Call it a test run.
Ryan Shorey ran a 50.44 in the 400-meter preliminaries at the
CIF State Track and Field Championships Friday and finished ninth
in his heat, 22nd out of 27 runners overall.
But the San Benito junior, who said the state championships were
the largest track event he’s competed in, was pleased to put this
meet under his belt, especially with his senior year
approaching.
Norwalk
Call it a test run.
Ryan Shorey ran a 50.44 in the 400-meter preliminaries at the CIF State Track and Field Championships Friday and finished ninth in his heat, 22nd out of 27 runners overall.
But the San Benito junior, who said the state championships were the largest track event he’s competed in, was pleased to put this meet under his belt, especially with his senior year approaching.
“I’ve been there once. I know how it works. I won’t have to worry much next year,” Shorey said. “It takes off a lot of pressure because I know what’s coming.”
Shorey, who qualified with a 49.39 at the Central Coast Section finals on May 23, was just one of two juniors in the 400 meters at state. In fact, eight of the nine who advanced to day two of the state finals on Saturday were seniors.
“I was happy to find that among the juniors who qualified for state, I had the fastest time,” Shorey said.
Already eyeing a return trip, Shorey said he’d like to change a few things next year, however.
For one, the lengthy day of travel was perhaps a little draining. Shorey’s family departed Hollister at 7:30 a.m., Friday, arrived at Cerritos College in Norwalk at 2 p.m., and the San Benito trackster then ran his race at 6:50 that evening.
Also, Shorey, admittedly, will need to change his pre-race diet.
“I ran worse than what I was capable of,” said Shorey, who had two McGriddles from McDonald’s for breakfast and a brownie for lunch before he ran the 400.
“I didn’t bring much to eat on the way down,” he said. “I usually just eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I try to eat right.”
Armed with another chance, though, Shorey will compete this Saturday unattached at the Adidas Golden West Invitational at Folsom High School.
It was his 49.39 at the CCS finals that qualified him for the event in Folsom, and it’ll be another big meet to add to the now growing list, all before his senior season at San Benito.
