t-and-f: Scoring Figure Skating
I start with an initial plea for those who don't care about the subject to hit delete now. There was discussion of how Figure Skating is scored in determining the winner. I can give a short explanation. Like cross country, the low score wins. There are 2 program, short and long. As someone mentioned earlier, it is ordinal scoring so placing in each program is all that matters...NOT how much you win by in each round. The short program is in multiples of .5 and the long is in multiples of 1.0. So, in the short program, the winner gets .5, second gets 1.0, third gets 1.5, forth gets 2.0 and so on. In the long program, the winner gets 1.0, second gets 2.0, third gets 3.0, forth gets 4.0 and so on. Add the points together to get your winner and ties are broken by the better placing in the long program. Therefore, if you are in the top 3 after the short program, you can still win it all by winning the long program as follows: 3rd in short = 1.5 points 1st in long = 1.0 points Total = 2.5 points Your best competitor can do no better than: 1st in short = .5 points 2nd in long = 2.5 points Total = 2.5 points You were better in the long so you win. Simple enough? Sorry to fill t-and-f time with this Winter Olympic tidbit. Bob Bettwy Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (703) 351-7266 FAX (703) 522-2891
Re: t-and-f: Kirkland, Devers to lose huge $$$ for missing drug tests
I wonder how many random test these people missed or if they were even selected often enough (ala Ingo Schultz). I have sympathy for them if not selected for random tests often enough. Here, here, test me please, I want to win my $100,000 when I win the Worlds in Edmonton in three months time!! I have no sympathy for them if they ran away from testers and failed to provide location data. Anyone know? Bob Bettwy Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (703) 351-7266 FAX (703) 522-2891 PREVIOUS MESSAGE Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 14:50:55 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: t-and-f: Kirkland, Devers to lose huge $$$ for missing drug tests In a message dated Mon, 11 Feb 2002 1:42:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Okay, so more than $1 million is to be held back by the IAAF. $110,000 of that is attributable to Kirkland. And an unspecified amount attributable to Devers. So where the heck is the REST of the three quarters of a million dollars attributable to? last i heard, there were 30-plus atheltes who are ineligible for monies won last year. The first one that came to light was Germany's Ingo Schultz, winner of the 400 silver in Edmonton. As I recall, since he came from absolutely nowhere, the German federation said they'd pay him the money out of their coffers. gh END
t-and-f: NY Post Editorial that hits home with many of us!
http://www.infobeat.com/articles4/ent_tv_2_020602.html NBC On A Slippery Slope in Utah NY Post Re: The Winter Olympics, which kick off Friday night. OK, NBC, think you can put on an Olympics telecast without screwing it up? Part of me remains ever hopeful, but another part of me seriously doubts it. There's already been frightening talk that you've stockpiled dozens upon dozens of those up-close-and-personal profiles that are loathed by everybody but you. It's just one viewer's opinion, I guess, but every time one of these things comes on in the middle of the Olympics, I want to throw a brick at my TV. Why? Because every minute spent telling me about the obstacles this or that ice skater encountered in clawing their way to the top of their sport is a minute taken away from the whole reason we're watching the Winter Olympics in the first place - the competition. And if only the problem was just a matter of mere minutes. Your average profile seems to be much longer than that - sometimes, if memory serves, taking up entire segments between commercial breaks, which themselves have been obscenely long in recent years. Now hear this, NBC: The game's the thing. I think we're all aware by now of the sacrifices made by all the skaters, skiers, lugers and biathletes who have been rising before dawn since they were four years-old for hour upon hour of impossibly rigorous workouts. I'm not cold-hearted; these people have my undying sympathy. I can only imagine how tough it must be to work that hard for so many years from so young an age. But as far as I know, no one put a gun to their heads to force them into this lifestyle (or, if somebody did, now that would be a story worth telling!). And anyway, the profiles often feel forced - like the producers who make them are bending over backwards to find some incident in the backstory of each athlete's life that will make their Olympic odyssey all the more meaningful. To which I say: What could be more meaningful than the games themselves? Here's some advice on the proliferation of profiles during Olympics telecasts: Put a cork in it. And while you're at it, NBC, why don't you put a gag on your commentators too? The other day, I caught an ice-skating exhibition on PBS that was notable for one amazing characteristic: Silence. Can you imagine? All you saw and heard were the skaters and their music. And you know what? Without some burbling jackass telling you what you were fully capable of seeing for yourself, the telecast was a pure pleasure. I wish I could say the same about recent Olympics telecasts. When you're not telling us how many children an Olympic athlete has, you're jamming so many commercials into the telecasts that it's become impossible to follow the actual events. Maybe the problem is that somewhere along the line, the Olympics became too unwieldy for network TV to present and viewers to digest. But the trend can be reversed, NBC, if you'll just keep your eye on the proverbial ball - or puck, in the case of the Winter Games. And leave the profiles to People magazine. Bob Bettwy Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (703) 351-7266 FAX (703) 522-2891
t-and-f: Pre-league records: Mountain West
