The Thomas Edison Eagle boys brought their own dose of double trouble to the 5A boys' state championships last weekend at Todd Stadium.
Carrying the load for Coach Ivan Chirinos' boys' squad from South Alexandria were long and triple jumper Gregory Lucas-Roscoe and 400-meter standout Moses Kamara.
Lucas-Roscoe, the 5A North champion in both jumps, opened his weekend by capturing the triple jump on Friday with a 46-6.5. He found Saturday to be more difficult, as he leaped 23-1, five inches off his best of 23-6, but finished third in the long jump, behind Nyrel Goodson (23-4.5) of Princess Anne, and winner Stephen Anderson (23-8.5) of Hickory.
It could have been something about the weather that hindered Lucas-Roscoe on Saturday.
"I wasn't feeling good at all," said the junior. "It was cloudy out, and I just didn't have it."
Asked if there was an underlying aspect behind the feelings of maudlin, he admitted, "I do feel better when there are clear skies; it might be a mental thing."
Regardless of the weather forecast for New Balance Nationals in mid-June, Lucas-Roscoe has his goals for the NBN meet set - 24 feet in the long jump and "47...48" in the triple.
Kamara also had a rough Saturday, placing 15th in the 400 (50.09), which was won by Bethel's star freshman Edward Richardson III in 48.69. Bethel won the 5A boys title with 65 points, while Edison finished eighth with 25.
Still, Kamara has a lot of athletics left in his future. The Eagle senior was the workhorse of the football team, gaining 973 yards and 11 touchdowns as the featured running back. His second place finish in the 400 (48.84) at the 5A North regional meet helped Edison to a fourth place finish with 55 points, just eight behind team champion Tuscarora. Both sports could be collegiate options. It just depends on where Kamara chooses to attend.
"I might be going to Norfolk State for track," said Kamara. "Or Saint Francis (PA). Their football coach came to visit me at Edison." At this stage, it is not known whether he will attempt to compete in two sports.
Part of Kamara's success in two sports comes from his stocky build. He was listed as 5'10" and 183 pounds last fall, which gives him a stocky presence, one that is good for football, but possibly a bit heavy for the 400.
"It's a good and bad thing," he admits. "I have muscles, but I get fatigued easier because of the weight."
Lucas-Roscoe also played football last fall, mainly as Kamara's relief at running back, and Coach Chirinos is happy to have both on his team.
"If you are an athlete, you should not limit yourself to just one sport, especially when you are young. Lifting to get strong for football is one of the main reasons (why) I don't get a lot of football players to come out for the track team," said the longtime Edison coach.
Chirinos is quick to point out one main difference between the two sports.
"In football and other team sports, I have seen the blame game after a poor showing - you did not cover me, or you did not pass me the ball. In track, it's you, the track, and the watch. Any mistakes you make are yours to recover from."