Monday, June 29, 2015

Teammates Once More

I was anticipating a big day for PSU on the last day of the USATF Championships.  And everyone came through with great performances.  Joe Kovacs defended his Shot Put Championship on his birthday and Casimir Loxsom held on for third in the 800M off of a blistering 50.00 second first 400M.  They now become teammates again and are headed to the Bird's Nest in Beijing, China.


Never, ever eat bird nest soup.

Chasing Solomon to a a 50.00 first 400M.

Cas Loxsom, with Ryan Foster and Coach John Gondak.





Here's the stats of a great day for PSU, with Darrell Hill garnering 6th with a near PR and Ryan Whiting a half inch back in 7th.

1    Joe Kovacs            Shot Put       21.84M  (71' 8"))
6    Darrell Hill            Shot Put       20.80M  (68' 3")
7    Ryan Whiting*      Shot Put       20.79M  (68' 2 1/2")
3    Casimir Loxsom    800M           1:45.35

And we had a big bump in readership when George Brose featured my story of the 24-Hour Relay "24-Hours in Hell" on his Award-Winning Track and Field Blog. I would love to hear any more stories of that event from everyone!  Thanks, George!

*Although not an ex-Nittany Lion, Ryan is an Assistant Coach and has trained in Happy Valley for many years, grooming several big guys to prominence.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Penn State So Far At The USATF Championships, With A Big Day Today

So far, the top finish for PSU has been Karlee McQuillen's 6th in the Javelin.Here's the list, so far.  Today, top seed Casimir Loxsom and Joe Kovacs join Darrell Hill and Ryan Whiting in trying to do even better!


6        Karlee McQuillen        Javelin         56.76m (186-3)
8        Bridget Franek             300M SC     9:47.81
14       Brannon Kidder           800M         1:48.26
15       Evonne Britton            100M H      13.18
17       Robby Creese              1500M        3:47.12
17       Rachel Fatherly           Shot Put      16.49 (54-1 1/4)
17       Tori Gerlach                3000M SC   10:12.8
18       Kiah Seymour             400M H      58.66

Friday, June 26, 2015

Murder At The Penn State Track! And More Roommate Pictures

A suspect is still at large in the Tuesday murder of the large tree at the entrance to the PSU Outdoor Track Facility.  An All Points Bulletin has been issued and the suspect is thought to be in hiding in either Greece or Italy.  Zeus (aka Jupiter) struck the tree with a lightning bolt under the cover of darkness during a storm.  Penn State authorities had to put  the tree down the following day.  A replacement will not be available for approximately 60 years.

Photo by Course Marshall Greg Fredericks.

Photo by Golden Putter Attendant Greg Fredericks.
 And our Oregon Duck connection Dan Martinez sent me some additional photos of Alan Scharsu from Walt Chadwick's wonderful vintage track photo siteBon Appetit.






Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Changing Of The Guard

At one point, my roommate Alan Scharsu had the All-Time 5th best high school 2-Mile time in the nation.  Close to 40 years later, he finally dropped out of the top 10 with performances over the weekend.  (Hat tip to our Chief Laundry and Morale Officer for that one!)



8:29.46*Lukas Verzbicas’ (Sandburg, Orland Park, Illinois) 2011

8:34.40German Fernandez (Riverbank, California) 2008

8:36.3Jeff Nelson (Burbank, California) 1979

8:37.22+————Fernandez 2008

8:39.15iEdward Cheserek’ (St. Benedict’s, Newark, New Jersey) 2013

8:40.0iGerry Lindgren (Rogers, Spokane, Washington) 1964

8:40.70i————*Verzbicas’ 2011

8:40.9Craig Virgin (Lebanon, Illinois) 1973

8:41.55Matthew Centrowitz (Broadneck, Annapolis, Maryland) 2007

8:41.5Steve Prefontaine (Marshfield, Coos Bay, Oregon) 1969

**10 performances by 8 performers**
8:43.2iDave Merrick (Lincoln-Way, New Lenox, Illinois) 1971

 8:44.03Alan Scharsu (Fitch, Austintown, Ohio) 1978
             (8:42.51  Drew Hunter   2015)
             (8:43.57  Grant Fisher    2015)

 Incidentally, I once had the all-time best average mile time for a 17 year old in the 24-Hour Relay, a loosely kept "record" by Runners World (27 miles in 4:57 4:58).  My future roommate, it turns out, demolished the time just days after I did it in 1977 (a sub 4:50 4:47 or so average, if I remember correctly).  For you young bucks out there, never do this.  Nothing good happens...

