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On Saturday Night Chico State's own Scott Bauhs became only the 308th American to break the magical 4 minute mile barrier. Running in front of an amazing crowd that was estimated to be around 2500 strong, Bauhs didn't disappoint, and left all of the fans abuzz as they exited the stadium that night. I'll do my best to recap the event.
Although the field was relatively small there were some talented runners joining Scotty in mile event. Headlining this list was Montana State Alum and DI All American Lyle Weese who's credentials include a 3:42.2 1500m PR (equivalent to a 4:00 mile roughly) and an 8:33 Steeple PR. Also in the field were Nate Peck (Grand Valley State's many time All American) who was fresh off a 14:00 5k run the weekend before at the Stanford Invitational, and Chico Junior Angel Marquez (3:52-1500m PR).
Rabbits for Bauhs attempt were Chico red shirts Clinton Hayes who had just PR'd in the 1500m minutes before (3:57) and Michael Wickman ('07 track All American). Hayes was to take Wickman and Bauhs through 440yds in 59, then Wickman would hopefully keep the pace even and honest for 2 more laps before peeling off to let Bauhs chase the mark.
The toughest part of pacing an event is that it's impossible to replicate the effect that the crowd has on your ability to lock in on the desired pace. Adrenaline caused by 2500 screaming fans brought Clinton through 100m in 13 seconds with Wickman and Bauhs hot on his heels. 220 yards was reached in a quick 28 seconds and hearing the pace Hayes tried to ease the pace slightly. As the trio passed in front of the cheering homestretch crowd it had to have been difficult for the three to keep their calm.
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The 440 yd split was 58.30, which to be honest scared me, because it was definitely faster than we'd hoped and a bit closer to 800m pace than we'd wanted. Clinton split off the track, with his work done and Wickman took the fore with Bauhs spending the next 440 appearing to struggle slightly with the cadence that Wickman was providing. From my vantage in the infield Bauhs seemed to fall off Wickman's heels ever so slightly at times, but then would be right back on them a few strides later. Despite the slight yo-yo-ing that seemed to be happening Bauhs found himself right at target pace through each 220 yard checkpoint, giving yours truly and the anxious crowd, more reason to grow hopeful that perhaps he would break the mark.
Fellow teammate and former roommate Thomas Whitcomb did an outstanding job of announcing during the event and kept everyone in the crowd well informed as to splits and progress to each checkpoint.
The race behind Wickman and Bauhs was shaping up as a three man battle for second place through 880 yards. Chico's Angel Marquez, not shy on racing savy and heart, rolled past Peck and Weese as the three headed out for lap 3 with all three passing half way just under 4:00 pace themselves! After the kilometer mark, Peck and Weese moved past the now tiring Marquez who fought to hold onto what could be a solid mark himself.
Just as Weese and Peck made their way past Marquez, Bauhs moved onto the shoulder of Wickman, who sensed that he needed to let Scott take the rest of the race on his own.
As Wickman stepped off the track Bauhs pressed down the homestretch for the penultimate time with everyone in the stands on their feet clapping rhythmically. The 1320yard split was 2:59.82 according to my stopwatch and the third lap had slowed to 61.27. To complete the challenge Bauhs would need to run at least a 59.8 for the final 440 yards. Not known for his outright sprint speed in the mid distances and having just run a 61 lap, my emotions were of both excitement and fear. Would the 2500 fans leave the stadium having seen a 4:00 mile, or would they witness the only Sub 4 mile between Sacramento, CA and the Oregon border? Ironically it was probably the same crowd that came to witness such an event, that sealed the final result. As Scotty rounded the final turn the noise of the crowd was deafening. As I watched his progress down the initial 30 meters of the final straightaway and at the same time glancing at the stopwatch in my nervous hands, I didn't think he could reach the line soon enough.
Somewhere in the final stretch, with the noise level increasing and the announcers voice counting down the final seconds Bauhs found a final gear that seemed to slow time, and propel his body at the same time. As his torso crossed the line, my index finger did what it has so many times before capturing a final time of a competing athlete. Glancing at my watch I saw 3:59.46 (hand timed of course) which was close enough to give me the confidence that even after the Fully Auto Timing offset .24 seconds, was added in, that he'd still be safely under the mark. While his coach jumped up and down like a small child who'd kicked his first goal in a soccer game, the crowd roared their approval of a great run. Despite not knowing for sure what the final time was they knew they had witnessed a gutsy effort that was definitely VERY close to 4:00.
It took only a few seconds for Sports Info Director Teresa Clements to relay the official time to Thomas Whitcomb (the announcer) who gave the the waiting crowd just what they had hoped to hear. The announcement came.... "The official winning time in tonights mile, Three Minutes, Fifty Nine Point Eight-One Seconds!!! " As the crowd cheered even louder Bauhs ran along the front rail of the homestretch (the same homestretch where we do our lonely intervals each week) giving high-fives to children, community members, professors, coaches, athletes, everyone who'd surrounded the track to support the event. It was a scene that I've only witnessed at the highest levels of track and field (Olympics, Olympic Trials etc..)
Mens Invitational 1 Mile Run
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Name Year School Finals
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1 Scott Bauhs JR Chico State 3:59.81
2 Lyle Weese Unattached 4:02.16
3 Nate Peck Grand Valley 4:05.14
4 Angel Marquez JR Chico State 4:10.48
5 Trevor Palmer Rockstar Run 4:16.21
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Not to be lost in post race celebration were the outstanding performances of Weese, Peck and Marquez who each ran Pr's as well. Closing the final lap with a similar split as Scotty was Lyle Weese who stopped the clock at 4:02. Peck hit the tape at 4:05 and Marquez 4:10. Not a bad evening of racing!
It seemed to take 20+ minutes for the stadium to return to normal. As folks exited the stadium I was able to see at least a portion of who had made the trek to the track that night. Families, Chico track/XC alum from 70's, 80's, 90's, professors from campus, All kinds of people, and all had smiles on their faces, having helped and witnessed a great moment in Chico State history.
To those of you who are receiving this note and were there that night. Thanks SO much for your support! While I'm thanking folks, I'd like to thank the local media, Channel 24, The Enterprise Record, The Orion and others who helped promote the event. Jeff Kragel for dedicating add space in the ER to the attempt, and Luke and Teresa in our Sports Info dept. Walt Schafer, retired CSUC professor and former collegiate miler, who was the vision behind the event. This summer while Scotty did work for Walt on his yard, the idea of trying a Sub 4 on the Chico State campus was hatched. Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word as I know much of the crowd on Saturday was the promotion done by many of you. Thank you all!!!
Coach Gary Towne
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