(NOT) Your Average Joe

loStreet Beggars

I guess I must not have gotten the new memo on fund-raising for youth team sports.  It seems to be that there is a new protocol these days for fund raising.  If I remember correctly, you used to have to provide some sort of service or "goods" in exchange for money

I was driving down Trans Mountain about an hour ago and I see about 30 teenagers out there soliciting money.  I mean don't get me wrong, I support youth athletics, but aren't they essentially begging?  What they are doing is no different than a homeless person on a street corner begging for money.  Don't think of me as some cold-hearted snob, but is there any difference really?

I remember you used to have to wash someone's car or peddle a raffle ticket.  I guess it is now presumed easier just to ask for the cash straight up.  The kids are usually holding up a sign that says "Help Support Desert Warriors Youth Basketball" or something similar. It may as well say, "we need cash, hook a brotha up!"

I mean I support you all, but I just don't see how handing over cash is teaching these kids anything.  Maybe the consensus is since they've been standing out in the sun all day, they deserve some cold hard cash.  I think that is also the exact attitude that street beggars subscribe to.

Maybe I sound like a big jerk, but come one, at least do something to earn the money.  I don't know, maybe juggle or break dance.  Hell, even sell me a two dollar Rice Krispie treat or tie me a balloon that slightly resembles "Grover" or a "Power Rangers" sword. I find it hard to justify a kid that age, basically just begging for money.  Isn't that a major problem with society these days?  People seem to think that they are entitled to things with no work put in?

I understand there are stricter rules these days with water conservation and so on.  I know that people are not to crazy about raffle tickets or buying 10 "Kit Kat's" a week, but isn't standing in the median asking for cash going a little too far. I know some of you may be thinking "well isn't that what the firemen do"?  Well the comparison could be made of course, but that money is going to fight a major childhood illness and is world renown charity, not for hotel rooms and uniforms.

I have seen this sort of soliciting pick up in the last two years. I cannot even believe this is allowed, I mean in spite of everything else, is this not a major safety issue?  I think it is pitiful and I for one will not be given money to anyone that just stands there and asks for it.  Let me know what you all think.

I'm Out!

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com

A Runner's World

Well it's a been about two weeks since my last post.  I've been really busy with some studies of my own and have not really had time to think.  As most of you know, I do a little bit of running of my own, you know 4-5 miles a few times a week.  Nothing too drastic, just trying to keep my girlish figure.

I decided a few weeks ago to run a road race. I ended up running this past Sunday in the Braden Aboud Memorial run on the west side of town.  It was a great atmosphere to say the least and the morning was very nice, just a little on the breezy side.  The turn out was pretty impressive and with the exception of no mile markers, I really enjoyed the run. I ended up placing 1st in my age group and most importantly ran under 20 minutes which was my goal. (19.49)

Then yesterday morning I woke up a lot earlier than usual and ran 10 miles on a whim.  I had not run that much since I was about 19 or 20.  I guess I just wanted to prove to myself I could still do it.  It was pretty crazy, but I did it with no problem. I think I could of even gone another 100 meters or so.

I've been running since about the age of 12 and still love the challenge.  I was driving later on after my run yesterday and I saw this normal looking guy dressed in "basketball" garb.  I thought to myself, wow anyone who actually gets up and runs on their own is pretty amazing.  I mean I have always had a ton of respect for anyone who runs, but I guess I never really took a second to acknowledge it.

The amazing thing about distance running is that it is the easiest thing in the world, yet the hardest.  What I mean is literally anyone can run, I mean its simple physiology right?  The thing is that it is the hardest thing in the world once that lactic acid starts pooling in the legs and your lungs start feeling like a stretched balloon.  Most people would never even imagine pushing themselves past that threshold

Running is almost like a miracle, it transforms bodies, It transforms lives if you really think about it.  I have a good friend that was 280 less than two years ago. I am talking about 5'7, 280.  Well he came to me one day since he knew I ran, and he asked me what to do.  I started him walking of course and to make a long story short, he runs pretty much everyday and is at about 187 now.  I am talking about strictly running and a minor changer in diet.

It's kind of weird for me though, but although I have been running since I was a kid, I never really loved the actual act of running. I mean I enjoyed the competitive part and I enjoyed that it gave me self esteem, but I never respected it for what it was until very recently.  I am 30 years old now and I see what it has done for me in the past and what it does for me now. I am still proud of the way I look physically. The results of running only makes me want to do it more.  I think I may just start going for more of the 10 milers on a more consistent basis. 

