Sports

Albany State speedsters Martin, Coley slowed by weather

• Albany State sprinters Garrion Martin and Rodney Coley didn’t get a true chance to exhibit their speed Saturday for home fans in the 100-meter dash thanks to the rain.

Derek Barichello

ALBANY — Downpours and thunderstorms soaked Saturday afternoon's most anticipated event — the 100-meter dash.

But the weather could not prevent Albany State's Garrion Martin and Rodney Coley from sharing a smile at the rain-soaked Alice Coachman Track & Field Invitational at Hugh Mills Stadium.

Mosley finished the race with the best time of the duo — 11.84 in ninth place  — approximately a second slower than what was expected, while Coley finished at 11.86 in 10th.

But it was nothing like it should’ve been.

In the event's first heat, which was supposed to be composed of the fastest runners, only three participated. With the SIAC meet only two weeks away, many scratched themselves from the lineup to avoid injury, while the three who ran agreed with each other not to go full speed.

"We just wanted to make it more fun on a day that's been pretty hard," said Martin as the rain drops dripped off him. "Usually, when it rains, it's OK, but when it starts to deal with your muscles getting tight, that's a big problem."

The decision not to go 100 percent ruined a chance for the two teammates, who were paired in neighboring lanes, to race each other competitively.

"It was not worth it to risk it," Martin said. "I was just happy to run and finish the race."

ASU's two favorites instead used the race to work on getting off the block quickly and finishing the race strong.

Martin and Coley were both pleased with the outing. For the first 10 meters, Coley was the front runner but as the three jogged the next 80 meters with smiles, Fort Valley State's Jeff Mosley overtook them.

The rain and numerous delays limited the amount of time runners could warm up. Teams gathered under the shelters in the stands or at the check-in point to stay dry when they were not running.

"I just kept thinking, ‘Don't get hurt,’ ” Coley said. "It could be like this at the national championship and I'd have to run it but this is not as serious."

For most teams, the experience of running in inclement weather was valuable in one way in that it helped runners develop a philosophy for how to deal with Mother Nature.

"You have to be mentally tough in this kind of weather," said Albany State runner Akeivius Searcy, who ran in the 1600. "A lot of people don't want to take the time to warm up. If you are not ready, you can hurt yourself.”

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