Catching up with. .. Matt DeBole

Matt DeBole finished off a great career as a Hoya this past summer. Matt competed at the Olympic Trials in the 1500 meters after qualifying for the event with a 3:40.73 performance at Princeton’s Larry Ellis Invitational in April. At the Olympic Trials Matt ran 3:43.32 to place 9th in his preliminary heat and captured an at-large spot to advance to the semi-final where he ran 3:45.20 for 10th place.

SSC: You competed in the 1500 at the Olympic Trials this summer, what was the experience like?

MD: I'd say the experience was 100% positive. This year, it was a goal for me to qualify and compete well at the Trials, and I certainly accomplished both goals. The experience gives me confidence in Coach Henner's and my own ability to set high goals and achieve them.

SSC: Can you describe the atmosphere both while racing and while you were spectating?

MD: It was certainly the most electric atmosphere in which I have competed. The crowd was into every event and packed the stands. I was grateful to be there as an athlete but also as a spectator to see some spectacular events.

SSC: What is the biggest thing you learned from racing at the Olympic Trials?

MD: I learned that I belong at the elite level of competition- that I can mix it up with the nation's best.

SSC: Is it intimidating racing against mostly professional runners when you’re still a collegiate athlete?

MD: No, I've raced against most of the "professionals" while we were both in college so that experience isn't new. I like to frame racing against the professionals more as an opportunity for a collegiate runner to knock a chip off their shoulder.

SSC: Did you ever feel as though you were at a disadvantage compared to most of the other guys in the race because they are professionals and you were a collegiate athlete?

MD: I thought the collegiate runners were actually at an advantage in terms of being able to handle the rounds of qualifying. In college, you are used to running multiple times on multiple days which is something many of the professionals do not get to practice. Knowing my ability to perform at my best multiple times in a weekend gave me more confidence.

SSC: Is there any special workout you like to do before a big race to know that you’re ready to go?

MD: There really isn't a staple workout. Mentally challenging workouts, the ones that make you dig really deep, signal to me that I'm ready to go. Also, we'll usually put together a time trial of sorts 10 days prior which is a good indicator of whether I'm ready to go or not.

SSC: You had Andrew Bumbalough to train with all the way through the trials, how much and what kind of a difference does it make for you to have somebody like that to train with everyday?
MD: I have to say that it's a double-edged sword. It's awesome having a good friend like Andrew there doing the same workouts and runs. We push each other in practice and are able to hangout when we're done. However, it's also difficult to remind yourself that you're one of the best in the country when your teammate is right there doing the same thing with the same goals. Sometimes it's also difficult to turn the competitive switch on and off when talking running with him. I want him to do well and accomplish his goals, yet one of my goals is to also beat him.

SSC: You’re now finished with your collegiate eligibility, so what are your plans now?

MD: My number one priority is to train hard this fall and race fast this summer. Fortunately, I'm currently in a great position to do so. I am volunteer assistant coaching with the Georgetown Cross Country team and have a part-time job in the Physical Therapy Dept. in the Georgetown Hospital. I hope to be back in Eugene, OR at the Olympic Trials in 2012 competing for a spot on the Olympic team.

Congratulations - XC results - Women 9th & Men 10th at NCAAs

After winning the Big East and Mid Atlantic Region Championships, the men took 10th at NCAAs, led by Andrew Bumbalaugh's 11th place finish.

On the women's side, Liz Maloy led the Hoyas to a ninth place finish.

Details to follow. . .

http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15200&ATCLID=1149753&DB_OEM_ID=15200&DB;_LANG

Congratulations Coach Gags!

Coach Gagliano has been profiled for the outstanding peformance by his athletes in Eugene:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/07/05/2008-07-05_frank_gagliano_godfather_on_track_has_ha.html

Catching up with. . Miesha Marzell

Miesha Marzell, C' 97, was an NCAA Champion at 1500 meters and multiple time All American. She's training for the 2008 Olympic Trials, and the Spiked Shoe Club caught up with her on her plans and favorite GU memories.

SSC: Where are you studying? Is it tough to balance work/training?
MM: I am studying at Penn State University. I am pursing my doctorate in the field of Biobehavioral Health. At times it is a challenge to balance running and graduate school. However, I am very passionate about both and I am having fun. I have tremendous support from my academic department and I am a part of a great running community here in Happy Valley.