The Mountain West Conference maintains conference and conference meet records based on performances only since the inception of the conference. Sounds right to me. I can't imagine announcing MWC meet records belonging to Ramona Pagel (San Diego State). Bob Bettwy Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies [EMAIL PROTECTED] (703) 351-7266 FAX (703) 522-2891 ORIGINAL MESSAGE: Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 01:04:40 From: Kurt Bray [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Re: t-and-f: Pre-league records Absolutely it should still stand if the league is still the same basic entity with just a few teams added or removed. Obviously leagues can change their names and take other structural measures that would make it a grey area, but simply removing a team or two shouldn't make the records invalid. This has me thinking - what should be done about records for the WAC and Mountain West conferences? The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) started some time ago (in the 60s I think) consisting of 8 schools - all in the Mountain time zone. In the 70s Arizona and Arizona State left to join the PAC 8, boosting it to PAC 10. To fill in the gap the WAC added a 3 schools - - Hawaii, San Diego State, and UNLV. A decade or so later the WAC went on a growth binge and added a whole bunch of far-slung schools, essentially doubling in size. It soon became apparent that this bloated conference was too big and unwieldy, so a group of schools, consisting of all the original WAC schools except UTEP and all of the first round of added schools except Hawaii, broke away to form the Mountain West conference. So the Mountain West conference membership is almost identical to the what the WAC was through much of the 70s and 80s. But the WAC itself still exists with all these other new schools. What would would you make of old WAC records from the 70s? Are they still WAC records, or should the Mountain West claim them? Could both conferences claim them? It's an interesting case. Kurt Bray
RE: t-and-f: Barry's pedigree
If it hasn't already been said yet, I am sure Micky G was on the US Relay in Edmonton! Obviously, he played baseball too. Bob Bettwy Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies [EMAIL PROTECTED] (703) 351-7266 FAX (703) 522-2891 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2001 10:01 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f-digest V1 #3828 -- Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 11:13:14 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: t-and-f: Barry's pedigree Alan wrote: I wonder if Barry is on nadro? Or better yet, if the pitching wasn't so damn diluted what would either Barry or Micky G have hit? I'm trying to figure out who the heck Micky G is. I'm stymied. ... Phil
RE: t-and-f: Now what's she saving for?
I have heard that she was busy either performing brain surgery or lecturing at a nuclear physics symposium. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 21:41:47 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f: Now what's she saving for? In Edmonton, Suzy F-H said she was saving herself for Zurich. Tonight, she (as well as Regina Jacobs) were no-shows. What's she saving herself for now? Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Edmonton Attendance
The USATF press release stated: The Edmonton Sun reports the event attracted a total attendance of 400,886 for a daily average of 40,089. Edmonton '01 Director Jack Agrios said, the lowest daily attendance we had was 29,000. Those figures are genuine. There has never been paid attendance figures of this nature. I will add that Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun (page Worlds 7, Monday, August 13, 2001) said that those figures include not just fans but media, sponsors, official, volunteers, athletes, IAAF members, etc. in the stadium. If the later statement is true, Mr. Agrios may be right...that there have never been paid attendance figures of this nature...INCLUDING in EDMONTON. Anyone know for sure? Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: Golf in Edmonton
I am planning on playing golf on many of the morning during the Worlds. Can anyone suggest the best courses to play in Edmonton and/or is anyone interested in playing as well? Please respond privately and sorry to bother the whole list. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
RE: t-and-f: Israeli WC team
No pole vaulters??? Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 22:20:46 +0300 From: D. Eiger [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f: Israeli WC team The Israeli team to Edmonton is as follows (with their 2001 best):: Men 100m - Alex Porkhomovskiy (10.30) 200m - Gidon Jablonka (20.96) Marathon - Asaf Bimro (2:18:46) PV - Alex Averbukh (5.90) TJ - Avi Tayari (16.72) JT - Vadim Bavikin (80.54) 4x100m - from Porkhomovskiy, Tommy Kafri, Jablonka, Kfir Golan Attila Farkas Women 100mH - Irina Lenskiy (13.03), Svetlana Gnezdilov (13.04). Biographies of most of the above can be found in my site. David - --- David Eiger The Israeli Athletics Homepage http://eiger.tripod.com/
t-and-f: Article on Michael Walton
How many errors can YOU find in today's article? http://www.washtimes.com/sports/default-2001720221449.htm Double Focus ...OLE_Obj... By Uyo Ekandem Jr. THE WASHINGTON TIMES ...OLE_Obj... Michael Walton doesn't believe the nonsense many athletes spout about not being role models. And just accepting the role of role model isn't enough. I love children, said Walton, a sprinter from Clinton. I want to give them a role model. Most children idolize athletes like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. I hope they see me on TV and say that's Coach Mike -I know him. So while running track at Southern California in the late 1990s, Walton decided to work with children in a community near the university. Then, in January, he stepped up his involvement, starting his own community program in South Central Los Angeles. He drew aspiring runners and basketball players from ages 7 to 18 in the area, purchased uniforms with his own money and formed teams to compete in various leagues around the city. He even did his own public relations work. I went to the area schools and spoke to the principals about my program, he said. The children had to maintain good grades to participate. Now Walton, 26, wants to start a similar program in Prince George's County, especially in places like Temple Hills, Clinton and Suitland. Walton's program promotes self-confidence and self-work. The [effect] is there because the kids are putting in the work to succeed on the track, he said. Some of the kids might not make it to the Olympics, but they are bonding together. I want them to know that things are attainable. There's no better way to do that than to show them by example - at the Olympics. For the past two years, Walton, who graduated from Crossland High School in Temple Hills in 1992 and from Southern Cal six years later, has trained under the famed Al Joyner. Joyner, an assistant coach at UCLA who coached his wife, the late Florence Griffith Joyner, to world records in the 100 and 200 meters, watched Walton compete in the 200 and 400 for the Trojans and began guiding him in April 1999. My career has gone to a different level - he is the best coach in the world, said Walton, who calls Joyner his big brother. I learned so much from Al in one year. How Al works and trains, pushes me to do the same. Said Joyner: There are many who dream of winning Olympic gold, but very few athletes embody all the qualities necessary to reach past the pain and