By Bret Strelow
Salisbury Post
North Rowan’s graduation ceremony closed one chapter, and Phillip Bush is ready to begin the next one.
Bush and John Bostick, who helped North’s boys win the 2A state title in May, are scheduled to compete today when qualifying hits full speed at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro. Local youth Dasia McGill is also in the field as a participant in the emerging elite category of the 100-meter dash.
Bostick, who qualified for the 110-meter hurdles, just finished his junior year at North. Bush, a qualifier in the 100 meters and long jump, graduated earlier this week. He has signed with Appalachian State.
“One of my favorite phrases is what has a beginning has an end,” Bush said. “This is one of the little endings. You’re not going to be in high school track and field forever. You begin that level and stick to it, and the ending will be more successful than the beginning.”
The opening rounds for the 110 hurdles and 100 dash begin after 4 p.m., and the final of the 100 is scheduled for tonight at 7:05 p.m.The long jump will be held Saturday at 2:15 p.m., and the 110 hurdles final is scheduled for five hours later.
Bush and Bostick each won a state indoor title in February, and they claimed two individual titles apiece at the state outdoor meet in May.
Bush took pride in his victories as well as Bostick’s. They pushed each other in the 110 hurdles, and Bush’s experience in the event helped Bostick’s development.
“To go out as a senior and express your feelings to the younger athletes, it feels good,” Bush said. “It felt greater than a state championship.
“A state title will only last until the next year ó next year no one cares who won last year. To be able to teach and have someone comprehend what you taught them, that lasts a lifetime.”
Bush didn’t emerge as a long jumper until his senior season, and Bostick said he has thought about giving the event a try next year.
Bostick leaps into the air every time he runs the 110 or 300 hurdles, and that’s appealing to him.
“When you’re doing the hurdles, you can do everything involved with track,” Bostick said. “You have timing, speed, agility and endurance.”
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Contact Bret Strelow at 704-797-4258 or bstrelow@salisburypost.com.