Who knows, I may even start training in the fall for the El Paso Marathon.  I just want to tell all you runners out there that you seriously inspire me.  Especially the ones that don't look like runners. You all know what I mean.  Remember we won't be able to run forever, so while we still can make sure you do it every chance you get. 

Till Later

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com

Scholarship Athlete's

I've been sitting on this one for awhile and maybe I should have written it earlier in the season, but nonetheless let me say it.

There are a lot of track athlete's in El Paso that are scholarship worthy obviously.  There are some D-1 caliber one's and a lot more that can compete at D-2 schools.  A lot of the ones who are in the D-2 category are usually right on the cusp of getting to go to school for free or not.

What I have noticed is that the one's that are on the cusp many times are overlooked by a lot of schools.  What I mean is that the super great ones are usually getting offers from some pretty good schools, but many times the Division 2 schools overlook kids who who should be earning scholarships.

I speak from experience on this. When I was in High School I received letters from NMSU, UTEP, and a few Junior Colleges.  Well there were many kids that had never beaten me that were receiving offers from some pretty good D-2 schools that never even looked at me. 

I remember a few of my fellow competitors getting offers from South Plains Junior College outside Lubbock.  Well this is considered one of the better distance running JC's in the Nation.  I called the coach and told him who I was and how he had given scholarships to guys I had never lost to.  He did some research and called me back a few days later. He told me in a straight forward way that he had completely overlooked me and that he could give me something the next semester. I ended up running for UTEP for a year, so things turned out o.k.

I guess what I really want to say is that many times the coaches need to start calling schools themselves.  If the kid is not being recruited but has descent marks, then many times he has a good chance of going somewhere.  I mean a free education is a free education

There are coaches like Austin's coach Truman Wills who is constantly making phone calls. I would guess that half that man's runners end up going somewhere after high school.  He is always finding schools willing to give his kids a chance. 

Many times kids and parents do not know how to get things rolling.  I fathom that their are even a lot of coaches that do not know these things.  We as a Track/Cross Country Community need to get these kids names out there.  All it takes is a phone call to some schools around the U.S.  There are plenty of good ones in Texas alone. Just pay attention to where other El Paso kids have gone in the past. 

All it takes is a phone call or an e-mail. Dear coach so and so, keep your eyes open for Josh Mooris or Lisa Allen, he/she is running 4.29 for the 1600. A lot of times these coaches just need a name to look out for.  (these are made up names so dont ask me who they are please)

Anyway, I think you all get my point.  There is tons of talent here and since we are so disconnected from other major cities, it's easy to overlook us. Trust me, a little extra help from all of us would help more kids earn athletic scholarships.  It's bed time for me, goodnight.

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com

One State Meet

You know I have always been skeptical about the way Texas runs its State track meet.  I mean I realize that we have what is considered the best meet int he country competition wise and probably the most organized.  What I am talking about is the way it is run in 5 different divisions. Most large states probably run a similar system, but let me explain my point.

I realize that it can be argued that there is no other way to run it in such a large state.  Really though at the end of the day, does being state champion make you the best in the state.  Let me elaborate on what I mean.

O.k, case in point is when I was a junior, I was out kicked in the 3200 at the district meet and since they only took the top two to regionals, I obviously was left out.  No big deal right?  I mean I knew I had to be in the top 2 and was unsuccessful, I took my medicine and that was that.

Well then I look at the 2-5A results the next day in the paper and my 3rd place time is faster than the winner of the other district.  Right off the bat we are already are not sending the 4 best from our city even to the regional meet.  Maybe it sounds like I am bitter, but I think you can get the point.

Let us look at it from another perspective.  I was recently reading an article on this kid from Klein Oak outside Houston.  I saw him run in the State meet about 4 years ago in the 1600.  He was the fastest miler in the U.S. that year and won state with a 4.03 or something close to that.  Well he stated that it was his first trip to state even though he had run sub-4.30 as a freshmen.  Well he just could not get out of his district because it was that competitive.  Even as a junior he was third in his district with a 4.17.  Once again, that district probably had 4 guys that could beat anyone in the State.  So by the time the state meet happens a lot of top runners are left behind.

I mean how can you be in 2-A, win state in the 800m with a 1.59 and then call yourself a state champion. It really makes no sense and does no-one any good.  A good example is a kid in 4A running a 156 at regionals and then running a 1.54 at state and winning.  Then you have a 5A kid running a 1.53 at regionals and getting 4th.  One kid is crowned a state champ and the other did not even go to state.  Oh and both kids are from schools in the same city.  You all get it?

So what is the alternative you might ask?  Well I am not sure if New Mexico still does it, but back when I was in high school they used to have a system similar to the NCAA's. They would have to hit a certain mark prior to a certain date to be invited to the state me.  Another words provisional times would qualify you.

