Brandon Young

[Brooksy]

The people who saw the mens 3000 metres at cis in my opinion saw the best race of the championship. However after the race on friday and all of saturday I heard mumblings around the track that what Brandon did coming down the final straightaway was "cocky" or disrespectful. I have a real problem with this.
First those guys were running for a national championship. Both of them wanted the gold and Brandon in particular wanted to pick up as many points as he could form the mens overall standings. This is the same reason that is an excellent captain on his cross-country team because of his strong sense of team pride. Some people have a problem with the way he won the race and to them I say he was the only one that could hang on to gillis for 14 laps out of that entire pack. Secondly what he did going down the straightaway was directed to his mother in the stands. Knowing that he had the championship won his mother would no doubt be elated and I would definately do the same thing if it was my family on my home track. Brandon and all of the lancers I've met are all stand up guys who all have the utmost respect for gillis and all of their other competitors. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing more I want to do than beat a lancer on the track and I know they gunning for us gryphons too, but that's where the sense of competitveness stays, on the track. I just don't want to see a guy like Brandon being bad-mouthed because he most certainly does not deserve it.

[garton]

Brooksy is absolutely right. Brandon Young is a true class act and the respect he has for all his competitors is reflected in the way he is. Whoever made those comments obviously doesn't know Brandon to well. Congrats on an amazing race Brando- couldn't have wished for a better guy to strike gold.

[lacquement]

I'm one of those guys who didn't like what happened on the homestretch. I did however talk to Brandon and the after party and after hearing him explain it, I'm definitly convinced it had nothing to do with disrespecting gillis or any other guy in the race.

It is understandable though why I and others who don't know him thought what we did, which is why this thread was "needed" to explain things.

[Eldridge]

wut did he do??(if u feel its not proper to post this dont... but im just a little curious)

[Dietch]

Blew a kiss to his mom.
And it wasn't on the homestretch, it was as he crossed the line. No Big deal
Hell of a race B.

[camel]

Alright I heard some of the comments about Brandon at the party last night and I'd just like to say that bad mouthing a fellow athlete is far more disrespectful than celebrating a victory. Even if his mother was not in the stands brandon is a dedicated, hardworking runner and this is a National championship, isnt he allowed a few seconds celebration? It's not as though a kiss is a mocking statement, if anything a kiss is a way of thankng everyone whoes stuck by him. I guess what im trying to say is don't bad mouth someone until u take a few seconds to think about what it is your bad mouthin them for.

[Coatesy]

Being a teamate of Brandon's, I know that the last thing he would want is for people to think of him as cocky or disrespectful to other runners! Gillis ran a tough race, but not a smart race. Brandon ran smart and won because of this. What many people forget is that Gillis ran his best 3k of 8:11 in a race that featured a pack going at that pace and he just held on to finish that fast. I believe that if Brandon were in the right race he could go 8:11 or better as well. At ND he ran all alone to finish in 8:22 which was kinda disappointing I think. The problem I have with people bashing Brandon is that his success in track has been a long time coming, he deserves this and should have the right to celebrate a little afterwards.

[lacquement]

for the record, it was more than blowing a kiss at the crowd (directed to his mother). He also raised a finger (saying "i'm number one", ...which he was) after looking back and realising he had it won.

the kiss is cool for obvious reasons. The finger raising is usually seen as a cocky/boastful act however and I think that's why this started. If I remember correctly, he told me he was crazy excited and surprised. I think he said he didn't expect to beat gillis.

[coldneck]

Nothing wrong with a little celebrating, it makes track a little more exciting and we all know that we need to see the sport a lot more.
I wasn´t there but knowing Brandon I´m sure it wasn´t done to disrespect Gillis.

[BeachBoy]

That is so awesome to blow a kiss to his mom. What a moment for her too!!

As for doing the #1 sign with his finger, so many sports do that and it is not seen as a sign of disrespect but it is celebrating.

