In the USA Brian Flanagan made an excellent competitive debut for McNeese on Friday (Jan 6th) where he is on scholarship. After a period of rebuilding post injury Brian took to the indoor stage for the first time recording an impressive 4.26.52 mile as he placed 5th for The Cowboys at the LSU Purple Tiger Meet at Baton Rouge.
Brian takes up the story: ” Ran the One Mile event at LSU’s Purple tiger invitational in Baton Rouge LA on Friday Jan 6th. It was my first ever race not only indoors but in McNeese State’s Blue and Gold too. I finished 5th in a field of 11 in 4:26:52 after a sub 30sec last lap and having the leaders go through 800m on sub 4 pace (1:58). My time was then officially converted by the NCAA because the curves on the tracks are not banked (Facility doubles as a hurricane evacuation centre) My official time was 4:23:18, Indoor and outdoor PB now. Which because most other schools were running Saturday made me number 1 in NCAA Division 1 Southland conference for about a day somehow! Not bad for someone who’s only been training full time again for four weeks after nearly 10 months out of action.”
Back home on Saturday the BHAA Cross Country season continued with the Bank Of Ireland races in Tymon Park. First (and possibly only) Clonliffe athlete was Sean Doran in 11th place in the men`s 4 mile (22.21). Full results can be found on www.bhaa.ie