Simon Nemethy may have missed a couple of lacrosse league games in Quesnel on the weekend.
But he didn't mind one bit. There will be always be more lacrosse games.
But the chance to qualify for the B.C. High School Track and Field championships for the first time does not.
The 14-year-old Grade 8 student from Vanderhoof's Nechako Valley secondary was instead tearing up the track at the North Central High School Zone Track and Field Meet at Masich Place Stadium, breaking two records in the Grade 8 boys division in the process.
Those records, including a personal best in the 800-metre distance, qualified him for the B.C. High School Track and Field championships next month in Langley.
Saturday morning, Nemethy clocked a time of five minutes in the bantam boys 1,500-metre steeplechase to win the race, breaking an old record of 5:07 set by Shawn Olson from Bert Bowes secondary (Fort St. John) in 2003.
On Friday, Nemethy, whose home club is the Prince George Track and Field Club, posted a time of 10:03 in the 3,000m distance, breaking a record set in 1999 by Lakewood student Jordan Rasmussen who crossed the line at 10:07.
"I wanted to be here and qualify for provincials," said Nemethy of his decision to race at Masich Place.
"I wanted to do four main events and I had some times in mind and I set personal bests in all of them.
"It'll be my first time at B.C.'s and I'm looking forward to going to Langley and having a good experience."
Nemethy, who also plays bantam hockey as a centre with the Vanderhoof Bears, raced a couple of relays as well as the 3,000m under ideal conditions Friday night at Masich Place.
About five of his Bears teammates also competed in the meet as part of the Nechako Valley Vikings team.
Nemethy's first race Saturday was the 1,500m steeplechase and followed that up with the 800m.
The steeplechase includes runners jumping over four hurdle-like barriers (obstacles) and a water jump.
"It was good to get the 3,000m out of the way and it was the last event Friday night so I could recover," he said.
"In the steeplechase, I only practised the water jump last weekend since it's really new to me. I felt good in all of the races."
Nemethy shared the most outstanding junior boys award last season with the Prince George Track and Field Club.
Since he competes on the provincial club circuit, he'll know some of his fellow competitors in Langley who he credits with helping him succeed.
"There are a few others from Kamloops in the 800m who really pushed me and helped me succeed," he said.
The North Central High School Zone championships featured schools from Prince George, Quesnel, McBride, Mackenzie, Fort St. John, 100 Mile House, Dawson Creek, and Williams Lake. The B.C. High School Track and Field championships are from June 4 to 6 at McLeod Park in Langley.
