PSU is 800 U: The Ohio Connection

"High in the middle and round on both ends."

-Tom Rapp.

And by  800 U, I mean every distance from 400 M through 1 mile, of course!  I thought you all knew that?

Following the post on the "Football Connection" reflected in the latest middle distance recuiting class, I have become aware of another Connection, this time from the State to our west, and even one high school in particular.  There must be something in the water in Lancaster, Ohio!

 I ran with a few Ohio milers in my day.  Each of them a fine 4:0x runner, tantalizingly close to the "barrier" we all know and love.  Barrier buster Larry Mangan arrived at PSU from high school and went from the fastest high school miler in PA to the second fastest person in his dorm room with Tom Rapp having better credentials from that other state.  Tom has gone on to become a very successful high school coach in the far reaches of the enchanted land of Ohio.

The high school credentials of Alan Scharsu were among the best all-time, and he went on to spearhead some of the best teams PSU has ever had.  I once saw him run a 4:0x mile in 9 degrees on a track that was seemingly 20 laps to the mile.  Tough little hombre.

But Lancaster, Ohio has given PSU a trio of worthy middle distance stars.  Leading the pack was John Zishka, another 4:0x miler who gave the PSU teams he was on incredible depth.  John is again in Lancaster, where he is helping to coach his daughter.

Next from Lancaster was our beloved Founder Clark Haley.  Still another 4:0x miler, Clark succombed to the pressure and ran distances longer than a mile , even becoming # 1 man on the Cross Country team.  The kind of runner Coach Groves loved best. Although I'm not sure I've ever seen Clark drink water....

Now, the Lancaster, Ohio connection is back.  Next year's class of athletes includes Brannon Kidder.  Brannon's credentials include bests of 1:51 at 800 M and 4:06 in the Mile.  He should fit right in with Coach Sullivan's and Coach Gondak's middle distance contingent.

I'm looking forward to more PSU is 800 U!