Maplewood's Pykare takes 1,600 crown
The Rockets senior won the state title in 4:21.14 to climax a comeback from an early-season injury.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
DAYTON -- There was a time when Dave Pykare thought his track season was ruined. He can't say that anymore.
In a satisfying end to a season that began with unknowns, the Maplewood High senior went out on top.
Running a near-perfect race, Pykare won the Division III state title in the 1,600-meter run Saturday at Welcome Stadium. When he crossed the finish line, Pykare thrust his arms into the air.
"This week has been a dream come true," said Pykare, who ran the mile in 4 minutes, 21.14 seconds. "Everything I've strived for in the past four years of high school is coming true."
At the beginning of the season, however, Pykare was sidelined for a month with a bone bruise in his left knee. He may have hurt it playing basketball; he wasn't quite sure.
Grateful
"It's been a miracle by the grace of God to come back," said Pykare, who finished third in the event last year and second two years prior.
That miracle may have been aided with the influence of people around him, Pykare said.
"I just want to thank all my family and coaches for supporting me all four years," he said. "I had that knee injury, and everyone was good about helping me out. I was down mentally, and they helped bring me back up."
It all culminated Saturday, when Pykare, running near the lead for three-quarters of the race, took over first place on the last lap.
"I wanted to be with the leaders with a quarter-mile to go," he said. "If I put myself in that position, I had the best odds for fulfilling my goal."
Worked in his favor
The odds worked in his favor.
"When I took the lead, it was an all-out drive to the finish line," he said.
In addition to his running ability, Pykare thrives on the positive attitude he keeps in every aspect of his life. He will take that with him to the University of Akron in the fall.
"I was raised in a positive way, and I've had the best coaches and best runners," he said. "I also try to set an example for other guys. The only way to be successful is to be positive."
The effort of Pykare and his teammates enabled Maplewood to tie for the runner-up position with Columbus Grove in the team race with 32 points. Marion Pleasant won with 49 points.
"You hope the individuals and relays do well, but you never know in track what's going to happen point-wise," Maplewood coach David Deeter said.
Topped that mark
The Rockets, who won the state title in 2000, went into the meet hoping to accumulate 30 points. They topped that mark.
"We wanted to get 30 because 30 normally gets you a trophy and very few teams score 30," Deeter said. "To be in that area is fantastic."
Also for Maplewood on Saturday, Paul Moser finished fifth in the 3200 (9:55.38), while Dan Palm was seventh in the 110 hurdles (15.92). The 4x400 relay of Pykare, Derek Armstrong, John Palmer and Justin Cibik was third (3:26.00).
richesson@vindy.com