SSC: What are your goals for this season?
I have been running since I was a little girl and it has always been my dream to make the Olympic team. Running has been such a huge part of my life and many fond memories involve my experiences running. I have met wonderful people along my journey and have been to many beautiful places. If this year is my last competitive running year, I want to leave the sport I love running very fast and also with a huge smile on my face!

SSC: What's the biggest difference between competing at the professional vs. at collegiate level?
MM: The biggest difference I see in competing out of college is of course teammates. Although many people think track and field is such an individual sport, I believe track athletes experience the benefits of being a part of a “team” just as any other sport team. Running hard on a relay for your teammates, or representing Georgetown at a National Championship is a very special feeling. I always took great pride in putting on a Hoya uniform and running at a Big East Championship. It does not get much better than hearing “The Georgetown Hoyas” booming from the loud speaker at Penn Relays. School pride and camaraderie is definitely something I miss.

SSC: Most grueling workout memory while at Georgetown?
MM: I think every workout my freshman year was a grueling workout. I did not like tempo runs and they still are a thorn in my side. I am getting better though. I no longer hide in the bushes!

SSC: Favorite memory from your time at Georgetown?
I had so much fun at practice. We really had an exceptional group of women training and it was a special time. No matter what was going on, we worked hard at practice! I am very competitive by nature, so the environment we created was great!

SSC: Any advice for current student athletes?
MM: Have fun! Believe in your coaches and most importantly yourself!

Two Hoyas down in Jamaica (with Calabar Old Boys)

With Penn Relays right around the corner, couldn't think of a better time to provide some insight on the greatest high school meet in the world (yes I'm biased...but that will be explained later), the Jamaican High School Boys & Girls Championships. I had the pleasure of returning to Jamaica in 2007 to witness Champs for the first time in 22 years. I'm showing my age, but when I last attended prior to 2007 I was a 14 year old 100m hurdler (everyone in Jamaica thinks they can sprint). As we have all witnessed at Penn Relays, the Jamaican contingent is not only strong on the track but also in the stands. As thrilling as that may be, it pales in comparison to what takes place at the high school championships in late March or Early April every year in Jamaica; picture 25,000 people at a high school meet with flags, drums and horns in a cheering frenzy; the fans are even more boisterous than what is seen in Philly at the Penn Relays. I had the pleasure of attending the 2007 Championships with a fellow GU Track Alum Rich Kenah (after a lot of persuading and promises of unlimited Jerk Chicken & Red Stripe) and we returned in March 2008 to witness some of the best competition seen at the high school level anywhere in the world.

So, why is this GU Track alum so excited about attending some high school meet in Jamaica?? Well, turns out I attended the prestigious Calabar High School prior to leaving Jamaica for the U.S. in 1986. Calabar had also not won the Championship since 1997 and what better time to go than to attend when Calabar returned to glory in 2007. And after being there in 2007 I had to return in 2008 (and I'll be back in 2009....don't tell my wife though). Plus, I'm a track and field fan that will travel (World Championships in Sevilla '99 & Paris 2003, US Olympic Trials 2004, just to name a few), so why not Jamaica as well?? It's much closer, cheaper, and I know my way around.

So back to some insider tips from what was witnessed at Jamaica's Boys & Girls Champs 2008: The numerous impressive results of the meet are too extensive t0 mention. Glimpse the results for yourself at http://www.jaaaltd.com/results/champs08/. Here are a few names that will be rolling off all tongues in Philly next weekend for the high school relay events; Calabar (with 2007 World Youth Junior Champion at 200m Ramone McKenzie...no relation); St. Jago (Yohan Blake...10.11 last year at the tender age of 17, along with Nickel Ashmeade who has already run 10.34 and 20.67 at 17 yrs. old), Kingston College, Holmwood (Dexter Lee, first Jamaican athlete with World 100m Gold medal at any level; World Youth Champion 2007). Jamaican High Schools are not only going to have a good showing in the sprints; the most dominant race for the Jamaican High Schools might in fact be the 4x800M (More coaches are finally convincing some of these kids that not every Jamaican is meant to be a sprinter). For Boys, three teams will go under 7:45.00 (my weather permitting prediction); Kingston College, Jamaica College, Calabar. Kingston College ran 7:42 to win last year…and they have the same team back this year. Haven’t run that fast so far this year due to injuries, but if they are all healthy they might go way below 7:40 which should be enough to win.