sacrifice. Michael Walton is one of the fortunate few. His focus, dedication, and natural ability form the foundation on which great success is built. A shot at the Olympics isn't out of the question. At Southern Cal, Walton was a two-time All-American in the 400 meters, with a personal best of 44.97 seconds. He also was All-Pac 10 in the 200 meters with a personal best 20.03. His proudest achievement there came in 1997, when he led the Trojans to their first Pac-10 championship in 20 years and took third place in the 400 at the NCAA championships. But in all those years he really was never injury free. During his senior year at Crossland, he couldn't compete in any individual events because of hamstring problems. And a week before the 1999 Olympic trials, he blew out his hamstring. Now, however, he says he's 100 percent. The 2004 Olympics is looking real good, Walton said. I haven't felt this great in my life. Since I have been home [to put together the program], I have continued to train. Walton didn't always call this area home. He was born on Warner Robins (Ga.) Air Base. And while he was in high school, his father, George Walton, was a master sergeant at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan. Walton became the undisputed sprint champion in the Kanto Plains, which featured American high schools in Japan, for two consecutive years, attracting attention from college coaches in the United States. Then he attended Crossland his senior year. I was in Japan for five years, and it was different here, Walton said. It was definitely a culture shock when I first came to Crossland. The people in Japan were friendly, and after living on base my entire life it was hard living in a big city when I came here. In track, it was difficult because I was by far better than everybody in Japan because of my natural ability. I had to work extremely hard here because there were people who also had natural ability. Walton will make another trip abroad later this summer to compete at the Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia. As long as I reach my full potential, everything else will be taken care of, Walton said. I will be just fine. And that's exactly what he preaches to the children in his program. When asked to prioritize winning Olympic gold and making a difference in a child's life, his reply was certain. Touching a child's life, he said. Touching just one child is worthwhile. I feel like I am making a difference already. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED]
t-and-f: Glody Dube - Mr. Consistency
Someone with access to all of the meet results this year needs to do a compendium of the races for Glody Dube. He represents Botswana, of course, and holds their national record. Second in line for that record is our NCAA champ Otukile (O.T.) Lekote of South Carolina/BOT. Back to Dube. If I am not mistaken, he has run 1:44.59, 1:44.62, 1:44.69, 1:44.70 and 1:44.72 this year. INCREDIBLE consistency. So who has time to research this? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: UUtah Names New Head Coaches
http://utahutes.fansonly.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/061801aaa.html Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
RE: t-and-f: good thing us old farts like old music
Garry's story reminds me of a situation a few months back. I left the TV on to ESPN as I fell asleep. Waking up in the middle of the night, I saw one of those commercials that Garry speaks of. Immediately, I thought, GREAT, there must be a track meet on TV! Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 PREVIOUS MESSAGE: Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 00:06:49 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f: good thing us old farts like old music after watching the plethora of track offerings on the tube from last weekend, I've come to realize that y'all owe a big thank you to the people who buy CD collections of old music. No them, no track on TV. were there any other sponsors? i'm going for Burl Ives imitates Elvis imitating The Chipmunks. gh
t-and-f: Webb's Senior Year Video
Someone needs to assemble and sell a videotape of Alan Webb's senior year in HS. Maybe start with some highlights from earlier years but then show every race on tape from this year. Include TV interviews on the major networks and anything else relevant. I think these would sell well to the niche track market in the US. At my work, in Arlington VA, I am held in high regard for having been there at Pre. People are excited and want to come to my office and talk about it...truly amazing. I am just hoping that someone will assemble this since I have not seen much of it (Pre on TV and TV interviews). Just a thought! Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
RE: t-and-f: Thoughts on the five alive
Ed Gordon makes some greats points in his recent post. As an announcer, I find his final statement (The ones most confused by this procedure are the fans and the stadium announcer) to be 'oh so accurate'! He is right on. Why? First, five alive is NOT handled the same by all officials. Below, Ed states that five alive means that a jumper is going to wait 4 jumps until they jump again. Very fair, since that would evenly space their attempts. However, I will mention that even Shawn's example does not follow this. Jumper B waited only three jumps before jumping again! You have 26 athletes entered named A-Z. (o=clear, x=miss). First five jump at Bar 1. A - o B - x C - o D - x E - x Next round, same height: B - o (clear on 2nd) D - x (2nd miss) E - o (clear on 2nd) F - o (first attempt) G - x (first attempt) 3rd round D - x (3rd miss, out of competition) G - o (clear on 2nd) H - o (first attempt) I - x (first attempt) J - o (first attempt) Second, it takes someone watching EVERY jump to track it correctly...that takes man/womanpower that many meets just don't have. I love the vault...I appreciate the intentions of 'five alive'...I just need an electronic board tracking the event straight from the official at the pit to present it correctly every time!!! Bob The Dreamer Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 P.S. My apologies if this is not timely, I am through Digest #3651. -Original Message- Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 04:34:33 -0400 From: Ed Gordon [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f: Thoughts on the five alive The philosophy of the five alive procedure used in overly large vertical jump competitions is that a long period of inactivity between jumps is detrimental to the athlete. This format ensures that after a miss, an athlete will have exactly four attempts by other competitors before s/he takes another jump. The problem with this method is that the very weather conditions which would make a long cool-down between attempts most problematic are