Devin St. Clair's Doomed Decision

The Kent Reporter yesterday just released the sad news concerning the health of a Kentwood senior, Devin St. Clair, a top runner in the state of Washington. On May 2nd at the Shoreline Invitational, St. Clair posted the top times in the state of Washington in the premier races of the 100m and 200m dashes, at 10.73 and 21.40 respectively.

The next day St. Clair tore his ACL. Playing rugby. By peaking at the opprotune time in Track season, St. Clair had set himself up for winning the 4A championship in both events. Not only has he lost his shot at the 100m and 200m championships. He also has hurt Kentwood's 4x400 and 4x100 relay teams as well.

Kentwood had the top time in the 4x400 relay and had one of the top times in the 4x100 as well. Track coaches often preach the importance of resting during championship season. By resting, runners allow for their bodies and legs to be at top shape for crucial meets. Not only did St. Clair break this cardinal rule by not resting, he went to go play rugby.

It is one story if a guy goes to shoot some hoops, but it is another story for one to go play rugby the DAY after running the best times in the state of Washington. I was in disbelief. He admittely has regretted this decision. However, as much as I want to feel bad for him, my gut-feeling goes the other way. I don't feel bad for him. He had a shot at something that hundreds of other runners would kill for.

I can only wonder what his teammates at Kentwood felt when they heard the news of his injury. Let this just be another story of one of those horror stories of athletes completely blowing it at the end of a season.