LadySpartanTrack&Field

STATEMENT?

2012-01-28T10:18:00.007-05:00

Perhaps Mr. Wells of the Republican accurately assessed our performances last night. 22. Count 'em. TWENTY TWO personal season best performances last night against Mahar and Mohawk.

Seventeen of them are personal bests all-time!

Champipple had three of her own. Red Robin, and V-Sizzle achieved two.

The Next Big Thing, started something in the Shot put. It'll be interesting to see what that leads to.

http://highschoolsports.masslive.com/news/article/5468838001811468712/east-longmeadow-girls-give-impressive-performance-at-valley-league-indoor-track/

LADYSPARTANS 4TH

2012-01-22T22:16:00.004-05:00

Led by CSI and Red Raven, the Ladyspartans secured fourth place in the State Class Relays. The 4 x 50 team ran the second fastest time in school history in 25.18, earning third place honors.

Two school records were set. Distance Medley established a new standard with Peanut Butter, Timberlake, Smurfette, and Dr. Dulittle. Sprint Medley also set a new record with Jelly, Survivor, Champipple, and Axel.

Double medalists also included: Slinky, V-Sizzle, Atom Ant,Red Robin, Axel, and Kazbah.

THERE IS A NEW "STORM" IN TOWN...

2012-01-21T09:06:00.003-05:00

THIS one won't cause a power failure, she's FULL of power: CSI!

7.60 in the 55. another 16 foot jump in the long jump and just for kicks, a 1:06 split in the 4 x 400!

All this and we ain't got no pictures. SOMEBODY try to catch this elusive runner on camera. All we can find is a blur!

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FLOJO?

2012-01-19T20:05:00.001-05:00

Why she's a WPI Engineer!

RED RAVEN, RED RAVEN

2012-01-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

So, who's the best football player in East Longmeadow High School? Here's a hint: She participates for the GIRLS INDOOR TRACK TEAM!

Don't believe ME, ask two members of Athol's Boys team after they decided to stray over to the long jump area uninvited and oblivious to the fact that the girls were competing there.

The Patriots need help at linebacker, and I know whom they should draft!

WHERE'S ALI BOOMAYAY?

2012-01-11T14:09:00.001-05:00

She's a Worcester State Lancer...I guess it is better than a Longmeadow Lancer...

WHERE'S JENISE NOW?

2012-01-10T14:05:00.004-05:00

Still a Morgan State Bear!

PAJAMA JAMMY JAM

2012-01-05T07:33:00.001-05:00

HOLIDAY QUALIFIER

2011-12-29T20:53:00.004-05:00

Unofficially The LadySpartans finished first out of the 31 schools participating in the MSTCA Holiday qualifier.

Winning the Long Jump was Red Raven with a leap of 16' 4 1/2 " followed by CSI with a personal best of 16' 3".

"Smuggles" also finished 4th in the 55 dash with a personal best of 7.71 seconds followed closely by Atom Ant ( 6th) at 7.77 seconds.

The three teamed up with Red Robin to post a season and league best 1:51.48 in the 4 by 200 and secured second place overall in the event to Wachusett.

All performances are National Bronze Level Standards

OPEN PANTRY LOOKING FOR DONATIONS - PLEASE HELP!

2011-12-27T06:55:00.001-05:00

Updated: Monday, 26 Dec 2011, 8:27 PM ESTPublished : Monday, 26 Dec 2011, 3:36 PM EST
Anaridis Rodriguez
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The overwhelming need for food during the holidays has left shelves bare at the Open Pantry. Now, the community service group is looking to stock up for the upcoming new year.
In the last two days, the Open Pantry has helped feed more than 400 people. Christmas Day, the community group hosted a holiday meal at the High School of Commerce in Springfield. Monday, nearly a dozen volunteers served lunch and leftovers at the Christ Church Cathedral.
Darleen St. Jacques is the meal services program director. She told 22News it has been a busy holiday season, and to prepare for 2012 they need to replenish the pantry with some much-needed essentials.
“Here at the kitchen, we could really definitely use beef stew, tuna and coffee. And also for the guests that I serve, here at the kitchen we definitely could use new gloves, men and woman's new white socks, jackets and thermal outerwear or underwear,” St. Jacques said.
The food pantry is in need of protein items like canned meats or peanut butter. They are also looking for non-perishable boxed meals like macaroni and cheese. If you would like to donate, you can call the Emergency Food Pantry at (413) 737-5353 or fax them at (413) 737-4440. You can visit them at 2460 Main Street (Plaza del Mercado) in Springfield.

TEAM PICTURES THURSDAY!

2011-12-21T22:01:00.002-05:00

Put on your Sunday best (uniform that is). It's time to pose for the cameras once again.

CSI NAMED ATHLETE OF THE MEET

2011-12-17T12:44:00.002-05:00

Move over Boomayay and Killer: CSI has now established herself as someone you need to worry about! Log onto www.pviactrack.com and read all about it.

So besides her State qualifying performances in the Long Jump and the 55, she was joined by Axel in the hurdles, Red Raven in the Long Jump, Pooh Bear and Next Big Thing in the shot put.

Qualifying for the PVIAC Championships are: Red Robin in the High Jump, Hurdles, V.Sizzle in the High Jump. Peanut Butter and Dr. Dulittle in the Mile. Red Raven/CSI combo in the 55 and 300 respectively. Axel in the Long Jump, Smurfette in the 1000 and rookie sensation Champagne in the 300!

IT'S BAAAAACK!!!!

2011-12-15T06:42:00.001-05:00

Wacky Wednesday returns to Sparta!

DUDE!

