by JON DYKSTRA The Iola Register | March 31, 2017
Gainesville, FL. – This Past weekend the Allen Red Devils made the long drive down to Gainesville, Florida the home of the Florida Gators and the Pepsi Relays! The Red Devils competed against an unbelievably talented field full of D1, D2, and even Pro/Olympic athletes! All who traveled walked away with a personal record, qualifying mark, and/or a school record!
Chris Dunn with another chance at the qualifying mark for the 3000 meter steeple chase was in the second heat of an insanely fast field of competitors! He controlled early race jitters and stayed clear to the back of the race and was able to use the quick pace of the competitors to coast to a qualifying mark and a new personal record of 9:54.12
Ricardo Banuelos in the 5000 meter run stayed competitive in the lead pack and nearly overtook the leader late in the race but didn't have the speed to make it around the pack. Ricardo was still able to push in right with the pack and run a personal best and new school record time of 14:37.99. "I know we've laughed at the fact the indoor school record was faster than the outdoor school record, so it was good to finally see that record lower." DeGrado said. Kaitlyn Shoemaker followed Ricardo's lead and was also able run an all-time personal best and lowered the school record by 36seconds and a record that stood for 26years. Starting nearly in last place up to the top ten runners around the 2 mile mark. She was able to hold on with a strong finish to a new personal record and a huge school record of 17:12.54.
"Just like with Ricardo, the indoor school record was faster indoors then what it was outdoors, so to see Kaitlyn lower that was pleasing to see, now all that is left is the 10k school which she'll make an attempt at in 2 weeks at Mt Sac Relays.
The Men's 4x400 meter relay composed of Chris Martin, Ka'ven Berry, Carlton Tarpley, and KeVoughn Manning ran a personal record together of 3:14.63 This time was made up of Berry's lead leg of 48.6, Martin's second leg of 48.43, Tarpley's third leg of 49.35, and Manning's anchor of 48.26.
"I would of liked to have seen a faster 4x400m time however given the time frame and where our training is at, I'll take a 1 second personal best. We still have plenty of work to do before it is over with." DeGrado said.