Virginia HS Track Rocks: Article # 3. Nansemond River's Brandee' Johnson Enjoys Triumphant State Meet Return to Boo.

For pictures of Brandee', as well as video interview, check out the link from Milestat.com here:

http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176725-wars-brandee-johnson-enjoys-return-to-boo-williams

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For the past two years, Brandee’ Johnson of Nansemond River has missed competing in the state meet at Boo Williams Sportsplex.

As it turns out, the feeling is mutual.

Johnson’s state appearances were relegated to Liberty University and Harrisonburg High during her sophomore and junior years, as the Warriors were reclassified as a 4A team. The downgrade had no bearing on Johnson, who is nationally ranked in several events, and capable of winning a state title at any level. In fact, she won eight championships between indoor and outdoor seasons at the 4A level - in the long jump, 55, 100, and 300-meter hurdles (twice) , the outdoor 200 (twice), and indoor 300.

But returning to Boo Williams was special, according to her mother Aquilla.

“It’s great to be able to compete closer to home.”

And Johnson did more than merely compete. Her four gold medals and 48 total points helped the Warriors ease to a 49-point state championship triumph over second place Maury

Johnson’s Friday started out with a personal best of 39-3 in the triple jump where she placed second. An hour later, she began her attack on the track, posting top qualifying times for both the 55-meters (season best of 7.05) and 55-meter hurdle (7.85) finals.

Johnson started off Saturday with a resounding reminder that she was back at the Boo. In the 55-meter hurdle finals, she breezed to her first victory in a BWC facility record time of 7.83. Thirty minutes later, it was back to the track, where she blazed to a second win, this one in the 55, in 7.07, which was good enough to place Johnson on the all-time state list.

Next, it was off to the long jump, were Johnson completed the trifecta, winning with an 18-9.75 jump.

With her trio of gold medals in hand, Johnson could have called it a day, and watched as the WAR team cruised to an easy team win.

Instead, Johnson charged through the 500 in 1:16.77 to earn an unprecedented fourth individual gold medal, one which should cement her name in the VHSL record books for many years to come.

Looking ahead, Johnson’s college choices have narrowed down to two – Florida and LSU. The process of winnowing down her list to two has been an interesting process.

“Brandee’ told me, this is the next four years, and she really wanted to be comfortable with where she was,” said Aquilla. “After the season, she’ll sit down with me and my husband, and Coach B (girls coach Justin Byron). Coach B has taught her well, as to how to know her track IQ. She asks the college coaches questions about types of training and other things.”

“I have a great coach,” added Johnson. “He has taught me, and every athlete that has ever run for him that you have to know what you’re getting into before committing yourself to a university.”

Reflecting on her triumphant return to the Booplex, Johnson, who is rarely at a loss for words, began her thought with “I can’t explain it,” before gathering her thoughts.

“Knowing that my first and last state meets were at Boo brings enjoyment to my heart.” Thinking of her accomplishments, Johnson added, “I wanted to leave my mark, so that anybody who comes here after me will remember who I am.”

Virginia HS Track Rocks: Article # 2. Maury's Bria Stith Tops 40 Feet to Win 5A Girls Triple Jump With Record

Before transferring to Maury, Bria Stith played basketball
for Brunswick High, where her father, former NBA player
Bryant Stith, coached the boys team, before being hired
as an assistant coach at Old Dominion Univ.; hence, the
move to Norfolk.

For additional picture and video interview with Bria Stith, click here:


http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176723-maurys-stith-sets-5a-girls-state-meet-record-to-win-triple-jump


“It’s a good day. It’s a good day. It’s a good day.”

Although Maury coach Maurice Franks repeated this phrase three times with confidence, even he couldn’t predict the future with certainty as he watched his trio of Lady Commodore jumpers warming up for the 5A girls triple jump.

Leading the way for Maury would be Bria Stith. The ECU-bound jumper was the prohibitive favorite with her 40-3.75 effort, a solid 19 inches better than second seed Brandee’ Johnson, the multi-purpose All-American from Nansemond River. Stith was joined on the jump runway by her younger sister Brooke and junior Maya Seay.