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

They Have Moved The Steeplechase Pit At Penn!

Progress is hard for us old-timers.

Jake Bartholomy shows us the real location of the steeple pit.

The new location during renovations.
More photos of the renovations HERE.

Did I hear they are moving the walls back also to make room for more lanes? This looks like they aren't, but maybe it's just one side?  Does anyone know?

 

Sunday, June 21, 2015

On His Way To A Century In The Woods

 "At 3:30 p.m., 10 hours into the race, Ron Moore, 45, a 1986 state cross country champion from Hempfield who now lives in Knoxville, Tenn., reached checkpoint No. 3"

Ron Moore took his Trail Running hobby to new Heights recently.  He finished the Laurel Highlands Ultra from Ohiopyle, PA to Seward, PA.  That happens to be 70 1/2 miles of superbly treacherous trail.  The kind of run where really prepared runners finish only 64% or 65% of the time.  It also happened to be a terrible weekend for the event, with humidity hovering at around 110% the whole time.  And many, many people have told me that Ron's IQ is significantly higher than mine...  

Changing shoes after the finish.


So, as it turns out, Ron finished in 20th place (16:19:24) in his first attempt at the distance.  He has gradually increased his knowledge as his distances have increased.  Changing shoes during the event as your feet swell is just one thing he has learned the hard way.  I'm chipping in for some special shoes for him to finish his first 100-Miler.*

Artist's conception of the shoes required for swollen feet after 100 Miles.

*Ron knows I mean no disrespect at all.  He is an Animal and I will not attempt to make him mad. Ever.



Saturday, June 20, 2015

We Have An Insider At Next Week's USATF Champs. Turns Out We Also Had One At The NCAAs!

We may get reports, pics, and maybe even videos from an insider at next week's USATF Championships.  The identity of the insider has until now been kept under complete wraps, but can now be partially revealed for the first time.  Double-O Eight (008) is the person's code name, one better than James Bond.

008, right.


Our insider at the NCAAs was none other than Jake Bartholomy, who attended our last Alumni Reunion and helped bolster our largest ever delegation from the classes of the 90s.  Here are some samples of his first-hand glimpses of Nittany Lions at the Meet.  More of Jake's pics can be seen HERE.








Friday, June 19, 2015

The Earliest Ever Heads-Up For Next Year's Reunion And Golf Tourney*!

Next year's Reunion and golf tournament will be the biggest and bestest event yet.  It will mark the fifteenth anniversary of Clark Haley's original idea and will incorporate many decades of past PSU Tracksters along with the current crop too!

Set aside the weekend of May 13-15th, 2016 for the festivities.  That does not conflict with Mother's Day, Memorial Day or Graduation.  It also coincides with the "off" week between The Big Ten Championships and the first round of the NCAAs.  That means that Coach Gondak (who has been golfing with us since the very first year he came to Happy Valley) and his forces can celebrate with us.  We plan on having many extra surprises for everyone. 

There are only 330 days left to prepare.

*The golf is always optional, but highly recommended.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Our Friend Wins A Blogging Award!

Friend and our blog's Obersturmbahndronenfuhrer George Brose has snagged the Adams Jacobs Blogging Award from the Track and Field Writers of America for his wonderful Once Upon A Time In The Vest blog.

Congrats George!  I am redoubling my efforts to get an award for blogs combining T&F and Physics.  I just need to know who is in charge!?

RIP Ron Clarke

Aussies have a special place in my heart.  Today I identify as an Australian.





A special tribute from some of Australia's finest:


Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Some Extras From the Past Weekend's Meets Sent My Way

Beef Cubed
 Field Official Extraordinaire Mark "Beef" Heckel rounded up a few PSU Alums following the Adidas Diamond League Meet in NYC. That's winner of the Shot Put Joe Kovacs and Phil Monastra.

