Cal Berkeley Saturday Jan 14th.
A few Gamespeed athletes competed in the first Cal Berkeley track meet of the season. In track a good preseason regiment is probably the most important part of having a successful season. It can ensure a higher level of performance , reduce the risk of injury, and allow you to hone valuable racing skill. Most of these athletes have been working hard for the past couple of months and its showing in their performances.
The Results:
Trevor Holmgren (San Ramon): 400m 51.92 Won his heat of the 400m with a time that is one full second better than his opening time a year ago. A huge improvement. He was the second fastest high school athlete overall. He later competed in the 4x800m relay with his SRV teammates.
Annie Geasa (Foothill): 400m 65.84. In her debut in the 400m Annie did’nt know what to expect but executed a solid run placing 3rd in her heat. An 800m runner a solid 400 time bodes well for a big drop in the 800m. Her times will only get better and it looks like she may have found a second event.
Karra Gardin (Moreau): 400m 62.70 Winning her heat Karra had the second best high school time. She too opened up well ahead of pace from last season. She beat her last year opening mark by over 2 seconds. Last year she was an NCS finalist in the 400m so she is off to a great start. Karra ran an aggressive but smart race executing her last 100m just like we practiced.
Conor Cook (Monte Vista): 60 m 6.50, In his first 60m race ever Conor looked like a veteran. He was out with the leaders and accelerated well finishing second in his heat. I was very happy with how everything we have worked on showed in his race. He has been a good student and that skill is showing.
Maya Chissell (Castro Valley): 60m 8.62.  The 60m dash was also a first for this athlete. Though nervous she ran well finishing 3 rd in her heat with a solid time. She is just figuring this sprint thing out but is showing a lot of upside.
Aaron Thigpen (Gamespeed) 60m 7.07. For his first race of the year this old guy ran well against the youngsters. This “OG” as he’s referred to by the young runners got out well and ran shoulder to shoulder with the competition to a near photo finish (1st 7.00, 2nd 7.04, ). He was pleasantly surprised by his top end speed and is eager for the longer races like the 100m. He’ll have that chance again at Berkeley on Feb 4th.