This week our Top 10 list looks at some of MoMileSplit's favorite photos over the past few seasons. Photos are a big deal to us at. We believe that a pictures help tell the story of the high school track and field athletes that we cover. The 2013 season will be my 4th year as Webmaster of MoMileSplit. The previous websmaster was an outstanding photographer so I felt more than a little intimidated when I starting posting pictures. The pictures I've selected for this Top 10 list were chosen from literally thousands and thousands of photos shot. So while the person behind the lens may be an amateur at this, it's the intensity, emotion and stories of the subject that make the photo.
#1 I Believe I Can Fly
One of the most viewed/reposted photographs in our websites history. The finish of the Class 4 Boys 1600 Meter race won by Kenny Cushing by 1/100th of a second over Daniel Mazar (4:12.50 to 4:12.51)
#2 Dapo and Zeke
These two guys went head to head often trading victories. Despite an intense rivalry Dapo Akinmoladum and Ezekiel Elliott were always very gracious in victory or defeat.
#3 Dan What a Finish
Daniel Everett and Daniel Mazar battle to an intense finish in the 1600 at the Cory Seibert Invitational in 2011 separated by just 5/100 of a second.
#4 Rivals, Then Friends
In a dramatic finish at the 2010 KU Relays, Chelsea Phoebus edged Courtney Wood to give Lee's Summit West the victory in the Distance Medley Relay. After the race Phoebus shared we wanted to thank Wood for being such a great competitor and for pushing both of them to a great time. The next day the two went at it again in the 4x880 yards this time with Wood and Neosho coming out on top.
#5 Redemption
After an incredible start to her high school career, Diane Robison battled injuries. This photo captures a glimpse of her fighting spirit as she closed her high school career as the 3200 meter state champion.
#6 Mission Accomplished
Blake Goodin's joy after winning his 11th Gold Medal at the State Championship
#7 Multi-Talented
We all knew she could jump and run by Lindsay Vollmer can also throw.
#8 A Different Perspective
OK I admit it, we haven't taken enough pictures of field events. While walking along the track at the state meet I was able to capture this unique photo.
#9 Through The Rain
Hannah Long didn't let a little rain slow her down and this made for a really fun picture.
#10 A Dream Realized
Editors note: Before I was webmaster I was just a dad who liked to take pictures. So while I have tried to be as objective as possible when the boys were running in high school I sometimes reverted back to being that father taking pictures. When Daniel and David started running in high school they dreamed of going 1-2 at the state meet. In the fall of their senior year they came close finishing 1-3 in XC with future multiple state champion Drew White coming in 2nd. But on this day, after the Class 1600 Meter race when Daniel turned around he saw his brother and the realization of a dream they worked 4 years to realize come true.
Anyone can post photos to the site, yes especially fellow parents! Your work become part of the history of the meet and helps tells the story of these athletes. Just go to the meet page (example https://mo.milesplit.com/meets/110134-mshsaa-class-3-4-state-track-championships ) and click on add your photos below the photos section. The best advice I can give on uploading photos is to shrink the file size before you attempt to upload a photo. Many cameras produce large files size that you can use to print a poster but the images needed for a webiste display are much smaller. I usually ensure a photo file is no larger than 1mb before I upload it. If you have any additional questions please let me know.