Articles

Hershey meet is low key, but high quality Don Rich Aug 9, 2004

It was low key for a national meet. But that didn\'t mean the athletes hadn\'t trained with less intensity, and it certainly didn\'t take anything away from their effort and performance level. But the Hershey meet had something a little different. It was focused on support. Every finisher had a \'buddy\' who would hand them water and make sure they were OK, and even talk about their race. Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson walked among the athletes and talked track. Just a fan having a lot of fun. And they marched with flags. Lit a torch. And were awarded medals.

8/7-Neely Spence PR\'s w/ 5:09.48 1600 for 2nd @ Hershey T&F North American Champs Don Rich Aug 9, 2004

14-year-old Neely Spence, the oldest daughter of US Olympian Steve Spence, set a PR for 1600 of 5:09.48 at the Hershey\'s Track & Field North American Championships held at the Milton Hershey School. The performance earned her a 2nd place in the 13-14 age-group behind Stephanie Smith, a 14-year-old from Aurora, Ontario, who set a meet record of 5:01.37. Plus, there were some nice performances in the 100, 200 and 800 races.