What an atmosphere at Williams Stadium in Garland. The excitement started to build early in the prelims. It started with the 100 meters as both Edorian McCullough and DaBryan Blanton had good races, and both were looking very impressive. During the 200, you could sense something special. First, Edorian raced to an easy victory, then Blanton looked equally impressive. The stage was set for an outstanding race. The 100m started around 8:00pm. The weather was cool and a bit windy.
You could feel the excitement in the air as they announced the roster for the finals, with Edorian in lane 3 and Blanton next door in lane 4. The area around the finish line was packed with athletes. Various television cameras sat at the finish line waiting to interview the winner. People in the stands were all standing in anticipation with fingers on their stopwatch. Bang! The gun sounds. Beep. Beep. That is what you hear from stopwatches. Then a \"whoa\" roared from the crowd as Edorian has a tremendous drive phase that gives him a meter lead at the 10 meter mark. I was thinking that there is no way Edorian can keep this lead on Blanton as I watched in amazement anticipating the acceleration Blanton required to catch Edorian. It never came. Edorian drives through the finish line with Blanton about 3 meters behind. Instantly, around 30 of his North Garland Teammates, along with television cameras, mob him. I look down at my watch and see 9.74. I think to myself – \"dang, I messed up and stopped the clock too soon.\" Moments later I hear the unofficial hand time was 9.74. WOW! Later it is announced 10.02 FAT. WOW!
The atmosphere of the stadium was fabulous. North Garland Pride was everywhere. Edorian on his home turf is unbeatable tonight The 200 started with Blanton in the inside lane. When the gun went off, McCullough took off like a bolt of lightening. Once again, McCullough defended his home turf with another stellar victory. Thank you Blanton and McCullough for racing each other. I love to see the best go against the best. . Tonight was definitely Edorian's night, and no one can take this away from him. Tonight he faced arguably the best sprinter in the US and won on his home field.