JC track coach earns All-American honors at National Senior Games

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - “I’m tired. I’m ready to go home and see my family and team.” Words of exhaustion and achievement from Drew Bell after his incredible week-long stay in Pittsburgh where he participated in the 2023 National Senior Games after qualifying in four events, all of which where he earned All-American honors for finishing among the top eight in each event.

“Mission accomplished with 16 All-American performances for me this year,” said the 57-year old Bell, who had 12 additional All-American perfor-

Greenway running

mances in an array of challenging events earlier in the year. “I don’t have to be strong, fast or tough enough. I did my best. Jesus did the rest.”

Bell, the head coach of the James Clemens track and cross country programs, qualified for the National Senior Games in the 10K and 5K races along with the 800 and 1500-meter events in the men ages 55-59 division.

In his first event, Bell completed in the 5K and finished seventh with a time of 20:42.88 while the race winner was Scott Siriano of Colorado with a time of 18:27.84. There were 451 runners in all divisions and Bell was 14th overall while his age division had five among the top 10 finishers. “It was a tough race course as we started the race uphill for nearly two miles and more climbs as the race went on,” said Bell of the course that began and finished on Schenley Drive just east of downtown Pittsburgh. “At the awards ceremony, I proudly was asked to hold the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem. I did so with two others, including the race winner. Afterwards, they held a Block Party for all to attend.”

Next came the grueling 10K race. Timothy Vigil of New Mexico flew through the course with a winning time of 37:51.86 while Bell managed a finish time of

Local greenways and trails offer diverse conditions for runners

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - For most running enthusiasts becoming complacent in their surroundings and favorite places to get on their feet is something that is more common than one would think. Many times, complacency can cause boredom and lack of effort, so, most running experts encourage diversity in where to run and explore new places in the area in which to go through the challenges to make for great exercising.

Being a creature of habit can certainly be an issue for runners, but knowing where to go to expand the horizons of the form of exercise can make for better conditioning, both mentally and physically. There are plenty of greenways and trails to entice even the best runner to new heights. One of the first tips in trail running is to challenge yourself and get out of your per-

See RUNNING Page 2B

The Trash Pandas (7-6) are currently tied for second place in the Southern League North standings with The Chattanooga Lookouts (8-7) while the Tennessee Smokies (10-5) continue to lead the way.

Both Rocket City and Chattanooga are two games behind Tennessee as of Monday afternoon.

The Birmingham Barons resides in the fourth-place position in the SLN 4 1/2 games out of first with a 5-9 record.

July 14: Rocket City 8, Biloxi 7

The first game of the series was a high-scoring contest, but Rocket City was able to edge out the Shuckers (6-8) despite being out-hit nine hits to seven in the game.

Biloxi took an early 1-0 advantage when Tyler Black hit a solo home run to left field.

The Trash Pandas struck back in the top of the third inning with a trio of runs to take the 3-1 lead.

The offensive surge began when Kyren Paris hit a sacrifice fly that scored teammate Tucker Flint.

Jeremiah Jackson’s 2-run single plated Jose Gomez and David Calabrese.

The Shuckers pulled within a run in the bottom of the third inning when Jackson Chourio clubbed his 12th home run of the year to make the score 3-2 Rocket City.

It was the top of the fourth inning when Jose Gomez knocked in Tucker Flint to expand the Trash Panda lead to 4-2 with another run.

Rocket City had seemingly pulled away in this game with four more runs in the top of the eighth inning to lead 8-2, but a late charge by the Shuckers in the bottom of the ninth inning made this game suspenseful until the end.

Biloxi was able to tally five runs in the ninth, but that would be all the club could put together as the Shuckers fell one run shy of tying the game up.

July 15: Biloxi 1, Rocket City 0

The Saturday game featured far less offense as Biloxi scored one run in the bottom of the first inning to defeat the Trash Pandas.

It was a line-drive home run to left field by Jeferson Quero that made all the difference for the Shuckers.

Biloxi turned to starting pitcher Carlos Rodriguez who

Ser ving Families Since

Vehicle Title Problem? We have a Solution!

Bell

Continued from page 1B

42:08.06 good enough for seventh place and another All-American honor. Bell’s race finish time was a personal best by at least five minutes.

“I’m very happy with the times I had in the national event as I didn’t think I could run with some of these talented guys,” said Bell. “I’ve never been anywhere with so much quality competition.”

With a four-day rest prior to his final two races, Bell and his wife enjoyed many of the local sites around the Steel City including touring the variety of rustic churches in the area and visiting the University of Pittsburgh campus. After a well-needed break from competition, Bell made his way to the Track and Field portion of the Senior National Games for his two final events.

In the 800-meter race, Bell posted a sixth place finish with a time of 2:33.14 while Charles Novak of Ohio was first at 2:17.25. Last on the agenda came the 1500-meter jaunt and Bell didn’t disappoint himself as he was part of the slow, tactical pack with most not making a move to the front until the last 400 meters. Novak again took top honors at 4:35.90 while Bell came through with his best finish of the National Senior Games in fifth with a finish time of 5:21.64.