It didn’t take long to validate her coach’s affirmation. With her first hop, skip and jump, the tall and lanky Stith traveled just a quarter-inch shy of 41 feet. Her personal best of 40-11.75 set a new 5A girls record, and earned 10 points for her Commodores. Brooke took fourth (37-8.5), while Seay kicked in two points with her seventh place finish (35-6.75), giving the team 17 points and an early lead after the first scored girls event.

While her happiness required no words, Stith was willing to share a few.

“Unbelievable. This is so exciting,” exclaimed the senior, who maintained a level of reserve, realizing that she still had to compete in the 55-meter hurdles and high jump later in the day.

Part of her excitement came from tacking on another eight inches to her personal best in the triple jump. In fact, Stith has made a marked improvement from last year’s outdoor best of 39-3, which was accomplished at the Hampton Relays.

She attributes her improvement to a simple ethic.

“It’s hard work and getting stronger from last season.”

Franks attributes part of the reason for the added strength training to subpar weather.

“Everybody has the same problem with the weather. But, if we got out one day a week this winter, we were lucky.”

The indoor work helped.

“We’ve been doing different drills and lifting more weights this winter,” added Franks. “Everyone is working hard and just paying attention. She (Stith) has really been coming around for the last few meets.”

Stith, who also topped 40 feet on two other jumps before taking a well-deserved rest for the final three rounds, also credits running hills for helping to improve her leg strength. Asked what hills would be suitable for training in the city of Norfolk, she immediately answered, “Mount Trashmore,” the Virginia Beach park that is known for its sizable man made hills.

Turning her athletic focus to track has also played a part in her continued improvement. The switch was probably needed as Stith also competes in the long and high jumps, as well as 55 and 300-meter sprints. She has also posted a best of 31-8 in the shot-put.

“I thought that I was going to play basketball in college,” said Stith, who stands 5-foot-10. “But I switched from basketball and now I have more time for track.”

The decision has paid of in the form of a track scholarship to East Carolina.

Asked why she chose the Greenville, NC school, the 5A outdoor state long jump champion said, “It fit me. It’s closer to home and I love it there.”

Looking ahead, Stith is not sure whether she will compete at the New Balance Nationals, but definitively adds, “I’m going to Penn Relays (in late April).

Later on Friday, Stith won the high jump (5-4). Coupled with Jessica Moore’s sixth place finish in the shot put (33-11.25), Maury earned 30 points and established an early 12-point lead over Lee-Davis, Deep Run and Nansemond River after the first day of competition.

Virginia HS Track Rocks: Article # 1. Draghi Wins First Gold at 5A/6A States, Captures Boys Shot Put

As promised, I'm going to begin my 10 article recap, which is currently being published on Milestat.com. Admittedly, they are up to article #7, but should be complete by the end of the week. I didn't want to overlap, and obviously can't post on here before they do. But, I am aiming to get the set online here, simply to provide another outlet and another link for someone's Internet search.

W-L's Benedict Draghi earned his first
state title two weekends ago, in the 6A
boys' shot put.

Here's the first. Benedict Draghi, a talented young thrower from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA.

For additional picture and video interview with Benedict Draghi, click here:

http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176720-draghi-wins-first-gold-at-5a6a-states-captures-boys-shot-put

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Benedict Draghi of Washington-Lee was the first winner at this weekend’s 5A/6A state track meet. However, his victory didn’t come as easily as expected.

Draghi entered Friday’s 6A boys shot put event with a best throw of 61-4.75, over eight feet ahead of his nearest competitor, Grassfield’s Seth Harrell, who won the title last year. But, after a meet record throw of 54-10.25 on his first attempt, Draghi’s form, which allowed for a 62-foot toss in Friday morning’s warm-ups, seemed to disappear.

Although Draghi didn’t get the big throw he was looking for, his performance wasn’t hindered by a sudden case of anxiety. For the thrower, nerves are part of the game.

