Warp Speed

For those of you who actually read my blog for something other than the cross country analysis, I am going to start with something other than cross country analysis.

This week was test week.  My first test of the semester in three classes, none of which would I consider a cakewalk.  I feel that I rose to the occasion, however.  I know I managed an A- in Nutrition, and I'm thinking As are also going to be the result in Intro to Exercise Science and Fundamentals of Fitness.  I'm thoroughly enjoying everything I'm learning in these classes, and I think it is fairly easy to say that I chose the right major.  Occasionally, I wish the classes were a bit more in depth in the physiology area, less in the clinical fitness area.

Also, I decided to get adventurous with food today.  I went to Noodles and Company, a restaurant I would recommend to just about anyone, and ordered some Pad Thai.  Now, some of you, I'm sure, are looking at this and wondering what in the world Pad Thai is.  Some of you are probably wrinkling your noses.  Allow me to describe it.  Think lo mein in a a sweet sauce, cooked up with red and white cabbage, carrots, peanuts, sprouts, and (here it comes) scrambled eggs.  I assure you, it is delicious.  It does smell pretty funky, however.  I was almost disgusted by the smell, but as soon as I began eating it, I was satisfied with my order.

Also, I may have bitten off a bit more than I can chew this week.  I contacted the WSU SGA with the topic of a potential smoking ban on campus.  Now, while I usually take a fairly "hands off" type of attitude towards government, I feel like this is something that should be looked into.  What I want is a compromise; a specific area on campus smokers can go to light up that won't bother the rest of us.  However, with no one to enforce these rules, it is all or nothing- you can smoke just about anywhere, or nowhere.  I would prefer nowhere.  If I'm sitting on a bench birdwatching, reading, or doing nothing, I'm not bothering anyone.  If I'm sitting on a bench smoking, I'm bothering people sitting around me or walking past me, especially if they have allergies.  I am very tired of long walks across campus stuck behind someone smoking, choking on it the whole way from Ahlberg to Heskett.  I respect their freedom, but I think my freedom to breathe trumps their freedom to smoke.  I would like you guys to weigh in, as I will be writing a report and potentially garnering student body support for the issue when it could potentially appear before the student senate.

Now comes the cross country part!

This week, many teams will truly be tested for just what they're worth.  The Rim Rock Classic goes on at Lawrence, and I expect to see some truly great battles across the board.

But first, let's review last weekend.

Baldwin Invitational
Holy cow... so much to say about this meet.  I think the proper place to begin is with the most obvious:  Alli Cash is something special.  13:16.  Fastest time I have ever seen in Kansas for a girls' 4K.  She led her team to a 2nd place finish behind the juggernaut that is St. Thomas Aquinas.  All 7 runners under 16:00?  I think I see the best team in 5A.  Also worth mentioning is Baldwin.  They seemed far stronger than they did at Wamego, and I see 4A getting very interesting, assuming Maize South (who performed very well at their meet this week as well) stays in 4A.  On the Boys' side of things, Aquinas and Baldwin both looked stronger than they have in their other performances this season, but Baldwin doesn't have as much depth as I think they need to win 4A. 

Bonner Springs Invitational
THIS is the meet I was really excited to blog about.  Can you say DeSoto?  Considering I was given confirmation that the course was meticulously measured, we can say that these times are at least somewhat reliable.  These guys won't go that fast at State, which is what matters, but I think they have massive potential for stud power to work some miracles with Angel Vasquez and Luis Murillo up front.  Keep in mind that Murillo is only a freshman... I don't know that I've ever seen a freshman in Kansas run 16:16 on a legit course.  Also looking strong was 5A team Mill Valley.  They've been gradually improving over the years, and I think they'll eventually be a strong contender.  In the girls' race, I am almost entirely going to skip Mill Valley, despite the fact that they won by 4 over Hayden.  Those girls looked very strong, and backed up their performance this week at Tonganoxie.  Throw in St. James Academy and Paola... plus the Baker twins of Lansing... and you had one heck of a solid meet.

Southeast Invitational
In other news, I found that Wichita North FINALLY looked like the team everyone claims that they are.  The course is a little easier than last week's, but not that much faster (if faster at all) than the RAFT.  So, I see that they are improving, which is another key to success in 6A.  I think they are close to something special here.  I also want to add that Maize looked less than spectacular compared to their showing last week at Emporia.  On the girls' side, I was disappointed that Maize was unable to run with Bishop Carroll.  Not that I want Carroll to lose, I merely wanted an interesting race.

Now, on to some Rim Rock preview. 

Boys' Blue Division
I look forward to seeing how Andale's Jacob Wallace fairs on this tougher-than-average course, and what kind of race he has against Drew Baum of Labette County.  The battle between 3A contenders Wellsville and Wichita Independent is worth keeping tabs on, too.
Boys' Red Division
Mulvane, Wamego, Topeka Seaman, and upstart Mill Valley, plus individuals Brandon Lewis (Derby), Cory Donley (Sacred Heart), and Oscar Carmona (Dodge City) look to impress as well.
Boys' Gold Division
All the big dogs come out to play- Baldwin, Bishop Carroll, Aquinas, Wichita North, and DeSoto are the teams that particularly interest me.  Although, I can't help but wonder why the heck Winfield is competing in that division...
Girls' Blue Division
Ellinwood, Norton, and individuals Elise Larson of Andover and Michaela Ozier of Labette County are really all I am watching in this division.
Girls' Red Division
Maize South, DeSoto, Mill Valley, Valley Center, and the Baker twins?  Yes please!
Girls' Gold Division
Aquinas.  Carroll.  Baldwin.  Shawnee Mission West.  Clash of the Titans?  Almost.  I'm also interested in seeing how Garden City performs and just how fast Alli Cash will run.  But again... how did Winfield make that field?

Well, that's all folks.  I'll be waiting for the results to come in from the big meet this weekend, and I'll be looking for your opinions on the WSU smoking issue.  Hit me up with comments, please!

Au revoir!