By Justin Janssen '11
Behind the mask of Admiral Ackbar and chemistry goggles used during a rap, Justin Janssen '11 is a track athlete on a mission.
However, early in the season, chances of a successful senior track season looked bleak at best.
Janssen noticed the scarcity of senior runners on the distance team; many of them had quit before the season even started.
Janssen then left many of the track practices early, and started to fall into the habits of a second semester senior.
He became worried that he would not even qualify to run at meets.
At the time trial Janssen ran a 6:20 mile, qualifying by 10 seconds, but it was the worst mile Janssen ran since the very first meet he competed in.
Mike Keahon '78 has a qualifying time because he doesn't want slower runners to be embarrassed by the 'pity clap' when crossing the finish line behind everyone else.
After observing more early exits from practice and nonchalant behavior from Janssen, distance coach Ted Skowron asked Janssen, "Do you still want to be on this team?"
He replied yes, and then realized it was time for a change.
University of Georgia (his favorite school) football coach Mark Richt has a saying, "Finish the Drill."
That's exactly what Janssen did, finish the drill.
There was speculation that the meet vs. Dobson April 6 at Brophy Sports Campus would be the last for senior runners.
Janssen's parents were on hand for the first time all season, and they would not be disappointed.
On a stormy night, Janssen brought the thunder, leaving spectators shell-shocked at what they just witnessed.
Janssen set personal records in the mile (5:38) and the half-mile (2:32).
The times were 10 seconds and three seconds better than Janssen's all-time bests.
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