Cas Loxsom 1500M PR!
Casimir Loxsom did not run the 800 nor the 600, but opted instead for the 1500M at the Portland Meet.  Evan Jager may have lit up the crowd with his 4-second PR in 3:32.97, but Cas also set his PR by 4 seconds!  3:45.23  It must be nice to start a taper from 1500M prior to the USATF Championships where he will be in the mix for the 800M.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

The Right Coast Had A Big Track Meet Too

With all the attention on Eugene and the NCAA Championships (PSU Men = 10th!) it was easy to forget the Diamond League Meet in NYC.

But PSU was there too!  A couple of the Big Men were represented in the Shot Put:

Joe Kovacs wins the Diamond League Shot Put at NYC.


1.Joe KOVACSUSA89   21.67  (71' 1.15")
2.Jordan CLARKEUSA9021.34
3.Tom WALSHNZL9221.16
4.O'Dayne RICHARDSJAM8821.00
5.Reese HOFFAUSA7720.85
6.Ryan WHITINGUSA86   20.15  (66' 1.30")

And Bridget Franek had a Season Best Steeple also:

1.Hiwot AYALEWETH909:25.26
2.Ashley HIGGINSONUSA899:31.32
3.Sviatlana KUDZELICHBLR879:31.70
4.Genevieve LACAZEAUS899:35.17
5.Geneviève LALONDECAN919:35.69
6.Bridget FRANEKUSA879:36.88



And Shana Cox was 2nd in the 400M!


1.DeeDee TROTTERUSA8251.96
2.Shana COXGBR8552.62

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Top Ten For The Men And a Follow-up To The Heart Post

This was the best finish for the Penn State Mens Team since 1966.   And there were points left on the table with Robby Creese the first man out of the finals of the 1500M and javelin impresario Michael Shuey out with an injury.  And both Darrell Hill and Brannon Kidder were "oh so close" to winning NCAA Championships.  Brannon ran the fastest closing 200M in a tactically slow race.  With another few meters he would have overtaken the defending NCAA Champion.  And no one threw further than Darell in the meet.  The tiebreaker of next best throw made him second.  Congrats to all the coaches and athletes and supporting staff on a great, great season.

  • Darrell Hill             Shot Put          68' 2.25"               2nd      8 points.
  • Brannon Kidder     800 M             1:49.36                 2nd      8 points.
  • Steve Waithe           Triple Jump    53' 4.25"               8th       1 point.
Darrel Hill.

Brannon Kidder on the podium with his throwback Singlet!


 And now that Coach Groves is back at home following another fall and scare, I can report that Greg Fredericks tells me he is doing well.  He now has a pacemaker due to his bradycardia, another common ailment of endurance athletes I forgot to mention in my previous Heart Alert Post.  Send best wishes to him at his new home:
Coach Harry Groves
c/o Juniper Village
610 West Whitehall Road
Room #132
State College, PA 16801

Tell him where you got the info and say "hello" for me!

Friday, June 12, 2015

Rocking the Alumni Singlet

 Our Undersecretary of Fun (not even sure if he is aware of his Idiot Officer Status in our Group?) Billy Francis joined Blog Contributor Nick Scarpello for several races in the Southern California paradise.  They rocked their Alumni Singlets in splendid fashion.  A new round of Alumni Singlet, Alumni T-Shirt and possible Alumni Jacket (???) sales will be commencing soon. (Vote on the left sidebar poll to show interest in adding jackets to our sales.)  But Nick and Billy probably will never need a jacket until they visit us in Happy Valley?

Billy Francis and Nick Scarpello.



Thursday, June 11, 2015

A Follow-Up On Penn State's Highest Honor, With a Tuxedo!

So far, a photo of Greg Fredericks in a tuxedo has eluded me, but I did receive at least one pic with a tuxedo in it, and another couple with a bunch of Penn State Greats NOT wearing tuxedos.

Bob Hillman receives his Distinguished Alumnus Award, in a tuxedo.

Bob and Greg visit Coach Groves.

Penn State Greats, Gary Gittings, Bob Hillman, Steve Gentry and Greg Fredericks, not in a tuxedo.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

One of Our Own Receives Penn State's Highest Honor

Bob Hillman has been awarded Penn State's highest honor this past week, as he became a Distinguished Alumnus.  The coolest part of the whole deal will be seeing Greg Fredericks, Bob and others in tuxedos!  On multiple occasions. That is if photos finally emerge. And somebody better nominate this for Performance of the Year on the right sidebar! (Done! Thank you to the anonymous contributor.)

