June 5th, 2010

Bloom HS; Chicago Heights IL

The rain was the first to greet the athletes, patrons, and workers prior to the start of the inaugural Southland Sprint Spectacular put on by the Winged Foot Foundation.  Mitch Johnston, the organization founder, appeared too busy to be concerned with the inclement weather.  He and fellow event contributors Rich White and Mike Prizy were among several prominent names in the Illinois running community toiling away to meet the 11am start time.  Host Andrew Schmitt, head boys coach for Bloom, was the first person to issue kind remarks about the foundation’s contributions to athletes and clubs in the area: “over 3000 athletes have been provided with footwear, apparel, and other needs.”

The event drew a modest crowd that consisted of mainly parents and several events that were in the original meet program were axed.  The general buzz around the stadium was lamenting about another youth track and field meet across town at Marian Catholic HS.  However, it is conceivable this could grow to become a viable first post-season event, especially for short distance minded athletes and fans.

The main attraction of course was the action on the track and in the field.  Harvey Thornton sprint ace Timothy Faust showed the fans why he earned runner-up honors in last week’s Boys IHSA 3A 200m State final.  Faust held off Ivan Tamba (Wheaton North) and high school teammate Romel Marzette with a solid 21.95.  Faust completed the double victory by winning the 100m over Marzette 11.14-11.35.  Marzette earned all-state honors last weekend in the 100m.

Rich Central’s long jump extraordinaire Sharrika Vance and Thornton shot putter Jazjuan Wallace-Sipp picked up where they left off several weeks ago at the state championship by winning their main events.  There were also several future stars as in junior high school competitors that capped off the morning highlights.