Noll captures own track invite

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HAMMOND -- It would be no exaggeration to say that Bishop Noll track standout Ian O'Boyle was a man amongst boys during Tuesday's Noll boy's track invitational.

As a matter of fact, not only did he act that part, he looked the part. Or how many other high school kids do you know who sport a full grown beard.

"I'm growing it out because in our school play I'll be playing the role of Jesus," O'Boyle said.

Which is appropriate because O'Boyle had one of those "turn water into wine" nights in helping the Warriors win their invite with 105 points, more than enough to defeat runner-up Laporte with 87. Bowman Academy (69), Andrean (67), and Gavit (29) rounded out the top five.

O'Boyle's effort earned him runner of the meet while Griffith's Brad Harden was the field events MVP after winning the shot put.

O'Boyle took home MVP hardware after finishing first in the mile and the 880, as well as helping the 10-lap and mile relay teams take home gold.

"It's an honor to be voted MVP because all the coaches voted for me and I appreciate it," O'Boyle said. "I came out and ran some of my top races so far and to win them all is a good feeling."

Teammate Colin Schreiber also had a strong meet with individual wins in the 440 and high hurdles, as well as helping both relay teams win. And here's the bad news for future Schreiber opponents: he didn't feel like he had his "A" game Tuesday.

"I was happy with my performance for the most part," he said. "I was hoping to improve a little more on my time, especially in the hurdles, but I didn't really get there ... yet."

If there was an award handed out for best runner with a little touch of comic relief, it has to go to Bowman's Cornelius Strickland who won the 220 with a time of 25.88, but while anchoring the six-lap relay team, the freshman crossed the tape and kept on running ... and running and running, before the Bowman coaches finally called him to stop.

"No one told me to stop so I just kept running," said Strickland who's Bowman crew wound up finishing second. "I had plenty of energy left. I feel happy with the run I had today, I feel good."

Almost as good as he did in winning the 220 is where he got a true appreciation for the finish line because there was a brick wall standing just 15 feet behind it.

Bowman's Floyd Hoskins won the long jump while teammate Ivory Tinsley took the 60. Andrean got two individual wins from Matt Gerbick in the high jump and Justin Miller in the two-mile run.