(image courtesy of New Line Cinema)
Usain, Lebron, Tom Brady, Serena and Tiger are all athletes who are the "The Man or Woman" in their respective sports. In 1993 one of my favorite cuts, 'Who's The Man?' by House of Pain was the main song to a classic movie "Who's The Man?" featuring Ed Lover, Doctor Dre & my all time favorite Bernie Mack. This weekend is the Top Times meet and the question will be asked and answered as athletes from around the state vie for the title as best of the indoor season. "Who' the Man or Woman?"
There are different levels of being the man. An athlete can be the man on their team, city, conference, area, sectional even state but barely show up on the radar nationally. Of course, there are athletes who are the man in their minds. This weekend may prove different, as others attempt to knock those off who came in with the best times, distances and throws for the indoor season. An athlete who' the man or woman has an automatic target placed on their back whether they want it or not. Because of their prior success, there are expectations placed upon them by teammates, media, fans, and some coaches. They are expected to win!
The funny thing about being the man or woman is they have a certain swag. The way they walk and even warm up is different. There is just an overall sense that they aren't worried about anything or anybody. It's not an issue of what place they will get, but what the result will be. I doubt if KD Young, a Class A shot putter, from Warrensburg or Jamari Ward a Class 2A LJ/TJ from Cahokia are too worried about this weekend. They are more concerned about their own performances, not who is entered in the meet. When you have faced the best in the U.S. as they did a couple of weeks ago in NY at the New Balance Indoor National meet, you are The Man and The Woman!
I personally have always been the man from the time I started running, so I only know one way to think. I competed against myself knowing that there was a target on my back and knew that every meet I was going to get everybody else's best effort. I knew it would make someone's season, maybe even career to beat me. Everybody can't be in Jamari's shoes and be #1 in the U.S. It is the highest level you can go, and mentally he is competing against college athletes.
I have always told my athletes a couple of things. When you go to a state or national meet, the athletes there are just like you and have the same attitude. It is like being a mutant on X-Men and living in X mansion. All the mutants have to have powers to live there. So it comes down to who wants it the most, and who worked the hardest. The other thing is, and this is if you are blessed to be ranked #1 coming in -- If you are ranked #1, then leave #1! You can't come in ranked #1 and leave #7. Upsets can happen at any time, which is why we have the meets. The plan is to leave the meet the way you came, and that is #1
There are many story lines going into the meet and unlike outdoor state, not everyone is at this meet. Even if you win, are you truly The Man or The Woman? In my book, you are until outdoor state. The question will be answered this weekend.... 'Who's the Man" or 'Woman?'
I would like to give a shout out to some of the other track web sites who have dropped by il.milesplit and read or mentioned The B Side.
Thanks