Torrain Haughton chases down the competition in cross country (Itai Epstein photo)
At first glance he just seemed like another runner who was running well among the top tier runners in the state at the recent Wheeling Invitational. At second glance on the second loop it indeed was Park Ridge (Maine East) senior Torrain Haughton running with the big dogs. He would end his day placing 6th just a few ticks behind standout distance runner Keagan Smith (Sr., Huntley) in 15:31
For those who are not familiar with Torrain Haughton, he emerged on the track scene last year as 800 meter runner placing fifth in the 3A state running 1:53.76. Haughton, who was bubbling most of the spring, won the York Invitational in 1:54.04. York assistant coach Jim Hedman noted how good Haughton was at the time: "he is good but he went out fast... I thought he was going to die but he never came back." It was then that another great half-miler was being created. Haughton started his career playing soccer in his native Jamaica and then introduced to track and field by his coach Scott Schultes. Schultes is a former all-state 800m specialist in his own right.
Haughton is running cross country for the first time and liking it a bit (or cautiously liking it). Already he has run 14:58 for three miles, which is the envy of many "true harriers." But like most 400/800 runners, running cross country is a bridge to getting better for the track season. "I run cross country because it will help me for track... it builds up my stamina," he said.
Torrain Interview below: