Decathletes Overpower Mother Nature in 2007 'Hail' Decathlon

(4/14/2007) Full Results

After an indoor season that displayed the depth and talent of both the Bates College and Tufts University Multi?s, the two programs teamed up to schedule a flexible decathlon that was both high quality and able to avoid the perils of New England Spring weather. Great athletes ensured that the former was successfully accomplished. Mother Nature, however, would ensure that the latter would be impossible. With an eye on the weather, the 2007 Patriots Day Decathlon became even more adaptable than originally planned. Not only did the two teams agree to a new date and starting time, but it was also decided to move the site of the decathlon entirely. The competition was forced to shift from Lewiston, ME, to Medford, MA, after Bates was pounded by an early spring Nor?easter.

Five decathletes completed the 10-event weekend as sophomore Skip Pagel paced the way with 5906 points. Skip was just one point off the PR he set at last year?s Open NE Championships. Junior Derek Engelking improved on his previous mark by 300 points as he posted new outdoor PRs in eight of ten events. His only two non-PRs came in the javelin, his primary event, and the hurdles, where a fall led to him crawling across the finish line. The final Tufts decathlete was freshman Jared Engelking whose 5543 points ensured that all three athletes qualified for the ECAC Championship decathlon.

Pagel started the weekend off strong, winning the first two events with his 11.83 in the 100m and 20-11.25 in the long jump. The Engelking brothers also had convincing starts, all three breaking 12 seconds in the 100m and jumping in excess of 20-0 in the long jump. Given the frigid temperatures and blustery day, every performance on Saturday bodes very well for the warmer temperatures of late spring. At the end of day one, John Miley of Bates came out on top with a total of 3166 points. Skip Pagel and Derek Engelking were right on his heels with 3144 and 3060, respectively.

At the start of Day 2, it became painfully obvious that the competition would be tough going. The hurdles began with driving rain and temperatures about 15 degrees colder than the previous day. The weather degraded a bit further as there was discussion of renaming the decathlon the First Annual ?Hail? Classic. Pelting hail made each of the upcoming events not only difficult, but painful. Tufts began the 2nd day as they had begun the first. Jared Engelking claimed first place in the 110HH with his time of 15.61. Given the weather conditions, the 777 point event was a great performance. Skip Pagel and Derek Engelking were not so fortunate. Both would run nearly 1.5 seconds off their previous times. However, therein lies the true spirit of the decathlon. How well can an athlete shake off a literal stumble or fall to focus on the next event? Both Jumbo decathletes did so in great fashion.

Derek Engleking went on to PR in three of the next four events, and Skip Pagel PRed in two. The highlight of Day 2 was certainly the pole vault, as Skip tacked another 15 inches onto his PR, soaring over 13-3.5. Derek also PRed, clearing 11-3, and his younger brother nearly cleared 11-0 in his first time competing in the vault but had to settle for 10-8. Closing out the day was another set of PRs for the Jumbo trio. Derek and Skip, pacing each other through 1100m fought one another throughout the entire last ? mile. Derek edged Skip by 0.2 seconds, bringing both to new personal records. Jared came in at a respectable decathlon 1500m of 4:57.34.

All in all, the first annual Patriots Day Decathlon became a very competitive and enjoyable experience for all. Four of five decathletes qualified for the ECAC championships by exceeding the 5450-point standard. With all competitors returning next year, the 2nd Annual Hail Classic should exceed even this year?s competetiveness. Thank you to all who helped out with facilitating, timing, and meet management. And a special thanks to all spectators who fought the temperatures, rain, and hail to support the hard working decathletes. Thank you Engelking?s, Miley?s, and Born?s.



Full Results