ALEX VS. JORDAN: Epic Pancake-a-thon!

The temperature was cold but the sun was bright as the Panthers assembled at Carrie's house for another pancake run. All 26 runners made it up to Lake Ilsanjo and barrelled down the mountain for fresh, homemade buttermilk pancakes (Carrie's grandma's secret recipe!)

Alex and Jordan set their sights on an illustrious pancake-eating record: 21. Jordan got off to a quick start with a plate full of blueberry pancakes. Alex followed closely, eyeing Jordan's strategy and making sure to stay within reach as the morning's feast ensued.

Alex picked up his pace in the middle of the eat-a-thon and kept the pressure on Jordan, who didn't seem overly concerned about Alex's nonchalant way of tossing pancakes onto his plate. Both warriors exuded confidence as they edged into double-digits and past 15 pancakes.

The fight to the finish was gearing up. The pace slowed a bit as they gathered their strength for the final push. Several trips to the bathroom were made. Water helped ease the trip for the pancakes, but clearly stomachs began to
distend in ways that were not really meant for human stomachs.

17. 18. 19. 20. Alex and Jordan both reached #21 within minutes of each other, and they both examined the other for weaknesses: heavy breathing, burping, skin with a tint that looked beige-ish.

There would be no tie. Only one man could win. Who would have the biggest kick? Who could find the smallest pancake on the platter to ease this long carbo-journey saga?

22 reached by Alex. 22 reached by Jordan. More groans, more burping (and who knows what else), and even a trashbag was kept close... "just in case."

With a final burst of chewing energy that would impress the guy who does that "Man vs. Food" show, Alex devoured #23 without a pause. Jordan looked at #23 and decided a bite-by-bite strategy could work. One bite. Two bites... a deep breath... a prayer to someone/something... a fleeting wish that he had stopped at #17... one more bite....

22 and 2/3 for Jordan.

Alex Thomas is now the 2011 Pancake King with a new record of 23! Showing exceptional sportsmanship, both Alex and Jordan acknowledged the efforts of the other with a nod and a "good job" (no hugging... well because it might have caused some stomachs to ... well, nevermind.)

Alex went home to eat lunch.

Jordan wandered around the backyard in a daze. Clearly some sort of existential breakdown was occuring. He had looked into the abyss of his soul, and he had seen the truth: 17 pancakes good... 23? Not so good...

He quickly regained his composure, helped pick up trash (thank you!), and went home for a long nap devoid of food-related dreams, fortunately.

For Alex, he just has one question: Who's next?

Athletes of the Week

For the week of Elsie Allen Cierra Beltaran and Ben Hughes were awarded athletes of the week. Cierra pr'd by over two minutes on our home Spring Lake course while Ben Hughes pr'd by nearly a minute on a day that saw only 5 pr's for the entire team. Quite impressive for both runners.

The following week at Cardinal Newman's treacherous hilly course Michael Tomasi broke up the Piner juggernaut top 5 slipping in with a great time and giving Piner something to ponder for the league championship meet.

Sarah Withers ran the great race. She was the top Panther girl and her 3rd place overall finish enabled the girls to defeat Piner by one point. Sarah has become quite the runner to go along with her bark eating abilities. Great job, Sarah, you saved the day for the girls.

Panther Parents are Primo

A big thanks to all of our Panther Parents who have transported our kids to practice and meets. We have a large team (the largest in the county) and getting them to the park is a major undertaking. Thanks to Deanna's network we have been very successful in our transportation efforts. (Deanna you were magnificent)

Your efforts have enabled our kids to practice in the best running environment I believe any where in the country or perhaps the world. That is not hyperbole or blowing smoke.

We have completed our league meets and we have done quite well.

Varsity Boys are 6-1, 2nd behind Piner, Varsity Girls 6-1, second behind Carrillo, JV Boys 5-2, third behind Piner and Carrillo,and JV Girls 6-1, second behind Carrillo.

We have the NBL league championships coming up on Friday November 4 at our home course at Spring Lake. Ukiah will be hosting the meet. They had the opportunity to put the meet on at their high school but Chad Raugewitz, their head, coach wanted to do it at Spring Lake to perhaps enhance the course records that have been historic. Thank you Chad. Val Sell head coach at Montgomery and myself and Bob Shor have assisted Chad in setting the meet up. Ukiah people will be doing the bulk of the work but it may be that they need a bit more help. If any of you want to help out in the league championships in any fashion let me know and if Chad needs the help you could give him a hand.

The schedule for the league championships is: JV Boys 2:00, JV Girls 2:35, Varsity Boys 3:15, and Varsity Girls at 3:45.

Last year our girls had the same record as this year and so did Maria Carrillo. At the league championships our girls defeated Carrillo and earned a share of the league championship. History can repeat itself in all 4 divisions.

I looked on the color calendar and Friday November 4 happens to be an ORANGE day. According to the Rare Farmers Almanac wearing bright ORANGE on Friday November 4 guarnatees occurances of unknown positivity. SO LET US BE BRIGHT!!!!

Parents, again thank you for all you have done for our team this year. You truly have made our success possible.

GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!

PS. Primo is Hawaiian for the BEST!!

Lancer de crêpes! Ejecutar panqueque! Pfannkuchen laufen!

Yes, you guessed it.... another Pancake Run at Carrie's!

Time: Saturday 10/29; 9:00 a.m.
Where: 2908 Field Stone Court
What: Run... eat... you get the idea!

Be there!

Ukiah Buses

We will be taking two buses to Ukiah on Wednesday October 26. Dismissal time from class is 1:30. Everyone will be taking the bus to Ukiah. If parents are going to take your kids home please let me know at the meet. Only parents of their own kids can take students home from the meet. Everyone else must be on the bus home. We should be home about 8:00-8:30. We will stop in Ukiah for a bite to eat so come prepared.

It is also Monty Nerd day Wednesday and we will be running against Monty as well as Ukiah on Wednesday.

The first race will be at 3:45. At this time I don't know how many races will be run. I hope to hear from the Ukiah coach soon.