Historian and Plyometric

[anthonyj]

I owe both of you an apology. A couple of weeks ago I stated that I thought that the Eastern Illinois University Track Meet would be better than the IPTT Meet. I was totally Wrong! The IRTT Meet was incredible! I had a wonderful time, especially since I didn't freeze to death watching an outdoor meet, no seriously I was thinking that the state meet couldn't come fast enough. This year's state meet should be one for the ages both girls and boys.

[dbandre]

anthonyj said:

I owe both of you an apology. A couple of weeks ago I stated that I thought that the Eastern Illinois University Track Meet would be better than the IPTT Meet. I was totally Wrong! The IRTT Meet was incredible! I had a wonderful time, especially since I didn't freeze to death watching an outdoor meet, no seriously I was thinking that the state meet couldn't come fast enough. This year's state meet should be one for the ages both girls and boys.

Several Meet Records, a couple of all-time best's, Pole Vaulters attempting meet records, National level times will kind of do that for a meet.

[anthonyj]

You know one of the things that impressed me was despite the poor weather that we've had in the state, the kids participating in the meet were very fit. The coaches have done an outstanding job getting their athletes in shape. Another thing I noticed is the inter city schools in the Chicago are building up. My hat goes off to those coaches as well.

[plyometric]

anthonyj said:

I owe both of you an apology. A couple of weeks ago I stated that I thought that the Eastern Illinois University Track Meet would be better than the IPTT Meet. I was totally Wrong! The IRTT Meet was incredible! I had a wonderful time, especially since I didn't freeze to death watching an outdoor meet, no seriously I was thinking that the state meet couldn't come fast enough. This year's state meet should be one for the ages both girls and boys.

Just imagine if that surface at IWU, was like Eastern's, times would have been faster even. That surface is okay, could be better at IWU. You mentioned the CPS, it has never been for a lack of talent, it has always been the lack of facilties and the lion share of the talent coming out. When Michael Jordan was in his hey day, he actually hurt track, cuz everyone wanted to be like Mike, especially in the inner city. I'm not blaming Mike, whom I happen to know, but the kids who weren't realistic.

By the way I am a product of the Public League many years back and love to see them continue making inroads

[historian]

Historian here - no apology needed. EIU was a great meet, particularly for sprints. IPTT a little deeper across all events, but both were fun to watch.

And though both tracks are fast, I might give the edge to EIU over IWU (and I really like IWU facility) - the EIU surface seems to allow runners to really grip the turns.

[dbandre]

I wasn't at EIU this year, if they redid their surface then I might be able to agree with you guys. I think IWU has the best indoor surface in the state.

[plyometric]

In looking at IWU's surface, cerain spikes arent' conduscive for that track, christmas trees being on of them. What you do have is a mixture of a both a hard and soft surface, I personally think that Lewis University and maybe since Proviso West has been resurfaced with Mondo, maybe the best tracks in the state.

[off]

plyometric said:

In looking at IWU's surface, cerain spikes arent' conduscive for that track, christmas trees being on of them. What you do have is a mixture of a both a hard and soft surface, I personally think that Lewis University and maybe since Proviso West has been resurfaced with Mondo, maybe the best tracks in the state.

Proviso West other than their shot put area has the best facility by far in the state. U of I is probably 2nd. I only rate Proviso higher because the seating is a bit better and the 55/60 can be run in the middle of the fieldhouse. You're not so close to the running at Proviso that you have to worry about hitting anyone.

Lewis is too cramped, not a good place for a big meet. IWU is decent as well, but the seating is my only problem. At ground level you can't see everything, and at the top, there isn't enough room for everyone. I've never actually watched an indoor meet at Eastern.

The best tracks as far as surface, can be debated since there are a ton with the same surface.

[hoggin88]

plyometric said:

In looking at IWU's surface, cerain spikes arent' conduscive for that track, christmas trees being on of them. What you do have is a mixture of a both a hard and soft surface, I personally think that Lewis University and maybe since Proviso West has been resurfaced with Mondo, maybe the best tracks in the state.

No way is Lewis one of the best indoor tracks in Illinois. First - it only has four lanes. Second - lane 1 is virtually useless from how chewed it is. Seriously, lane 1 is a disgrace and the others aren't too much better. Third - it has slightly tighter turns than IWU and many other tracks. Not to mention the fact that there is NOWHERE to warm up there unless you want to warm up on the track and get in everyone's way b/c there are only 4 lanes.

[plyometric]

I mentioned surface, I am not talking about anything other than that, not warm up, not seating, not how tight lanes are etc. Now everyone is entitled to their opinion. By the way, the type of surface is not just limited to everyone's opinion or what they like.

The type of surface has a direct impact on performance, one way or the other.

[hoggin88]

Alright, but even just going by surface that Lewis track is really really chewed up. Lane 1 is like running on concrete. I really don't like running on it. But I guess that is my opinion like you said.