Let me not forget about the girls... Holmwood, Edwin Allen and Manchester High will be the Jamaican teams to contend with. Names to remember are Bobby Gaye Wilkins from Holmwood (400m & 800M High School champion; split 51:1 to anchor relay win at Champs; and can split 2:04), Natoya Goule from Manchester High.

Team to beat in the 4x800m for girls will be Manchester High. They have my favorite high school athlete from Jamaica right now (even with my former high school Calabar having a kid who has my last name...Ramone McKenzie). That would be Natoya Goule that I mentioned above. She ran 2:05:90 three weeks ago; the day before her 17th birthday. Her school Manchester High will likely run around 8:50.00. That should be enough to win, but Holmwood and Edwin Allen from Jamaica, and defending champions Eleanor Roosevelt from Maryland will not make it a cakewalk.

Ok...had enough talk about Jamaicans at Penn Relays?? Well, keep in mind quite a few of your fellow Hoyas have ties to Jamaica (and quite a few are still in the Georgetown record books, on top performance lists, and have been champions at the collegiate level and beyond). I'm proud to say AM started the trend (kinda...Paul Whittaker was before me but he was an American citizen) and I'm sure I wont be the last!!

Those that I know of:

Our very own Coach Scott McLeod (Jamaican parentage).

Paul Whittaker (800M)-(Jamaican parentage).

Yours truly, Alton McKenzie; Class of '93 (800M) - (Jamerican...yes Gags, finally a proud US citizen)

Maxine Clarke- 400m, 800M, 1500m...you name it - (also married to Jamaican 400M hurdler Ian Weakley)

Nadia McNeil- 400m Hurdler

Nikole Mitchell- 100m - (Jamaican Olympic & World Championship Bronze Medallist in 4x100m; Atlanta '96 and Stuttgart '93 respectively)

Nashville Peart- Sprints, LJ, TJ (Jamaican parentage).

Tyrona Heath -800M (Jamaican parentage).

Spenser Carter - Current Freshman Sprinter (Jamaican Parentage)...Gags will love this one.... his uncle is old GMU Coach Dalton Ebanks, who's of course Jamaican. :)

* Special mention goes to an adopted Calabar Alum Rich Kenah...he's looking to get dual American/Jamaican citizenship (picture is the evidence). If he could only figure out what the heck they were saying half the time in the National Stadium.

Springtime

I was telling my children (4 year old twins) the other day as we drove to school and saw buds on trees that spring is my favorite time of year. My daughter asked why and as I thought about it, I laughed to myself. I couldn't come up with an answer she would understand. I think it is my favorite time of year because, for so many years, this was the time when training got more fun. Less long intervals and more short ones; less hats and gloves and other warm weather gear and more sun; less cold pill directives from Gags and more "drink fluids" ones; and of course, less wind on the roof of Yates. It's funny how, even now, running shapes my view of our suroundings.

Penn is just a week or so away and I'm looking forward to seeing the Hoya Men and Women chase a Championship of America title. I got the chance to see some of the team compete for the first time in many years at the Big East Indoor Championships in NY. For those of you who are not following closely, you should. We've got a lot of exciting talent on the track these days. Even more satisfying was the post-event reception at the NY Armory. Dozens of alums turned out for what must have been the best attended Spike Shoe Club event in a very long time. The only distressing part was that Steve Holman and I were two of the oldest people in the room (I think he is older than me by the way). Clearly, Gtown's younger alums are staying close to the program and are showing up in numbers. I left there that night thinking that Steve and I needed to help Meghan bring back some older women and men.

Hope to see many familiar faces in Philadelphia next week. If not, drop the coaching staff an email and wish them well.

Rich Kenah
PS. For the record, I saw Doug Huffman at the meet as well. While all (most) of us alums looked older and heavier with less hair on our heads, I swear Doug has not changed a bit.