I am not saying that we should do the exact same thing.  The state of Texas needs to establish a certain amount of meets per year that are "qualifying", that way it is not just one race and one shot.  Not everybody runs the fastest on the same day.  They could establish a pre-qualifying time early in the season and maybe adjust it accordingly by the second half if their are too many times that are being matched.

I will even go as far as to say you can still have a "regional" meet for the purpose of scoring teams or even just to break it down further.  I am not even saying it should just be the times that  have to be met, I mean you could just have to meet a certain time to get to regionals and then qualify normally from there.

It is just obvious that the system that we use now leaves too many people at home that are faster than a lot of the ones that actually qualify.  I don't know, its just what I think. I would guess that a lot of you would agree and many others like this "old" system.  Hit me back and tell me what you all think.

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com

The Best of the Best?

Just a thought

I was just thinking earlier today how more than any other sport track parents are the most involved.  I am not even talking about the in your face put my kid in type of involved.  It's a weird thing, but track parents usually know what is going on with pretty much every team and every kid.  Well maybe not every kid, but every kid that is right in front of or in back of their kid.

I know people always say they have the least problems with track and cross country kids than any other sport, but I think the parents involvement is testament to that.  So how does this theory work, are the parents involved because their kid is in track or are the kids in track because the parents are involved.

I would have to say that a big part of it is that it is one of the few sports where you have to really hit it hard in the off season. Now I know there is city volleyball, and 7 on 7 football and those types of things, but it seems in track you really have to be hitting in on your own without a structured environment.

Its a true discipline and I would have to say that when a parent sees how much work it takes, they start pitching in.  If you look at all the top athletes in track, from the 100 meters to the discus, it takes hours and hours each day for months on end to be tops.  I mean it is truly an individual sport.

That is the reason why you see so many great athletes from other sports compete so hard in track.  Yah they may be stars in their other sports, but someone else can make or break your success. In track you alone control your destiny and you alone have to live with the results.  It's pretty empowering I would have to say.

I guarantee you that about 90% of the top tracksters in the city will have their parents in the stands. And these parents know all their kids stats and where his next meet is and what his ranking is in the city.

You track parents are pretty awesome, even when you are arguing amongst yourselves on this blog.  I just wanted to say thanks to all you parents who write in.  You seriously play a huge part in these kids success.  All the coaches and competitors appreciate you all, seriously. 

Just my thoughts, hope to hear from you mommy and daddy.  See Ya

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com

"Meet of Champions"

I just wanted to give you all the heads up on the Upcoming "Meet of Champions" on April 18th at Horizon High School.

For those of you that are not familiar with this meet, it is a pre-regional qualifier meet that pits all the qualifiers from all local districts against one another in one meet. In other words if you have been dying to see a certain head to head match-up between two individuals or relays, this will be the meet to see it happen.

The meet was pretty popular in the early 90's and then sort of died off. Personally I always wanted to run in it, but they stopped running it when I was a sophomore and then it started up again a few years later. A lot of the top track and field athlete's have always liked this meet, as it is sort of a warm up for regionals.

It helps to fine tune your game before the big meet.  I know some of coaches are skeptical of putting their kids in this meet, but if you do some reasearch you will see that most of the top athlete's in the state run in similar meets leading up to their own regional meet.  I think it is especially beneficial to the sprinters, relays and field events.

Hope to see you all out there.

Here is the info and entry deadlines:

     Date:  April 18^th

     Deadline to enter athletes is Wednesday April 16^th.

     Entries should be submitted via runnercard.com

     Scratch meeting 2:00 p.m.  No Additions, please.

    

     Field Events          2:30 Girls’ Pole Vault

                                    3:30 Boys’ Pole Vault

                                    3:30 Girls’ Long Jump/Boys Triple

                                            Girls’ Shot/ Boys’ Discus

                                             Boys’ High Jump

                                    4:30 Girls’ Triple/ Boys Long Jump

                                             Boys’ Discus/ Girls Shot 

                                             Girls’ High Jump

                                   4:30 3200m

                                   5:30  4x100mr

                                   5:50  800m

                                    6:10  100mh/110mh

                                   6:30  100m

                                    6:45   4x200mr

                                    6:55  400m

                                   7:05   300mh

                                  7:20   200m

                                  7:35   1600m

                                  8:05  4x400mr

* Times between races, beginning with the 4x100, correspond to the regional schedule @

San Angelo

.   We ask that all athletes check in on time so that we may best simulate this schedule.

