By Brandon
Jones
Staff Writer
Get the
stick through the zone and around the track! The 2006 edition of the 4 x 100, 4
x 400, and 4 x 800 meter relays may be the most exciting it has been in years.
Why, you
ask? Because, in large part, 2005â??s top teams return a lot of talent and will
make for some blazing times, especially in the short relays.
Also, the
team race can be won or lost during relay events â??? just ask Fort Wayne Northropâ??s 4 x 100
team. They had an excellent chance of scoring in this event at the state meet, but the Bruins
stumbled to a third-place team finish due to poor baton handling. Had
that 4 x 100 relay team qualified, who knows? Maybe weâ??d be talking about a
Northrop state championship (they finished only 8.5 points behind Lawrence
Central).
4 x 100 meter relay
Fort Wayne
Wayne, the defending state champions in this event, HAVE to be the favorite.
The Generals have back three of the four runners that composed that relay squad.
Plus, they have a wild card named Marcus Grayson in their back pocket. Grayson
is a top-notch sprinter whose 2005 season ended early when he was forced out
with an injury.
Warren
Central returns all four members from last seasonâ??s 4 x 100 team that finished fourth.
The Warriors are more experienced this time around and will vow to take home
the blue. They just may do so as we all know the importance of having a
cohesive unit on the track for this event.
Fort Wayne
Northrop is another team returning experience. The Bruins return five of their
six relay members this time around, and theyâ??ll be running with a chip on their
collective shoulders as they want to prove last spring was a fluke.
Jonesâ?? Top
5:
1.
Fort Wayne Wayne
2. Warren
Central
3.
Fort Wayne Northrop
4.
Ben
Davis
5.
Carmel
With very
few exceptions, this event is dominated year-in and year-out by Indianapolis and Fort
Wayne schools. Expect 2006 to be no different. Why Carmel, you ask? The
Greyhounds, though known for their distance prowess, return all four members
from a very fast team.
4 x 400 meter relay
Fort Wayne Northrop HAS to win this one if
the Bruins are going to have any shot in the team race. The defending state champions
in this event return three of four legs, including speedster Scott Wims, who put
on his Superman cape last season in leading them to the win. Yes, 3:16 is an impressive
time, and they could go even faster
this time around if the weather cooperates.
Notice a
pattern here? Warren Central once again returns all four members of a team that
placed fourth in this event last season. The Warriors will give Northrop and
the others all they can handle.
Ben Davis had
this race won last season until the final leg. Expect the Giants, always tough
in this event, to be hungry this time out. They return three of four members
from last yearâ??s runner-up team.
Jonesâ?? Top
5:
1. Fort Wayne Northrop
2.
Warren
Central
3.
Ben
Davis
4.
Pike
5.
Hamilton Southeastern
Speaking
of hungry, Pike also will be. The Red Devils return three members from last
seasonâ??s squad that was surrounded by controversy. They, like the Northrop 4 x 100
squad, will be running with a chip on their shoulder.
4 x 800 meter relay
For the
first time in years, this race is EXTREMELY wide open. Perennial powerhouses Carmel and Lawrence North
have suffered graduation losses. Sparing you the â??they always reloadâ? story, I
will move on to others whom I believe will be in the mix.
But let me
just say it anyway: DO NOT COUNT OUT THE â??HOUNDS AND THE WILDCATS!
Another Central Indiana mid-distance powerhouse is my pick to
take home the blue. Brebeuf has a history in this event and returns three of
four members from last seasonâ??s third-place team. Yes, the one member they lost
was a VERY important one in Trent Morton, but I believe that the Braves have
what it takes to fill the spot and reach the top.
Several
other teams have a chance at this one, so just because your team is not on this
list does not mean they donâ??t have a shot.
Jonesâ?? Top
5:
1.
Brebeuf
2.Fort Wayne Dwenger
3.
Valparaiso
4.
Zionsville
5.
Carmel
I just donâ??t
have the guts to pick against the Carmel Greyhounds â?¦
Next week?
Part 4: the field events.
So what do you think? Share your thoughts in our Boys Track & Field forum.
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