Well, this is my last blog entry prior to the 2010 track and field season.

As for the 2009 season, it bring a lot of promise for those who ran this season.

McDonald’s boys … the odds-on favorite from this area to give Independence, Bellaire St. John Central, Russia and St. Thomas Aquinas a helluva run.

Maplewood boys … can’t say enough about the Rockets’ run at state. Wow, that was outstanding. Frankly, I’m looking forward to your 4×800 team this year.

Maplewood girls … hopefully, you’ll get some more girls to come out next year. The top four return. Just a thought, and I’m not trying to spread a rumor, but it’s just a thought. What if Badger’s Sarah Bonar and Brookfield’s Angie Kirila joined Maplewood’s team? If I were Minster, that would scare me. It should. However, both Bonar and Kirila are staying put. It’s one of those things like, I wondered if Cardinal Mooney played … St. Ignatius … kind of things. Wishful thinking.

McDonald girls … strong team, stronger in 2010. With that depth, these Blue Devils will make another run at state, led by freshman Sarah Jones

Individuals like Kirila and Bonar are two of the better ones in the area. I see them both making not only a run at state next season, but making waves in track and field this season.

Lakeview boys … I’m impressed how this team has tranformed into one of the area’s better teams behind … well, start including them with Maplewood and McDonald. State meet in the teams future? Don’t know. The D-II regional is bear with Woodridge, CVCA.

BTW, congrats to former Maplewood and University of Akron (Go Kent State) runner Craig Rupe for getting a teaching job over at CVCA. Hope it goes well in Royals country.

As for the boys, congrats go to Howland’s Aaron Sutton for a gutsy performance at district and regionals. He definitely improved times and looks like he may make a run at state track this season. I see he’s got a kick in his reportoire.

Also, congrats go to Ursuline’s Richie Mulhall. This sophomore is the only Fighting Irish runner to make it through to regionals in a couple of years. Hopefully we’ll see better things from him in 2010.

Take some down time and pick up the training in a couple of weeks. You all deserve the much needed rest.

As for me, I’ll prep for the 2-mile at the Turkey Trot. I thought about a 5 mile, but I have to realistic. I’ll work within my limits. That’s why I have so much respect for all of you athletes out there. You are the ones sacrificing you time, dedicating yourself not only to a sport, but to a lifestyle. Just thought you all should know.

Related posts:

1. Good start to season
2. Trumbull County Meet post race
3. Trumbull County Meet preview
4. Some things change, others stay the same