often those which make this a most unfair method. Under changing weather conditions--a passing rainstorm, for instance--the group of jumpers at the top of the list could be forced into taking all three jumps with a bad headwind. But an hour later, after the storm has passed and the wind has shifted, the jumpers at the end of the order have a substantial tailwind for some or all of their attempts. That's why I am loathe to use this method unless it is forced by a decision of the Rules Committee. The highest priority should be to provide for equitable conditions for all jumpers--even if it includes a long wait between jumps. If ALL jumpers have to wait, then it's equitable. It's not difficult for an official to keep track of the jumping order under this method, however. But it does take a little organization. One way is to keep a separate pad of ruled paper handy. The first five jumpers are written in a vertical list. If the first jumper misses, his/her name is written again below the name of the fifth vaulter. If the first jumper clears, the name of the sixth jumper is written, etc. The main thing to remember is that when a jumper misses, s/he will wait for exactly four other competitors to jump before taking his/her next jump. When I run vault competitions, I call the names of the next four jumpers after each attempt, mentioning the position after each name. (Smith is the next jumper, Jones second, Harris third, Schultz fourth) By doing this, I have found that jumpers are actually on the runway ready to jump almost before the bar has been reset. When a jumper clears, I check for the name of the jumper who moves into the rotation, and I make a special announcement, Jameson, you are now in the rotation. This gets the inactive jumpers off their duffs well in advance of their first attempt. I'm sure I'm not the only one to use this or a similar method. The ones most confused by this procedure are the fans and the stadium announcer.
t-and-f: Articles on Webb from Washington Post
Just another couple articles for those out there who love to read track articles from all over: BEFORE Arcadia: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A16762-2001Apr13.html AFTER Arcadia: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21581-2001Apr15.html Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: Judge rules on Univ. of Illinois
Judge rules on Univ. of Illinois PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - The University of Illinois cannot stop faculty and students from contacting athletic recruits to discourage them from attending the school because of its Indian mascot, a federal judge ruled. U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm agreed Thursday (5 April 2001) to grant a temporary restraining order against a policy that required any contact with recruits to be cleared through the athletic department. Chancellor Michael Aiken announced the policy last month after opponents of the mascot, Chief Illiniwek, said they would contact recruits and urge them to choose other schools because they consider the mascot racist and degrading to American Indians. Aiken said he was concerned it could violate NCAA recruiting rules. The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit, saying the policy illegally restricts free speech. Stephen Kaufman, an Illinois professor and one of the plaintiffs, said Thursday that mascot opponents would resume their campaign. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: For those traveling from the LA area to Eugene...
for the NCAA meet. Alaska Airlines is running a deal right now for $191 round-trip from Burbank to Eugene. "These sale fares must be purchased by March 23, 2001 and require a seven-day advance purchase. Travel for this offer must be completed by June 15, 2001." http://leisure.travelocity.com/Promotions/0,,TRAVELOCITY|263|main,00.html I DO NOT work for Alaska Airlines but used to live in the LA area. Good luck, see you there. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: Bryan Bronson Return?
Does anyone know if Bryan Bronson has a comeback planned? Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 P.S. This is NOT a drug related post!
Re: t-and-f: Hurdle heights
Garry talked about changing the distance between the hurdles (Men's 110HH). Tom Murrell talked about "free floating" in the 4x100 meter relay. How about "free floating" hurdle placements. Each hurdler must run 10 hurdles within 110 meters and comes to meet management with the specs on how far apart he wants them. They could then be "ergonomically"(?) placed!!! Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: RE: USATF Release: SACRAMENTO TO HOST 2004 OLYMPIC TRIALS
Just PLEASE tell me that they will fix two things: 1) The site lines (i.e. steepness of the stands or distance between the stands and the track). 2) The speaker system. The announcers were inaudible below the mid-walkway. Suggest the speakers on the INFIELD - not half-way up the stands. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: Interesting Article on Michael Johnson
"Johnson retired after winning gold at the Sydney Games." http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2687363,00.html Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: WashPost Article on Webb
If it hasn't already been mentioned, today's Washington Post has an article on a pretty good high school miler here in the DC area. http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/sports/highschools/A1445-2001Feb13.html [Although El Gerrouj might disagree with a stat contained in the article.] Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: Police Beat - Michael Bennett
Wisconsin's Michael Bennett arrested MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Michael Bennett, one of the nation's best running backs last season, was arrested at his apartment building early Monday after knocking in a woman's door, police said. The former Wisconsin player was being held on three charges, including a felony count of criminal intimidation of a victim. He also was being held on misdemeanor charges of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct, according to records at the Dane County jail. The arrest occurred after a dispute between Bennett and the 19-year-old female student, who live in the same building but on separate floors, police spokesman Benjamin Vanden Belt said. The 22-year-old running back called the woman several times and then damaged the woman's door but was unable to enter the apartment, the spokesman said. Bennett said last month he would forgo his senior year to enter the NFL draft. See that, the kid runs 10.18 for 100m, makes the NCAA semi-final (fastest non-qualifier ever) and they only mention his football exploits :( Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
RE: t-and-f: a new vault technique?
