It's sub-4 or it ain't

So, the Missoulian had an article yesterday noting that Patrick Casey was the Big Sky Conference Athlete of the week for his 4:04 mile performance last Friday night. See the whole story at: http://www.missoulian.com/sports/college/article_43a18288-106a-11df-a819-001cc4c03286.html

I think that's great and a well deserved honor for Patrick. As I said in an earlier post, Patrick is an amazing talent and an incredible "racer". His 4:04 was a fantastic time and certainly sets him up well for the remainder of his collegiate career (and beyond).

What irked me was the last line of the story where it says - "Uof M runner Scott McGowan of Poplar was the first Montanan to go under the 4-minute mark".

Let's be clear. Scotty is still the only Montanan to go under the 4:00 mark. Patrick ran 4:04. The whole altitude adjustment is fine for qualifying and seeding at the NCAA meets. But, you've either 3:XX or you haven't. It's based on what the clock says when you cross the line.

Again, not wanting to take anything away from Patrick. 4:04 is a whole different type of fast from most of us can ever imagine. But, it ain't sub-4:00, no matter how much you try to dress it up.

And, in the end, something tells me that Patrick will legitimately get the mark before his Bobcat days are over.

Just my couple of pennies worth.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails.

The Muddy Buzzard