Apr. 30, 2008. Vol. LXXX, No. 11
The Salem State Log
Life in the Fast Lane: Catching up with the fastest person in Salem State Track history
"I just tried to run as fast as I could and do what I had to do," said Eddie Bynum III aka Da Flash, after successfully defending his NCAA Division 3 indoor 55m dash title by posting a record time of 6.25 seconds. "It's a great feeling to come out on top again. I know my family and coaches are really proud." Bynum says "it feels good" to be successful so close to home. "Going back to [Lynn English] high school and meeting with some of my old teachers, and them reading about what I have accomplished feels good," he said. "It feels good getting the recognition of those that are in your community." Those close to Bynum have always influenced him, and his athletic family can be credited with his decision to run track. "I started running track in my junior year of high school," Bynum said, "Some of my immediate family members participated in track and were relatively good, so I was curious how good I would be." Good would be an understatement while describing the career Bynum has had at Salem State.
Da Flash is a four-time All-American and two-time National Champion. No other SSC sprinter has even captured one National Championship. In his senior season Bynum came out of the blocks quickly, qualifying for the national championship in the first meet. He would go on to defend his New England, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC), and All-Alliance championships this winter, before closing it all out with his second D3 National Title. Bynum has won the NEC and MASCAC titles three times, as well as holding some titles in the indoor 200m race.
SSC sprint coach Jeff Rockwood, who head coach Dennis Floyd credits with bringing Eddie's talents to the highest level, said, "He looked better than he ever has," when refering to Bynum's title defense. "Eddie has established a quiet confidence and gained tremendous respect from his opponents. It's not a surprise he was able to defend all his titles, because he was so focused, relaxed, and driven." This mindset is visible in everything that Bynum does. Outside of track, Da Flash likes to "relax and chill" with his friends and family. He also enjoys playing basketball, video games, and watching Justice League cartoons, where he found his nickname. Even though he is very laid back, Bynum's drive can't be questioned; when you take into account that he has been running with a bone fracture in his lower back all year. He recalls "enduring through pain during races."
Hopefully the pain goes away for Eddie Bynum III aka Da Flash, becuase he plans to keep running after college. He plans to "try to qualify for the Olympic trials" or "run track professionally" at some time. If his focus, drive, and determination remain intact, then Da Flash's success in sprinting is far from over.
O'Keefe sign shone too brightly.
The new digital sign in front of the O'Keefe Center was meant to draw attention to upcoming sporting events at Salem State College.
It worked - maybe a little too well. Neighbors noticed it right away.
The electronic sign went up about a month ago and is intended to replace an old, deteriorated yellow sign on top of the O'Keefe Center that will soon be taken down, college spokeswoman Karen Cady said. Over time, it had become dangerous to keep replacing the letters on the old sign, she said.
"I'd describe it as something that should have been in Times Square," Sandi Power, a member of the South Salem Neighborhood Association, who claims she could see the sign from her kitchen window, recently told the Salem Evening News. "It was in your face. There was so much print, and it was so bright that it was hard to read what it was saying."
The neon screen would blink consistently with a schedule of college events written in multiple colors that were distracting and unlike any other signs in the neighborhood, Power said.
Another sign on Lafayette Street, located at the Mainstage Auditorium, went up about a year ago to replace an older sign with manual lettering, Cady said.
After hearing from neighbors, the college recently scaled back the O'Keefe Center sign. It now operates in black and white and doesn't flash as much.
"We completely understand the concerns of the neighborhood," Cady said. "We want to work with them so it doesn't become a source of contention."
Power believes the situation has improved since the college made the changes.
"It's no longer the offensive sign that it was," Power went on to say.
But the electronic sign debate may not be over yet. Some members of the South Salem Neighborhood Association have asked the city Planning Department to look into whether the sign violates city sign bylaws.
What remains unclear is whether Salem State is exempt from the bylaws because it's a state agency.
"We are in the process of reviewing the matter and consulting with legal counsel for a resolution," Salem City Solicitor Beth Rennard said.