Robert E. Hillman of Weston, Massachusetts, is the research director of the Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a professor of surgery and health sciences and technology at Harvard-MIT, and a professor of communication sciences and disorders and director of research programs at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. He earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees in speech pathology and audiology in 1974 and 1975, respectively, from the College of Education.

Bob Hillman '74 on the White Course.
Person Thumbnail

Robert E. Hillman, PhD, CCC-SLP

Director of Research Programs, Adjunct Professor, Comm. Sci. & Disorders

Dr. Robert Hillman is Director of Research Programs, and Adjunct Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and the Center for Interprofessional Studies and Innovation.
Dr. Hillman is also currently the Co-Director and Research Director of the Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Surgery and a member of the Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology faculty at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Hillman has been awarded over 26 grants from governmental and private sources to support his research. He has had research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1984. His research and over 100 publications have focused on mechanisms for normal and disordered voice production, evaluation and development of methods for alaryngeal (laryngectomy) speech rehabilitation, development of objective physiologic and acoustic measures of voice and speech production, and evaluation of methods used to treat voice disorders.
In the past Dr. Hillman has been actively involved in the design and review of research programs at NIH, having served on the "Expert Panel on Voice and Voice Disorders to Update the National Strategic Research Plan" for the National Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, and as a project site visitor for the National Cancer Institute, and as a core member of the Motor Function and Speech Rehabilitation Study Section at the NIH Center for Scientific Review. He has also served as an editorial consultant and on the editorial boards of several professional journals, and has been an invited/keynote speaker at over 40 national and international meetings.
Dr. Hillman is an elected Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and is one of only five speech-language pathologists in the country to be elected as an Associate Member of the American Laryngological Association (a physician’s organization).
Additional awards he has received include elected membership in Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society (1975), academic tenure at Boston University (1986), Certificate of Appreciation from the Veterans Administration Cooperative Studies Program (1991), Award of Merit from Sargent College at Boston University (1992), Editor’s Award from the Journal of Speech and Hearing Research of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for publication of the article of highest merit in speech research for 1996, Casselberry Award from the American Laryngological Association for co-authorship (with Dr. Steven Zeitels) of the outstanding manuscript in laryngology (1998), two Partners in Excellence Awards for accomplishments at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (2000), and an Alumni Fellow Award from the Pennsylvania State University (2008) given by the President of the University to select alumni who are recognized leaders in their professions.
Most recently Dr. Hillman has received the Broyles-Maloney Award from the American Bronchoesophalogical Association for outstanding accomplishments in advancing the art and science of bronchoesophagology (2010); the Manuel Garcia Prize (2010) from the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics for outstanding scientific contributions to the official journal of IALP and to the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders; the 2011 Willard R. Zemlin Lecture and Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Division for Speech Science to recognize an outstanding speech scientist who has "demonstrated a record of outstanding contributions to the broad spectrum of issues concerning speech science."; the Honors of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2011) which is the highest honor that the Association can bestow to “recognize individuals whose contributions have been of such excellence that they have enhanced or altered the course of the Professions" and the 2013 Certificate of Achievement from the Voice Foundation.

Education:

BS, Speech Pathology, Pennsylvania State University
MS, Speech Pathology, Pennsylvania State University
PhD, Speech Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Research Interest:

Mechanisms for normal and disordered voice production, evaluation and development of methods for alaryngeal (laryngectomy) speech rehabilitation, development of objective physiologic and acoustic measures of voice and speech production, and evaluation of methods used to treat voice disorders.

Publications & Presentations:

