I didn't have enough time to finish these back in the day so I'm going to try and knock them out this week before the indoor stuff kicks up.
It was a tough year for the LaSalle boys this year. Injuries plagued a squad that came into the year with the goal of competing for a state title, and finished the year not far from proving they were a top 3 team in the state. To go to the state meet with just 5 guys and still finish as a high as they did is a true testament to the mental fortitude of the athletes on the squad and LaSalle's great coaching staff that peaks right for states.
For Andrew Stone, known by most as an 800m guy, looked to improve his endurance all season. He already had the ability to fly on the downhills and sprint down the final straightaway, he just needed to piece some of the things together in between. Despite early season injuries that would affect Stone's base training to improve said endurance, he still believed he had the potential to bring home a medal for his team. The key phrase being "for his team". Bleeding with his brothers in battle and running through the highs and the lows of injuries only brought the LaSalle squad closer together. According to Stone, "to have such a supportive and dedicated team helped me stay on top of my goals". It paid off as a slew of step up performances from the LaSalle boys surprised a lot of people at Districts and sent the squad to states. Overcoming all obstacles, the LaSalle boys brought 5 guys to states, 3 of whom weren't in the top 5 for some of the year, and came up with a clutch 5th place finish on the a state course that takes 9 or 10 guys to guarantee you will have five guys have a good day.
For Tom Coyle, the season started out quite bumpy. An injury that he saw as "just another week" grew to knock him out for the bulk of racing season. When Coyle was finally ready to come back and work out with the team, he got kicked around. A tough fact for most returning state champions to deal with. But Coyle didn't get discouraged or give up, he kept working hard. At Districts, Coyle's work paid off with a victory and a sub 16 minute mark, an unbelievable time given his injuries. Behind him, Coyle's squad pulled out the impossible, and took the top 5 non O'Hara spots. It was a great moment for the team, given the adversity they faced all the way up til the day of the district meet, Matt Greco suffered a collapse lung that left him hospitalized on race day. Coyle said, "I couldn't be more proud of my team for what we did."
Going forward Coyle is just trying to avoid "another etrain jinx" and stay healthy for the season ahead. If he does this, he believes he and his team can chase a team title in the PCL championships as well as a state title as a team. Coyle hopes to make noise as a DMR at the Penn Relays once again and chase individual goals in the Millrose Mile and the Dream Mile in NYC.
He will be attending Stanford next year.
Between Coyle and Stone, LaSalle has one of the best 12-16 punches in the state for a DMR. The state record indoors and outdoors may be in danger this track season.
Get your popcorn ready.
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