Calling all Bay Area Alumni - Hoyas at Stanford Invitational

The Spiked Shoe Club would like to invite you to drinks with Head Track Coach Patrick Henner on Saturday April 5th from 4-5:30 pm at the Sheraton Hotel in Palo Alto. Come out and watch the Hoya's compete against the nations top track and field athletes and meet Coach Henner after the event to get an update on the Track and Field program.

See you on Saturday!

RSVP:David Swift davidpswift@gmail.com

Driving Direction to the Sheraton ( walking distance from the track )
Start address: San Francisco, CAEnd address: 625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Start at: San Francisco, CA
1. Head south on Van Ness Ave toward Grove St - 0.7 mi2. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to Oakland/San Jose/US-80 - 31.4 mi3. Take exit 402 for Embarcadero Rd/Oregon Expy - 0.2 mi4. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Embarcadero Rd W/Stanford University and merge onto Embarcadero Rd - 2.3 mi5. Turn right at El Camino Real - 0.3 mi
Arrive at: 625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Here is a tentative racing schedule for our top people:

Friday

12:54- 800- Matt DeBole

5:52PM- Steeplechase- Alex Mason, Mike Banks

6:36PM- Women's 5000- Lise Ogrodnick

7:13PM- Men's 5000- Andrew Bumbalough, Levi Miller

7:29PM- Women's 10,000- Melissa Grelli

8:07PM- Men's 10,000- Mike Krisch, Justin Scheid, Dan Nunn

Saturday

6:59PM- Men's 1500- Matt DeBole, Mike Banks

Fundraising update

We're headed into the final quarter of 2007-2008 fundraising year. We're currently at $84,000 from about 125 contributors.

In order to reach our goal of $100,000, we need an additional $16,000. (And who said SFS grads didn't know math?) Our other goal is to increase the percentage of alumni who contribute, and to reach that we need an additional 100 individuals to donate by June 30.

To contribute, please click on the link to the right side of this page, this should lead you to an online donation form. (email me should you have any difficulties).

Thanks to everyone for their support. We'll post updates as we close in on our goals.

Checking in with. . .Women's Olympic Marathon Trials

We've noted that several women have gone on to shatter the 3 hour mark in the marathon - Chris Brough, Catherine Feeney, Kari Bertrand, Monica Olkowski (if others, please let me know! ). Next month two former Hoyas will lace up their shoes and compete in the Olympic Trials at 26.2. I checked in with Kristen Gordon Henehan '00 (KGC) & Caryn Landau Heffernan '95 (CLH) to find out more about their post-collegiate running careers.

SSC: Where are you working/What do you do? Is it tough to balance work/training?:

CLH: I teach high school at Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington. I teach AP economics and AP world history, in addition to coaching both cross-country and track. (Our girls XC team won the state championship this year!). (Editor's note: In the "its a small world" category, Caryn & Brendan took over the coaching position from Mindy Schneider Leffler '94 & her husband Mitch Leffler). Leaving the world of management consulting to teach actually reopened the door to running for me. I had taken several years off while working corporate b/c I just couldn't find the time or energy to run much. I didn't start running seriously again until taking a shot at the marathon back in 2004 (I missed qualifying for the 04 trials by 23 seconds). While teaching is time consuming, there are no billable hours involved, and it was easier to make time for myself. Plus, I get some of my mileage in running with the HS team.

KGH: I am the Director of Legislative Affairs at Evans Capitol Group. Evans Capitol Group is a government relations firm that provides Washington strategic guidance to our corporate, non-profit and trade association clients. I serve as the Washington, DC representative for our clients and follow the public policy issues that affect their business operations. It is tough to balance work and training, but luckily I have been at my company for six years so my boss is very understanding and supportive. I typically get up early and run before work so running doesn’t effect my work day or evening work events.


SSC: What events did you run in college? What's the biggest difference between competing in the marathon vs. at collegiate level?

SSC: I ran the 5k and 10k (Editors note: Caryn was runner up in the 1993 NCAA 10k and a multiple time XC All -American). Running is a lot lower key for me now. I run a lot of miles, but it's more of a hobby these days and when I can't fit it in, it just doesn't happen. College was a lot more intense. Also, until this training cycle, I did most of my marathon training alone. Now since I moved from NJ to WA however, it's more like college. I'm training with a group of 5 other Seattle area women who all qualified for the Trials. It's awesome!!

