In 2004 and 2005, Limon boys' track was at the pinnacle of its power within the small school ranks. Although the school is better known for its sprints, hurdles, and field events than for distance, Israel Ortiz and Brent Bailey were part of a surprisingly solid distance group that made Limon all the more untouchable. Three years of sharing the black-and-white of Limon High School were not enough. For the last two years, Bailey and Ortiz have been back together, running at McPherson College in Kansas. Colorado Runners recently caught up with Ortiz and Bailey and asked them to share a little about their experiences together.
Colorado Runners: What set of circumstances led to each of you going to McPherson? How much of the decision to go to McPherson was based in running?
Israel: Running was a big part of the choice for me. Running for a college meant that I would get financial help. The first choice for me would have been McPherson, but money was involved, so I went to Pratt Community College for the first two years. It was one of the best experiences for me running-wise. It made me realize that I was a good runner and that I had to push myself. Also, it would help me show McPherson College what I was capable of. After two years, the grants and scholarships were better and helped me come to McPherson. It was a stepping stone and I am glad that I took it. Once here, I was glad to be back with Brent. He has been like a brother to me. He was a big part of me coming here.
Brent: Israel and I had visited McPherson a couple times and loved the campus and felt that Coach Dave Smith was a coach who really cared and seemed to have workout styles similar to what both of us liked. It finally came down to money, but even if it wouldn't have, McPherson has been a great fit for me. After being on the campus just a couple weeks and talking to Israel about it, he was ready to transfer from Pratt Junior College. Plus the idea of teaming up once again seemed like a lot of fun.
Colorado Runners: Do you have a particular highlight from your high school experience together--either from track or cross country?
Brent: Winning state with Israel as a junior in the 4x8 was a high that I didn't get over for weeks. Taking 5th as a senior in the 4x8 after graduating 3 seniors off the team also felt amazing because, unlike the year before, we barely even made it to state and no one thought we would place.
Colorado Runners: When you were in high school, you weren't even in the same graduating class. Did you have any clue back then you'd be going to the same college?
Israel: I think that inside I did know that Brent and I were going to be together in the end. The first two years of college for me were a great experience, but once I was back with Brent, I knew that it was the best thing for me. Brent and I encourage each other all the time and the experience could not be better.
Brent: As best friends from middle school we had always joked about it. We visited a lot of the same schools together and nothing could make me as happy as running with Israel in college and having Jordan King [another member of the Limon track team] as my college roommate as well. It just shows the camaraderie of Limon track. One of the best parts of teaming up again was that, going back all the way to my freshman year of high school, Israel and I had three secret handshakes we did before every race we ran. Not having that for two years was a downer, but the first time we teamed up in college and we brought them back there was an emotional high that may sound corny, but it was absolutely exciting to be on the starting line next to him again.
Colorado Runners: In what ways is McPherson College like and unlike Limon HS?
Israel: The love of the game from both coaches is the biggest thing that I see in both Limon and McPherson. Both coaches have a passion for it and want the best for their athletes. Limon was just starting the cross country program when I was there, so it was hard to get much recognition for it, but during track the attention was always there. Limon has a big tradition with track so people were always supportive of it. McPherson is supportive, too. People are always cheering and letting us know how much they enjoy watching.
Brent: McPherson college sure doesn't have the football tradition that Limon has. Growing up, it was always Limon football. Since it is the most successful football school in Colorado history, it was very hard to get any attention for cross country. However, in college our football team is far from fantastic and it is much easier to get attention for cross country. People care about running and support us. McPherson has had some good cross country teams but hasn't been able to put together the full track team like Limon has. The biggest thing that McPherson has in common with Limon is great coaches.
Colorado Runners: Limon HS is a school absolutely rich in athletic tradition. What did you gain from the experience of competing for Limon HS?
Brent: Limon gave me a competitive spirit that I have yet to see in another school. The tradition is taught at a young age, “I would rather be Limon JV than be on another team.” Growing up in Limon it is expected that you work your ___ off because you have the whole community supporting you. I believe it was Craig Mottram who was asked why he thinks he can run with the Kenyans, and he said, "Because no one told me I couldn't." That is similar to how we were raised in Limon--just show up, work hard, do your best, and never be scared because anything can happen. It has worked out great for making the jump into collegiate competition.
Israel: I gained that if you really want something, no matter what it is, you have to work for it. It is never given. Limon was in a really tough conference so everyone was always trying to outdo you. If I had to do it again, I would not change a thing because I have found that at college it’s all about the same thing. Everyone is always trying to better themselves. Limon made me a worker at anything that I wanted.
Colorado Runners: Do you see each other much at school?
Israel: Not really. We are in totally different courses. The only time that we see each other is at practice and at the meets. We keep in touch through phone and e-mail.
Colorado Runners: What advice would you offer to high school track and cross country athletes looking for a college program
Israel: Make sure you have first-hand experience with the college. Visit the college. Make sure that you know who you will be running for. Make sure that they know that school comes first. You are going to school to better yourself in life. Running will open only so many doors, and after that it is all about your school. Running is always there to help you concentrate and give you a little push. Make sure that, just because it is your senior year, you don’t slack. Competition at any level in college will be tough. Don’t look at how big the school is, but look at the tradition that it has. Ask yourself how willing you are to work hard to be better than the rest.
Brent: The best advice would be to get out your junior year and start visiting colleges. The senior year is already so full that trying to visit and pick a college on top of all that senior stuff is impossible. Go to several colleges--big, small, every type. As a junior I would have never guessed that a small private school would be the fit. Visit a college, watch practice, talk with athletes, sit through classes, meet professors and coaches. Do not wait for coaches to contact you. Go contact them. Make sure, if you like that college, that they know you exist. A college like McPherson would be a great fit for just about anyone due to the fact that it is a big family. The professors, coaches, administration and community care about you as a student and as an athlete and want you to enjoy your time there.