I remember a decathlete (around 7200 points?) named Dan Sheehan who used to use this technique in the early 80's. He trained at UCI (no, not the cycling federation) and it would tear up the tartan something fierce. For that reason, Irvine Head Coach Kevin McNair was not to fond of him using our facility. He claimed that is allowed him to exert less energy on the runway. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001 19:56:14 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f: a new vault technique? Maybe others are doing this, or Tye Harvey has done it before and I didn't notice, but Mr. Harvey did something that shocked (well, surprised, at least) everybody I was with at Millrose last Friday. He only used one hand on the pole during his approach. He simply held the pole overhead with his right (top) hand and let the butt slide down the runway. When he was a step or so before plant, he grabbed on with the bottom hand and let fly. Would the theory be that you could get a more natural (albeith still unnatural) running motion that way, thus building up more speed? I'd be curious to find out if this is indeed something new, or if any of the vault gurus think it has any future. I just know I was grimacing each time I watched him run, thinking about what would happen to his right arm/hand should the pole catch a nasty seam on the runway. gh
t-and-f: RE: Where did the following high school milers go to college?
Mark Dani went to Wisconsin then transferred back (somewhat near home) to UCLA to complete his eligibility (90 or 91). Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 Subject: t-and-f: Where did the following high school milers go to college? Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 13:16:57 EST Where did the following all-time high school indoor milers go to college? 4:09.7c Dave Merrick (Lincoln-Way, New Lenox, IL) 1971 4:09.95eAbdirzak Mohamud' (Boston English, Jamaica Plain, MA) 1998 4:10.0b Lee LaBadie (Maine West, Des Plains, IL) 1968 4:10.31dMark Dani (Valhalla, El Cajon, CA) 1986 4:10.5c Andy DiConti (La Canada, CA) 1980 4:09.8 Bill Fritz (Glenbard West, Glen Ellyn, IL) 1974 4:10.0 Reo Rorem (Gilman, IL) 1976 4:10.3 Reed Fischer (Highland Park, Dallas, TX) 1972 Thanks, Keith Conning, Vacaville, CA
t-and-f: Now entering the ring...
Former Wimbledon champs calls female players overweight LONDON (AP) - Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash believes many female tennis players are overweight and out of shape. He likens Lindsay Davenport to a shot putter. Cash said the Williams sisters are among the only players on the women's tour who are in top condition. "Women's tennis is not what it used to be with Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and Hana Mandlikova," Cash told the Mirror. "They were incredibly fit and worked hard. These days, girls can take it easy and still make millions. Look at Lindsay Davenport. She's a big girl. When you look at her, you think, 'Whoa, there is no way she is going to be a tennis player. Put her in the shot put instead.'" Cash, an Australian who won Wimbledon in 1987 and now coaches British player Greg Rusedski, added: "Aside from the Williams sisters and perhaps Amelie Mauresmo, women tennis players are certainly all carrying extra weight and they shouldn't be." Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: Kilo Splits at the NCAA XC
Okay, okay, okay...I give... After a court demanded re-count, here are the kilo splits from the Men's NCAA race. These are taken from mile split extrapolations: 1Km: 3:05 2Km: 6:13 (3:08) 3Km: 9:29 (3:16) 4Km: 12:34 (3:05) 5Km: 15:35 (3:01) 6Km: 18:33 (2:58) 7Km: 21:31 (2:58) 8Km: 24:31 (3:00) 9Km: 27:23 (2:52) 10Km: 30:14.5 (2:51.5) I hope this helps everyone. I will have the meet announcer (Dixon Farmer) announce these prior to next years race in Greenville, South Carolina for posterity! Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
Re: t-and-f: NCAA XC Splits and Leader Info
Allow me to explain why we used mile splits for the announcing at the NCAA XC meet. Remember, we are using high school kids at the intermediate points with walkie talkies. We instruct them to give us the split, the leaders and the team scores or team 1-5 differentials, depending on their abilities. From our past experience, we have found that the kilo marks are just too often (3 minutes) to relay and verify credible information. Therefore, we use the mile splits. Now, if we had running chips on everyone's foot and transponder readers at each kilo, then splits, leaders and team scores would be a breeze!!! I hope this helps, Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 12:51:16 -0600 From: "Wayne T. Armbrust" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: t-and-f: NCAA XC Splits and Leader Info David Dallman wrote: I must say there's something I don't understand about you all in the USA. Having spent the first 28 years of my life in