“I get nervous during every meet,” said Draghi, who watched as first Harrell (54-4.25), and then Donald Lanier (54-4.25) of Western Branch both crept into a tie for second place (Note – Harrell took the silver based on a better second-best throw). However, Lanier’s toss came on his sixth and final throw, while both Draghi and Harrell scratched on all three throws in the finals, leaving the General junior as the last man standing.

Still, Draghi left Boo Williams Sportsplex with a meet record and a first state championship – quite a feat considering where the thrower was last December.

“Two months ago, my best throw was about 50 (feet),” said Draghi, who will continue his quest for a personal best (“hoping for 62 or 63”) at the New Balance Nationals, which will be held inside New York City’s Armory Track Center beginning March 11^th.

“My plans are just to keep practicing,” adds Draghi, who has now dedicated himself solely to throwing after stopping football after his freshman year.

One element may have been missing from his putting repertoire on Friday morning. After his fourth attempt, throwing coach Josh Patulski was quick to note, “Why isn’t he yelling?” Indeed, Draghi was mostly silent during his series of throws. Asked if the concern was shared between rounds, the answer was negative.

“(Patulski) lets me do my thing. The way he figures, there’s nothing that can be changed during a competition. We’ll work on it afterwards. He does give me some easy tips on the side between throws.”

While Draghi is preparing to throw in college, his next destination is not set – at all.

“I’ve received a few letters from colleges so far. But right now, I really have no idea where I want to go.”

Since Draghi has just over three seasons of high school competition to go, college coaches still have time to get their recruiting scripts ready. Meanwhile, the thrower’s preparation will continue - with Patulski at Washington-Lee, and outside of Arlington, at camps, such as one of the five throwing academies run by John Godina, a three-time World Champion and two-time Olympic medalist who Draghi models his throwing style after.

Teammate Tony Auguste, a junior, placed fifth (49-6.25) to give the Generals 15 points, enough to put them in third place after Day 1.

Virginia HS Track Rocks, And Soon, I'll Tell You 10 Reasons Why

As you may know, track is my mistress. So says my wife, who for about 15 years has seen me off to hundreds of all-day cross-country and track meets - first as a coach with Bishop Ireton, J.E.B. Stuart, Denbigh and Menchville high schools .. oops, there was even a year at Grafton in the mix. There have been 17 years in all as a coach, and I'm now well into my second sports career as a writer.

Last weekend was epic, by any definition. The Virginia 5A/6A state championships were up for grabs at Hampton's Boo Williams Sportsplex (or Booplex), and I was on hand to attempt the enhancement of the unbelievable photo and video coverage provided by Milestat.com and, by extension, Milesplit.com.

The Lyles brothers of T.C. Williams - Josephus and Noah.

My objective - to find 10 stories from within the meet. In other words, articles that may not necessarily include the names such as Holloway, Lyles, Kate Murphy, or any of the young athletes who have already made a name for themselves on the junior world track and field stage.

It took some doing - as I spent 25 hours at the Boo between Friday and Saturday, watched 60 or so events, interviewed about 35 people, and filled up half a notebook with my unreadable scribblings.

The end result is now making its way through milestat.com. Right now, they have posted four of the articles, and I imagine that they will run through the cycle by the end of the week.

With this said, I will begin posting the articles - one per day, starting next Monday, March 7th. It will make for a good segue into the outdoor track season, but hopefully will give each athlete(s) an opportunity to shine for a day, as they are doing on Milestat right now. Of course, I encourage anyone to visit Milestat.com. If you have never seen the cyberspace hub for all things related to track in the state of Virginia, it is worth a look. Trust me, there may have been at least half a dozen future Olympians out there at the Booplex last weekend. Here's your chance to meet them now!

When Customer Service Goes Wrong - Shame on Walmart

(Addendum - Since the people at Yorktown Walmart are on the verge of solving my problem, they are off the hook, and off the title. It appears that someone in claims may have tried to run off with the TV after I returned it. However, this has only magnified the ineptitude of the Walmart.com customer service department, who provided three online chat reps that did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to help my cause.