Mehta, D.D, Zanartu, M., Quatieri, T., Deliyski, D.D., Hillman, R.E. “Investigating acoustic correlates of human vocal fold vibratory phase asymmetry through modeling and laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy”, J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 130(6), 3999-4009, 2011.
Mehta, D.D.,  Zeitels, S.M., Burns, J.A.,  Friedman, A.D., Deliyski, D.D., Hillman, R.E. “High-speed videoendoscopic analysis of relationships between cepstral-based acoustic measures and voice production mechanisms in patients undergoing phonomicrosurgery”. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 121, 341–347, 2012.
D.D. Mehta, M. Zañartu, S.W. Feng, H.A. Cheyne II, R.E. Hillman. (2012). Mobile voice health monitoring using a wearable accelerometer sensor and a smartphone platform. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 59(11), 3090–3096.
N. Roy, J. Barkmeier-Kraemer, T. Eadie, M.P. Sivasankar, D. Mehta, D. Paul, R.E. Hillman (2012). Evidence-based clinical voice assessment: A systematic review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 22, 212–226.
M. Zañartu, J.C. Ho, D.D. Mehta, R.E. Hillman, and G.R. Wodicka, (2013) “Subglottal impedance-based inverse filtering of speech sounds using neck surface acceleration”, IEEE Trans. Audio Speech Lang. Proc., 21(9), pp. 1929-1939. DOI: 10.1109/TASL.2013.2263138 link.
See Curriculum Vitae for complete publications, presentations and research.
PubMed listing of 48 Hillman publications, with abstracts.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

The Reunion and Golf Tourney Weekend Was A Triumph In Many Ways

Founder and Keeper of the Beer Clark Haley has emailed most of you with his round-up of the results of this year's Reunion and Golf Tourney Results.  I duplicate them here for those not receiving the emails.  Of special note is the monetary results donated in full to the Coach Groves Scholarship Endowment!

For all of you who made it this year, many thanks as this turned out to be the most successful year yet as it pertains to our financial contribution back to the program - with company match we'll hit just over $6,500 - not bad for a bunch of hackers!  Very special thanks this year to Terry Losch (Owner of Rapid Transit in State College) who was kind enough to donate many of our give-aways and pick up the evening costs for our dinner at "LettermanS" (formerly Damons) on Saturday night (not to mention cutting a healthy check for the program on Saturday afternoon)!  There are many others who have cut checks outside of the golf outing that we have to thank as well - which I'm sure Coach Gondak has already done.  For those of you, contributing other gifts as give aways, thanks - they are always appreciated and help to contain our costs.  Mr. Baskwill, kudos again to you for maintaining the blog and keeping everyone up to date with what's going on!  As an update on our Charlie Hull, he is back at it, running and winning a tri-athalon this past weekend in Maryland.  Seriously, Charlie is back on his feet in good shape and wanted to thank all who shared concern...  
On to the highlights:

Brian Boyer led his team to another victory this year accompanied by Bill Whitaker (Elks Club Professional Golfer), Todd Kletter, and Curt Allison (another numbnut from Lancaster, OH) shooting (-2).  Kelly O'Brien (speaking of numbnuts!) led his team to a very close second place finish - had he not chosen to go for the longest putt on 18th from 30 feet away and taken the 3 foot putt for par for the tie, he may have had his name on the cup (God forbid))!  He was accompanied by Nick K, Steve Balkey, and Mike McCahill at (-1).  There was a tie for third at even par between Bob (I'm not cutting my hair until the year 2030) Gabel's team (with Jim and Mike McClelland and Larry Mangan and my team which was led by Ziggy (John Ziegler) and Mark and Kevin Fuller (who we found out later, made their Harem play golf at another course rather than play in the outing - probably a wise choice with some of the crazies in our bunch!) - maybe next year!  The most honest team was that of Che Arosemena (can't use his nickname in a public forum - golf course yes), Huge Hamill (oh Hugh, sorry), Fullyman (Brian Fuller) and last but certainly not least, Artie (can't anybody hook me up with clubs that don't date back to 1970!) Gilkes!  

The specialty awards this year went to: 1) Longest distance traveled - Jake Bartholomy - Seattle (Sorry Brian, New Mexico's just not far enough away!)

                                                               2) "Ghost Man" - Award for the Alumni whom we have not seen for years or longest tenured
                                                                                          two winners -  teammates from, well, let's say "back in the day" - Bob Szeyller and Richard Gross!

                                                               3) "Brotherhood" award - Tom Kleban - Hate your brother but love ya man!

                                                               4) Shot of the Day - went to Nick K - trying to join the wedding party on the ninth hole - some hillbilly decided

                                                                                          to park their big red pick-em-up truck away from everyone else in the parking lot to keep it from getting

                                                                                          dings... he got a ding alright - ding dong...