“This was the best inspirational event I’ve ever been on as just to see 50 guys who were in the age 100-plue competing was truly something to experience,” added Bell. “It was a place where I belong. There’s nothing bad about this event as I saw a lot of joy.”

“I won the battle within myself in Pittsburgh. I’m seeing a new level of myself and I’m more confident,” said Bell.

Trash Pandas

Continued from page 1B provided his club with five scoreless innings of 2-hit ball that included nine strikeouts and three walks.

Despite being on the losing side, Rocket City starting pitcher Victor Mederos did little to hang his head about going six innings where he allowed just one run on five hits with four walks and a pair of strikeouts.

July 16: Biloxi 7, Rocket City 3

The Shuckers were able to put on a hit parade in the Sunday finale to sonal zone of running, and Madison has just what the running doctor ordered.

There are three main Greenways in Madison to meet even needs of a runner. There is Indian Creek (3 miles), Mill Creek (3 miles) and Bradford Creek (2.24 miles). All are very popular with the majority of runners who frequent the trails as the locales are mostly flat and shaded. Some of the shade has been known to be 20 degrees cooler than the sun-drenched parts of the trails.

For those wishing to stay with running in local neighborhoods and not venture to the local Greenways, the row of roads and houses behind Fleet Feet of Madison, located take the condensed 3-game series with a pair of victories.

The third game was driven by a 5-run outburst in the bottom of the fourth inning for Biloxi that turned a narrow 2-1 Shuckers lead into a 6-1 edge.

Isaac Collins’ 3-run home run in the fourth powered the Shuckers into the driver’s seat of this game.

With time running out, the Trash Pandas mounted a comeback in the on Hughes Road across the street from City Hall, features some rolling hills with plenty of shade and very little in the amount of traffic. The Dublin Walking Path at Dublin Memorial Park off Old Madison Pike is a perfect place for light runs for those wishing for good exercise without overextending their stamina. The Dublin path is a slightly ascending paved half-mile trek, which runs along the border of the park among the many soccer fields. The scenery includes a giant hillside oak tree and the Madison River of Hope near the outdoor pool.

For some extra challenge including good inclines, those on their jaunts through Madison can utilize Clift’s Cove and Stoneridge Neighborhoods. In addition, the Rainbow Mountain neighborhood can really present some uphill challenges, which according to many, are the toughest in Madison. The trek is a 1.5mile loop, but extremely tough, especially during warm weather months. New, but nice, is the Bradford Greenway that provides enormous amount of shade for comfort.

Tips for running trails and Greenways this time top of the ninth with a home run by Bryce Teodosio to left center that made the score 7-3, but it would not be enough. of year include putting a pace on yourself. The terrain can easily determine your running pace. Include safety in your runs. Know the details of each trail or Greenway as each trail is unique so it is best to know the trails before you make a step towards a good run. As for running trails, it’s always best to use your arms to help propel your body, especially on hills.

Rocket City continues its road trip this week with a series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (7-8).

The Tuesday through Thursday games begin at 6:35 p.m. while the Saturday contest starts at 6:05 p.m.

The Sunday game is slated to begin at 4:05 p.m.

Outside of Madison there are loads of amazing Greenways and trails. One of the newest is Hays Farm in South Huntsville. This Greenway is part of the Singing River Trail.

It’s gorgeous. The old standard trail and one of the most beautiful areas for trails is Monte Sano State Park. There are great trails with plenty of shade and each is known for its own level of challenge, plus one includes the closed portion of Bankhead Highway up the backside to Monte Sano. A nice hilly course is the Panorama Loop from Monte Sano Elementary School. You can park at the school next to the Fire Station and make a trek that can be up to 10 miles long.

Other locales in Huntsville, which offer mag- nificent shade and even some restrooms include the Hays Nature Preserve in Hampton Cove with its 10 miles of trails and Greenway. The Eastern Bypass extension is included where you can add more miles, but there is less shade for coverage. The Aldridge Creek Greenway is a remarkable running location located in South Huntsville and leads all the way South to Ditto Landing.

Outside the Madison area, there are wonderous locales for making your running habits become even more enjoyable. Decatur’s Point Mallard Trail features a flat course along the Tennessee River. In Limestone County, the town of Elkmont is host to the Richard Martin Trail with over 10 miles of easy trails for the entire family. Two additional areas to run include the Duck River in Cullman and the Guntersville Greenway.

The later area is a new, but splendid place for a great run located not far from the new City Harbor on Guntersville Lake. The new shopping/restaurant area of Guntersville is hopping with excitement and can be a great place to relax after a good jaunt on the Greenway.

The Madison City Board of Education recently approved the retirement of longtime educator Dr. Maria Kilgore, ACCESS Support Center director and former Special Education director for Madison City Schools. Dr. Kilgore’s retirement will be effective Aug. 1. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols thanked Kilgore (pictured in center in group photo) for service spanning 50 years in education, including 25 in the Madison City School system and service in Madison County and several other states. She presently serves as director of the ACCESS Support Center for North Alabama housed in the MCS Central Office.