When Ro'Derick Spears and Robenson Saintard were introduced to track in middle school they had no idea where the sport would bring them. Together, the two have made quite the name for themselves and everyday they run for the same reason. That reason being, their good friend and teammate Marcus Allen Freeman. Freeman passed away in March 2011 due to an automobile accident. The duo says they will never forget that day and will always remember Marcus.
"Marcus was a great person. He motivated me to do so much and he made me better as an athlete and a person.. His loss was tragic and very difficult to take in. Nbody ever would have expected it to happen to somebody like Marcus Allen Freeman. God bless the dead," said Saintaird.
Spears echoed that same sentiment. "Losing a close friend like Marcus was very hard. He was a team leader and always pushed everybody to their max. Every time I run, I run for him. I run with pride and honor knowing that no matter how I do, Marcus is looking down on us with a smile on his face."
Last year, Spears qualified for the state meet in both the 110H and 300H. He finished 10th in the 110H with a time of 14.77, missing the finals by .05. He has his sights locked on the state championship this year, with goals of earning a medal along with lowering his time into the 13's or very low 14's. His next race will be at the Rams Invite. Spears said, "I think I really showed out at the NPHS Relays. I'm trying to do the same thing at Riverview. I'm trying to make everybody that is in the same heat as me regret it."
Saintard, is a huge part of the 4x100m team and is always helping his teammates push beyond their limits. Spears said, "Having Robenson as a teammate has helped me mentally and physically. When running with him I have no choice but to give it my all and leave it all on the track." Saintard has been working hard himself with expectations of lowering his 200M time to 21 seconds and qualifying for the state meet.
During meets the two compete against each other seeing who can earn more golds, while always motivating each other to do better. Saintard has full trust in Spears' speed and knows in every 4x100m he will receive the baton in a solid place and improve the place he's in before handing it off to his good friend Leonard Faison.
Spears gives credit to his Coach Miller for getting him to where he is now, and his parents for being at every meet cheering him on. Saintard appreciates everyone who has helped him thus far which includes his family, coaches and friends.
The two have plans to continue running and playing football in college. Every time they step on to the track and on the football field, they know that Marcus is cheering them on from up above. A mentor and a friend gone to soon. The motivation, hard work, and drive to be their best engrained in them from their friend and former teammate.
* North Port High School will host the 3rd Annual Marcus Allen Memorial Invitational on March 28, 2013 in his honor.
* North Port High School will host the 3rd Annual Marcus Allen Memorial Invitational on March 28, 2013 in his honor.
More Coverage
- Ro'Derick's Athlete Profile
- Robenson's Athlete Profile
- North Port Team Page
- 2013 Marcus Freeman Memorial Invitational Meet Page