KGC: In college I ran the 3K and 5K. Every now and then I ran the 1500m. (Editor's note:
"Ran" = All American. These women are modest) I would say the biggest difference for me is the intensity level and my mindset. In college, running was such a large part of who I was. Back then, I definitely took things more seriously and focused on doing all the little things like lifting, doing drills, getting in the cold whirlpool, etc. Today, I have so many other things in my life that take precedence over running that I am lucky to just get a run in. I don’t really get nervous before races like I used to and I look at running as more of a “recreational activity” now.

SSC: What was your most grueling workout memory while at Gtown? What’s your most grueling workout for marathon?
CLH: Well, I think just about anyone on the women's team from my era probably remembers Helmer's famous Tow Path 12. That was brutal. We also did a 3x3000 workout a few times and we ran those babies pretty darn fast! (Editor’s note: I think the rest of the team had showered and finished dinner & karaoke night in New South by the time we finished.)

KGC: It is funny how things come full circle. At Georgetown the most grueling workouts occurred on the Towpath and the same can be said for the marathon. Upon graduating, I thought my time on the Towpath was behind me, but I find myself there quite often these days. The most grueling college workout was when Coach Helmer would load us all in the van and drop us off 12miles out. We then had to do some variation of a tempo back to campus. What made it dreadful was that Coach Helmer would suddenly appear along the Towpath making sure we were on pace. The most grueling marathon workout I have done occurred on the Towpath. It was a 22 mile run with an 8 mile tempo at the end. (Editor’s note: Coach Henner – do you still do this? Coach Helmer – do you do this in Indiana?)

SSC: What race qualified you for Trials?

CLH: After my near miss in '04 I made sure to get in this time and qualified twice. :o) I ran 2:44:18 in Austin in 2006 and then ran 2:46:11 in Chicago in 2006. Both races were in cold nasty weather. Come to think of it, I've had REALLY bad luck with weather and marathons. I'm hoping the Trials breaks that streak.

KGC: I qualified at the P.F. Chang’s Rock-n-Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ in Jan. 2008. When I signed up to run Marine Corps Marathon, I had no intention of trying to qualify for the Trials. But, Marine Corps went better than expected and got my competitive juices flowing. The race directors at Rock-n-Roll offered to cover the travel and lodging expenses for a group of women trying to reach the qualifying standard. I figured I am in shape for the first time in a long time so I might as well take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

(Editor’s note: The only thing that now resonates with me in this Q&A is the reference to P.F. Changs. I am addicted to the Kung Pao Shrimp.)

SSC: Favorite memory from your time at Georgetown?

CLH: Meeting Brendan of course! Gotta love the Christmas Party.

(Editor’s note: Caryn, what about getting lost on a 14+ mile run and climbing barbed wire fences in Hot Springs? How does that not count as a favorite memory?)

KGC: My favorite running memory was when our cross-country team got 4th place at the NCAA Meet in Lawrence, KS. There was something so special and unique about running at Rim Rock Farm. I also got 4th in the individual race so it is a day I look back on with fond memories.
My favorite non-running memory was meeting my husband, Mike Henehan, of course.

SSC: Any advice for current student athletes?
CLH: Make sure you appreciate being a Hoya while you can. It's a great time.

KGC: Just enjoy every minute of your time on the Hilltop and take advantage of all the opportunities you have as a student athlete at Georgetown.

SSC: Any inspiration for your fellow track alumni who put themselves in more of the "couch potato" category?

CLH: Nope - they're probably much wiser than I am.

KGC: After this marathon I am ready for “couch potato” status! I guess I can tell anyone that has ever thought of running a marathon to go for it! You will love it. It is such a different type of racing than running a 5K or a 10K. I find it much more enjoyable because you never have that “gasping for air/I think I might die” feeling. You actually have time to enjoy yourself and take it all in. In my mind, everyone should do at least one marathon in their lifetime.