2011-12-12T18:47:00.002-05:00

Career best performances from the first meet vs. Greenfield: Peanut Butter, V. Sizzle, Bruschi, Burnett, Champagne, Axel, Khaki, Hi Ho Silver, Jelly, Atom Ant, Quan Ho, Pooh Bear, Pebbles, Slinky, Red Robin, and Venus.

That's 16 out of 28 on the team!

SCHEDULING CHANGE

2011-12-12T18:45:00.003-05:00

Our meet scheduled for 1/13/12 with Holyoke Catholic has been moved to the following TUESDAY...same bat time, same bat channel. This is due to the refurbishing of Smith's Track.

The 4 x 800 Meter Relay event also has moved from 1/21/12 to 1/24/12.

Please note.

CAPTAINS NAMED

2011-12-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

Rock the Kazbah!

The Next Big Thing!

CSI!

Axel Foley!

Now that we have that out of the way...it's WOLFPACK time!

"TWICE AS" IN THE NATIONAL XC CHAMPIONSHIPS?

2011-11-27T12:24:00.011-05:00

This is a perfect example of WHY this sport is the best. Our #8 finisher has continued her career after leaving EL and my guess shall continue to RUN and WIN races for many years to come.

Kristin is a one time Western Mass Champion and current school record holder. A former Soccer player turned Cross Country and member of the greatest Girls Cross Country team in school history (based upon finish at Western Mass.)

That team included: Lauren (Chuckles) Litscher, Julie (Dr. J) Lemanski, Kim (Ghost) Smith, Katrina (K-Mart) Martinez, Katie ( Hackensack,NJ) Hackensen-Stacy and Julia (Giddy-Up) Merton.

HERE ARE THE OFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE TOP 25:
Place Score Bib Name School Time Pace
1 1 872 Elizabeth Suda University of Florida 21:27:00 5:46:00
2 2 756 Becky Boyle Indiana University 21:42:00 5:50:00
3 3 920 Mollie Pozolo University of Michigan 22:22:00 6:00:00
4 4 955 Ganna Bowen University of North Carol 22:23:00 6:00:00
5 5 894 Amanda Zamora University of Illinois 22:32:00 6:03:00
6 6 971 Michaela Alamillo University of Oregon 22:33:00 6:03:00
7 7 935 Cara Donohue University of Minnesota 22:35:00 6:04:00
8 862 KRISTIN WEISSE University of Connecticut 22:36:00 6:04:00
9 8 705 Jessie Ward Boise State University 22:39:00 6:05:00
10 9 1002 Holly Rich University of Virginia 22:42:00 6:06:00
11 10 969 Chelsea Weiermiller University of North Carol 22:44:00 6:06:00
12 11 996 Anna Gordon University of Virginia 22:47:00 6:07:00
13 719 Caitlin Ranson Clemson 22:50:00 6:08:00
14 12 743 Clare Murphy Georgetown University 22:57:00 6:10:00
15 13 879 Grace Hucek University of Illinois 23:00:00 6:11:00
16 14 876 Kerry Devitt University of Illinois 23:01:00 6:11:00
17 15 702 Alisa Kagukina Boise State University 23:02:00 6:11:00
18 16 836 Shelley Wilke Penn State 23:04:00 6:11:00
19 17 974 Jaclyn Rushing University of Oregon 23:05:00 6:12:00
20 18 1003 Kelly Rogers University of Virginia 23:05:00 6:12:00
21 865 Nicole Rittman University of Delaware 23:12:00 6:14:00
22 19 1005 Maddie Senior University of Virginia 23:19:00 6:15:00
23 20 767 Aimee Thacker Iowa State University 23:23:00 6:17:00
24 21 877 Jo Dibuz University of Illinois 23:24:00 6:17:00
25 22 833 Katie Schmiech Penn State 23:25:00 6:17:00

2011-11-24T17:08:00.000-05:00

May the force be with you all for Thanksgiving!

IT'S TIME!

2011-11-11T18:55:00.001-05:00

INDOOR MEETINGS

2011-11-08T05:51:00.004-05:00

Wednesday after school, we shall have our first meeting for Indoor Track & Field. That evening , we shall also have SPORTS NIGHT to include parents.

What is critically important is that we forge this Booster Club for our teams with our parents.

Please try to attend BOTH meetings!

The schedule shall be up on the web page this afternoon for Indoor.

MESSAGE TO TEAM

2011-11-03T10:51:00.003-04:00

Access your Track Central page and go to "Messages". There you shall find your "SECRET MESSAGE" that the rest of the world only WISHED they could get.

ONE TEAM, ONE TRAIL!!!

2011-10-28T11:18:00.001-04:00

The new battlecry of the ELXC Ladyspartans!

CANNOT COMPLAIN

2011-10-11T19:05:00.002-04:00

There were no less than 10 season-best performances at Southwick today. The big surprise was "Powder Puff O'Neill" finishing second on the team. Looks like it is one of those seasons where Coach won't be able to accurately predict the outcome of any one meet.

WAY TO GO!

DEW!

2011-09-30T20:34:00.002-04:00

Meredith McGowan is athlete of week
Fran Sypek, September 30, 2011 6:25 p.m.

Class:
Sophomore.

Accomplishments:
Finished 14th in Western Massachusetts Division I meet last season. Off to an impressive start this season with two first place finishes and one second place.

INTEREST, FAVORITES
Food: Macaroni and cheese
Subject: Math
Movie: “Joe Dirt”
COURSE: Chicopee State Park
Of note: Runs all year round. Returned from a leg injury.

IMMEDIATE REACTION
McGowan on the season:
“It’s been going really well. I’m trying to improve my strengths and work on my weaknesses.”

