A year ago at an indoor meet I had a conversation with 2 1980 Olympians about several topics, including the future of college track and field. When I stated that we must do all we can ourselves to fortify ourselves against the discontinuation of major programs across the country, one of the Olympians said I was "crazy" and that "it would never happen". Luckily, one of the Olympians was Greg Fredericks, and he can verify the substance of the talk. Two of the programs I highlighted were Villanova and Maryland. After dismissing me as a credible source of knowledge, the Olympian moved on to other topics. And, oh yeah, I really made him mad when I told him that in our only race together, I beat him. New contest: who was he and which race was it?
Well, I was right (and here!), although I won't deny that I am crazy for other reasons. And I am sorry that I made him mad by telling him about the race. I really am.
We must do all we can to avoid the same things happening.
He was Don Paige!
ReplyDeleteWhat do I win?
Ding, ding, ding!!! We have a winner. (I really didn't mean to upset him either!) I'll see if I can rustle up a prize from the vast archives. (Actually I'll send you a nice shot glass, which is great for putting maple syrup in for pancakes.)
ReplyDeleteBelmont Plateau XC Race. Don did not like XC all that much! Neither did Mark Belger, who I also beat handily.
ReplyDeleteFall of 1977!! Bonus Round - in what hotel did the PSU team stay the night before that race??? LTM
ReplyDeleteThat answer could be worth a PSU Track Alumni Performance Jacket!
ReplyDeleteI'll take a stab, the Sheraton on the Main Line. S. Shisler.
ReplyDeleteHeck, I was there and I don't know! Larry? Larry? LARRY! Where are you?
ReplyDeleteThe old Adam's Mark hotel on City Line Ave.....we stayed at all the finest places!!!
ReplyDeleteHarry would never have sprung for a place on the Main Line. After that, I don't remember staying at a place other than Howard Johnsons. LTM
Living large and loving life back in 1977! I remember singing Earth, Wind and Fire songs and making Mike Wyatt cringe. I remember my brand new green suede Adidas Spider spikes. I remember Parachute Hill. I remember KKOB making the van toxic. BUT I DON'T REMEMBER STAYING AT A NICE HOTEL! Alzheimer's, I suppose.
ReplyDelete