Naeem at AAU Indoors 2010

AAU Indoor Championships-llinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL

Naeem K. Turner-Bandele, a 14 year old freshman at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School was among the 1,000 or so youth runners that participated in the 2010 AAU Northern Indoor National Championships. Teams and individual participants from all over the country migrated to the Shirk Athletic Complex on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University for the Indoor National Championship which was held Friday, February 19 through Sunday, February 21, 2010. The event was packed and witnessed by a crowd that could only be described as standing room only.

After suffering a multitude of injuries and several bouts with illness most of the 2009 outdoor season and similar set backs already in 2010 (keeping him from training, competing, and accomplishing any of the goals he set for himself) Naeem was able to compete in a meet for only the second time in nearly nine months. Despite the long layoff, the Zionsville, Indiana resident placed 7th in the Intermediate Boys 800 Meter Run (ages 15-16). This is the third time Naeem, a perennial National Qualifier, has finished as a National Finalist.

Naeem’s participation at the Indoor Nationals reminded him of what it takes to be on the track and on par with the nation’s elite youth runners. He hopes to stay healthy this year so that he can improve on his times and maximize his potential. Barring any setbacks, look for the honor student to be on the track at several local, regional, and national meets as he prepares to have an outstanding 2010 outdoor track season. His goal is to round into shape and peak when he competes this summer at the USA Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympic Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and the AAU Junior Olympic Games.