Coach Michael Budd on McGowan:
“She’s one of the hardest working people I’ve every coached and she does everything we ask of her. She’s definitely the fastest distance runner I’ve ever coached.”

FACT!

2011-09-28T09:51:00.003-04:00

Second time out in the new uniforms. Damn, we look GOOD!

Another stellar performance by Mountain Dew and little Powder Puff showed well along with the "tumbling" Hobgoblin.

We might not win every time out, BUT after careful review of the picture, we DO have the BEST LOOKING team in the State!

I cannot WAIT until tomorrow, because WE GET BETTER LOOKING EVERY DAY!

FIRST WIN

2011-09-20T19:22:00.003-04:00

Good job today XC Ladies. We defeated West Springfield for our first win of the season. Stellar performances by Mountain Dew and HiHo Silver led to winning. Next time we shall have to get after Eastfield...I mean Westfield Voke.

We found out today Coach Budd does NOT like us to be referred to as "Lancers".

INDOOR SCHEDULE

2011-09-07T11:55:00.002-04:00

Dates are up, but opponents are yet to be determined.

SPARTA UPDATE: LANES!

2011-08-30T18:46:00.003-04:00

All lanes have been put on the track.

We shall have as follows in addition to what is expected:

Reverse markings for the High Hurdles so we actually could host the Steele Relays ( thank you Nate Kraft for the idea!)

Alternating colors (yellow and white) on the long/triple jump runways

Lane start for the 800.

Barrel start for the 800 and 4 x 800 relays.

1500 meter waterfall.

5000 meter waterfall.

3000 meter waterfall.

Three corner stagger start for the 4 x 800.

Four inch wide finish line so runner can easily identify it (and probably helpful for the timing system).

300 meter hurdles AND 400 meter hurdles (we are on the Connecticut border you know).

I want to thank everyone that made this dream a possibility, or more accurately a reality.

The REAL work begins now in maintaining it and delivering fine competitions as promised!

We are looking to have our Cross Country races conclude with a lap on the track entering from the rear of the stadium and finishing at the traditional finish line.

Coach Budd is always open for suggestions as to how to make this arena a great place to come and compete as well as watch a meet.

PRACTICE IS ON

2011-08-29T08:37:00.001-04:00

Practice is on as scheduled for 10:00 AM today

MISSING IN ACTION

2011-08-27T06:57:00.002-04:00

Looking for the missing people that signed up for Cross Country. We are on Day three and have heard nothing. Also, missing is paperwork from a great deal of people. You will not be permitted to work out with the team until it is in.

SPARTA UPDATE

2011-08-26T16:11:00.002-04:00

I have in posession the actual plans for the lining of the track.

GROOVY!

SPARTA UPDATE

2011-08-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

Looks as though the last part of the Track is going down in the next three days!

LINES!

Then we have to order the new equipment and get that discus circle right!

I am TOO proud of this technological terror we have constructed!

SPARTA UPDATE

2011-08-16T21:02:00.001-04:00

RED! The first layer of paint and rubber is down. To quote a now deceased famous rassler: "OHHHHHHHH YEAHHHH!!!!

CAMP POSTPONED

2011-08-14T14:17:00.002-04:00

We'll go again on 8/22 at the High School. Rain is supposed to be here for the next few days.

TEE SHIRT PREVIEW

2011-08-12T12:36:00.002-04:00

Here is the backside of the shirts the Campers ordered.

SPARTA UPDATE

2011-08-04T10:29:00.003-04:00

So far so good. They are putting the fencing up today to keep the crowds off the field. I was informed someone was running on MY track the other day, so I shall have Officer Manley write that person a ticket!

I must remind them to put in the other discus circle.

I saw bulldozers behind the stadium clearing out a way, so it is possible that the Cross Country course might not need to be changed much. Perhaps we can run back into the stadium and have the race end "Olympic Style". That would be cool!

ORDER OF EVENTS: YOUTH OLYMPICS

2011-07-30T07:13:00.002-04:00

09:00 - All Field Events: Shot Put, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, Triple Jump

10:00 - 100 Meter trials
10:30 - 1500 Meter
10:45 - 100 Meter Finals
11:00 - 50 Meter Dash
LUNCH
12:15 - 400 Meter
12:45 - 4 x 100 Relay
01:15 - 800 Meter
01:45 - 200 Meter'
02:15 - 4 x 400 Relay

CAMP OFF FOR TODAY

2011-07-27T11:51:00.003-04:00

The school is closed today, so we shall not hold camp. Please pass the word on to everyone. If we reschedule, this site shall let you know prior to the meet on Saturday.

CAMP IS ON FOR TONIGHT!

2011-07-25T17:37:00.001-04:00

Small gym. Call Coach Budd if you have any questions (413) 364-1168

CAMP IS ON!

2011-07-18T17:46:00.000-04:00

Looks like no clouds out my way...we'll RUN tonight!

CAMP

2011-07-18T14:37:00.003-04:00

If there is heavy rain or/and lightning, we'll postpone to Wednesday night. We'll update this post sometime around 5 - 5:30.

CONGRATULATIONS!

2011-07-10T17:36:00.005-04:00

All Western Mass.: Lauren Kennedy, Alexandria McMahon, & Kayla Rybacki. As well as Candace Kasper.

All Academic: Ali, Kayla, Julianne Downie, Carissa Lambert, Margaret Prentice. and Maya Rhinehart

TRACK CAMP STARTS TOMORROW

2011-07-10T17:31:00.002-04:00

6:30 at the Middle School.