England, I don't have any problem at all with miles. For cross-country races, where there is less need to compare times across courses because the courses vary a lot, I don't even have a problem with races STILL being contested over miles. But here we have 2 races whose total distance is declared to be a whole number of kilometres (6, 10 respectively) yet the splits are recorded every mile! So at the end, there's a fraction of a mile left over for which you don't get any split. Would have been much more interesting to see kilometre splits and to be able to look at the final kilometer split. David Dallman I have given up trying to argue the logic that you have expressed above. Maybe when someone from another country points out how foolish we are to give mile splits in kilometer races it will get out attention. By the way David, we also give mile splits in metric road races. To be fair, however, I was there (coldest I've been in many years) and some kilometer splits were given. Also, kilometer splits are often given in track races. But mile splits are universally given in road races and in almost all cross country races. - -- Wayne T. Armbrust, Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Computomarx(tm) 3604 Grant Ct. Columbia MO 65203-5800 USA (573) 445-6675 (voice FAX) http://www.Computomarx.com "Know the difference between right and wrong... Always give your best effort... Treat others the way you'd like to be treated..." - - Coach Bill Sudeck
t-and-f: NCAA XC Splits and Leader Info
For those who care...information gathered by the announcing crew... Woman's Race - 6,000 Meters 1K - Time 3:27 Leaders: Sabrina Monro (Montana) Glady's Keitany (TCU) Laura Harmon (Oregon) Christina Bowen (UCLA) Leslie Patterson (Wisconsin) Lilli Kleinmann (Arkansas) Tracy Robertson (Arkansas) 1M - Time 5:31 Leaders: Erica Palmer (Wisconsin) Monroe Keitany Bethany Brewster (Wisconsin) Sheela Agrawal (Duke) Erin White (Michigan) [Score, no runners displaced, Stanford 149, Colorado 169] 2M - Time 11:15 Leaders: Palmer Brewster Kara Grgas-Wheeler (Colorado) Shalane Flanagan (UNC) Monro Agrawal Kleinmann Lisa Aguilera (ASU) Mary Jane Harrelson (Appalachian St.) Keitany 2.5M Leaders: Brewster Palmer Keitany Wheeler Kleinmann Monro Agrawal 3M - Time 16:42 Leaders: Wheeler Palmer Monro Flanagan Aguilera Agrawal Brewster Kleinmann Sara Gorton (Colorado) Amy Mortimer (K State) [Team 1-5 differentials, BYU 31 sec., Stanford 35 sec., Colorado 1:15] Final Official: 20:30.5 1. Wheeler 2. Monro 3. Palmer 4. Flanagan 5. Aguilera 6. Mortimer 7. Agrawal 8. Gorton 9. Brewster 10. Kleinmann Teams: Colorado 117, BYU 167, Stanford 198 Differentials: BYU 44 seconds, Stanford 1:03, Colorado 1:14 Men's Race - 10,000 Meters 1K - Time 3:05 Leaders: Paul Reilly (Providence) James Karanu (Arkansas) Murray Link (Arkansas) Stephen Ondieki (Farleigh Dickinson) David Kimani (Alabama) Jonathan Riley (Stanford) Brian Berryhill (Colorado State) Steve Crane (Eastern Michigan) 1M - Time 4:56 Crane Karanu Link Kimani Keith Kelly (Providence) Ondieki Adrian Blincoe (Villanova) [Team Differentials: Colorado 2 sec., Ark 2 sec., Stan 4 sec.] 1.5M Fraser Thompson (Butler) Ondieki Kimani Kevin Koeper (Northern Arizona) 2M - Time 10:12 Franklin Sanchez (Georgetown) Daniel Lincoln (Arkansas) Koeper Blincoe Link Mike Green (Troy State) Kimani 3M - Time 15:04 Sanchez Ondieki Link Kelly Thompson Mark Pilja (Michigan) Steve Bohan (West Virginia) Kimani Luke Watson (Notre Dame) Karl Savage (St. Joe's) [Differentials: Ark 3 sec., Colorado 13 sec., Stan 22 sec.] 4M - Time 19:50 Sanchez Kelly Ondieki Thompson Link Jorge Torres (Colorado) Kimani [Differentials: Ark 5 sec., Colorado 20 sec., Stan 22 sec.] 5M - Time 24:39 Ondieki Kimani Sanchez Torres Kelly Blincoe Thompson Jason Vanderhoof (Wisconsin) [Differentials: Colorado 40 sec.] Final Official: 30:14.5 1. Kelly 2. Ondieki 3. Torres 4. Kimani 5. Sanchez 6. Ian Connor (Ohio State) 7. Watson 8. Vanderhoof 9. Blincoe 10. Riley 11. Karanu 12. Hamish Thorpe (Providence) 13. Sharif Karie (Arkansas) 14. Thompson 15. Berryhill 16. Link 17. Pilja 18. Bohan Teams: Arkansas 83, Colorado 94, Providence 121, Stanford 149 Differentials: Arkansas :20, Stanford :44, Colorado :54, Providence 1:12 We received some great help from some area HS kids but the data above is subject to errors. My apologies. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: Some Post Sydney Musings
Just getting over the jet-lag upon my return.
I must admit that I spent a lot of time in Sydney pondering the sub-par
overall performance of the US track team. Again, we underachieved (when
measured against TFN's predictions). Individually, it sounds like each
athlete had some plausible excuse (e.g. injury, flu, etc.) but it was
somewhat disappointing overall. I almost want to take the US list and give
each person a grade on their performance but that would take some time ad
could earn me some (more?) enemies :).
