KFDM COOP Posted April 21, 2008 Report Posted April 21, 2008 Young Mustang track unit making a lot of noise Van Wade The Orange Leader WEST ORANGE — They may show up at the Class 3A Region III Track & Field Championships this week sporting “baby†faces but the young West Orange-Stark track team could make plenty of noise and leaving opponents crying. The Mustangs did just that by winning the District 21-3A team title a couple weeks back. “I’m so thrilled for what the kids have been able to accomplish,†said first-year Mustang coach Freddy Strange. “We didn’t have the experience when the season started but the kids’ confidence just grew and grew each and every week. Their work ethic has been awesome from Day One.†WO-S will be sending an amazing contingent to Humble High School for the Region III Meet, which will run Friday and Saturday. The relay teams are definitely a strong suit with all three winning 21-3A titles. Those making the trip will include the 400-meter relay team of Josh Gloston, Trey Franks, Seth Thomas and James Haynes (42.68 seconds in district); the 800-meter relay team of Franks, Thomas, Haynes and Cedric Dantlzer (1:30.16); and the 1,600-meter relay unit of Gloston, Ronnie Dennis, James Ross and Nick Reed (3:29.50). The 400-meter relay currently owns the fastest time in the state in Class 3A going into regionals. Dallas Madison, who had the fastest time of the year, did not advance to its regional meet after dropping the stick at its district meet. Gloston, a junior, knows how nice it is to being on winning relay teams. He won a medal at state last year as a sophomore running with incredible seniors Earl Thomas, Jacoby Franks and Dominique Rhodes. “Josh has led by example for us,†said Strange. “He entered the season knowing what it was all about, running with that great senior group. The others have watched the way he works and have wanted to do the same. That Josh, he’s been a blessing.†Gloston will run the 100 meters as well, winning district with a time of 10.94. Thomas and Reed have been two leading stalwarts as well. “Seth has stepped up and has been so impressive on the relays for us, especially since he didn’t run the relays last year as a junior,†said Strange. “He’s been pretty vocal and he wants to end his high school days on a good note. Nick has been so consistent for us, in the 400 meters and running big in the 1,600-meter relay.†Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Mustangs has been the performance of sophomore James Haynes. Haynes will participate in five events at regionals. He won district in the triple jump (44-3) and was second in both the long jump (21-5) and 200 meters (22.57) behind first-place teammate Franks (22.39), plus he’ll run in the two relays. “The sky is the limit for that one (Haynes),†explained Strange. “He’s just an all-around athlete. If he continues to work harder and harder, there is no telling how far he can take his potential. To be able to participate in five events, that’s almost unheard of.†Eric Arnold will be a top-notch participant in the shot put after taking district with a mark of 47-8 and Reed will run the 400 after placing second in the 400 (50.75). Strange has enjoyed the Mustangs’ accomplishments as much as the kids with it being is first year as the head track coach. “It’s been a wonderful experience and we all kinda grew together, including me,†said Strange. “They’ve reacted to my style well and we really work hard and have a good time with it. There were a bunch of nerves early in the season, running in meets that had mainly 4A and 5A schools in them. Doing that has paid dividends in the long run and they realized that they could compete with anyone.â€
stangchain Posted April 21, 2008 Report Posted April 21, 2008 Good luck Mustangs! Bring home the gold.
Recommended Posts