The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
NDCL’s Bates hopes to make 800 state mark
“I love track — this is why we do it. This is literally for moments like this, all those days and all those mornings getting up early and going to bed on time. Yeah, this is why we do it.” NDCL’s Brian Bates, on qualifying out of the Divison II Austintown-Fitch Regional in the boys 800-meter run
Brian Bates smiled as he stared down at his right leg following the boys 800-meter run May 28 at the Division II Austintown-Fitch Regional.
There it was, plain as day — a spike mark with a hint of blood protruding.
If the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin junior can make a breakthrough as much as that spike made this weekend at the state track and field meet — particularly following an abbreviated regular season — then it will have been a job done well.
Bates was second in a highly competitive 800 field at Fitch with a time of 1 minute, 55.86 seconds. That time has him seeded second going into Columbus behind Girard’s Ricky Marsico, who captured the Fitch
Regional crown with a 1:54.74.
Just like the last time he found his way to Youngstown, Bates knew he was embroiled in a battle, but glad it culminated with a precious state berth.
“Oh, it’s pretty cool actually,” Bates said. “I don’t know — cross country was pretty rough, and indoor, I totally started taking training seriously. I’ve been on a cycle of doing the same routine every day. I’ve been training on my own, so that’s been pretty hard.
“I love track — this is why we do it. This is literally for moments like this, all those days and all those mornings getting up early and going to bed on time. Yeah, this is why we do it. It’s a great group of guys out here. I can’t wait to see them on Saturday.”
Specifically as far as 800, Bates invite sightings were limited. He competed at the Crown Conference meet in 1,600, taking second with a 4:32.07.
But in 800, Bates’ regular season consisted of one resounding statement. At Fitch’s
annual staple Optimist Meet on May 7, Bates made the trek south and ran a 1:56.53, the fastest News-Herald coverage area regular-season time in the event in 2022.
“Yeah, it was literally just Optimist,” Bates said.