SSC: What other track alumni do you stay in touch with?
CLH: I have to admit - I'm really bad about this in general. But, the cool coincidence is that Mindy (Schneider) Leffler used to be the Newport coach before I moved out to WA. She helped hook me up with the district. After growing up on different coasts, we now live close by.

KGC: My friends from Georgetown remain some of my best friends today. Emily McCarthy (Dent), Melissa Akkaway (Richardson) and Emily Enstice were all bridesmaids in our wedding. I also am still close with Autumn Fogg, Lisa Roder, Kathleen Monforto (Linck), Erin Tshinbangu (Sicher), Erin Flynn and Carly Nuzbach.

SSC: How will you celebrate completing the Trials?
CLH: A huge lunch at Vinny Testas will be in order for old time's sake and to make Gags proud.

KGC: My sister went to college in Boston so she is in charge of the post-marathon celebration. I am sure it will involve drinking heavily, eating a cheeseburger and French fries and enjoying the company of all my friends and family. I am trying to convince my husband that I deserve a tropical vacation as well.

SSC: Thanks Ladies! Good Luck!

Big East reception pictures

A thank you to the Big East reception sponsors

Many thanks to our event sponsors. We could not have had the event without their support:

Colin Dunn ('00)
Denise Furey ('78)
Tom Grimes ('81)
Pat Henner
Fleet Hower ('06)
Ray Humphrey ('87)
John Lenahan ('01)
Chris Marchal ('00)
Scott McLeod ('96)
Brian McNelis ('84)
Jesse O'Connell ('04)
George O'Loughlin ('03)
Jeff Reinhardt ('02)
Jesse Saglio ('94)
Dan Tebbano ('03)

Bright Lights, Big City

So does anyone miss Syracuse?

$3 meals at Kosmo's aside, I think it's pretty clear that the Big East championships have found a new home in the 168th St. Armory. The building was filled with energy and excitement and the performances on the track were very impressive. It definitely helped to have an enthusiastic announcer, and small things like the playing of the winner's school fight songs went a long way towards making the proceedings feel a little bit bigger. Speaking of, I wasn't aware that we'd changed the Georgetown fight song to Rock and Roll, Pt. 2. Maybe I didn't get that memo.















Congrats to both the men's and women's team for their third and second place finishes respectively. For a full recap, check out http://www.guhoyas.com/ or wait for one of those excellent e-mails coach Henner has been sending to the Spiked Shoe listserv. I wish I could break down all of the great runs by Hoyas this weekend, but to be honest there were too many of them. Across the board, the gang in blue and gray looked confident and aggressive and put themselves in the mix to run big time races, and in a lot of cases did. I would, however, like to single out a couple guys on the men's side for their killer weekends; Andrew Bumbalough and Matt DeBole had fantastic meets. Andrew was 2nd in the DMR, mile and 3k; his Sunday double of 4:01 and 8:04 was super impressive. Matt ran stud legs on both relays and also took a close second in the 1,000 running 2:23.8. Really great stuff.

Off the track the weekend was also a success for the alumni reception. There was a great turnout for the event at the Armory, and it seemed that everyone had a good time. Next year we'll get them to turn down the heat and make sure that there is wine AND beer. I'm sure the team appreciated your support, and I know the Spiked Shoe Club did.

For those that continued on after the reception, a good time was had as well. I should mention, we're missing one of the We Are Georgetown bumper stickers. It was last seen stuck to John Tillman's back. So if anyone finds that, please mail it back to Spiked Shoe headquarters. Great.

When 25 laps are not enough. The Eugene Marathon

For those alumni who are in the market for a fast, well run, and Hoya-affiliated marathon/half-marathon, look no further than Eugene.

Andy Downin (C 96) organized the inaugural Eugene Marathon in April 2007 with fantastic results. Eugene hosted over 4200 finishers from 44 states and eight countries. The course was fast and flat with four elite athletes qualifying for the Olympic Trials, and 19% of finishers obtained Boston Qualifying times. It was also named to the top ten for marathons with 5% of its participants finish under three hours. The Marathon Guide named it as the Top Five marathons in the country. This year’s marathon, half Marathon, 5K and Kids Marathon will be held on May 4, 2008. For more information visit: http://www.eugenemarathon.com/.