Athletes and coaches in each sport were given entrance to all of their
events in their particular venues. Athletics ("Track and Field")
participants had an "AT" on their credential and that allowed them to sit in
the area just beyond the finish line on the lower level. I mention this to
set up the story of the Aussie team's "get in the stadium caper". On the
night of Cathy Freeman's final, many Australian athletes in other sports
were seen in this section. How? Someone in their entourage photo-copied
the "AT" numerous times and each athlete taped it over their own sport's
code!!! I have no problem with that and obviously neither did the Aussie
guarding the gate!!
A funny thing happened on Anier Garcia's victory lap. A line of officials
were walking along, circling outside the eight lanes of the track as Garcia
ran by the Olympic Flag Pole with his shoes in hand. He then decided to
throw one of them into the crowd. While flinging it, his aim was not so
good and the shoe hit the pole half-way up and came down right on the head
of an unaware official. Bonk! Since he wasn't hurt, I must say it was
HILARIOUS!
Speaking of "bonk", it doesn't mean the same thing "Down Under". Wearing a
hat for PowerBar that says "Don't Bonk" was an indication to the Aussies
that you promote celibacy!
I will say this about the drugs issue - it has put many administrators in an
undesirable position. It is also good to see Kathy Rounds fighting for the
release of additional information. As someone suggested, "we have a problem
and we have to deal with it."
I still have not seen the James Carter incident on TV but from inside the
stadium, I immediately said "h, not cool" to the person sitting with me.
I felt bad and wished he hadn't done it...but that is just me...I also wish
Jai Taurima didn't make his comments either.
I don't recall any discussion of it here, but remember that Terrence
Trammell and Angelo Taylor both graduated from SW DeKalb HS in Decatur,
Georgia one year apart!
As far as Australia goes, napkins and trash cans were in short supply. I
later realized that the dearth of trash cans was only in and around the
train stations and trains. When I asked why, one volunteer said "remember
Atlanta"? Sure enough, once you passed through the metal detectors, trash
cans were aplenty.
Politics? The Aussies flew in a number of Aboriginals for the ceremonies.
I will add this, the Aussies LOVE beating the Americans at anything!! On
another note, one Aussie woman asked me if I expected to see kangaroos
bouncing around Sydney when I arrived. Of course, I said "yes", tongue in
cheek.
Down there, of course, there was lots of talk about the Greeks not being
prepared for 2004. One Aussie said to me, "looks like you will get the
Olympics again soon...Atlanta will get them is Athens is unprepared." Well,
I had not heard that before but there was confirmation in the newspaper that
they (Sydney) were NOT a potential back-up plan.
The Good: Great Olympics, well prepared, good transportation, numerous
knowledgeable volunteers, and some GREAT spirit on the part of the Aussies
("Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi"...a good cheer but one that I will not
miss :) )
The Bad: Transportation - yes, both good and bad. The transportation was a
problem at times but WAY better than Atlanta. It is just impossible to move
400,000 to the same place efficiently. Also, cabs were very hard to find
late at night (uh, um, er, or so my friends told me).
The Ugly: Drugs, of course. Was this really the Olympics were they caught
all of the dirty people?
Cheers,
Bob Bettwy
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Director - Program Control
Washington Group
SRS Technologies
(703) 351-7266
t-and-f: David Mack Story
For those who care to follow the "ever worsening" story of David Mack, this was in the LA Times yesterday. Mack, of course, was a fantastic half-miler in the early 80's. http://www.latimes.com/news/state/20001004/t94420.html Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: RE: USA Men's 4x400 Final Line-up
Uh, what do I say? Oops? I know, I know, a few of you were sitting around at your big "Final Track Day" parties and using my information on the USA's relay order - okay, maybe not. I can only say that I am sorry to have "misled" you. Thank goodness that there is "no controlling legal authority" for me to be liable for damages. On swapping the Harrisons, the TV commentators here said (in the heats) that "we wouldn't know if Calvin ran for Alvin and vice versa". Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 -----Original Message- From: Bettwy, Bob Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2000 12:01 AM To: Track List (E-mail) Subject: USA Men's 4x400 Final Line-up It will be Calvin Harrison to Antonio Pettigrew to Alvin Harrison to MJ. The TV commentator here said that "they will have to drop the baton on every exchange to be beaten." Of course, baton was pronounced "BAT-uhn". Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: USA Men's 4x400 Final Line-up
It will be Calvin Harrison to Antonio Pettigrew to Alvin Harrison to MJ. The TV commentator here said that "they will have to drop the baton on every exchange to be beaten." Of course, baton was pronounced "BAT-uhn". Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
t-and-f: In Stadium Announcing - INCLUDES A RESULT
I want to comment on the announcing within Stadium Australia. The English speaking announcers (one British and one Australian?) are rather knowledgeable and their accents are fun to listen too. However, like all of us, they make mistakes. For those there, I am sure you will agree that "many" is a fair assessment. The biggest problem with their numerous mistakes is that they go UNCORRECTED. Marion Jones from the Bahamas? Mistake after mistake not corrected! I wonder if they just don't want to publicize their faults? They are certainly leaving incorrect data out there for the 110,000 fans in attendance. For those there on Friday night, did I hear it correctly "Barmasai has won the gold"? When Rueben's name came up on the screen as the winner I thought I heard him say "well, that will be corrected soon." If this latest anecdote is not correct, my apologies. I am not bucking for the job, just correct the errors, please!!! Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 P.S. So much more to say, so little time...
