In May 2001 a group of runners from St. Paul's and Episcopal
(the two top ranked distance schools in the state at the time) got
together as a result of being deeply unsatisfied with their state
meets and the conclusions of their high school careers…. Having
to run solo in their respective 2A & 4A races, their times suffered.
Talking amongst each other they concluded "What's preventing
us from racing each other now that our seasons are over?" in
pursuit of personal goals.
With no running taking place for a week following their visit to
Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge these school's runners of
Patrick Gavin (St. Paul's) Garrett Smith (Episcopal) Greg Fell
(Episcopal), Steve Geiser (Episcopal at the time attending
University of Georgia)in the mile as well as Walker's Cassidy
Johnson and Andrew "the Wolfman" Huston (Episcopal) in the 800
-- got together to make a run for good times and new PR's with
self made conditions (rabbits and competition to bump elbows).
As they toed the line this May night, there was a feeling of
easiness as jokes and laughter were momentarily exchanged
before Coach Duplechin's "Set… and Go" -- lacking even a starting
pistol with the unnofficial-ness and speed at which this small meet
was thrown together.
The runners rounded the track under the dimly lit lights of
Episcopal unaware of speed they were doing so -- with family
members and Dupe loudly cheering them on. The runner's would
go on to collapse utterly exhausted but with a sense of long
awaited satisfaction -- setting new PR's with the help of rabbits
Steve Geiser (mile) & Will Silk (800).
15 years after that fateful night in Baton Rouge … The Meet under
the Lights has come alive once again with the opportunity for high
school, collegiate, post collegiate, and road racers to have the
opportunity to toe the line with one another.
This year's race will be held the Saturday after state, May 14th, at St. Martin's high school in Metairie. The current lineup of events includes:
7:30 PM- Grandmasters 100m Dash
7:45- 3 Legged 400m Race
8:00- 500m Speedwalk
8:15- Open Mile
8:40- Championship Mile
9:00- Costume 4x400
Stay tuned for online registration link...
Past Footage:
2012 Meet Under the Lights Mile: Reuben T. - 4:09
<2012 Womens Invite Mile - Gabrielle Jennings - 5:072011 Meet Under the Lights Invite Mile: Mark Mendrek-Laske 4:17
2008 Meet Under the Lights - Vincent Rono - 3:57
Bonus footage: Sean Fitzwilliams overtakes a loaded field in the power walking 800