The Hounds went to town on Tuesday at Denfeld.
The Duluth East boys track team won the North 7AA Open with a combined score of 138.00. The recent win comes hot on the heels of last week's victory at Grand Rapids and promises to rev up the team as it enters the 7AA Section meet on Saturday, May 28. East took six events Tuesday, winning the shot put, 4 x 200 relay, the 100, 400, 800 and 1600 meter runs.
Yes, the team has energy.
As athletes from Cloquet, Grand Rapids, Denfeld and Central lazily sprawled in the sunny infield, East was peculiarly absent. No Hounds could be found eating Doritos and lying around with Walkmans. Instead, East captains held team talks. They stretched around in small groups while coaches buzzed around writing stats. Coach Chris Anderson eagle-eyed his athletes, shouting encouragement.
Praising his well-rounded pack, Anderson noted the strong performances from throwers Nick King and Tom Anderson. In the short track and middle distances, he cited outstanding runs by Garrett Cora in the 100 meters, Joey Driscoll in the 400, and D.J. Wright in the hurdles. He also said miler Scottie Behling's performance was outstanding. However, Anderson specifically saved up his excitement for the 4 x 200 relay team: "We could take this one to State," he said.
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As Anderson beamed, he added that the Denfeld meet was a great way to tune up the relay team for the sectional meet at North Branch on Saturday. Pointing to the difficulties posed by handoffs, he joked, "If we can get the baton around the track, we'll do well."
Anderson's prediction was right. With a winning time of 1:32, the 4 x 200 team tracked a huge win with rock-solid handoffs the whole way. Anchor Garrett Cora blasted to the finish at least 25 yards ahead of second-place Central. Led by Carter Hanlon, East's stellar team also features Joey Driscoll and D.J. Wright covering the middle legs.
After the race the four runners were nothing but smiles, panting in the afternoon heat. All four agreed that the race got them really pumped up for Saturday. When asked about their biggest challenge as a team, Hanlon emphasized the importance of completing smooth handoffs to the delivery of a state title. He also identified Hermantown as the biggest threat to East's state run. He said, "Those kids have really been good this year."
Asked for the secrets to their success, the team laughed and joked as a group, "We all trim our nails."
With a glint in his eye, Cora stepped forward and summed up the team's success. He chuckled, "I always say, 'Eat your Frosted Flakes.'"
