The Monday before Rhen Langley's 4:13.91 at the LSU High School Qualifier, Zachary assistant coach Julie Fink knew that the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse composite record was living on borrowed time, but she didn't make a big deal about it with her star pupil.
"I didn't want to put pressure on him," Fink said. "My thing was 'just be Rhen'. Just go out and run your personal best on that day and good things will happen."
THE TOP FIVE 1600m RUNNERS IN THE NATION!
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4:09.34 | 2023 | The VA Showcase1st F | |
| 2 | 4:09.92 | 2024 | Ice Breaker #21st F | |
| 3 | 4:13.78 | 2023 | Ice Breaker #22nd F | |
| 4 | 4:13.91 | 2023 | ||
| 5 | 4:14.08 | 2023 |
Fink was tucked away in the northeast corner of the facility, where she could see both the start and the back straightaway.
"During the race I probably took two breathes," Fink said. "I knew when he came through at 2:08 that he was ready to roll. He looked so strong. That first half set him up beautifully, and he just appeared to be fueled by the energy of the crowd."
After the legendary Louisiana high school track and field public address announcer Mike Boyer's call, which had the capacity crowd at a fever pitch, and the roar of said Carl Maddox Fieldhouse crowd, Langley crossed at 4:13.91--currently, the No. 4 1600m time in the nation.
Fink doesn't really remember what Rhen said to her when he saw her after the race. She does remember the hug and telling Rhen how proud she was of him.
The coach said some of the disappointments in the past have helped Langley get to this point where he is one of the top four distance runners in the nation.
"All of the racing that he has had--and at high stakes--didn't always unfold the way he would've liked," Fink said. "I think those times have made him stronger competitor. He is a student of the sport, and he is making the most of the his love for the sport."
Fink said Langley has a lot more to tap into, and she is excited to see what he will do--not only this year--but also at the next level when he goes to LSU and workks with distance coach Houston Franks.
"Coach Franks is a not only a good coach, but a good person," Fink said. "He develops runners, but also develops his runners into great people. I'm excited to see what he will do with Rhen. He is getting a quality person."
Before he moves on to LSU, the "Good Wolf"--as Fink has referred to Langley-- will finish his senior season at Zachary High School. His next meet will be the LSU Last Chance Qualifier on Saturday, Feb. 4 in Baton Rouge. Will Langley provide more Maddox Fieldhouse Magic? We cannot wait to find out.