SPARTA UPDATE

2011-07-04T07:19:00.003-04:00

As of today, the Long Jump pits are up (do not know if the sand is in or not, but there is a pile of sand on the track...I am told this is for the football field).

Pole Vault looks really good.

Shot put is good.

Only question is location of the discus circle. Looks like an injury waiting to happen.

Have sent message to site supervisor about this.

Cross Country course shall have to change...AGAIN!

RIBBONS ARE IN

2011-06-20T05:03:00.002-04:00

Indoor Ribbons FINALLY arrived (4 MONTHS LATER).

Coach Budd shall distribute at the school from room 216 today.

PVIAC at it's best...

NO PRACTICE/BUS LEAVES AT 10:30

2011-06-03T14:34:00.003-04:00

We shall NOT be practicing today at AIC nor anywhere else. Stay safe.

Bus is scheduled to leave at 10:30 Saturday for Bridgewater State. Most likely we shall be departing at 10:45.

Ladyspartans and followers. CHECK IN!

2011-06-02T07:13:00.002-04:00

Contact Coach Budd via e-mail to let him know you are okay.

Yesterday I just missed being in the tornado. As I was going home via Island Pond Road area, I witnessed the devastation.

Let me know that you are okay. THIS MEANS YOU!

Ladyspartans and followers. CHECK IN!

2011-06-02T07:13:00.000-04:00

and now FINALLY...

2011-05-21T18:29:00.002-04:00

the Championship has come BACK to EAST LONGMEADOW!

T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More!

Never was it more present than today. As Coach Budd has indicated today as well as in the past..DO YOUR JOB! Everyone did.

Killer Rybacki and Senator Kennedy can call themselves WESTERN MASS CHAMPIONS, but so can everyone else!

Next week is going to be a war. Let's celebrate this weekend and be ready to position ourselves to be in contention next Saturday.

Folks, we achieved all this without the benefit of a track, without a full flight of hurdles, without a long jump runway, with a discus/shot circle that is WAY below par (in fact NO circle at all), no pole vault, a torn up high jump pit, no javelin runway, and no lanes to run on.

Wonder what we could do IF we had what we needed?

MEET TOMORROW

2011-05-16T19:13:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to bring $5 for tomorrow for food and drink!

LADYSPARTANS SLAY LADY LIONS

2011-05-06T20:36:00.004-04:00

Took a while, but for our Seniors that had never defeated Ludlow, here you go!

Killer set a NEW SCHOOL RECORD in the 400 (1:00.5), won the High Jump, secured second in the Triple Jump and anchored the 4 x 400 relay.

Moonwalker qualified for the Championships in the discus. Axel in the triple. V.Sizzle in the long jump. Secret weapon Mountain Dew figured well in the scoring by breaking up the Lion distance squad.

This was a major victory and shall give us momentum as we now look forward to getting our people positioned for the 28th.

Great job...but remember it's just started.

CHASE PERFECTION and catch EXCELLENCE!

MEET MOVED

2011-05-05T11:53:00.001-04:00

Wednesday's meet is moved to Friday at 4:30.

MAY THE FOURTH

2011-05-04T04:46:00.002-04:00

Be with you!

TEAM PICTURES

2011-04-25T12:22:00.000-04:00

Thursday after school. Everyone must attend.

PRACTICE SATURDAY IS OFF!

2011-04-23T07:25:00.003-04:00

We shall not have access to the school AND it is going to rain all day.

Our best bet is to do all of your drills on your own and do workouts alone or in tandem,

DISTANCE: Put in 4 miles or more

THROWERS: Throwing progression

SPRINTERS: Repeat Thursday's workout (FORM/OFF HEELS)

We shall resume Monday...expect a long day!

HAPPY EASTER!

VACATION SCHEDULE

2011-04-16T07:07:00.003-04:00

Monday - ELHS - 2:30PM

Tuesday - ELHS - 2:30PM (SCRIMMAGE)

Wednesday - ELHS - 10:00AM

Thursday - Birchland - 10:00AM
(In the event of rain - ELHS)

Friday - ELHS - 10:00AM

Saturday - ELHS - 10:00AM

PARENTS MEETING

2011-04-13T19:16:00.002-04:00

Thursday at 6:30 Large Cafeteria. Sorry for the short notice. It seems necessary that we have this meeting.

LADYSPARTANS ROLL IN THE COLD

2011-04-08T11:01:00.001-04:00

We still don't have an official score, but we opened up with a win over Longmeadow, Holyokw and Westfield. As soon as we have performances and places calculated, we'll go onto Track Central.

SCRIMMAGE IS A GO

2011-04-05T13:41:00.001-04:00

Monson on 4/19 is a go!

APOLOGIES TO NEW PEOPLE AND PARENTS

2011-04-03T16:08:00.004-04:00

The Springfield Republican did not publish the names of our team today.

If you notice many of our school's teams did not make the final edition.

Mr. Magee did not give us the information until this week ( past the deadline). Do not blame him either. For some reason the forms were misplaced in the school

I DID submit a roster to the paper and shall try to get our roster into the Reminder. I think the new members deserve SOME ink!

You all KNOW how much I love publicity! Besides,they DID interview me for the article. Notice the MassLive edition has Jenise's picture in it!East Longmeadow carrying winter success into spring track season
Pam McCray, The Republican, April 01, 2011 11:47 a.m.

EAST LONGMEADOW - The East Longmeadow girls track and field team is looking to bring the inside out.

The Spartans captured their first Western Mass. indoor track title this winter and they are hoping that momentum carries them into the outdoor season.

"Our team has a different look than indoors," said coach Michael Budd. "We have a lot of new people that we're still trying to figure out. My three captains are terrific, though."

