Middle school Outlaws shine in race

Last Thursday, Coach Kris Kristovich took four seventh-grade boys to run in a COCC open race. He thought it might be a fun 400-yard work out. He could not have known that Brandon Pollard, Evan Rickards, Jake McCallister and Landon Prescott would come in second overall behind a group of runners from the college.

The college runners were wowed by the team and asked, "How old are these guys?" said Coach Kristovich.

He explained that each team had to complete 24 laps, and each team could be made up of two, three or four runners. Each member had to run 400 meters and then tag one of their teammates to run the next leg. This gave each runner about three-and-a-half minutes between legs.

Kristovich wanted Rickards to run 68/70 seconds, McCallister 70/72s, and Prescott/Pollard 74/76s. He told them it would be best to go out a bit on the easy side and work into it. They were eighth or ninth after the first lap, then started working on pace.

They turned in an average team lap pace of 72 seconds.

"I did not want them going out too fast and hitting the wall in the middle of the race," Kristovich said.

"Because they followed the workout, they actually got stronger during the second half of the race."

"This is a unique group of boys, and I think we will see some great things on and off the field in the years to come," Kristovich said, noting that they are all very good students.

Coach Kristovich and many kids from the track team will not be ending their season after districts on May 20 in Gilcrest this year. He plans on continuing to coach kids who would like to attend the Junior Olympics in June, and has also started a running club.

"Sisters Striders" will be meeting this summer and hosting many fun summer running activities for all who would be interested in joining. At this time, three coaches who have been approved by the USA Track & Field will also be volunteering their time.

For more information e-mail Kristovich at [email protected]