Royal's running man
Hudson Andrews became a team leader when Michael Cybulski went down with an injury
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers CAN'T BE CAUGHT- Royal senior Hudson Andrews takes off on a practice run Wednesday. Andrews will compete in the boys' 1,600 at this weekend's CIF State Track and Field Championships.

When his Royal High teammate Michael Cybulski got injured a few months back, Hudson Andrews was looked upon to help lead the Highlanders boys' track and field team.

Now Andrews seems to be leading more than just his team; he's leading everyone he races against.

Andrews has been ahead of the pack lately by winning the 1,600 at the CIFSouthern Section Masters Meet last Friday at Cerritos College in Norwalk. Andrews set a school record and a personal-best mark when he finished in 4:09.10, which was just ahead of Chad Hall from Big Bear High, who came in second at 4:09.19.

"He ran a very smart and patient race at the Masters," Royal head coach Ryan Luce said. "After three laps he was running the fastest I had ever seen him run at that point of a race in the 1,600.

"I don't think he went into the race necessarily trying to win it; I think he was just trying to place a good time. However, at about 200 meters left, Hudson was pretty close to (Hall) and felt he could take him with a good kick."

Andrews agreed with his coach.

"After three laps he (Hall) was pretty much in control and ahead of me," Andrews said. "Although in the fourth lap I started to get pretty close to Hall, and I thought, 'Hey, I could possibly beat him."'

Andrews won the CIFSouthern Section Division I title earlier in the year by posting a time of 4:11.02. After winning at Masters, Andrews will now get a chance to claim another title at the CIF State Track and Field Championship being held today and Saturday at Sacramento City College.

Last year at state, Andrews was looking to qualify for the final spot in the 800 event when he tripped and fell just a few meters short of the finish line. Andrews won't let himself forget that moment, and he hopes to do better at the state championships this time around.

"I have a picture of myself falling in that race, and I use it for motivation," Andrews said. "I have been thinking about it since then, but once I get to the starting line this week, I won't be thinking about it anymore."

This year Andrews will only be competing in the 1,600, which he now says is his favorite event. Andrews has been a cross country star for the Highlanders, but the Princeton-bound senior said he really started to gain confidence in track and field this year at the Arcadia Invitational Meet.

"At the Arcadia meet I beat my personal best by 7 seconds, so that is probably my favorite moment this year in track and field," Andrews said. "After that meet I had a lot more confidence in myself."

Andrews' fast marks came just in time for Royal, who was without Cybulski. With Cybulski sidelined for a couple months, it was up to Andrews to take over leadership duties.

"When Michael went down there was an internal sense in Hudson that he knew he was now the big dog on this team," Luce said. "He always had the talent to run fast times, but he needed the confidence. Arcadia was a big breakthrough for him with that. Throughout his career I've been very impressed with his will to always better himself."

With Cybulski now back from his injury and running again, Andrews couldn't be happier.

"There is a saying: 'It's lonely at the top,''' Andrews said. "Thankfully, I have Mike on the team to push me. I have trained with him for a while now, and sometimes I'll win by a tenth of a second. Sometimes it will be him winning by a tenth of a second. Without him, I wouldn't be even breaking 4:20 in my 1,600 races."

Andrews said he has learned a lot from Luce as well as Cybulski.

"Luce tells me that if I'm not in first place, then I'm in last place," Andrews said, with a laugh. "He's been a great coach, and he has helped me a lot with my training."

Although Andrews is racing for the last time in green and gold this weekend, Luce said he will try to stay in touch with Andrews, who will be move to Princeton in September.

"I try not to think about it that much (Andrews' last race)," Luce said. "He may be leaving, but his parents still live here, and I'm sure he will be back to visit from time to time, so it's not like he's completely gone.

"He will definitely be missed here at Royal, but I don't think we've heard the last from him. If he continues to do well, he may have a shot at the Olympics. Anyone who runs under a 4:10 in the 1,600 has a shot."