                                   

District Meet Twilight Zone

Now that all the District meets have been completed, maybe someone with some knowledge can fill me in.  I heard all the meets went well and there were some fine performances.  Although there was pretty much a tornado at the 1-4A meet, it seems like it went alright.

Now for my question, what is the deal with completing these meets a week apart for the different districts and also having them in this really weird mid-week format?  I don't know, it feels kind of different, but I am sure there is a valid explanation for this.

I mean last year was so different also, but it appeared to make more sense having a mega-district meet.  I am not a coach or a runner, so I am sure you all have different opinions on that format also.

As for performances, I saw the usual names do well; the Muncie's, the Castanon's the Chamber's the Paz's and one new star by the name of Marcus Calhoun out at Austin.  That boy tore it up, collecting 3 golds.  Wow, that kid is a serious athlete.

Right now I am awaiting some info the "Meet of Champion's", hopefully I will get that today so I can post a blog on it today or tomorrow.  It sounds like fun and I know a lot of coaches use it to fine tune before district, though some coaches do not let their kids run in it all. We will talk about that later though.

Well it has been a pretty good season thus far with some serious marks posted.  I saw some fast early times in the distance events and then they sort of fell off a little, I am going to blame a fairly windy mid-season for that.  With the exception of Irvin's Castanon running a 1.56 in the 800m I have not seen any times that are state worthy.  I am sure that will change though, hopefully Gatewood and Castanon can break that 4.30 barrier at regionals.  I'm saying they will.

Hopefully you all will see a few new blogs posted from me in the next few days.  My mind has been in the gutter as you can tell from my postings the last two weeks. I need to be inspired folks, so inspire me!  Talk to you all soon.

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com

Star Profile

If anyone has kept track of the top sprinters in the city for the last few years, then you all know who Miguel Edwards is.  He is only a sophomore but he has pretty much established himself the the top 100m and 200m runner in the city.  He actually missed qualifying to the State meet last year my one place.  That is pretty unbelievable. 

I finally got to see the kid a few weeks back and honestly he sort of reminded me of Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders.  He is probably 5'6 140lbs, but all muscle.  The kid is very quick, strong and above all confident.  So lets meet Irvin High sprinter Miguel Edwards.

Miguel Edwards-Irvin High School, Sophomore. (Track and Field) 100m, 200m, Relays

1.  What are your main events and your personal best in each one.

      100m-10.89  200m-22.63

2. What are your goals for this season and in the future if you are not a senior.

    My goals for this season is to "P.R." in my events, do well as a team at district, make it to State in  the 100m and help get my team to State in a relay.

3. Who are your influences.  sports wise and in general.

    My influence is 100m World Record Holder Asafa Powell

4. Who or what got you into this sport?

   Coach (Mark) Torres said I was fast, and at first I wasn't sure, so I wanted to prove it to myself, because when I got to high school I had never been in track or competed before. It has turned out for the best.  It's becoming a part of me.

5. What kind of music are you into and what are your hobbies?

    My favorite kind ot music is Hip Hop/Rap and my hobbies are hanging with my friends.

Good luck at District Miguel and the rest of the mighty Rockets.

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com

Star Profile

If anyone has kept track of the top sprinters in the city for the last few years, then you all know who Miguel Edwards is.  He is only a sophomore but he has pretty much established himself the the top 100m and 200m runner in the city.  He actually missed qualifying to the State meet last year my one place.  That is pretty unbelievable. 

I finally got to see the kid a few weeks back and honestly he sort of reminded me of Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders.  He is probably 5'6 140lbs, but all muscle.  The kid is very quick, strong and above all confident.  So lets meet Irvin High sprinter Miguel Edwards.

Miguel Edwards-Irvin High School, Sophomore. (Track and Field) 100m, 200m, Relays

1.  What are your main events and your personal best in each one.

      100m-10.89  200m-22.63

2. What are your goals for this season and in the future if you are not a senior.

    My goals for this season is to "P.R." in my events, do well as a team at district, make it to State in  the 100m and help get my team to State in a relay.

3. Who are your influences.  sports wise and in general.

    My influence is 100m World Record Holder Asafa Powell

4. Who or what got you into this sport?

   Coach (Mark) Torres said I was fast, and at first I wasn't sure, so I wanted to prove it to myself, because when I got to high school I had never been in track or competed before. It has turned out for the best.  It's becoming a part of me.

5. What kind of music are you into and what are your hobbies?

    My favorite kind ot music is Hip Hop/Rap and my hobbies are hanging with my friends.

Good luck at District Miguel and the rest of the mighty Rockets.

Joe Weissbard

kingrain77@aol.com