SPC Championship at Plainfield South, 5.7.15

Post date: Jun 17, 2015 10:27:46 PM

Oswego East showed they were the best team Thursday night by winning the SPC Championship and beating Minooka (2nd) by 10 points. The JV also finished 2nd to Oswego East.

The varsity Indians scored 114 points, which in the last four years would have been enough to beat all other teams, but not this year. Oswego East is a tremendous team and performed better. However, with the state series upon us, it’s important to focus on what made up the 114 points, and not those 10. Some of the many highlights:

• Minooka distance runners dominated the open events, finishing first and second in the 3200m, 800m, and 1600m.
• The same two that went 1-2 in the 800, came back and did the same in the 1600.
• The 1600 was a perfect example of never giving up and having that “never say die” attitude. The Indians were in a distant second and third place during almost all of the race thanks to some gutsy running by the leader. It wasn’t until the final 40 meters until they both clawed their way past her.
• There were several personal records set, particularly in the 400, where both JV and varsity athletes did their best. The Minooka school record was again broken, and how.
• Minooka won the varsity shot put for the first time since 2008. The 2008 champ now coaches the throws for the boys.
• The handoffs for the varsity 4x100m relay were absolutely perfect.
• The JV long and triple jumpers all approached the day striving for personal bests. They were jumping into a 20 mph headwind, yet I didn’t hear them complain once or use that as an excuse. They didn’t get their personal bests, but their attitudes were the best.
• The newest pole vaulters continue to improve and thrive.
• The response by the runners of the varsity 4x200 after the race was genuine. It was concern for an injured teammate rather than concern for the result. You can’t teach that.
• Minooka won the JV 100m dash for the first time (I believe) since the conference was founded.