SPRINGFIELD — The endorsements for Mike Chatfield and his Springfield-based Finish Timing business ring true.

"It's fabulous," said Northeastern High School track coach Doug Cosner. "If we have to go back to hand timing, it just wouldn't be the same."

Chatfield and his crew have cornered the timing market all over the state, running meets in several sports, including indoor and outdoor track and field, cross country and powerboat racing.

They use cutting-edge technology such as FinishLynx cameras, Hy-Tek sports software and Dag-System chip timing.

The business began as a hobby with Northeastern graduate Chatfield running about five meets in 2002. It has since boomed to 156 scheduled meets for this season. They're currently running two crews and will be adding a third soon. Still, they are having to turn down meets.

"It could be bigger than I ever imagined," Chatfield said. "I could run four crews and still be busy every single day."

Finish Timing has run meets for the Big East and Mid-American Conferences, as well as the 2007 Ohio High School Athletic Association State Cross Country Championships, earning glowing remarks from coaches, athletes, fans and especially athletic directors.

"They really make running a meet very, very easy," said South Athletic Director Greg Newland. "They've made meets more efficient. The host school just needs to have the facilities. I'm a big fan."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365

or mcooper@coxohio.com.

Vote for this story!