Lesson learned - Walmart has NO level 2 form of grievance resolution. If a customer service rep tells you that they are "escalating" your complaint, it is merely an attempt to get you off the phone. They will do nothing after you hang up. So, I'm still pissed at Walmart, but not the one in Yorktown.

I have been voicing my opinions to co-workers lately about the concern that some people just fail to be accountable and do their jobs properly these days. Recently, I purchased a TV online from Walmart. Unfortunately, it had four good sized cracks in the screen upon arrival. Since I picked it up at the Yorktown Walmart and it had a 90-day return policy, I went ahead and made the return. In short, I have been shocked by the ineptitude and rudeness of customer service; first by a young woman whom I encountered twice in Yorktown, and then by online chat operators who have promised me the moon, but on three occasions delivered nothing to help my cause (but continue to ask for my patience while they "escalate" the situation.)

Well, my patience ran out, and I'm the calm one in my house. My wife Elizabeth -- not so calm. Here is one of many letters she has written or posted to about six Walmart sites, as well as the corporate site, based in Arkansas. We're hoping for a resolution. But until then, our pens and voices will be loud and mighty.

XXX

When you feel like you’re not getting the message across, you get the feelings out on paper and ‘have at it.’ The following is a letter I just penned to Walmart Corporate.

My husband and I are completely DISSATISFIED with Walmart's supposed expedited matter pertaining to an online purchase from December, 2015 of a television we received in January, 2016. When opening the product, the television was cracked in four places. When my husband returned the merchandise at the Walmart in Yorktown, VA, the sales associate was extremely rude and accused us of switching products. Once the matter was handled, the policy stated the refund would take 5 to 7 business days for a refund. It has now been over 17 business days without an apology from either the local store, the regional manager, or the corporation itself. Still, there is not a remedy.

What we are now expecting from Walmart and the subsidiaries are the following as remedies to the situation. The first is an apology to both my husband and I from your Yorktown store for basically accusing us for theft. It is unacceptable and unprofessional, as we are both well-respected educators in the Commonwealth of Virginia. To even insinuate a legitimate return of a product as deceit to a company is humiliating and undermines the example my husband and I illustrate for public education.

Secondly, we are asking for a monetary amount in form of a gift certificate total to the exact amount of the original purchase for the extensive time and correspondence to your company regarding this matter. While Customer Service called once or twice regarding this matter, guaranteeing a 24 to 48 expedited solution, again, we remain frustrated and seeking answers. Several times during the week of February 14, I have called Customer Service regarding this matter and left a home phone number along with my husband. My husband received a call on Tuesday from an associate in South Boston, Virginia. The location is exactly three hours away from our residence. The current information my husband and I provided to Walmart is our Newport News, VA residence.

Because Walmart has not handled our initial request, which was simple--a store exchange equivalent to the purchase price of the initial purchase from December 2015, my husband and I are willing to accept a new television from Walmart store WITHOUT CHARGE as a courtesy for dissatisfaction with the entire experience. We also expect an extended warranty also without charge on the television as well.

In closing, I would like for your corporation to know the impact you have on the community. In the same way, your clientele carries the same impact as well. I mentioned earlier that my husband and I are both educators. We are also journalists in our spare time. I am also a committee member on several city, state and national committees. My credentials include the National Education Association, the National Council for Geographic Education and National Council for Social Studies Education. I also participate in roundtable discussions across the Commonwealth.

Thank you for your time.

Wes Norton Overcomes Challenges While Aiming For World Bodybuilding Success

Wes Norton has overcome
Asperger's syndrome to enter the
world stage as a middleweight
bodybuilder.

When Wes Norton puts his mind to accomplishing a task, the sky becomes the limit.

The 21-year old bodybuilder, who trains out of Xtreme Muscle Gym in Hampton, has achieved more in just three years than many of his counterparts will in their lifetime. And as ironic as it seems, Norton had to learn to slow down in order for his bodybuilding career to speed up. Next task on deck – winning a world championship.

For Norton, the key to finding success was about channeling his energy toward a defined objective. However, that was not the only obstacle.

