'Petty' is anything but when it comes to record breaking
Published: April 3, 2008
Don't let the name fool you.
An event that began in 2003 as a five-team invitational has burgeoned into a two-day mega-event simply known as"Petty," whichthis weekend will feature 14 teams representing 19 schools from Seoul to Guam's Tumon Bay.
Seven records fell in last year's 5th Alva W. "Mike" Petty Memorial Track and Field Meet. Organizers, coaches and athletes believe that at least five, perhaps many more, might tumble in a meet that begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday and continues at 8 a.m. Saturday in the stadium named for Mike Petty.
"It's something about competition. Going up against the best makes you perform at your best," said meet founder and host Kubasaki coach Charles Burns.
He and others believe the 100, 200, 400 relay and mile and two mile might be the most competitive events. "It could come down to one-one hundredth of a second," Burns said about some events and the close finishes he's anticipating.
Weatherwise, expect a cloudy Friday with a 30-percent chance of rain into the evening, while Saturday is expected to become damp with showers by mid-day.