t-and-f: Scalping Tickets in Sydney
Trackos, I am hoping to get some information on acquiring tickets while in Sydney. The question is, what are the laws on scalping? I remember three distinct scenarios from recent events. In Atlanta, ticket scalping was pretty rampant and tickets could be had at "market prices". Recently, in Sacramento, tickets could only be sold at face value. I recall only one arrest for scalping in Sacramento. Finally, in Barcelona (1992), no scalping was allowed whatsoever. In fact, there were guards EVERYWHERE, as I recall, preventing any barter from occurring. Comments? Thanks, Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
FW: t-and-f: Comments On/After Berlin
Posted For Willy (at his request)! I am a tad surprised by the dearth of comments about the impending politics in the USA men's 4x100 relay. Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2000 11:38 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: t-and-f: Comments On/After Berlin The reasons you gave for resistance are the silly preconceived notions that have lead to these ridiculous battles about relays. It is a big deal to talk of SMTC in track circles, and the tremendous exploits of its members over the years. But the mention of HSI seems to bring the worst out of many. Please explain to me? I remember the reaming of Darrell when he used to post here, and I often wondered what was the reason for the venom. I now wonder what is the reason for the resistance to what many have begged for on this very list, a team that has practiced together and knows each other. I also, recall a campaign for team competition at the trials. Well here is the fastest "team" to ever be assembled outside of the national team, and you have reservations because they MIGHT tell you about THEIR accomplishment. I say good for them. If "they" can bring home the gold for the good ol' US of A, I am all for it. I do not have to worry about squabbles over anchor, or who wants to run what leg. BTW, where I live has very little to do with who i am a fan of. Because I love the dallas Cowboys does that mean I "obviously live in Dallas"? Who am I? I am William E. Beaman, never been called Bill, I will leave that moniker to Bubba in Washington. William E.
t-and-f: Comments On/After Berlin
Just some comments after watching the Berlin meet and reading the latest
digest post (#3167).
First, who is Willy Beamon? Obviously from LA, is this really someone named
"Bill Beamon"? Coach, official, agent, athlete?
Thank goodness for ESPN and the Golden League series. I was really looking
forward to hearing Larry and Lewis (LewJo?) present us the meets this year.
They did a great job all year.
I am still not convinced that Donovan Bailey lines up for his race thinking
"nah, I don't need to try and win this race". Now, Ato is the one that has
me scratching my head. However, just like Capel, I expect to see him on the
stand in Australia.
I agree with someone's comment that the start lists could stay up longer on
the TV coverage.
Boy, I thought I was watching the Giovanni Evangilisti re-make in the
Women's LJ. Although it is dangerous to use the "distance boards" as a
guide, especially when you only watch one jump, but it looked like Kotova
went about 6.85 on the final jump! But, lo and behold, she got 6.96!! Just
enough to win some gold???
As far as the men short relay goes, I have no problem with the USA selecting
the HSI group to run. Ever since 1988, I have been a huge advocate of
keeping the same 4 guys together in all rounds. At the TAFWA luncheon this
year in Durham, USA Team Coach John Chaplin made it crystal clear that his
intention was to keep he same four runners in all rounds! Of course, if you
assume a gold medal, he acknowledged that we may leave two medals "on the
table" (as other can run in the rounds). For this reason, he said, he will
be getting pressure from athletes' "coaches, agents, trainers, wives and
spiritual gurus" to include "their guy" on the team. Resisting that
pressure was going to be a full-time job. My take is this: Gold for 4 is
WAY more important than other colored medals for 6 - and I think everyone
here agrees with that. The time run by the HSI group (37.65) says good
things about what they might be able to do down under.
The resistance, from the track cognoscenti, will be allowing the HSI group
to "brag" about their "relay gold in Sydney" should they win. It may sound
a little "un-team-like" to the entire American squad for them to say "look
at how great we are, we (HSI) won the gold by ourselves". Although I like
the HSI group and what John/Darrell/Emmanuel are doing, who here thinks we
wouldn't hear that in the months (years?) that follow? Bottom line, the
politics of keeping that group together or breaking it up just "because they
all are on the HSI team" worry me.
Hey, 38.18 for our second team. Each country gets two sleds in bobsledding
("bobsleigh"), so can we have two relay teams? Okay, okay, okay, no other
country would EVER agree to that. Well, maybe we could get the Chinese to
concur after we dangle the "Beijing 2008" carrot in front of them!!
For those of you that are not impressed with my posting here, I am sorry.
But age-graded, it is a personal best!
See you in Sydney,
Bob Bettwy
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Director - Program Control
Washington Group
SRS Technologies
(703) 351-7266
P.S. Does anyone know the status of HJ'er Marc Chenn competing for Hong Kong
in Sydney. That was his earlier plan had he not made the US team.
t-and-f: Who Goofed, I've Got to Know
In the KNBC (Channel 4, LA) feed to the MSNBC website, they mention the lawsuit on behalf of FloJo...but they display a picture of JJK!!! Here it is: http://www.msnbc.com/local/KNBC/568257.asp?0na=2257170- Of course, with web flexibility, it may be corrected soon! Bob Bettwy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Director - Program Control Washington Group SRS Technologies (703) 351-7266
