Around this time last year, Brandt Delage was on the outside looking in.
The Crookston senior developed an aggravating blister the day of the Section 8A meet, which slowed him down and played a major role in preventing him from missing an event he was familiar with, the Minnesota state track and field meet.
“I had a nickel-sized blister on the bottom of my foot,” said Delage. “I wouldn’t blame that totally on why I didn’t make it to state, but it definitely cut some time off.”
A year later, that experience would be the catalyst for his motivation this season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Delage was a double-event winner Thursday at the Minnesota 8A subsection 31 meet at East Grand Forks Senior High.
Delage won the 200 in 23.57 seconds and the 400 in 53 seconds. He also ran a leg on Crookston’s second-place 800 relay team.
“Unfortunately, last year he had an injury and he missed out on state,” said Crookston boy’s track coach Wayne Folkers. “That’s been a huge motivator for him. He wants to go back. He knows what it’s like to be down at state individually so he knew coming into this year that he wanted that again.”
This motivation doesn’t stop with a return to state.
Delage, who has been running varsity since the eighth grade, has also recorded personal bests this season in the 200 (22.97), 400 (51.57), and pole vault (11-6) and wants to break Crookston’s school record in the 400.
“It definitely fueled a fire to get back out there and hopefully break the 400 record,” said Delage. “It’s at 50.58 right now, so I’ll have to cut off about a second.”
While the 400 has been his most successful event, Delage says the 200 is his favorite, though this is only his first year running it individually.
Folkers said he’s ran it in years pasts as part of a relay, but never on his own until this season.
ADVERTISEMENT
“His best event actually turned out to be the 200,” said Folkers. “If you would have asked me before the season started, I would have said the 400. He’s always ran the 200, but more within the relays.”
In previous years, Delage has been part of some strong relay teams and has had talented upperclassmen around him.
This year, as the team’s lone senior, it is Delage’s turn to step into that role.
Regardless of which event is his best or his favorite, Folkers believes that one of Delage’s greatest qualities is in fact, his leadership.
“He was in shape when he came into the season, he’s worked hard, he’s the team leader and the only senior on the team,” said Folkers. “He’s a great leader.”
Roseau won the subsection meet with 125.5 points, followed by Crookston with 108 and East Grand Forks Senior High with 99.5.
Roseau won the girls meet, as well. The Rams had 128 points, followed by West Marshall with 124.5 and Crookston with 122. East Grand Forks finished fourth with 114.5 points.
ADVERTISEMENT