Those three captains - Maya Rhinehart, Ali McMahon and Kayla Rybacki - will hold big leadership roles as Budd relies on his captains for feedback and input.McMahon had a stellar indoor season, repeating as the long-jump champion, winning the 55-meter hurdles and running on the winning 4x200 relay team to lead the Spartans to the Western Mass. title.

"Each one of them can take the sport to the next level," said Budd. "That's the success of the program. Kids can go elsewhere and perform and have fun. That's how we know we're doing our job."

The competition this spring will be anything but easy and coach Budd knows that better than anybody. "We want to continue our momentum but outdoor is different from indoor," said Budd. "There are a lot of good teams. Agawam is always a contender, Ludlow is strong, Longmeadow is dangerous, and that's just Division I. I still think Northampton is the team to beat."

The Blue Devils, looking for their third straight title, have another strong team this year.

The Spartans coaching system is similar to Northampton's. The boys and the girls teams practice together and the boys head coach was once Budd's assistant coach."We're really functioning as a team, which is one thing I think Northampton does really well," said Budd.

"We're taking the strengths of each coach and using it to our advantage."

With the season underway, the goal is obviously to win Western Mass., but Budd wants much more than that from his girls."Our goal this year is no different than it is every other year," said Budd.

"We want to get the maximum amount of people to the state meet. We want to make some noise there and move people to New Englands."

THANK YOU

2011-04-01T19:21:00.002-04:00

I want to thank everyone past and present that supported our Track & Field program from 1999 until now. Please encourage our team in the future to strive for the ultimate in success. Coach Budd

SCRIMMAGE IS OFF

2011-03-29T20:20:00.001-04:00

Will talk about it tomorrow. Seems as though NO ONE wants any part of us!

WHERE'S JENISE?

2011-03-23T18:41:00.002-04:00

She's a Morgan State Bear!

ONE MORE AWARD TO CAP INDOOR SEASON

2011-03-09T08:44:00.011-05:00

Athlete of the week: E.L. 4 x 400 relay: wwlp.com

NEW ENGLANDS UPDATE

2011-03-06T07:21:00.002-05:00

Boomayay finished 8th in the Long Jump ( they only took the top 7 to final...New Englands decision NOT the referee's).

4 X 400 finished 7th...tough to compete with folks like BLOOMFIELD and HILLHOUSE. We were the 3rd best team from Massachusetts! We were also the ONLY TEAM from the West that had THREE entries in the New England Meet!

Let us NEVER forget the huddle after the relay...our goals are clear!

PODIUM! PODIUM! PODIUM!

SPORTSMANSHIP

2011-02-28T09:13:00.007-05:00

Great gesture by East Longmeadow's Ali McMahon to be commended
Bill Wells, The Republican, February 28, 2011 7:57 a.m.

Prior to competing in the long jump at the Western Massachusetts Indoor Track & Field Championship, East Longmeadow's Ali McMahon went out of her way to help New Leadership's Shannoya Scott. - (The Republican file photo)

After talking to East Longmeadow's Ali McMahon at the Western Massachusetts Indoor Track & Field Championship, New Leadership's Shannoya Scott got out of her emotional funk. - (The Republican file photo)Great high school stories should be told and great high school students should be commended.

A brief conversation at a Western Massachusetts championship event in early February produced a great story, and EastLongmeadowHigh School senior Ali McMahon is to be commended.

McMahon was the reigning champion in the long jump at the Western Massachusetts Indoor Track & Field Championship at SmithCollege in Northampton Feb. 4.

East Longmeadow was in the hunt for its first team title in the program’s history and the Spartans were counting on big points out of McMahon in the long jump.

As McMahon stretched prior to the event, she noticed NewLeadershipCharterSchool’s Shannoya Scott coming in her general direction. Scott was also a legitimate contention for the region’s long jump title.

McMahon, who had small-talked with Scott in the past, didn’t think the New Leadership junior was quite right that evening.

“She was limping,” McMahon said. “I’ve talked with her before so I asked her if she was OK. She said her knee and her ankle were hurting her. I told her she needed to take it easy and to be careful.”

That alone was a kind gesture by McMahon.

A few moments later, though, the East Longmeadow honor roll student showed her true, complete, remarkable character.

Rewinding a bit, Scott’s dad died in early February seven years ago in Jamaica. Scott, one of the best all-around track athletes in the region, is reserved and doesn’t like attention. On team bus trips she sits behind her coach, Quran Hodge.

Regarding the death of her father, Scott still gets in funks and has a hard time getting out. At the championship meet, Scott was in a funk and she couldn’t get out.

“I was very down,” admitted Scott, an honor roll student. “I was not happy at all. I kept thinking about the day my dad had passed. I just didn’t feel like myself. I was talking to my sister earlier in the day and she was telling me how she missed him and how it was sad my brother didn’t get a chance to meet him because my dad died right before my brother was born.

“It just felt like everything was closing in.”

Hodge, who saw Scott crying at the championship meet, made a most noble attempt to help his athlete.

“I told her I feel the same way,” said Hodge, whose dad died in 2002. “My dad was very close to me. His birthday was Dec. 27. I don’t like celebrating Christmas because it’s two days before his birthday, and my birthday is Feb. 7 so I don’t have a good holiday season either.

“I told her I could relate to how she felt.”

Hodge’s words, however, didn’t take hold. Scott was emotionally stuck before she bumped into McMahon at the long jump area. After McMahon told Scott to be careful due to her injuries, McMahon’s mom happened to flag down her daughter and gave her the ‘I love you’ sign language symbol.

Scott asked McMahon if that was her mom. McMahon said it was and how she loved how her mom came to all of her meets. Scott said she wished her mom could come to her meets but she was always working.

