Track and Field team hosts first annual Joe Falcon Relays
Bobby Zuiss, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2010
Filed under Track and Field
May 1, 2010 was a momentous occasion for the Belton Track and Field Team as they hoseted the first annual Joe Falcon Relays. The meet is named after Belton Alumni, Joe Falcon, who graduated back in 1984. Falcon traveled from his hometown in Bentonville, Arkansas in order to help celebrate the meet.
For those unfamiliar with the history of Belton sports, Falcon is one of, if not the, most decorated athlete to ever graduated from Belton High School.
Falcon graduated as the #1 Ranked Distance Runner in the United States coming out of high school by running magazine, Track and Field News. This was a result of Falcon completing the mile in 4:07 and the two mile in 8:58. These blistering speeds were achieved by Falcon during the summer of 1984 and still hold the record for Belton.
After graduating, Falcon attended the University of Arkansas where he ran the distance medley relay at the 1989 Penn Relays and set the current world record with a 9:20.
By 1990, Falcon was ranked #1 in the entire world at the mile run. His fastest mile ever recorded was a 3:49.
Athletes, coaches, and spectators alike were all excited to meet Falcon and watch him start off all of the distance races that morning.
“Just coming up here to see all of the new facilities for the athletes, it’s a blessing,” Falcon said.
On the track, Belton was successful at showing Falcon talent from the 2010 track team. Senior Glen Whitney placed fourth after several competitive heats in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.56.
On the distance races, senior Trey Ryan ran a 10:31 in the two mile and placed third after the eight lap race. Freshman Brian Zuiss placed ninth with a 4:58 in the mile run. This was Zuiss’ first time breaking the five minute barrier, which is quite an achievement for a freshman.
“I pushed hard on the first lap and just went with the pack,” Zuiss said. “I always try to make my third lap strong and just give it all on the last 100 meters.”
Finishing strong, junior Jordyn Williams pushes past the competition at the end of her race.
On the team half of the meet, Belton placed second and third in the Boys 4×800 Meter Relay and the Boys 1600 Sprint Medley, respectively.
By the end of the day, the team agreed they had pushed themselves for the first home meet of the year and the first of many Joe Falcon Relays.
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I dont understand why its all about the track athletes. There is nothing about the shot put and discus throwers in here. I think thats wrong and next year you all should at least attempt to give us throwers some recognition.
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