Years ago, the Zuni native was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Named after the Austrian pediatrician who discovered the disorder, Asperger’s is similar to autism, and characterized by a number of symptoms, including difficulty with social relations and odd patterns of behavior. By nature, Norton is quiet and reserved. Yet, the more intriguing symptoms include an intense ability to pay attention to details, as well as a heightened capacity to memorize data. When Norton sets a goal, all of his focus goes toward achieving that one thing.

Coping with Asperger’s is a balancing act. While one aspect of a person’s daily life may thrive, other elements may suffer. Norton, who generally trains for 90 minutes three or four times a week, thrives at bodybuilding because of his singular focus to the sport.

Norton deadlifted 425 pounds for nine reps during the
course of our interview. I believe this was #7

As Cheryl Piercy, one of Norton’s fellow competitors, attests, “It’s the other 23 hours (of the day) we have to worry about.”

Fortunately, other areas of Norton’s life have taken shape. He earned his GED, completed certification as a personal trainer and nutritionist, and next month, will go to settlement for the purchase of his first house, which will require a move to Smithfield.

With typical modesty, Norton says, “I’m very determined, and thankful to be going places.”

Five years ago, Norton was not thriving. He had recently dropped out of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, shortly after starting as a tenth grader. Few things interested him, and his life had become empty – no school, no job, no hobbies, and no aspirations. Depression began to settle into the teenager’s psyche.

Nevertheless, Norton, an avid reader, discovered one book, Arnold’s Encyclopedia of  Modern Bodybuilding, an 800-page tome, written by Arnold Schwarzenegger, that outlines every aspect of the sport. The book caught his attention, and in 2013, Norton decided to take up weightlifting.

However, without a mentor or a lifting plan, his progress was stagnant.

“I was doing too much,” said Norton in a moment of reflection. Indeed, the routine of working out the same body parts every day without a pause was stunting any potential development. Coupled with carrying 140 pounds on a 5-foot-7 frame, there was little sign that the young man had grown any significant amount of muscle.

It took eighteen months of improper training before Norton sought outside help. Mother Brenda worked at Langley AFB, and a colleague referred her to Kevin Parrott, a certified trainer, and owner of Xtreme Muscle, just outside of Langley’s east gate on North King Street. Norton pulled up to the parking lot of Xtreme and waited outside the door for an hour before summoning the courage to step inside the gym.

“I told him that he was doing too much,” said Parrott, who also owns Body Sculpting Inc. in Newport News. “He had to learn not to work out as much – to slow down. Muscles won’t develop unless they are allowed to rest.”

Armed with a new plan, and an enhanced intensity, Norton quickly went back to work.

“I learned my lesson, and started channeling my energy into working out and taking better care of myself.”

Norton’s ascent as a bodybuilder was rapid. Within three months of linking with Parrott, Norton was fully entrenched in competition. He won the middleweight category of his first program. Moreover, in his first year, with only five shows under his belt, Norton has already won a division championship, a best overall title and earned his pro card as a middleweight.

His second season will begin on Saturday with the 7^th Annual WNBF (World National Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Qualifier, which is promoted by Parrott, and held at the American Theatre in Hampton. Last year, Norton placed second in the Men’s Open Short Class. This year, he will compete in the Novice and Open categories.

Because it is a pro qualifier event, the competition will come from near and far.

“As we speak, there is someone in San Diego getting on a plane to come here and compete on Saturday,” says Parrott. “In Scottsdale, Arizona, someone is getting ready to come here for Saturday’s competition – Illinois, Maine; we will have 91 athletes from 12 states.”

The screening process is rigid. Every competitor must pass a polygraph test before getting on stage, with questions focusing on the use of muscle enhancing drugs. And as Parrott adds, ”Once we announce the seven winners who will earn their pro cards, they are escorted off stage and straight to a bathroom where someone will watch them pee into a cup, and that sample is sent directly to the testing site – that day.”

For Norton, Saturday’s show will be the start of an aggressive 2016 campaign, albeit one with only three competitions.

“He’s ready to go to the World Championships,” declares Parrott, adding that competitors who earn their card merely qualify for the pro events, but have three years to “get ready.”

