GunderKlines push at state track meet
The GunderKline twins had a morning to remember at the Div. III state cross country championships in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 1. Held at Scioto Downs race tack, the climatic meet of the harrier season attracted a huge crowd of 10,000 spectators to cheer on 151 runners, including Yellow Springs High School seniors Jacob and Brock GunderKline. Both drew low numbers that swept them to the outside at the starting line. But unlike at Regionals, the Bulldog runners got out so quick that both were in the top 50 at the 800 mark (2:30 for Jake and 2:32 for Brock).

Settled into the race at that fast clip, the Gundies each held his own. At the mile, Jake was in about 44th place with a 5:04 mile, with Brock trailing by seconds at 5:08 in approximately 54th place. Cuing off Coach Vince Peters, they both took advantage of the course’s downhill slopes. When they re-entered the stadium in front of a boisterous crowd, Jake had moved up to 37th, passing the two-mile mark at 10:29 (5:25 for his second mile), and was on his way to a lifetime best and a top 40 finish — if he could hold on. Brock clocked 10:40 at two miles as the duo exited the stadium for the exterior loop on the north side of the stadium.

It seemed like a long time before the leaders returned to the huge stadium for the final half loop inside the track. Two runners from the Troy regional led, but a fast closing chase group brought the crowd to a deafening roar. Soon Jake re-entered the stadium. He had moved up to 35th position over the final hill and looked ready to press for home. And with about 200 meters remaining, he laid down one of those overwhelming kicks he is known for and passed five runners in the last stretch of his race. He placed 30th in 16:30 — a lifetime best by five seconds. Jake’s time made him the seventh fastest runner from the southwest Ohio region, improving four spots and averaging 5:18 per mile.

Brock developed a cramp over the last mile and was not able to make the hard charge over the final mile. He placed 64th overall in a respectable 17:05 for the 3.1-mile course.

After the meet, the entire Yellow Springs team went out for a celebratory lunch before the twins left for a visit to Goshen College in Indiana, where recruiters are looking at them as future collegiate scholarship runners.

Sign up now for football in 2009

The Yellow Springs High School and McKinney School football program is preparing early for the 2009 season. YSHS and McKinney students interested in playing football are asked to sign up now on the bulletin board across from the high school office. In order to get parents involved, students are also asked to take a football program brochure home to their parents. Parents are encouraged to contact coaches Jay Jones at 532-5111 or Craig McCann at 767-0271 or 319-6019 with questions or concerns.

It is important to the future of Bulldog football that the team get a commitment from the eighth, ninth, 10th and 11th grade students who wish to be a part of the 2009 squad.

For more information on the football program or other school sports programs, contact YSHS Athletic Director Vince Peters or Principal John Gudgel at 767-7224.

Crickets basketball to begin Friday

The Crickets basketball program for girls and boys in first through third grade will begin Friday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. The program is aimed at providing instruction on basketball fundamentals to prepare kids for recreational or traveling team programs. Hour-long sessions will be held Fridays through Dec. 19, in the Bryan Community Center gym, 6–7 p.m. Interested players can register at the beginning of the first session they attend. There are no registration fees but donations are accepted. T-shirts will be available for purchase. Contact Rich Miller (richmiller1@gmail.com, 767-2049) with any questions. 

Fitness Center is open

The Yellow Springs High School Fitness Center is open for community use Mondays, 7–9 p.m.; Wednesdays, 7–9 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–noon.

Payments for the fitness center can be made in the front office at YSHS, Monday through Friday anytime between 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Membership fees for the 2008–2009 season will be prorated. Local resident Nick Cunningham will serve as the fitness supervisor.