Andrews runs second in Millrose Games mile
Manalapan junior clocks 4:14.60
BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer
Robby Andrews has earned his indoor track and field degree.After running a series of fast times in his very first indoor campaign, theManalapan High School junior faced his biggest test yet, the Boys High SchoolMile at theMillroseGames held on the grandest stage of the indoor season, Madison Square Garden, NewYork, Feb. 1.

Running the race on theGarden's banked 160-yard track for the first time, Andrews handled it like a veteran in coming up with a brilliant debut performance.He would finish second to Kyle Merber of Half Hallow HillsWest, N.Y., 4:13.86 to 4:14.60 in a race that had the crowd's rapt attention.

It was obvious from the start that the runners had Andrews and his devastating kick on the back of theirminds.

Nick Crits, Wissahickon, Pa., took the field through a quick 59.12 quarter-mile, looking to take the sting out ofAndrews'kick. But neither he nor the field could keep up that fast pace. Peter Dorrell (Blacksburg, Va.) led through a 2:06.4 half. They were coming back toAndrews,whowas beginning to patiently thread hisway through the field.

"It's always good when they slow down," saidAndrews.

At the three-quarter-mile mark, it was fellow Jerseyan Doug Smith from Gill-St. Bernard'swho took over, passing by in 3:13.1.

The race to the tapewas nowon.Merber, who had won the mile at Hispanic Games and had a 4:12.92 mile to his credit (Andrews' had run a 4:12.94), rushed to the front. He said afterward he was concerned about Andrews' finishing kick over the last 200 yards and wanted tomake hismove before him.

Merber was able to create a gap with his strong move, but Andrews reacted quickly and with two laps around the Garden track remaining, Merber and Andrews were flat out sprinting through the pain.

Andrews was able to cut into the deficit, but Merber had gained the advantage he needed and was able to do what no one else has done this year, hold off Andrews' final sprint.

Disappointed that he didn'twin,Andrews nevertheless ran the race he wanted.He did not let anyone run away from him, remaining in contact with the leaders. He said he was aware that Merber had a strong kick but thought he might still be able to catch him. He ran a sub-60-second final quarter, which was all he could ask of himself. He said he had no trouble running on the banked track.

Andwhatwas it like running inMadison Square Garden for the first time?

"It was a lot of fun, a great experience," saidAndrews.