Well I competed in the Drake Relays this weekend, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it competing… Before I go on I want to thank Brian Brown (Meet Director) and Carolyn Hill (Assistant Meet Director) for allowing me to compete in the Drake Relays. I went into the meet prepared to go and jump big, but had a mishap blow the whole weekend. When I got to the track I went to find my packet, but no one was around so I went to search for someone to help me with this problem. Finally after standing in the 45 degree weather for a half an hour someone came to the table to assist me and the other athletes who were waiting. I finally got my number and went to the event area to check in. They were running a little behind schedule so I asked the head official when they thought the event would start. He said the event was supposed to go off at 1:00, by this time it was 12:50 the official told me that they would have a meeting at 1:15 and probably get started at 1:30.
So I thought great that would give me enough time to get out of the cold for a minute and to warm-up indoors since I was in the third flight. I had an athlete that I coach at Carthage College keep me posted on the details of the event. I had him call me when the first flight started. I had him call me when the second flight started, so I knew how much time I had, and I had him call me when the second jumps of the second flight were contested so I could come out the building. Everything up to this point sounds like it’s going according to plan, but little to my or 2 other athletes (Carl White and Marc Dzradosi) knowledge things were about drastically wrong.
When we got outside to the triple jump area it was to our surprise that they 2nd and 3rd flights were combined. When Carl told me that I thought it was a joke because I saw people in the third flight with spikes and sweat suits on, but it was true. Now here were are trying to figure out if we were going to be able to jump. After talking to the head official they allowed us to jump, but with no warm up and no approaches. Now the three of us are upset because we have been put in a situation that puts us in a disadvantage, especially after I spoke with the head official before I left and he didn’t mention anything about combining the flights and there was no other noticed or announcement about combining the flights.
We were forced to jump with no warm ups no approaches, and no time in between jumps, needless to say, the performance was awful. I only jumped a meager 48’00” and did not make the finals. This was not the way that I wanted my Drake experience to go considering the fact that was the same place that I set my first post collegiate PR, but there will be better days to come. I will use this as a learning experience and hopefully I will have a chance to redeem myself next year at Drake Relays.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
That’s just wrong!!! It will be ok you will have more opportunities.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 am
After reading the Drake Nightmare, I can understand how it might have been. You made the sacrifices necessary to get there, follow the instructions to compete and then have to endure the disappointment of not being able to do your best performace because of poor communication.
I’m sure had you had the proper time to prepare, you could done better. I think the officials could have done a better job of understanding the problem and then allow you and the others time to properly prepare yourselves for the meet, since they didn’t inform you of the changes they made. I know that your stats indicate you can do better so keep on doing the best you can and it will all pay off after while. This was only a minor setback. The entire Mt Sinai Baptist Church Family is praying for you. We are proud of you.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
When you’ve done your best, time will reap your reward. Sometime things happen that seems the simplest measures could have changed it ~ “to make it right.” But, sometime we must except the “Right” ~ in what seems so wrong, for that “time.”
Be encouraged. Your time will come!! In the meantime; remember four word “God, I trust You!” To all who believe…. good will come. So, proud of you!!!
May 7th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Don’t allow nightmares to frighten you, but just allow them to wake you up. There are many negative things that will try to turn us from the path we chose in life but as you told those in whom you coach, I give back to you. ” You have to chase your dream to live your dream. Good luck cousin and keep chasing, I’m proud of you. With God you can do all things.
May 7th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Lamont, it’s a pretty shady world out there sometimes. Keep your head up and don’t take this loss sitting down. Take it seriously and from brother to sister…a word of advice …Keep your eyes and ears open!!! As you warmed up inside the building, your rivals were all joined together outside focusing, preparing and taking in the chilly environment. Don’t let the cold, heat or anything else trip you up next time. Keep your eye on the prize and stay where the action is. This way, you’ll be able to see for yourself (ahead of time) when something crumby is going on. I have no doubt that you will do better in future events. We’re all excited for you.Get ready… Get set… GO GET ‘EM!!!!!
May 7th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
While my comment is awaiting moderation, I’ll just say….I’m proud of you , Lamont. Best to you in all your social, spiritual and athletic endeavors.
May 20th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I would like to thank you all for your comments and support. It is support like this that and God’s will, that will allow me to achieve great things.
November 27th, 2009 at 2:59 am
Hey Lamont, whats going on? Hope training is going well. The Drake incident was very unfortunate. But hey at least we still got to jump. It’s just one of those experiences you take with you along the path to greatness.