Norton appears to be ready. Prior to his workout, he poses in his competition singlet, sporting bulging leg muscles and a well-defined chest and back. Shortly thereafter, he begins his training routine, and at one point, the now 166-pounder dead lifts 425 pounds for nine repetitions, a personal best.

But patience is not a virtue for Norton, a fact that becomes more evident as Parrott starts describing his trainee’s competition schedule for 2016.

“He will be competing in the Yorton Cup World Championships (in Washington D.C.) this October.”

However, there is another World Championship in Hungary, which will be held in June, that Norton is aiming for.

“He’s still working on me,” discloses Parrott. “He hasn’t convinced his trainer yet.”

Where Does Peyton Rank Now? All-Time Best NFL QB's

Two years ago, I took the liberty of compiling my all-time list of NFL quarterbacks. Here's what it looked like:


1) Joe Montana                
2) Johnny Unitas
3) Otto Graham
4) Tom Brady
5) John Elway
6) Peyton Manning
7) Brett Favre
8) Dan Marino
9) Fran Tarkenton
10) Bart Starr

With the Broncos 24-10 win in Sunday's Super Bowl, I wanted to revisit this list, and provide a few updates. A couple of things have happened since the end of the 2013-14 season, and as such, should dictate a reshuffling. I'm not inclined to add anyone to the new list, but feel that some adjustments are needed. Here goes:


1) Tom Brady - my feeling is that Manning and he would have switched places if the Broncos had won two years ago against Seattle, but Brady holds his place for now. He earned his fourth championship, and has some gaudy passing numbers (over 58,000 yards, 428 TD's vs. 150 picks). Career record of 194-60 (counting playoffs) is best winning percentage since Graham.

2) Joe Montana - 4 Super Bowl wins, 40,551 passing yards, 117-47 record as starter, plus 17-6 in playoffs. And who else can claim to have thrown "The Catch?"

3) Johnny Unitas - reinvented the position. Also passed for over 40,000 yards (first to do so), and held most QB records at the time of his retirement, including TD passes (290). Won the greatest game ever, 23-17 in the 1958 NFL championship.

4) Peyton Manning - With second championship in hand, as well as most wins ever for a QB, and most passing yards, Manning bumps up two spots. But his final numbers may now be the best ever. Currently, number 18 sits at 71,940 yards and 539 TD passes -- never mind having arguably the greatest passing season ever in 2013. 55 TD passes? Enough said.

5) Otto Graham - played for the NFL championship in each of his ten seasons (1946-55), and won seven! His team, the Browns, went 114-20-4, including 9-3 in the playoffs during Graham's time on Lake Erie. Highest winning percentage for a QB ever.

6) John Elway - known as a great talent who couldn't win the "Big One" early in his career, Elway won the championship in his final two years to end up with two rings out of five tries. Finished his career with 51,475 passing yards and 300 TD's.

7) Brett Favre - in spite of a lot of interceptions and only one ring, Favre has to be in the mix. His 71,838 throwing yards would have held for at least ten more years if Manning didn't pass the standard and he held the TD record with 508.

8) Dan Marino - if only he had won a ring or two. But, Marino was the best pure passer of his generation and held the season TD record of 48 for almost thirty years.

9) Fran Tarkenton - the maniacal Vikings (and Giants)QB was a threat with his arm and feet. A living human highlight reel who could turn a 60 yard dash into a two yard gain. Was all-time passing yards leader when he retired.

10) Bart Starr - As a rule, I almost ruled out any QB with more career interceptions than TD's, which amazingly would have eliminated Ken Stabler, Joe Namath, Sammy Baugh, and almost Terry Bradshaw, who threw for 212 scores against 210 interceptions. Starr ended up with 152 TD's and 138 INT's, but he won more championships than the others, even Bradshaw, so he gets the edge here.


Honorable mention - Warren Moon, Sonny Jurgensen, Drew Brees, Steve Young, Baugh and Bradshaw. Ah heck, I'll add Staubach to the list too.