[Mullet B. Miler]

Ha I expected to see a thread about this. Kinda funny though that with the new "accountable" tnfnorth message board, no one is coming out and saying anything bad, mostly a whole bunch of posts defending what hasn't even been posted, and a few peeps treading very carefully. But it does sound like the thread is warranted, Brandon took some heat after CIS.

From what I heard, some people also found upsetting another gesture Brandon made during the race. Apparently right before he kicked down Gillis, he made some type of gesture that imitated someone dropping the gloves, a la hockey fight. I didn't see this myself, perhaps it was completely unintentional, or maybe he was limbering up for the move or something.

Regardless of intentions, even if he did do these things (on purpose) - so what. This type of behaviour from a sprinter would be tame. Being the underdog, he just won a national title! That's nothing to sneeze at, I would be excited and celebratory myself. Both Young and Gillis are excellent runners, and I don't think this needs to devolve into a grudge match, especially if Gillis isn't even part of the issue.

I don't mean to talk too much about someone I don't know well, but I can see why some people might interpret Brandon as being cocky. I think it is part of the Brandon Young mystique. He competes hard, always comes to the track with his game face on, keeps mostly to himself, and exudes confidence, which can all add up to portray perhaps a slight air of arrogance. But, when it comes down to it, arguments have been made to justify his actions, and you have to respect that he doesn't run his mouth, and he steps up huge when it counts at the big races.

[Dietch]

Speaking of disrespectful, listen to this....
How about people showing up at Brandon's house after the Championships and ARGUING WITH HIM IN HIS OWN HOUSE about how he should have acted and so on. Thats right MOULTON, I'm calling you out. I don't want to post it as saying "Guelph guys" because they don't all need to be painted with the same brush, and overall they are a GREAT bunch of guys. I think it takes a lot of balls to show up to a guy's house, after he just won the 3k and a team championship and lecture him on how he should have acted.....real classy. It was an invitation to celebrate with us, not tell my teammates how to act.
And another thing. If your going to introduce yourself at a party, you shouldn't be so hesitant to use your last name. What are you hidding from?
Neil Dietrich

[RMac]

you know what, i am going to put an end to this right now. whatever was said and done is over now, it cant be changed. you people look into and interpret too many things that dont have any meaning. i cant remember what i did in the last laps of any of my races this weekend of even why if i could. all i know is that brandon won a race, and a natinoal championship at that. so instead of putting him down for things that you dont know about, why dont you just say good job and drop it because there was no taunting, no dropping of the gloves or any of that shit. i was there. i know what happened. we could all learn something from this guy.
but, since it is a free forum, you have the right to reply. so, here is an option. instead of cutting this guy down, just use me as a target. im done now, i dont care anymore.
i look forward to hearing from you.

R Mac

[Brandon]

I wasnt going to come on here and say anything, but i think this is getting out of control. Me winning the 3km was an upset. I am the first to admit it. I personally didnt think i could beat Gillis. And when i realized that i had beat him i was extremely excited, which i'm sure anyone would be! Basically what happened was, i raised a finger at 50m to go when i realized i had it won, then i blew a kiss to my family in the crowd. Had nothing to do with gillis or anyone else in that race.
I have the utmost respect for Eric Gillis as a runner and as a person, and i didnt mean any disrespect by my actions.
I am not won to trash talk or do anything of the sort. I let my runnnig do the talking, i always have and i always will. END OF STORY!!
Anyone has something they'd like to say to me, say it to my face. Dont make up stupid stories on tnfnorth just to get some gossip going. Grow up!
And to those who know me and stook up for me i appreciate it very much.
I look forward to seeing everyone this summer. Congrats on a great weekend.

[Catts]

Dietch said:

And another thing. If your going to introduce yourself at a party, you shouldn't be so hesitant to use your last name. What are you hidding from?
Neil Dietrich

are you seriously getting pissed off about someone introducing themselves by their first name?
wow.

