8 man mile relay?

[Texas]

Anyone ever seen one of those run? Yep 8 200m guys. UCLA could run a solid 8 man mile relay team with..

Mike Marsh
Greg Foster
Henry Thomas
Eric Brown
Danny Everett
Millard Hampton
Warren Edmonson
Ato Boldon

Who could beat them? USC?

Mel Patton
James Sanford
James Gilkes
Clancy Edwards
Willie Deckard
Lennox Miller
Erdesel Garrison
Don Quarrie

I don't think so.

What country could hang with those two?

[Double R Bar]

It was always one of my favorite races at the Los Angeles Coliseum Relays in the 1960's. The races I saw were high school eight man mile relays and I remember some fast teams from Manuel Arts, Jefferson, L.A., and Dorsey High Schools. I'd love to see that relay in the Olympics.

[mrbowie]

The best part was when a runner would cut and make a huge move to pass a few others. The whoops and hollars were amazing to listen to. They were very exciting.

[Texas]

It was always one of my favorite races at the Los Angeles Coliseum Relays in the 1960's. The races I saw were high school eight man mile relays and I remember some fast teams from Manuel Arts, Jefferson, L.A., and Dorsey High Schools. I'd love to see that relay in the Olympics.

I was checking out some old high school stars like James Bates and Mel Clipper when I came across that 8 man mile relay. Like you I have seen high schools run it but never a college team. It does appear to be a high school event. Now I'm thinking about what college really could have ran the best 8 man mile relay ...non fantasy.

[mrbowie]

I remember seeing James Bates. Looked 25 in high school. Ran 9.4 at Manual Arts. Mel Cliper of Muir was fast, too.

This event definitely was a crowd pleaser.

The best part came in the middle of a race, when a skinny little mid would streak and pass a bunch of runners. Made the crowd go wild.

We could use some excitement like this in college meets.

[Texas]

I remember seeing James Bates. Looked 25 in high school. Ran 9.4 at Manual Arts. Mel Cliper of Muir was fast, too.

This event definitely was a crowd pleaser.

The best part came in the middle of a race, when a skinny little mid would streak and pass a bunch of runners. Made the crowd go wild.

We could use some excitement like this in college meets.

What college did Bates end up at?

It's been years since I've seen a 8 man mile relay. I remember schools running sprinters, long jumpers, hurdlers and even some distance men. What school has 8 200m men?

When UCLA had Steve Lewis, Mike Marsh, Kevin Young, Henry Thomas and Danny Everett that might have ben the best collegiate team, I'm guessing they could find three others capable of running 200m.

[dj]

What college did Bates end up at?

Arizona.

[Texas]

What college did Bates end up at?

Arizona.

He must not have done much there. Injuries?

[dukehjsteve]

[quote="mrbowie"]I remember seeing James Bates. Looked 25 in high school. Ran 9.4 at Manual Arts.

Don't ask me which specific issue, but in an old Track & Field News, there is a picture of that Manual Arts 8-man relay team, with Bates being one of the 8.

[Texas]

I remember seeing James Bates. Looked 25 in high school. Ran 9.4 at Manual Arts.

Don't ask me which specific issue, but in an old Track & Field News, there is a picture of that Manual Arts 8-man relay team, with Bates being one of the 8.

What I wouldn't give to have all those pre 1970 issues of T&FN. From 70-2009 I'm set.

[dj]

What college did Bates end up at?

Arizona.

Forget Arizona. I'm getting too old or preoccupied to read clearly. I was responding to the imaginary question of where Michael Bates went to college!

[NCAA5000]

On a thread on the T&FN message boards about 4months ago I wrote the following:

"...During the 1960s, the LA area high schools would have several relay meets at which they would contest the 8-Man Mile Relay --- each relay member running 220 yards.

The old Coliseum Relays was the best place to watch from up high. It was literally a 'mad house' - - - four minutes of non-stop excitement.

Not sure when they discontinued it but that event was the most entertaining relay I have seen...."

The thread reference is: http://mb.trackandfieldnews.com/discuss ... highlight=

We enjoy track for many reasons ... one of which is fun & enjoyment. This 8-man mile relay was great fun!! .... we drove across the desert (students @ ASU) each year for the LA Coliseum Relays and to watch this relay. Who cared if Ron Clarke just set the World Record in the 5000!!! Ha.

[TrackCEO]

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Shorty Smith Relays in Santa Ana contested not only the 8x200 but also the 8x100! Talk about a demolition derby!

They also had a relay pole vault and high jump -- where the winning team was the sum of its four jumpers' best clearances.

What wacky fun we had.

Of course, we also ran a shuttle 4x120 lows with eight teams per heat -- meaning Runners No. 2 and 4 (like me at age 15 below, leading for Valencia HS) ran against the hurdles.

Those were the daze!



K E N

P.S. Anyone know who the El Modena, Santa Ana Valley or Whittier kids are in this shot?

[dukehjsteve]

Ken, you're lookin' like a WILD YOUNG STALLION there, boy ! And I sure hope you did not slam one of those backwards hurdles.

[Halfmiler2]

I recall Dennis Craddock having a 4x400 hurdle race in the late 1970's when he coached at Virginia. It was interesting.