The trials were very exciting and the depth of the competition was extensive.  It became challenging to make selections for the USA Team. Those who shone at the Trials ranged from the multi-DWG competitors like the elder statesman Willie Moers who again won 1st in the shot put, discus and hammer to the very young, Tiffany Hargrove (from Louisiana) who won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, L.J., T.J. and a close silver in the 400m.  Another very young rising star is Kristina Burke (Florida) who  at 15 won gold in the Heptathlon on her first time she attempted the event.  She also set a high standard in the individual events with golds in the high hurdles and 400 hurdles and a bronze in the H.J.  In the distance races, Carla Strange set the standard by winning golds in 800m, 1500m, and 5000m. Greg Coughlan returned to show the younger distance men he can still compete by winning the gold in 1500m and 10,000m and got edged into the silver in the 5000m.  Another return performer who was on a roll was Heather Lightfoot winning gold in the hammer (approaching world record distances) and the discus and rounded out the triple with a bronze in the shot put.  Seasoned performers like David Webster made all the coaches smile to see him win gold in all four event in which he competed: the 800m,  L.J., T.J., and H.J.  Carlos Stennett showed his speed with gold in the 200m and the 400m and along with other speedsters will give us the speed to also compete well in the relays.  Many great performances were shown and these were the highlights but in no way diminish the efforts of others.  Remember, it takes a lot of individuals to make a “team”. 

For all athletes, keep training.  For those wonderful high school coaches, keep up the good work because without your tremendous work and sacrifice, the younger athletes would not be in a position to be the “rising stars”.  Even if the athletes did not make the team this time, encourage them to stay involved and with resolve, make the team in four years.  We need the feeder programs to produce the stars for future trials.  I for one want to pat you high school (and middle school) coaches on the back for a job well done.  You have inspired a wonderful group of young people to compete in an exceptional sport.  Remember, keep running fast, jumping long, and throwing with great distances.   Until next time... 

Yours in Track, 

Coach Hugh Lewis