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The first laps and leaps of the 2011-12 indoor season at The Armory have been taken as the PSAL's Pilgrim Games got underway on Sunday morning.

As important as the performances today were the lessons learned, frequently with mentorship from older athletes to younger ones.

"If I knock over a hurdle, am I disqualified," asked a newcomer. "Do I stop and get out of the way?"

"No," came the response from a veteran. "Never stop running. Make them pull you off the track if your race isn't finished."

In other cases, it was the freshmen sending a message. Like Boys & Girls' first-year Richard Rose, who time in the freshmen 600-meter race (1:24.55) was two seconds faster than the varsity winner.

After his run, Rose was interviewed by the PSAL Track & Field Commissioner Dwayne Burnett and said that things will only get quicker. "I'm trying to get to 1:20," he said of his season aspirations.

Yes, a wonderful way to start a season.