Morgan Sjogren's All American Experience

I got an email yesterday from Morgan Sjogren, (class of '05) whom I wrote about a couple of posts ago (see "M&M"). She wrote me describing her two races at the NAIA National Championships, and as any coach would want to know, she took the time to describe the races as they unfolded. Very cool!

What was really neat though about reading the account was to see so clearly how her experience and knowledge played a role in her performance. As you read it, notice how she had a strategy going in, how she practiced patience, how she relied on her preparation, how she overcame spills and racing "alone" and how, through it all, she came through with a couple of very good races. Learn from what she writes ... and yes, I got permission from her to post this !

Before the 10k my only instructions from Coach Scott were to run how I feel, so i just planned to go with my gut instinct. I had actually had a chronically tight calf that week and had to take a few days off prior to the meet, which i do not like at all! The first 2 laps were on my Pr pace(84/85) but then 3 girls took off (A D1 All-American and 2 Kenyans)! I decided to sit in the pack until I felt ready to go. The pace slowed enough that I used it to rest for my move. When we hit an even slower lap with 3.5 miles to go I decided to make a surge. No one went with me so I decided to keep pushing on my own. It was tough to run that much of the race by myself, but because I trained and raced alone so much this season I knew this would be my best plan-and it worked! Even though I was really stoked I had to focus on recovering for my next 2races as soon as I finished. This included and ice bath at midnight!

The next day during the 5k prelim I fell in a 3 girl pile-up. This bumped me back to last place way off the front pack. fortunately I have fallen enough in my career to stay calm and gradually move up. I ended up fourth and auto-qualifying for the final. Unfortunately I didn't have anough gas in my tank for the final. I got boxed in and missed the big break away. I ended up running the whole race by myself back in 12th, but eventually working my way up to 8th and scoring a point for the team! It was tough,but it really motivates me to do even better next year!

Sportsmanship Personified -- Distance Runners are the Best!

Click here to read the ESPN story

King High's 2008 Valedictorian!

Congratulations to this year's top scholar, one of our own for the last two seasons, Jeff Lin! 4.gazillion GPA!

M&M

It's always neat as a coach to see athletes move on to compete at the next level. Though it doesn't happen a lot, it's really cool when it does happen! Then, when those who do move on, actually stick it out and succeed, well, truly awesome!

Two of our recent grads have been competing for Cal State San Marcos (north of San Diego) under the guidance of 1984 and 1988 Olmpian and former US record holder in the mile, Coach Steve Scott. Monica Valenzuela (class of '07) and Morgan Sjogren ('05) are the M&M I'm referring to!

Word has come that the two have now qualified to compete in the NAIA National Championships this next week in St. Louis, Missouri! Monika is a part of the San Marcos 4x400 squad, and Morgan has qualified in both the 5K and the 10K ... with, according to the last reports, a 10K PR that enters her as one of the favorites to win the whole thing!

What makes this story even sweeter, is that I can distinctly remember each of their years at King. Both girls found levels of success as varsity athletes in cross country and track. But both would also say their years here were frustrating ... filled with injuries and illnesses, enough setbacks to temper the enthusiasm they gained from their progress. They had the setbacks that come with sports.

But they are both testimonies of perseverence ... the ability to "keep on keepin' on." Now in their college years, they are enjoying the fruit of hard work ... and time ... and consistency ... and effort ... and not giving up.

How sweet is that reward! Great job Monika and Morgan! Thanks for not giving up on your gift and finding a way to succeed. We'll be looking forward to seeing the results from Nationals!

It's all about the Buffalo teamwork!

You have got to watch this video. It's about 8 minutes, but it's incredible!! Team work wins baby!!!! Wait till about six minutes in and you'll be amazed!

Summary: Lions catch baby buffalo for lunch. Crocodile tries to steal lunch. Team of buffalo comes back ... "not on our field you nasty lions!" Watch what happens to "lunch" and the Lions!

Next time you feel like you're "lunch" for some mean team, call out the teammates!

Qualified

I was thinking the other day about my days in elementary school. Though recess was always a beloved time, it held it's share of dangers and demons too. Like when we would line up to "pick teams" for dodgeball or baseball or whatever. I dreaded those times.

Let's just say I wasn't a Michael Jordan or Derek Jeter. I had all the desire of the best of them, but when it came to raw talent, well, I must have been in another line when God handed out the eye-hand-coordination thingy.

Anyway, it was always a good day when I didn't get picked last. Somehow, to be chosen by the "studs" somewhere in the middle of the line of desperate little kids was a victory. In my 9 year old mind, I had qualified for something special. Without ever being told by my playground idols, I had made it! I was going to Hollywood, baby!!!!

Qualified. Made the cut. These are things that make up every athletic endeavor, whether it be third-grade dodgeball or the PGA tour on Friday afternoon, or track and field on Thursday night. Athletes lace on the shoes to find out if they qualify.

We had 7 distance kids qualify for CIF ... one boy named Charlie and six girls. (I'm calling the group this week "Charlie's Angels.") Yea, they groaned, but I'm stickin' with it. I think it's funny! (Maybe it's because I'm the only one that can remember the seventies).

Anyhoo, it's neat to see this group who worked hard all season find satisfaction in qualifying for a track meet that limits who's invited. They had to work hard, but they also had to perform to a certain level on a given day. Not easy! But they did it, and on they go to the races. For a few, there are harbored goals of turning this Saturday's races into another qualifying effort, targeting the opportunity to be counted among the top 9 runners in their event in the entire 120-school division!

Of course, qualification rounds also means some are left behind. But you know, that's ok too. Being picked at the end of the line as often as I did back in the day, though un-fun (is that a word?) at the time, I see now that it added a sense of character to my life and even to this very day skews my view of things in a better direction. So it's not all bad.

Makes you want to work harder to make the cut next time around.