Once a year the league comes together for a one day track meet, all teams tring to get additional points for the “Best JH Sports Program” in the Bay Area Private School Athletic League. We are so proud of our 6th graders that participated and did a great job!! Read below:

Here are the results of our trek to The King’s Academy:

After addressing the nail-biting, incessant chatter producing nerves of our novice track stars each participant prayed that their results would honor God and make their school proud. After two hours of fun-filled, yet exhausting competition, I can honestly say that each athlete did their best with wonderful and coachable approaches. They were willing to try new events at the spur of the moment, consequently learning that track and field offers more than a 100 meter dash.

Our pioneer athletes include Jeff (El Jefe) Baron, running the grueling 1600 m in a field of sixth through eighth graders. He ran a respectable 7:29, placing fifth. He was likely the only sixth grader to compete. His recovery was remarkably quick. He ran the very next event, the 50 m in 8:51. He then trotted over to the softball throw (an elementary precursor of a discuss, shot put or hammer) and launched a 111 ft. bomb. He decided that he would complete his day with another sprint when he entered himself into the 100m. His competitive nature led him to beat out one of the other participants by a mere lean at the line. Again, he was one of the youngest competitors in the field, but earned a 15.5 and placed 7th.

Amber Leyva shows the determination and constitution of a natural competitor. She was the most enthusiastic when it came to trying something new. She participated in the softball throw improving on each toss, launching a 69 foot throw on her final attempt. With no coaching or experience, she jumped 7ft. 6 inches on her second attempt. Perhaps she is not ready for the Olympics, but, with a running start, she can clear a recumbent Yao Ming. She also braved the 50 and the 100, showing good form and determination.

Simi Segun proves to be a natural at the sprints and likely the long jump. With a fierce determination and competitive streak, she ran a 16.03 in the 100m earning her a 5th place amongst at least twelve competitors, most of whom were seventh graders. She also excelled in the 50m, running it in 8:22. It needs to be noted that all of these times are earned on a dirt track in play shoes.

Nina Bessolo has the most experience of her teammates, but still had to address the issue of nerves before the first race. After a slow start, Nina made up time in the 1600m to earn first place. She decided she wanted to run the 400m shortly after. She adjusted her race mentality and made up the stagger within the first 50m. After that, she never saw her competitors until the end of the race. She agreed to run the 800m and managed to win the race in the last 10 meters against a seventh grader. Finally, she competed against the entire 6-8th grade field in the long jump, earning a third place ribbon.

All in all, the day was a great success, not so much because of wins and improvements, but because of good attitudes and the desire to bring glory to God.