Sill becoming a consistent point scorer for Tiger boys track
PUBLISHED: 4/12/2003
(Reprinted with permission)
Independent Sports Article
MARSHALL — Marshall track/field coach Mike Jacobs is constantly telling his athletes to check out the weight room during the off-season. Especially if they aren’t involved in other sports.
Kai Sill checked it out. He went along with a friend, Adam Gifford.
“I tell them to go to the weight room if they aren’t in other sports,” Jacobs said. “It’s open in the mornings and after school.” Now, two years later, the results of that weight training are obvious.
The two juniors are among the leaders of a youthful, improving Marshall Tiger boys track team.
The added strength has translated into added inches in the high jump and more speed in the 200-meter dash for Sill.
)
The two athletes have been involved in the track program since they were freshmen.
The more they lifted, the more they were motivated. Jacobs said they spent incredible hours in the weight room.
“A lot of kids have dreams,” Jacobs said. “But they never materialize. They are simply dreams. They don’t come up with action plans.
“Kai has helped himself tremendously with a lot of weight work. All winter . . . especially two years ago . . . he and Adam were always in the weight room.” Sill said, “We got in there quite often. We wanted to improve. I went in there a few times and liked it. It was a hobby. I enjoy it ... it’s something to do.”
Recently, the Tigers have benefitted from the weight room.
“Ten years ago, we had nothing, and it was always locked,” Jacobs said. “Guys from the other teams were stronger and we were like beanpoles. We’ve come a long way.”
With the new block schedule, where a strength and conditioning class is offered, it’s given more athletes an opportunity to lift. Thanks to those self-motivated workouts, Sill has added eight inches in the high jump — he’s at 5-foot-8.
“He’s added strength,” Jacobs said. “In addition to growing taller and adding inches, he has strength to go with it.”
The 5-8 height is hopefully a beginning for better things. To advance late in the season, jumpers have to be able to negotiate the bar at 6-feet.
“It’s a strong starting point,” Jacobs said. “It will get you points all season, but it won’t advance you. He’ll have to improve if he’s thinking about advancement.”
Actually, Sill is thinking about the school record: 6-feet-4.
“It’s nice to break the record, but it is a long way off,” he said. “I still have a year (of eligibility) left.” He praised a new coach, Ryan Luft, for putting in new drills.
“Once I get the new techniques down, I’ll get better,” Sill said. Sill, whose best time in the 200 is 23.3, is also a member of the 800- and sprint medley relay teams.
“He’s our fastest 200 runner,” Jacobs said. “I really didn’t see that coming. He’s developed into a good sprinter. His value could be contributing to the relays.” Sill, who is 6-foot-2 and has long strides, is a key component of the 4x200 relay, which will be strengthened when Dallas Bahn returns.
“That should perk that up. I’m optimistic with that group,” Jacobs said. The veteran coach saw potential in Sill as a freshman.
“Early on, he didn’t seem like a blue-chipper,” Jacobs said.
“He was in the 200. It was hard to talk him into the 400. We joked about it (Friday), but he didn’t say no. I certainly think he could stretch into a 400 guy. I think he could contribute to that.
“He has the long strides and the speed to pop in there. If he continues to work, I knew he could help us in the high jump. The bonus is that he’s come on as a sprinter.” Sill has surprised himself in the 200.
“I didn’t run it much until they decided to put me in it,” he said. “I never did exceptionally well. I have more power (this year). I’d like to get 23s and 22s. That would be nice.” Sill has an easy-going disposition, plus the good work ethic.
“He’s the nicest guy,” Jacobs said. “As a coach, I like to be surrounded by nice kids.
“It’s hard to get mad at him because he’s one big smile. It’s fun when you see somebody like that have success.” Sill describes himself as a carefree person.
“I don’t get down on myself,” he said. “I’m happy and have fun. I don’t get down if I do bad or don’t meet up to my expectations.” The way he’s performing, he may have to re-evaluate those expectations, which include a school record or a trip to state.
“To go to state in any event would be nice. Whatever it takes, that’s my goal ultimately,” Sill said.
Although he’s only competing in one sport, Kai Sill is kept busy. He’s active on the Marshall speech team, plays alto and tenor saxophone, sings in the choir and with the Roaring 20’s.