Think you’re faster than Father Michael? Prove it! On November 24th, BSM hosted a mile race between Father Michael Maloney, BSM’s chaplain, and all students who wished to participate. If any student were to beat Maloney, they would be rewarded with $100. The energy was electric at the race, and everyone brought their A game.
The idea for the Faster Than Father race was planted at BSM’s opening mass, where Archbishop Bernard Hebda promised that he would pay any student who could beat Maloney in a mile race $100. The idea spread from there, and BSM Athletic Director Matt Pryor and physical education teacher and cross country coach Casey Hanson worked together to plan the race, including the track, the time, the cones, and all other logistical aspects. “When Archbishop [Hebda] said it, I guess I was surprised, but also kind of excited. I didn’t know he was going to say that,” Maloney said.
Before the race, the participating students warmed up while a crowd gathered around to watch the event. Around 27 students signed up, although some stragglers decided to join in on the race. Father Maloney led the group in prayer before the mile kicked off; they were set to run around the school and then around the track one time. Many thought that Father Maloney had the win in the bag. Additionally, the Nordic Ski Team ran the race as a warm-up for their Monday practice. “I know Father is really speedy. I’m kind of just doing my own thing,” said junior Sydney Peterson, captain of the Nordic team, said.
Father Maloney’s main competition in this race came from senior Jack Foley, captain of the BSM cross country team. While most bystanders thought Foley would come in second, some hoped the runner would get his hands on the grand prize. “I personally think Jack Foley’s gonna take the win on this one,” senior Harper Stevenson-Shimek said.
Promptly at 3 o’clock, they were off. Maloney and Foley started strong, with the rest of the students trickling behind. The group ran around the school, the football field, and the baseball field, then finished with one lap around the track. The crowd anxiously watched the long-awaited event. “Words cannot describe how hype I am for this, truly,” senior Maddie Seymour said.
Foley and Maloney were neck and neck, with Foley pulling ahead as they finished their lap around the football field. Major suspense built; no one knew who was going to prosper in the end. Ultimately, Maloney took the lead as they ran back to the track and kept it for the rest of the race. Maloney finished in 4 minutes and 57 seconds, with Foley just a few seconds behind. “For the first bit, I got a little bit more confident, but it didn’t end how I wanted it to,” Foley said.
The rest of the students trickled in after that, with everyone giving their all and pulling impressive speeds. The crowd’s energy slowly faded as the out-of-breath runners reflected on their performance, and Maloney celebrated the win. Ultimately, no student was faster than Father Michael, and the $100 prize stayed safe in the hands of Archbishop Hebda. Although the predictions varied, most spectators and runners were not surprised at the ultimate victory of Father Maloney. “I kind of had been… like, slacking on the diet and the running amount, so I kind of thought I wasn’t gonna be in the best shape,” Foley said.
The Faster Than Father race brought many students together with BSM’s chaplain in a friendly competition, with the prospect of a generous prize. Although no one beat Maloney, the race was a great experience and opportunity for Maloney to connect with the youth runners of BSM. “It was at least something to learn some of [the cross country team’s] names and get a connection with them,” Maloney said.