Local boy to run in three track events
By: Ian Theodridis
Of the thousands of students trained by Lawrenceville School speed and conditioning coach Duane Carlisle, perhaps the most notable has not even started middle school yet.
That student is his son, Amir Carlisle, who this fall will enter 5th grade at the Waldorf School in Princeton. Amir Carlisle recently qualified for the National AAU Junior Olympic Championships being held in Detroit, Mich. through Monday.
Amir Carlisle will compete in three events, the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash, and the long jump. He finished second in the 100, and first in the 200 and the long jump during the Northeastern Regional qualifying competition at New Brunswick High School. He ran the 100 in 13.32 seconds, and he ran the 200 in 26.77 seconds.
Although both Carlisles have lofty goals for the competition in Detroit, they both maintain that the crucial thing for Amir Carlisle is to have a good time and appreciate being there.
"What many people don’t realize is the level of competition that youth track is saturated with," Duane Carlisle said. "This is a learning experience, and I just want Amir to go there and enjoy himself."
Amir Carlisle was not even planning to compete in the long jump event, but during the qualifying competition, his father casually asked him if he wanted to try it despite not having practiced the event recently. Amir Carlisle responded that he would, and he then proceeded to jump 15-feet, 8-inches, a distance that not only placed him first but also beat the longest distance recorded at last year’s championships.
This feat is a testament to the natural athleticism that Amir Carlisle possesses an athleticism that enables him to excel also in basketball, football and lacrosse.
Amir Carlisle says the reason he became interested in track is because his father simply asked him one day if he wanted to try it out. Duane Carlisle claims his son has been able stay fit and athletic because he is involved in so many sports.
Amir Carlisle practices his events only two days each week. His training consists of short sprints that never exceed more than 500 meters during the total workout. Duane Carlisle stresses the importance of not overdoing rigorous training.
"When you’re coaching youths, you must be careful not to overwork them, because they are more susceptible to injury," he said.
When asked if he plans to modify or add to his son’s training regimen in preparation for the Junior Olympic Championships, Duane Carlisle said, "I am just going to emphasize what he has been doing and keep up the same routine."
Amir Carlisle certainly has the bloodlines of a star. With father in tow, he hopes to begin creating his own legacy in Detroit.