[Chris Moulton]

Sorry Deitch, I didn't realize I was not allow to refer to myself by the name my parents gave me here is a little information about the name Christopher. It is of greek origin, it means Bearing Christ. The patron saint of travellers. I guess I don't travel well. Brandon and I have been friends from high school and things are cool between us

I really feel bad about having to do this to you, I was really just looking to provide you with some knowledge but here is the history of your name, The name "Neil" was originally spelled "Kneel", meaning, "To go on one's knees."

In closing, remember this remark from Mark Twain,

"It is better to keep one's mouth closed and let people assume they are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."


#nosmileys

[AO]

Wow I really can't believe what i read on this board sometimes. I don't understand why when world class runners stick up their hands or fingers in celebration when they've won major races that people don't object to their actions and when a guy like Brandon wins a CIS race for the first time ever and does the same thing, athletes start ranting and raving. Personally, I think Brandon showed great patience and ran the most exciting race i saw at CI's. The guy at least should be able to celebrate a little bit, GOD FORBID IF HE IMITATED EL GHEROUJ COMING DOWN THE HOMESTRETCH.
Everyone shouldn't get their panties in twists over stupid shit like this. Honestly just relax.
Andrew O'Riordan

[garton]

What happens when a team wins the final four, vanier cup, or CIS basketball championships? Jumping up and down, screaming and yelling, pile ons, hugging, a.k.a. "Celebration".

Runners are entitled to show emotion. Not everyone is a stone-faced robot that can bottle in built up emotion.

For example:
Adam Hortian, WHILE winning the Junior Boys Cross Country OFSAA 2000: old.specimage.com/events/001104OFSAAXC/001104JuniorBoysWG/pages/DSC_4416%20copy.htm

As you can see, this was a break out race for Adam. He ran well and won. Showing emotion is normal. Another example... This is Donovan Bailey after winning an Olympic Gold Medal:
www.sporting-pictures.com/athletics/athletics2.jpg

My last example: Kenya's Joseph Chebet wins the NYC marathon:
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/athletics/1999/nyc_marathon/news/1999/11/07/nyc_men/t1_chebet_ap_01.jpg

3 different races, all athletes celebrating their own performance, not degrading their competitors'. Brandon not only PB'd by 5 seconds, but he won a hard fought race.

If anyone knows Brandon's racing career, they will recognize that he has alyways been that little extra push away from winning. Don't take away from his most memorable finish by plaguing it with a contraversy that it clearly does not deserve. Please don't hate on a guy for running the race of his life and getting a well deserved gold medal. I'm all out of talking, I truly hope everyone else is too.

Rich Garton

[myers]

On the topic of Windsor area guys celebrating, here's a pretty good photo of Brannen at NC's this past weekend. No complaints about this yet.

www.mensracing.com/photos/2004/ncaaindoor04/ncinhighsat13.jpg

[Brooksy]

rich, the real question here is where the hell did you dig up that picture of adam? He doesn't even have his chinstrap yet in that one.

[Dietch]

Chris said:

Brandon and I have been friends from high school and things are cool between us
here is the history of your name, The name "Neil" was originally spelled "Kneel", meaning, "To go on one's knees."

First off, you'd better check with Young about you being "cool".
Secondly, in you haste to insult, you decided to go the simplistic route of merely using phonetics not historical meaning in the analysis of my name.
Had you done your homework, You'd know that the meaning of my Celtic name (and this is not a word of a lie) is "Champion".
Being a Lancer, I lived up to my true name this weekend.
Remind me again Moults, what did u run this weekend? thats what I figured...

I suggest YOU take twain's advice.

[RMac]

Hey, why dont you both follow Twain's advice. As I will too.

end of story

[Desy]

Funny that you ask what Moulton race this past weekend....but what did he run any weekend of the indoor season? I counted one meet in Toronto this season. Moulton was unlucky with his health this indoor season so THAT kept him out of the races at CIS.

[Brooksy]

cocky: adj. cock·i·er, cock·i·est
Overly self-assertive or self-confident.

