"Twas the Night Before State Track

and all through the house, not a thrower was stirring

not even 'The Crouse"

Their Implements hung in the toolshed with care

In hopes a gold medal would hang from their chesthair

The sprinters all snuggled all warm in their bed

as visions of starters guns sounded all through their heads.

And Atoe in doo-rag and Bobek is glitzy cap

replayed through their brains, the Bend, Pop and Snap

When down in the blocks, there rose such a clatter

fans sprung to their feet to see what was the matter

and down in Lane 4, Schueler flew like a flash

she tore up the fresh laid Tartan like a mad Kardashian's run for cash

The sun glittered off the cottonwood looking like snow

as the allergy sufferers gave their kerchiefs plenty a'blow

From under a tent the runners and dashers they came

as the PA announcer called off all their names

"On Griffin, on Lightner, on Stubbs and K. Hones

on Barfuss on O'Connor on Lomax and A Jones"

To your marks, pay attention and don't miss last call

Now dash away dash away, dash away all! (800-3K runners/I am not responsible for this advice)

And then in a twinkling around the East Grandstand

where trackophiles reminisce that spot deemed Holy Land

An aura approached as fans screamed with sheer glee

twas none other than the patron saint of Hayward, twas Jolly St. Pre

Dressed in baggy green shorts, yellow singlet and waffle shoes by Nike

Such an odd type of vision his patron saint pal might have muttered "Oh Crikey"

You could tell he was happy to be home at last

and check out the most recent states best starting cast

He beckoned a runner out onto the inside lane

time to run a 1500 with Nathan Mathabane

but Abbott and Burgess and Morgan were not to be denied

To pass on this chance they would have surely cried

Suddenly before you knew it everyone wanted a crack

to run with St. Pre as he circled the track

the throwers and sprinters and hurdlers chimed in

to feel the spirit of this running seraphin

As he flew down toward the finish line, with thousands in tow

the stands were now empty as all basked in his glow

As he started to fade like a star out of gas

with a parting cry he yelled "Party on! Track and Field kicks ass!