The highlight of the 11th Annual Coach Groves Golf tournament and the First Annual Penn State Track and Field Alumni Reunion was the appearance of our very own Horace Ashenfelter III. During the golf, over 40 people toured the All-Sports Museum at Beaver Stadium and saw the display of his 1952 Golf Medal for the 3000 M Steeplechase. He set the world record that day, but there is so much more about the man that is worth even more than gold.
Most of you know my admiration for Greg Fredericks, who inspired me to run twice daily to try to be good enough to become a Nittany Lion. When I arrived in State College, the mystique of Mr. Ashenfelter also became a passion of mine. Finally getting him to come to our event was a dream come true. This was facilitated by Coach Sullivan, and I'll be forever in her debt for helping me meet him for the first time.
While speaking to him on Saturday at the Alumni "Run", he even upped the admiration I have for him. The very first thing he talked about was the reverence and love he had for his wife Lillian. He relayed, in no uncertain terms, that he wouldn't have achieved what he did without her. He is someone to look up to on the track and in the neighborhood. A true Nittany Lion Great.
Now, The National Distance Running Hall of Fame has announced that he will be inducted into its Hall of Fame on July 7th. He will join Glenn Cunningham and Jacqueline Hansen in this years class. (thanks to Morale Officer Larry Mangan)
Even more Horace goodness via Rebecca Donaghue on Facebook.
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