Boys track: Olympian effort for Robertson

Dylan McElveen of Crete-Monee (right) runs at the Argo Invitational.
(Jason Han/SouthtownStar)

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Moments before the start of the 400-meter dash, Rich Central coach Dave Stanko yelled to Steve Robertson, "If it tightens, shut it down."

Robertson has been dealing with a slight tear in his right groin since last August. Much of the time, it doesn't bother him. Occasionally, and Saturday's Argo Invitational in Summit was one of those occasions, it does.

Nevertheless, Robertson not only ran all the way to the finish, he finished first, beating Argo's Mike Brown to the line with a time of 52.30 seconds.

"I felt it the last five yards," Robertson said.

That was clear, for Brown was closing at the finish. But, rather than shut it down and coast, Robertson toughed it out. He seemed no worse for wear, but why chance it on a day when he had already won the high jump?

"I love track, man," Robertson said. "I love track."

Robertson undergoes physical therapy three times a week to deal with the tear, then chases first place. His two wins Saturday accounted for one-third of Rich Central's 60 points, good for a tie for fourth with Oak Lawn. He jumped 6 feet to win the high jump.

Niles North captured the team title with 170 of 600 points. Morton was second (128 points), Crete-Monee third (94).

Crete-Monee junior Dylan McElveen also had a big day, winning the 200, finishing third in the triple jump and fourth in the high jump. He was also on the Warriors' second-place team in the 640-yard relay, and thus had a hand in 28 of Crete-Monee's points.

McElveen's time of 22.30 seconds in the 200 on the wide turns in Argo's field house is the fastest recorded among Southland runners this year.

"Right before the race, my coach said, 'Once you get tired, pump your arms.' That gives my legs speed," McElveen said. "It was a good reminder."

Dylan's brother Adrian finished third in the long jump and fourth in the 55 meter dash.

Oak Lawn scored wins in the shot put (Spencer Touchie with a heave of 51 feet, 10 inches, more than four feet better than runner-up Gary Young of Crete-Monee) and the 1,600-meter run (Pete Buys, 4:44.60).