Carl Terns of Monsignor Donovan displayed incredible Sportsmanship after the Hurdles final.
(Contributed by Coach Scott Murphy)
Monsignor Donovan student-athlete Carl Terns '16 concluded his junior Track and Field season by earning the High Point award for the Boys Meet in Albany. While that is a great accomplishment, he certainly surpassed it on Saturday.
My 18th season coaching T&F has concluded, and I have had some great stories during that time (State Champion teams, National #1 runners, lots of scholarships). This year's State Meet brought me one of my best. In the Boys 110m High Hurdles final, our runner (Carl Terns) was battling for second place approaching the last hurdle. The leader hit his hurdle, causing it to swing into Carl's lane and take his hurdle forward - preventing Carl from attacking and completing the race. This was the second time in two weeks that his race had been obstructed by a competitors' actions.
The meet officials conferred, two athletes were disqualified, and the race was scheduled to be re-run. In the second race, Carl was the clear winner with a new PR, after a great mental recovery.
The best part? I noticed Carl speaking, near the finish area, with the leader of the original race. When it was time for awards, Carl invited the other hurdler to join him on the top of the podium to be recognized for his efforts before he was DQ'ed. Many coaches commented on this act, and the phrase I heard repeatedly was - 'that was a class act'.
I ask for leaders, and have again found them.
Well done, Mr. Terns.