“I told her, ‘I’m sure she’s excited to hear all the stories about how you do at track’,” McMahon explained.

And then Scott, with tears in her eyes, opened up to McMahon.

“She said it was the seventh-year anniversary of when her father passed away,” McMahon said. “I told her I was sorry to hear that.”

And then McMahon, like she has done throughout her high school career on the track, went to the next level: “I was getting ready to go to the runway to jump and I went up to her and said, ‘You should really jump for him today. Just do your best and jump for him’.”

What should be noted here is McMahon was competing against Scott in the same event for a Western Massachusetts title. Imagine a great pitcher going up to an opposing batter prior to a championship baseball game and offering words of encouragement, or a basketball player giving a pat on the back to a player on another team before a Western Massachusetts final. Not happening.

McMahon’s words, which just as easily could not have been uttered at all, hit the mark. Scott’s outlook immediately and completely changed. She was happy and suddenly out of her funk.

“The way she said it, it showed she really cared when she said it,” Scott said. “She said it like she cared. That changed my whole mood and it made me feel better.”

McMahon later won the long jump, with Scott placing third.

Last week, Scott said the next time she sees McMahon she’s going to tell her thank you because “that’s something she didn’t have to do but she went out of her way to do it.”

That’s a great story, and Ali McMahon’s a great person . . . who is to be commended.

NEW ENGLANDS ANYONE?

2011-02-26T23:30:00.002-05:00

Dr. Rasool stated that things happen because of a higher power. I'll say! The Ladyspartans 4 x 400 relay team found higher power today and was propelled to the New England Championships taking ANOTHER four seconds off the school record!

4:04.85...wasn't the record just 4:16 two weeks ago?

If that was not enough...Boomayay earned a trip to the BIGGER DANCE with a 5th place finish in the Long Jump...as did Killer with her 5th place finish in the High Jump.

See ya Friday!

LEMONADE ANYONE?

2011-02-20T00:12:00.003-05:00

Led by Killer's new school record in the 600, the Ladyspartans overcame a critical error to set a second school record setting time in the 4 x 400 and vault themselves into the State Finals in an event that was not on the agenda.

The team finished in 10th place with 23.5 points. Now it's sit back and wait to see whom else made it. As of tonight: Killer is 2 away in the 600 and" in" in the high jump. Boomayay is 4 away in the hurdles and "in" in the long jump.

We managed to turn a bag of lemons into lemonade.

SHIRTS

2011-02-11T02:27:00.002-05:00

Championship shirts are available at $10.00 each. Get them now or the price will double. Order them Friday through the team Captains.

THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!

2011-02-08T10:21:00.002-05:00

Brooms for East Longmeadow's HURDLES TEAM!

Photo: Courtesy of Mac Gray

TEAM PICTURES

2011-02-06T21:11:00.002-05:00

Team pictures Monday at 2:15. Come to the gym IN UNIFORM!

We shall also discuss TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP SHIRTS for those that want them and attended the Championship Meet.

TITLE BELT?

2011-02-05T09:09:00.002-05:00

Winners and NEW Champions, East Longmeadow Ladyspartans

HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE

2011-02-05T01:46:00.003-05:00

Yes, we built it!

But guess what?

We've got to do some remodeling now and a home improvement.

Team pictures on Monday and then we've got to get back to work...there is this OTHER meet we have to make some noise in, it's called the State Sectionals!

Rest up this weekend, we have 14 days of work ahead!

WHAT TO DO...

2011-02-02T12:29:00.001-05:00

Drills. Ab work. Rest. Balanced diet.

WANT IT MORE!

TUESDAY PRACTICE

2011-02-01T07:04:00.004-05:00

Weather is more severe than originally outlined.

Log onto TrackCentral.net and read the message board. On it has today's workout. If you have any questions, contact Coach Budd at (413) 364-1168.

We shall likely work out either at school or at Attain on Wednesday.

WANT IT MORE!

2011-01-29T19:58:00.002-05:00

Just one week after Killer was named Athlete of the Week by the Springfield Republican, Boomayay sets the school record in the 55 hurdles.

The Ladyspartans have now won 40 consecutive dual meets covering nearly 5 seasons. The road ahead gets tougher. We MUST get up for the challenges that await.

"Don't worry about the horse being blind...just LOAD UP THE WAGON!

MEET OFF/PRACTICE ON

2011-01-21T08:55:00.004-05:00

All schools have canceled. Meet is off, therefore we shall have a mandatory practice on Saturday along with the 4 x 800 relay scheduled for that afternoon.

Distance runners report to the LARGE GYM before 8:00am on Saturday. We have that gym from 8 to 9. Everyone else report to the SMALL GYM at 10:00. We have that gym from 10 to 12.

Bus is scheduled for 4:00 Saturday to Smith for the 4 x 800 relay. I have entered THREE relay teams for the event. There is no cost to run, BUT I shall be collecting money from the Relays.

Any questions contact Coach Budd on his cell. Check out the message board on Track Central for any updates.

ALL SCHOLASTIC CROSS COUNTRY

2011-01-16T15:57:00.002-05:00

Finally! Keep in mind Coach Budd was NEVER notified!

First team - Meredith McGowan

Second team - Giorgi Bengston and Ashley Madison

All-Academic - Kristina Pioggia

LEAGUE MEET/CLASS RELAYS

2011-01-16T04:13:00.002-05:00

Big weekend for Boomayay. After soundly defeating her Gael counterpart and anchoring the 4 x 400 relay with a blistering 61 ( and taking out the superstar Tigerette), she led the long jump team to victory at the State Class Relays and helped the 4 x hurdle team to a school record time ( 2nd place finish). Also, anchoring the 4 x 200 team which almost snatched the school record.

Flojo,Fed Raven, CSI and Kazbah were also double medal winners as they combined to finish 3rd in the 4 x 50 shuttle dash.

Overall, the Ladyspartans finished 4th as a team...the best finish ever.

RED RAVEN, RED RAVEN!

2011-01-09T10:29:00.002-05:00

Red Raven secured three medals yesterday. 2nd in long jump, 5th in the 55 and 6th on the 4 x 200 relay teaming with Dr. Dulittle, Red Robin and Milwaukee.

Let's not forget the Pooh Bear earned third place in the shot put!

MEET IS ON!!!

2011-01-08T06:31:00.002-05:00

Try to get to the school as early as possible. Coach has to come through Springfield and is leaving soon. Streets in the City have not been plowed,so be patient...he still has not received his Snowspeeder from the Rebel Alliance!

NEW RECORD

2011-01-08T01:37:00.004-05:00

The Ladyspartans were led by Killer setting a new school record in the 600 and just missing tying one in the high jump.

Boomayay took the hurdles as well as the long jump.

The streak has been extended to 35, but a wake up call in the 4 x 200 means there is much more work to be done!

CAN & BOTTLE DRIVE

2011-01-06T08:27:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning we have to do the first of our two Can & Bottle drives. It IS the first weekend after New Year's!

Captains and Team Leaders not attending the Freshman/Sophomore Championships are responsible for running the event!

LADYSPARTANS SECOND

2010-12-30T13:40:00.002-05:00

Killer, Boomayay, Red Raven, Pooh Bear and Bootstrap combined to finish with 2938 points to finish second in the Team Pentathlon!

The 4 x 200 meter relay also combined to finish first and secure the 4th fastest time in the State at 1:49.72. This included Flojo, Killer, Red Raven and Boomayay!

TUESDAY PRACTICE

2010-12-28T07:42:00.001-05:00

9AM to Noon. We'll be trying to get prepared for tomorrow's meet.

If you still owe for the meet tomorrow, bring your moolah in this morning.

NO PRACTICE MONDAY

2010-12-27T07:27:00.003-05:00

There is no practice today due to the weather.

Watch this site later today to determine the schedule for tomorrow. It is likely we shall be training in shifts to get all the necessary work in for Tuesday's meet.

We shall also institute a broadcast plan so that when an emergency arises there is a system in place so that this is handled a little better.

Captains and team leaders shall be in communication with you.

VACATION TRAINING SCHEDULE

2010-12-22T10:37:00.002-05:00

December 22: 2pm through 5pm

December 23: 11am through 1pm

December 24: OFF

December 25: OFF

December 26: OFF

December 27: 9am through 11am

December 28: 9am through 11am

December 29: Bus leaves at 7:00am for Reggie Lewis

December 30: 9am through 11am (Big gym)

December 31: OFF

January 1: OFF

January 2: OFF

January 3: 2pm through 3:30pm 5:30pm through 7pm (hurdlers)

2010-12-15T18:57:00.002-05:00

Nice article about us on Masslive!
http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/12/east_longmeadow_girls_open_ind.html

STREAK CONTINUES

2010-12-11T13:34:00.006-05:00

The Ladyspartan Indoor squad continued it's dual meet winning streak by trouncing Pioneer ( 87-8) and Central (89-6). Keep in mind this is a dual meet streak of 32 consecutive wins.

Eighty burgers are nice, but it's performances that truly count. Killer registered her peraonal best in the 600. Bootstrap did the same in the 1000. Pooh Bear followed suit in the shot put. In all there were 18 personal bests and a dozen post season qualifying performances.

MORE XC PRESS!

2010-11-29T17:04:00.003-05:00

Coach Budd IS really proud of what this team accomplished this year.

East Longmeadow High School girls cross country: TRUE CHAMPIONS
Published: Monday, November 29, 2010, 5:00 AM Updated: Monday, November 29, 2010, 12:43 PM
Bill Wells Follow
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The East Longmeadow High School girls cross country team didn’t win any championships this season.
But in some people’s eyes, coach Michael Budd and his Spartans are true champions.

And next season, Budd wants other teams to become champions as well.
After spending hours and days with each other at practices and meets, East Longmeadow spent hours and days with each other away from the cross country course, and the benefactors of that time were various people and groups in Greater Springfield.

“I can’t pinpoint one thing (that was my favorite) because we did so much this season and we truly had so much fun and did a lot for giving back,” senior captain Jocelyn Kane said.

When Budd took over as the girls cross country coach this season, he didn’t want to be just another coach and he didn’t want his team to be just another team. He wanted more.
“I realized when I took over we weren’t going to have a very powerful team,” Budd said. “And one of the things I learned from watching (cross country coach) Art Keene at Amherst was he did a lot of community-effort type of things, and they did those together. I had been away from cross country for six years and I wanted us to be like Amherst.

“We wanted to be more involved.”

That “more involved” started in September when Budd took his 17 runners and two managers to the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Anti-Bullying 5K Road Race and 2-Mile Walk in Springfield. The event was in memory of Walker-Hoover, an 11-year-old from Springfield who committed suicide in 2009 after being repeatedly.

Kane, an honor roll student said, “Getting out there and running it, and afterward seeing all these people from different towns all coming together to celebrate somebody’s life . . . We were line dancing, and there was a song we didn’t know so we were going to get off (the dance floor), but a couple women told us to stay and said they would show us how to do it.

“There was so much love and togetherness. It was great.”

