Shepard’s Caleb Washington is clearly not afraid of hard work.
The Astros’ marquee distance runner is planning to put his diet of discipline toward practical use after committing to run for Army.
But for now, he’s got his eyes planned firmly on a short-term goal, a medal at the state track meet.
“The regimens are different between the two things,” Washington said. “But in a way it all sort of correlates too.”
Washington came close to All-State status at the state cross country meet in October, finishing 26th.
He’s still got some work to do to earn a medal in track, but an impressive showing at last Saturday’s Homewood-Flossmoor Invitational in the 1,600 meters shows he’s got the chops.
“It was rough out there, going into the wind wasn’t the funnest,” Washington said. “But days like today is where you work and where you push through all the pain and hopefully it pays off later on.”
Washington is hoping to earn recognition for Shepard track and field. The Astros have consistently fared very well locally, but state success has eluded the program.
There are just three individual state medalists in Shepard track history and none since 2011. No Shepard athlete has ever medaled in a distance event.
“The training is progressing well,” Washington said. “I’m hoping to peak at the right time and run my best race at the end of the season.”
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Going on the road: Homewood-Flossmoor standout Jaimie Robinson has already begun to make an impact in her expanded role as a sprinter.
The Vikings traveled to Indianapolis over the weekend to give her a chance to make a statement.
Robinson did so, claiming the 100 title in 12.24 at the 35-team meet and dominating the field in the 200 by more than a second in 24.72.
Robinson also won the long jump, uncorking the state’s sixth best distance of 18 feet, 8.5 inches.
All smiles: Eisenhower’s Josh English turned a very impressive effort in the 800 final at Homewood-Flossmoor, battling his way through a stiff headwind to win in 1:58.22.
English sported a huge grin as he pulled away from the field, but admitted his finish had little to do with the display of emotion.
“I was just happy it was coming to an end. I was like, ‘Thank God it is going to be over soon,'” English said with a smile. “It was tough. But things have been going great, to be honest. I’m running faster than I expected for this time of the season.”
English looks well positioned to make a run at a medal at state and become the first Cardinal to do so since 2011.
Steve Soucie is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.