Stay tuned, Andy will be posting updates on how this year's marathon is shaping up.

Bumbalough Breaks Four Minute Mile Indoors

Congratulations to Andrew Bumbalough, who clocked a 3:58.46 at the 2008 Giegengack Invitational, hosted by Yale University. Andrew's time is an automatic qualifying time for the NCAA Championship. Bumbalough's performance in the men's mile set the standard and he now ranks second on Georgetown's all-time indoor mile list. Click here for an interview with Andrew following his big race: http://guhoyas.cstv.com/sports/m-track/spec-rel/020808aab.html

The last time a Hoya broke four minutes in the mile at an indoor meet was Mark Sivieri's ('95)performance in 1994. Rumor has it that Siv has continued his success off the track and is now a pediatrician in Maryland. (If anyone can confirm this, or find Siv, let us know!)

Meet A Hoya: Liz Maloy

We’re trying a new feature here at the Spiked Shoe Blog called Meet A Hoya. It’s sort of a profile, sort of an interview, but mostly it’s a chance for you to get to know some of the athletes currently on the team. The tentative plan is to do these until I run out of phone numbers for people on the team that I personally know. In other words, there’s going to be like, two more.

In the inaugural edition of Meet A Hoya, we’re talking with Liz Maloy. Liz is a fifth year senior from Loudonville, New York. She attended Holy Names high school, and graduated from Georgetown last spring with a degree in psychology. Recently, she ran 4:43.02 on that gem of a track at Penn State, putting her way up on this season’s NCAA list (currently #6), and vaulting her to #5 on the GU all-time list.

Spiked Shoe Blog: So let’s get right into this. When did you start running? Were there other sports when you were younger?
Liz Maloy: I played basketball and sat on the bench my 7th grade year and never played again.
SSB: Nice. Let me guess… center? Forward?
LM: Forward [laughs]. I was pretty good in 6th grade.
SSB: I bet. You still have any of those post moves?
LM: [Laughs] Totally.
SSB: Watch out Roy Hibbert.
SSB: Tell us about your time at Georgetown. Did you have a favorite professor or class?
LM: Professor Ryan for Fundamentals of Finance. My favorite class though was probably not that one [laughs].
SSB: Alright, what would you say is your most memorable race in college?
LM: Oh man... probably the trials at NCAA's [the 1500m outdoors in 2006] two years ago because I did not think I was going to make the finals.
SSB: Did you advance on place or time? In other words, did you have to sweat it out through the second heat?
LM: Place, I was 3rd.
SSB: Cool.
LM: It was exciting.
LM: It also might be this past [NCAA Cross Country Championships] because I got drug tested - worst experience ever.
SSB: Yeah, I've been through the whole drug testing thing.
LM: It's terrible.
SSB: How many bottles of water did you have to drink, and how long did you get stuck in there?
LM: I was in there for an hour, probably.
SSB: Ouch.
LM: I drank so much water my stomach hurt, it sucked. And coach Milt and Rod [ed: asst. coach Rod Koborsi] were waiting for me.
SSB: And then you probably were running to the bathroom for the next 5 hours.
LM: Yeah, on the plane
SSB: Wonderful. You're lucky they didn't think you were a terrorist and turn the plane around.
LM: [Laughs] Seriously, that would suck.
SSB: Yeah, but it sure would have been funny.
SSB: So, if you could only eat one vegetable for the rest of your life, what would it be?
LM: Sweet potatoes.
SSB: Excellent choice. Preferred preparation style?
LM: Just baked - they don't need anything.
SSB: Damn, you're making me hungry. Kind of.
SSB: If forced at gunpoint to hang out with Lindsey Lohan or Paris Hilton, which one would it be, and why?
LM: Lindsey Lohan because she has red hair and I know she's still as cool as she was in The Parent Trap, deep down.
SSB: We can only hope.
LM: I believe she is.
SSB: If you could trade places with a female musician, who would it be and why? (and you can't pick Prince).
LM: Posh Spice so I can be married to David Beckham [laughs].
SSB: That would have been my answer too. It’s his hair. Right… moving on.
SSB: What’s one book you can't live without?
LM: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I reallllly like that book.
SSB: What's your go-to meal in the caf?
LM: Roast chicken, broccoli, a sweet potato, and salad.
SSB: Wow. Color me impressed.
LM: I just ate it actually.
SSB: I’m pretty sure mine was something along the lines of, each of the three entrees being served, plus pizza and 12 cookies.
LM: Well.
SSB: I have issues.
LM: Oh yeah, and frozen yogurt with granola.
SBB: Have you tried the frozen yogurt at Sweet Greens [ed: new M St. eatery] yet?
LM: Not a fan.
SSB: No? I think its pretty damn good.
LM: Meh. I mean it's too good for you [ed: it’s tart, natural frozen yogurt]
SSB: You're more of a Thomas Sweets gal?
LM: Oh, for sure.
SSB: What do you get in your mix-in?
LM: Oreo peanut butter swirl with sprinkles.
SSB: Now I'm hungry again.
LM: [laughs]
SSB: Along the same lines, what’s your favorite Georgetown area restaurant?
LM: Hmmm. Kinkead's - that's in Foggy Bottom though.
SSB: Seafood, right?
LM: Yep.
SSB: Good choice.
LM: I know.
SSB: Favorite city to visit?
LM: In the U.S.? Boston.
SSB: Boston is great. Do you have a favorite foreign city?
LM: I really liked Dublin.
SSB: When were you there?
LM: Over the summer I went with my mom and sister. We traveled all around Ireland. Killarny was awesome - the national park was amazing.
SSB: That sounds great.
SSB: Ok, last question. Who is your all-time favorite 800m runner at GU (and there is a right and wrong answer to this question)?
LM: Matt Debole
SSB: That’s not the answer we were looking for. But you get points for classmate loyalty.
SSB: This conversation is so over.
LM: [laughs]
SSB: Thanks Liz, I appreciate you doing this.
LM: Anytime.