The Spartans had held a few car washes prior to the Walker event and planned on buying a new tent for their big meets. But the team instead donated their funds to the foundation in Walker-Hoover’s name.

“We had a great time there,” Budd said. “We saw a lot of people. We figured ‘What more can we do for the community?”

And they did more. On Oct. 30, with the players dressed in Halloween costumes, the team collected canned goods to donate to the open pantry in Springfield. Budd made the delivery last week.

“Instead of going unnoticed this year, coach Budd really told that ‘I know this is our growth year and I know we’re not going to have the best record, but why don’t we do what’s best for our community so we don’t go unnoticed’,” Kane said.
The Spartans hope they, as well as other teams, don’t go unnoticed next season. Budd is already planning on have teams participating in the Ted Dutkiewicz Memorial Races to bring canned goods to the 2011 event. He’s also tinkering with challenging other teams to a canned goods collection at a different point in the season.

East Longmeadow was selected as this year’s winner of the Ted Dutkiewicz Award, a statewide award which goes to the cross country team which best exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship.

Sure sounds like a true champion.

East LongmeadowGirls Cross CountryRoster Coach: Michael Budd Runners: Jocelyn Kane, Ashley Madison, Julianne Downie, Kristina Pioggia, Giorgi Bengston, Hannah Bernard, Anne Leighton, Meghan Salvon, Carly Driscoll, Kelsi Ford, Breanna Hobbs, Liann Simonds, Nicole Howell, Meredith McGowan, Catherine Merton, Nina Pham, Sarah VennManagers: Alexandria McMahon, Candace Kasper

LADYSPARTAN MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO

2010-11-10T09:41:00.003-05:00

For Saturday, we'll be utilizing this as our motivation: NO PAIN!

YouTube - Rocky 4 - Training Scene - Hearts On Fire.mpg

BILLY MILLS

2010-11-03T10:03:00.002-04:00

This is the greatest distance race ever run on this planet, run by my favorite distance runner of ALL TIME!

YouTube - Tokyo Olympics Last Lap

CANNED GOODS DRIVE

2010-10-28T19:06:00.003-04:00

Saturday from 8 to 11am at the high school as well as at the East Longmeadow Stop & Shop,we'll be taking in canned goods for the benefit of the Open Pantry.

The goal is 500 or more cans. We are also doing a can and bottle drive.

CAPTAINS NAMED

2010-09-26T20:38:00.003-04:00

At long last the Cross Country captains have been named: Dolly and Band Camp

Both performed admirably at the Ted Dutkiewicz Memorial Races this past Saturday!

Mountain Dew also made a nice showing with the elite competition.

OUTDOOR SCHEDULE IS UP

2010-09-23T18:18:00.000-04:00

There shall be many changes from today until when the actual season begins. For now, here is a snapshot of the season. Click onto the OUTDOOR SCHEDULE above.

MORE PRESS FOR THE WOLFPACK?

2010-09-22T17:19:00.003-04:00

Looks like we're getting publicity AGAIN! Must be the "throwback" uniforms!

We'll be selecting either a Captain or Captains tomorrow! Stay tuned.

DJ BAND CAMP

2010-09-19T21:31:00.005-04:00

So yesterday, the Ladyspartans were represented on 90.7 WTCC!

Wait a minute...does anyone in East Longmeadow actually LISTEN to TCC? Something to ponder. We were representing in the Carl Joseph Walker Hoover scholarship run.

A couple of things to be noted:

School record holder Danyelle' (Miyagi) Thorpe's parents were there offering support and took on the walk portion of the event.

Carl Joseph was the cousin of one of our best shot putters of all-time and STILL a current school record holder: Shucky Ducky (quack quack) a.k.a. Andrea Walker.

Bootstrap actually THINKS she can dance.

And Band Camp did a great job as spokesperson for the team on the airwaves.

We'll be doing at least one more benefit as a team in the near future. Stay tuned to the Ladyspartan XC squad!

INDOOR SCHEDULE REVEALED

2010-09-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

The Indoor Track & Field schedule is done for the PVIAC. You can simply get the entire schedule by clicking onto the 2010 INDOOR SCHEDULE at the top of the page, but for those of you that are not into "clicking":
12/10 - 7:00 vs. Pioneer and CENTRAL
12/17 - 3:45 vs. GREENFIELD
01/07- 7:00 vs. Athol and Cathedral
01/14- 3:45 vs. South Hadley and Holyoke Catholic
01/21- 7:00 vs. Mohawk
01/22- 6:00 vs. 4 x 800 Relay ( This is a SATURDAY NIGHT)
01/28- 3:45 vs. Mahar and New Leadership
02/04- 6:00 vs. PVIAC Championships

NEW FRESHMAN RECORD

2010-09-15T07:03:00.003-04:00

Meredith McGowan established a NEW freshman record yesterday at Stanley Park in Westfield. Her time of 21:05 is the second fastest in school history behind Lauren (Chuckles) Litscher and ahead of both Shannon (Clutch) Brennan and Kathleen (Sparkplug) Wicks.

Now we have to adorn her with a nickname. Since her brother was "White Lightning", our best choice thus far is "Mountain Dew"...and when it comes to running mountains, SHE DO!

FUNDRAISER RACE

2010-09-08T03:22:00.002-04:00

The Ladyspartans shall be participating in the Carl Joseph Walker Hoover Fundraiser Road Race on September 18 in Forest Park. Proceeds go to a scholarship in his honor and open up awareness of Bullying.

As many of you are aware, this young man from our Sister School ( New Leadership) committed suicide a couple of years ago after being bullied.

We are proud to represent in this event. For details log onto: http://www.carljoseph11.org/