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Photo by John Herzog
As the Virginia track teams head into championship season, it is worth noting that one of the most successful stories from our state so far has been the remarkable showings from the Bethel boys 4x400 relay, most notably, their 3:14.71 clocking at the Penn Relays. The time, which was actually run in the preliminaries, launched the Bruins foursome of Austin Cuffee, Earl House, Sherrard Marrow, and indoor 400 national champion Ja-Vell Bullard into the finals where they placed second overall, but first among American teams. The sign in front of the school on Big Bethel Road states it all – Congratulations Cuffee, House, Marrow, Bullard - #2 in World.
The Bruins and Lady Bruins are favorites to claim titles at the Peninsula District meet, which begins tomorrow at Todd Stadium in Newport News. The latest Milestat.com informal point tally also shows the boys team ranked first among the state teams. Perhaps the most interesting scenario of the outdoor post-season becomes obvious after looking at the top state all-time performances. While Bethel’s 3:14 is a top notch time, the best Virginia performance ever came from the quartet of Curtis Ponton, Demont Vann, Rodney Revels and Michael Wooden, who ran a 3:11.76 in 1985 for --- Bethel!
Can the Bruins win the state title? Is the 1985 record in jeopardy? Are the key athletes even aware of their potential place in history? Several key members of the Bethel squad addressed these questions recently during a practice at the high school.
Bullard pictured left by Don Rich
As it turned out, House wasn’t available to meet that day, but short sprint specialist, senior Eric Williams (headed for the University of Mississippi) was, along with the other three 4x400 relay members. While Bullard is the national champion and most decorated of the group, the closeness among the four athletes provided a keen insight to the togetherness of the Bethel squad. Long days and out of town weekend meets have tightened this group. While remaining focused and serious, the question of any member being a “joker” brings laughter from all four. Somebody has “gotten” it! The young men speak of their team as a family, and note that part of their success comes from their bond on and off the track. Says Williams, “When you’re having fun, times drop.” There does not appear to be a “star” system in place on this team, probably because of the Bruins’ long tradition of success, noted by Coach Eddie Williams’ 12 AAA state title wins between the boys and girls teams. Each team member is friendly, accessible, surprisingly low-key, and one might say – a bit shy.
Norfolk State-bound Marrow made it clear that they are well aware of the 1985 team. “We are reminded every time we step on the track.” When asked if any alumni show up to practice at Bethel or Darling Stadium to critique this year’s team, Bullard, who will be continuing his track career at George Mason, added an interesting note. “Nobody has come to practice,” says Bullard, “but there were some alumni who stopped by at Penn to talk to us.”
The relay members remain confident in their ability to break the state record, but they may have to wait until after the state meet for a true run for the record because of Bethel’s state title goal. In order to break the record, junior Cuffee notes that everybody will have to do their part, and run personal bests.
When the question turns to another state champion trophy in the case, the members seem to understand what it will take to overtake the challenges of schools such as indoor champion Western Branch. A look at the district performance list notes that the team has developed several field athletes who could score at the region, and possibly state level. This will help. However, Bullard’s last words put everything in perspective. “We realize that God is our biggest foundation, and because of that, we believe that we can win this.”