                                                               5) Waterbug awards - New this year for all interested golfers wanting to take a dip with their ball!  There were so many

                                                                                          names on the list we had to draw numbers and the lucky skinny dippers were Bill Whitaker and Bob

                                                                                          Hudson - that's like one of those "everybody out of the pool" scenes with Hudson...

                                                               6) My Favorite - The Numbnut Award - Kelly O'Brien,  "just because"...!   You know I'm just bustin' on ya Kelly!

 

That's it!  Again thanks to all who participated - for those of you we missed this year - hopefully we'll see you next year for the 15th annual as the team should be back in town as well...

 

RIP ASS!

CH

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Let's Be Careful Out There, Especially With Our Hearts



The recent passing of teammate and friend Marc Dunmire is another running mate I have lost to heart disease.  I know many more with problems ranging from V-fib to valve replacements  Two others died after the swim portion of triathlons.  Each day since Larry Mangan called with the news of Marc's loss, I have remembered something from our times together.  It saddens me  immensely even with other things in my life vying for prominence in my thoughts.  I have heard from more than a handful of running friends about their various experiences.  I figured I might as well try to do something positive in the event there are others out there with similar thoughts.

In those olden days of 100 mile weeks, Mountain Runs and workouts to exhaustion, none of us felt vulnerable to anything mere mortals were prone to.  We were exempt from such mundane things.  My 118 pound frame had no fear in my Junior year when I was in the best shape of my life.  But I was wrong. Just as every other one of us was wrong.  Congenital heart defects put an end to my competitions the very next year. (I'm fine BTW!) There are heart risks, vulnerabilities and chances of disaster even among the elite of the elite in the running class.  Some of them are even more prevalent in runners than in the "normal" population.  And no one can deny their genetics.  It's there no matter what you do or say.  Things can help reduce the risks, but nothing will eliminate them.

Heart Problems in Runners:
The following lists are all from WebMD: 

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, or chest pain. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing, or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw, or back.
Other symptoms of coronary artery disease include:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations (irregular heart beats, or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest)
  • A faster heartbeat
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sweating

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Symptoms of a heart attack can include:
  • Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone
  • Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Fullness, indigestion, or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn)
  • Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats

Symptoms of Arrhythmias

When symptoms of arrhythmias, or an abnormal heart rhythm, are present, they may include:
  • Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops" in your chest)
  • Pounding in your chest
  • Dizziness or feeling light-headed
  • Fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest discomfort
  • Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired)
The most common form of sudden death in runners is from Cardiac Arrest, an arrhythmia or stopping of the heart Which can be helped!  

Larry Mangan and Mark Hawkins attended the memorial service for Marc in Houston along with Greg McKelvey (a golf-pro who is always invited to our annual tourney!).  The four of them were the best of friends.

"I tried to post to the blog via cell, but couldn't.  Mark Hawkins, Greg McKelvey and I went to a very well attended remembrance service for Marc.  The four of us attended a PSU (football) game for nearly 30 straight years.  Marc was one of a kind and was like a brother to us.  It was an honor to spend time with his family and friends and we shared many great stories.  He was well loved and will be sorely missed by all."
-Larry Mangan, June 1, 2015.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Some Old-Time Junior Records Include 2 Teammates

Brian Boyer sent us an old program from the TAC (used to be the AAU and is now the USATF) Junior Championships held at the Nittany Lion Track in 1983.  I was ensconced in Podiatry School at the time and missed the whole thing entirely.  Previously, I included two of the ads from the program and here is a listing of the Junior Records at the time.  Two teammates of mine are in the ranks as well as a Nittany Lion Great from before my time. 

  • John Zishka       (Lancaster, OH HS)     5000M     13:55.65     6/17/1980
  • Paul Lankford    (NY HS)                      400 IH       50.87        6/18/1977
  • Alvin Jackson    (Nittany Valley TC)     Hammer    202' 2"      6/22/1973



Friday, June 5, 2015

A Different Kind Of Streak

We've discussed the phenomena of running every day and the US Running Streak Association several times before, but never one that happens to take in quantity and quality.



Former Shippensburg University stand-out Steve Spence has run a Mile in under 5:00 for 40 years in a row.  And here's another guy who isn't too far behind.


Is there anyone in our Universe who has a similar accomplishment?  

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Official Physicist Accepts Our European Relocation Offer

Our very own Official Physicist, