Following our practice today, Coach Jewett and a handful of his top Boys runners toured our course. I have always respected Coach Jewett and have a deep appreciation for the work ethic of his student-athletes, each one of whom is taking tomorrow's meet very seriously. I made special mention at our practice today that you disregard any times posted for opponents as no league course has been certified to be accurate (although I am quite certain ours is a legitimate 5K.) However, do not discount the RELATIVE times in head-to-head competition. For example, our Boys team defeated Plymouth North on our home course 25-31. A hypothetical D3 meet between Hingham and Plymouth North would have Hingham narrowly edging PN by a TOTAL of less than 6 seconds. Do you have a shot versus Hingham tomorrow guys? I don't know how you could think otherwise. That's one reason why we "hold the meet." But I will tell you this. We will need each one of you to run his best race if you want to win.
Yesterday we spoke of Presidents during practice. During the discussion I suggested Ronald Reagan might make my top 3. Well, he did not. And while he was a very good President he was also a very good actor. For example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CCwxMvXPZo&list=PLIJOwB4C74-PoyGaRYBsak-gR7QpooLVd
OK, not his best performance. But it allowed me to recall Knute Rockne, the Notre Dame football coach who was renowned for his half-time motivational speeches. Nearly 100 years later the following says it better than I ever could (or will for that matter!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9oGBL_QfDM
Over the top? Maybe. But I would love to beat Hingham . . .
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