.6
La’Creasha Gore (East Gaston, Mt. Holly, N.C.) 4-7-92 24.57 State 4A (2h2) Greensboro 5-10 +1.9
Vashti Bandy (Butler, Charlotte, N.C.) 4-29-92 24.55 nwi State 4A West Reg. (2) Charlotte 5-3

400 HURDLES
Miata Morlu (Providence Day, Charlotte, N.C.) 6-10-92 62.15 USATF Youth Nat. (3/15-16) Charlotte 6-29
HIGH JUMP
Brittany Burton (Person, Roxboro, N.C.) 5-08.00 Pac-6 Conf. Ch. (1) Durham 4-23

LONG JUMP
JoAnn Blakney (Millard Creek, Chrlotte, N.C.) 8-9-92 18-05.00 USA Youth Nat. (2/15-16) Charlotte 6-27 0.0

NC Boys
100 METERS
Kendall Kee (Shelby, N.C.) 4-23-93 10.84 AAU Reg. JO (2/15-16) Knoxville7-13 +1.5
Matthew Browning (Mallard Creek, Charlotte, N.C.) 4-12-93 10.94 AAU Reg. 3 JO (3) Knoxville 7-13 +1.5

400-METER LOW HURDLES (30”)
U.S. runs 36” hurdles
Malcolm Nunley (Garner, N.C.) 4-5-92 55.13 MileSplit Inv. (3) Richmond 6-7

LONG JUMP
Deonnonti McLean (Hoke County, Raeford, N.C.) 12-16-92 23-01.25 nwi USATF Reg. III JO (1/15-16) Rock Hill 7-13
Myer Krah (Hillside, Durham, N.C.) 4-8-93 22-05.25 USATF Youth Nat. (2/15-16) Charlotte 6-29 0.0
Leon Samuels (Vance, Charlotte, N.C.) 2-12-92 22-05.00 USATF Youth Nat. )2/15-16) Charlotte 6-29 +0.5

For qualifications and eligibility guidelines and/or to see all of the Leading US candidates per each event visit www.dyestat.com

2009 NCAA Men's Indoor Preview

60m Hurdles / '08 Champion: Drew Brunson, Florida State - 7.527 *

Talk about true senior depth. Out of the 8 athletes who made the 60m hurdles final last year in Arkansas, only one athlete returns for 2009 -- Jason Richardson of South Carolina. In fact, 8 of the top 9 times from last year were produced by seniors.
With Richardson has a heavy favorite for the title, there is still a great number of men to watch this season who should turn in some fast times. The SEC should provide plenty of performances once again behind Mikel Thomas of Kentucky and Dennis Martin of Florida.
Big Ten Champion Josh Hembrough of Purdue was the top freshman in the country last season with his best time of 7.79. Another freshman from last season, Ronnie Ash of Bethune-Cookman, surprised many with his third-place finish of 13.59 in the 110m hurdles at the NCAA Championships.
Jason Richardson will tutor a very talented freshman named Booker Nunley who enters South Carolina with personal-best times of 7.78 in the 60m hurdles and 13.40 for the 110m hurdles set last season as a high school senior.
Also look for Kevin Craddock of UCLA, Omo Osaghae of Texas Tech, Myles Bradley of Stanford and Lehann Fourie of Nebraska to step up as well.

To see previews of all the events you can visit www.trackshark.com

Eastern High School Challenge!!!!

This Saturday is the Eastern High School Challenge. Hosted by the Durham Striders at the Eddie Smith Field House on the campus of UNC, it is one of the premiere high school meets for the indoor season. This meet will play host to a lot of the top talent the east coast has to offer. From the 55 meter hurdles to the shot put, there will be plenty of competition and non-stop action all day long.

After coming off a great meet in Arkansas, I'm looking to improve in the hurdles. I had a great 400 meter race in Arkansas, running a 50.57 in the prelims, a new personal record. The prelims were right before the 60 meter hurdle prelims. I had nothing left for the hurdles. At UNC I won't have to worry about that because the 55 meter hurdles prelims and finals will be done before any of my other events.

I am feeling stronger, faster and more confident over the hurdles. I have come a long way since last year. I am aiming to run under 7.70 in the hurdles. I know what I have to do, but now I just have to let everything else go and let all my body take over. I will also be running the 500 and the 4x400 meter relay. I can't wait for the 500 either. With that PR in the 400, and running it so early in the season, makes me wonder about of all possibilities. I am shooting for a 1:08.00 or better, I'm confident that I can obtain all my goals Saturday.

Track Eastern Runs The Show In Arkansas!

Track Eastern (New Bern) flew down to Arkansas last Friday for the 2008 Arkansas Invitational. To go along with our one of a kind Nike uniforms, we blazed the track with some amazing times all day long. Track Eastern opened their season with an outstanding display of excellence in each of there events.


Track Eastern kicked of the meet with the 400 meter dash prelims. In the first heat Andrew Hendrix blazed the track in a time of 48.15. In the tenth heat Anthony Hendrix ran a US#1 of 47.73. Malcolm Nunley of Track Eastern running unattached in the heat with Anthony Hendrix, posted a time of 50.57 setting a new personal record. All three Track Eastern runners in the 400 qualified for the finals. Fuqauwn Greene and Daishawn Styron both competed in the 60 meter dash. Greene running a 6.85 and Styron in a time of 7.06, both qualified for the finals where they would take first and second place 6.85 and 6.98. Fuqauwn Greene put on a show in the 200 meter dash prelims by posting a US#1 time of 21.39.


Fuqauwn Greene pulled out the 200 meter final, Anthony and Andrew Hendrix both scratched form the 400 meter dash finals to save them selves for the 4x200 and 4x400 meter relays. Track Eastern was going for the high school 4x200 meter record, they fell short in the process by running a time of 1:27.02. Another US#1 performance for Track Eastern and that time moved them into the #3 position all-time in the 4x200 meter relay for high school. They finished the day competing in the 4x400 meter relay. Just like the 4x2, they were also going for the national record in the 4x400 meter relay. This was a race to see. Andrew started the relay off strong on the first leg. Fuqauwn ran the second leg of the 4x4 running a strong leg until he caught a cramp on the second lap. Fuqauwn hopped all the way around the track and handed off the baton in second place. Miles Sparks ran an amazing third leg to bring Track Eastern to first and Anthony Hendrix finished the job anchoring the team. through the mist of all that, Track Eastern posted another US#1 time in the 4x400 meter dash with a time of 3:19.28. Congrats to Track Eastern on all their success in Arkansas.