The Buffalo Chips Youth Running and Racing Team awarded James the prestigious “Runner of the Year” award for 2004 at the Youth Chips awards ceremony on January 8th.





James receives his award from Coach George Paddeck

Here is what the coaches had to say about James:

James came to the team a little over two years ago during cross country season. Nine year old James came into an experienced program, with tried and tested runners, and plowed to the top of the crowd very quickly. Since the first race with the Chips, James has qualified for more National Championship meets in both Track and Cross-Country than any other runner on this team in the same time frame. James has been nationally ranked for each of the 5 seasons that he has run as a Chip and has recorded the fastest times in two specialty events in track for two years, and as one of the top Cross Country runners on the team for three straight seasons.

In 2003 James was our outstanding track runner and earned All American recognition in Cross Country. In track this year, James wanted to succeed in the 1500M but was torn between that and the 3000M and didn't settle until too late to specialize but still led in his age group with the fastest times in both events on the team.

In Cross country this year James was one of the top three point scorers on this team, and is one of the major links that binds the team. James' times for 2003 and 2004 in cross country and track are among the best on the team, and in their age group nationally. This runner is one of the few truly national elite runners that this team has.

Although from time to time James has been beaten down, has stumbled in workouts and races, for each time James has been beaten down, HE has risen up and He has lifted others with HIS competitive spirit. James likes to say that he doesn't try that hard, but we all know that he does try hard, he does care, and he has set lofty goals to achieve that will require even more work from him in the future. But, we all know James will rise to the challenge.

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Cross Country Season 2004 Wrap-Up

James finished the Cross Country season on a rather disappointing note with a less than spectacular race at the National Junior Olympics in Schaumburg, Illinois. Oh well, there's always next year - in Rhode Island!

Region 14 Championships


11/28/2004 Richmond, CA

James led the Buffalo Chips Midget Boys Team to a 1st place team victory in the USATF Region 14 Championships at Point Pinole in Richmond. James was 7th overall. Eight Buffalo Chips Midget Boy will be traveling to Schaumburg, Illinois for the USATF Junior Olympic Nationals on Saturday, December 11, 2004. Competing in Illinois will be Wesley,Nate, Colton, Robbie S., James, Nick, Nathan, and Jeroen.

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James, Jimmy and Liz
Runnin' Cross Country Together!

James: James is a talented runner who loves to race but doesn't like to train. Last season, James won the Association meet in Reno and was “All American” at last year's USATF Junior Olympic Cross County Nationals. James finished last track season with PR's of 10:45 and 5:03 in the 3000 and 1500. James had a rocky track season and wasn't sure if he wanted to run cross country this year but he's decided to give it a go. James also plays basketball with Robbie H. as mentioned above and dreams of playing in the NBA.

Robbie S : Robbie is a nationally ranked triathlete and is focusing on triathlons this seasons but will run in a few USATF cross country meets. Robbie also excels at swimming - he competes for a club swimming team in the spring and swims all year round. Robbie is a gifted runner with huge talent and, like James, always runs well even when he's not training consistently. Robbie placed first in all of his regular season cross country meets last year and was second at the Association meet. Robbie came back from a three week vacation to Africa with his dad last July and ran a 2:31 in the 800 at the Track City meet in Eugene, Oregon setting a PR by about 5 seconds. Wow, what a way to end the season!

Robby H: Robby is a an awesome athlete who excels at basketball, soccer, swimming and running. Robbie is curently playing basketball and select soccer and will race with the team in his “spare time”. Robbie had a great cross country season last year, beating his nemesis, Demetri, in a friendly rivalry that has gone on for years. Robby also had a fantastic track season with huge improvements in the 1500 and 800 shaving over 30 seconds off his 1500 time. Look for big things from the "Hartman Kid" in the future.

Nathan: Nathan has logged many, many miles in the off season training very hard for his Middle School cross country season and the USATF season. Nathan's intense training has paid off with win after win in distances from 1.5 miles to 10 miles. Last cross country season, Nathan was first at the Regional meet in Fresno and earned "All American" status at the USATF National Junior Olympics. Nathan ended last track season with PR's of 10:50 and 5:08 in the 3000 and 1500.

Wesley: A new friend, Wesley, just recently joined the Buffalo Chips team. Wesley placed 7th at the San Luis Obispo meet. Wesley comes all the way from Vacaville to train with the Youth Chips. Wesley is a welcome addition to the Buffalo Chips Youth Running and Racing Team.

Colton, Nick, Nate, Jereon and Derek are also part of the Midget Boys team.