Belated Congrats to Joe Lang & Kevin King

As many of you probably know, Joe Lang and Kevin King were inducted into the Georgetown Hall of Fame this past weekend. Spiked Shoe had a reception for him on Friday night and the turnout was great. It's always cool to attend an event in Riggs Library since it's kind of off the beaten path at Georgetown. And by off the beaten path I mean that it looks like the room was frozen in time in 1870. Definitely a feeling of history that you don't get from say, the Darnall cafeteria (which I'm told is becoming a pub with a liquor license). But it was great to see so many people in town to support and congratulate Joe and Kevin, and it looked like a lot of you were getting the chance to catch up with old teammates and friends.

Not that it isn't being hyped in enough ways already (e-mails, mail-mail, Meghan hiring sky-writers), but I just wanted to remind everyone about the event in New York City during the Big East track meet. It should be a great time, and I hope a lot of people are planning on coming. Rumor has it that Milt is going to race Henner for charity. Ok, maybe I made that up. Still, it'll be a great event, and the team will appreciate the support during the meet.

Gags at Eugene Marathon

Gags came to our Eugene Marathon post-race party. He hasn't changed a bit... If anyone is going to be in the Boston area for the USA Indoor meet, 2/21-2/25, let me know.

Catching up with Coach Gags

Frank Gagliano, former Director of Track & Field, is now coaching the Nike Farm Team in Eugene, Oregon. We spoke with Coach Gags to find out how the left coast and post- collegiate life is treating him, following is an excerpt:

What is the biggest difference between coaching at the professional (vs. collegiate) level?
There are no NCAA rules to deal with, so there’s not much paperwork. From a lifestyle perspective, there isn’t a meet every weekend, there’s less travel, and no travel for recruiting. And, no snow to shovel off the track!
How will American runners do overall in the 08 Games?
This will be our best USA team ever!

What's one of your fondest memories of coaching at Georgetown?

The support of the university and the athletic department for cross-country and track and field was fantastic. Also, there was a great attitude of our student athletes towards academics and track and field.

What message would you like to send to your former student athletes and to Georgetown running community?
Continue to work hard in your career after college and continue to support our program at Georgetown. It has a tremendous tradition and we need to get behind the program and watch them be successful. Stay in touch with former teammates and share some stories about the days on the Hill and Stories about your lives now. Keep working out to stay in decent shape.