This is probably a fantastic mark by Boling (6.68 for the 60m). I know some people probably would have wished for better, and after seeing that he got beat by another freshman might be a little concerned. I doubt there is need for concern. Remember he is a freshman and this was his first college meet ever. He has never run indoors and he still doesnt have a full year under his belt as a short sprinter. He also has an all new coaching staff from when he was in high school. I'm sure they are coveting him and going slow. Right now I'm sure they are figuring out what he responds well to and what he doesnt, and that includes psychologically and emotionally as well as physically. Remember he is only 19. If you're the coaching staff the last thing you would want is for him to go out in the first meet and run a 6.5 flat. The likelihood that he then would consider that his floor, and right at the time when the most intense part of the training year is beginning (speed endurance), could easily lead to him chasing times which could quickly turn to ruin with injuries and burnout.
I would imagine they didnt cut his training at all in the buildup for this meet. They would not have wanted him fresh. This meet was just another workout. Keep in mind that he successfully completed 6 long jumps just prior to his 60m runs. That certainly would have taken some pop out of his legs. Its early and I would imagine that 6.68 was a really good time in terms of what the coaching staff was hoping for. Its early but I'm gonna make a prediction now: Before the end of the indoor season, and if he stays healthy, Boling will break 6.5 this indoor season.
I'm not sure about Boling breaking into the 6.40's range yet if ever. He is a long strider and like many others may take longer to get up to speed. He will run 6.5* times all day in another year or two
but 6'40's is very rare for any sprinter. I would love to see it but that is more about explosive power our of the blocks. Think of a guy built like John Teeters. If he adds alot of muscle it's possible but
he won't have to run that fast of a 60 meters time to go sub 10. He just needs to get consistantly in the low to mid 6.5 range which is possible this year or next.
I'm very happy with his time due to the pressure and jumping 6 long jumps not long before his 60 meters race. It's actually a great time as his legs had to be hurting. I wish they would have had him
run the 60 and the 200 instead of the long jump. I think that even though he is one hell of a long jumper, that is not where the money or fame is? It's in the 100 & 200 meters. This is where they should
keep him at. I'm super pumped to see what kinds of times he can run both indoors and outdoors. Just give up the long jump as that can lead to injuries too easy. Stick with the sprints Matthew. His coach
should know better. He was born to run!