"the meaning of my Celtic name (and this is not a word of a lie) is "Champion". Being a Lancer, I lived up to my true name this weekend. Remind me again Moults, what did u run this weekend? thats what I figured..."

I have no problem with you being proud of your accomplishments because it is something to celebrate. You can ask your teammates I even helped celebrate and congratulated them. I do however have a problem with you shoving your gold medal in my teammates face.

[Catts]

I also enjoy how Deitch threw his CIS apperance in an injured Moults face after admitting he only ran because RMAC decided to sit out the 4x400.
You gonna throw it in my face because I didn't run this weekend?

[Steller]

Wow, and this message board ‘has reached a new low’. This is officially one of the most ridiculous threads I’ve ever read.

I would as a coach like to extend my congrats to the entire Windsor team. I hope these petty posts can be put to rest, as it’s such a shame to tarnish the wonderful race that I, and many, were able to witness between Young and Gillis. Nice job to both gentlemen.

I would STRONGLY suggest that the Guelph folk make no more replies to this thread and give Brandon Young, Eric Gillis and Windsor, as well as yourselves, the dignity and respect they and you deserve by not demeaning the issue any further, regardless of what you think. I would urge the Windsor folk to do the same.

Trent Stellingwerff

University of Guelph Assistant Distance Coach (Level II NCCP)
PhD Candidate, Univ. of Guelph
Dept. of Human Biology & Nutritional Sciences
Hon BSc- Nutrition and Exercise Science,
Cornell University 2000

Office: 519-824-4120 ext. 53907
Home: 519-821-8873
email: [e-mail]

[walt]

Coatesy said:

Gillis ran a tough race, but not a smart race. Brandon ran smart and won because of this. What many people forget is that Gillis ran his best 3k of 8:11 in a race that featured a pack going at that pace and he just held on to finish that fast.

Just to clarify, Gillis made that race in Boston (where he ran 8:11) what it was. He lead from wire to wire, and had a very nice looking kick. I can tell you first hand that he didn't - just hold on to finish that fast - he ran a ballsy race, doing all the pace work in a great field. So I hope that people don't *remember* that Gillis just got towed to a PB, because that wouldn't be true.

[goodale]

While the smack talk on here is pretty stupid, I really did like where this topic was going at the beginning. Where does celebrating cross the line into unsportsmanlike conduct? From the reace reports I heard from a buddy who went to NC's last week, he was amazed at how there was a balance between respect and their celebration. In the final lap of the DMR, Willis ran by the Michigan fans pumping his fist and while passing the Arkansas crowd pointed out a finger. But on the other side of ths spectrum, after winning the 3k Alistar Craig ran by the Michigan fans waving the Arkansas flag at them. There was an obvious sence of pride and celebration but they still respect each other as competitors.

I think that we are used to having trash talk in alot more of the sprinting events (not to accuse them of being unportsmanlike), but it seems a bit more acceptable given the nature of their events. It just doest seem right to talk trash in distance running, "My cadence was far superior to yours", while in sprinting being more explosive and powering your opponent behind you can get you really wound up. Any thoughts on that?

Matt

[Bomba]

....I accidently came upon this thread as it semed to take on a life of its own...

Leave Young alone....he's a good kid...(yeah i'm old enough to call him a kid)....his only drawback is that he knows Hahn and Mackenzie

He has himself a great race, he gets excited. If you haven't been there before...don't be jealous of him. I haven't followed his career too closely over the last 2 yrs, but I would assume he hasn't met some of the expectations he felt after making Wld XC. Any time someone does something, which not only surprises others, but more importantly suprises oneself, it is a moment that should be (^%$%$ I don't believe I am going to use this word) cherished.

To this I say congratulations to Brandon...walk with you head high..you deserve it....

[STIkS]

Just question about the photo of Adam Hortian. What was his margin of victory in that race? I've ran Heart Lake Convservation Area numerous times (where the race was held), and the picture of him celebrating was taken more than 600m from the finish. He must have been really sure that he had put in a large gap on his opponents.

STIkS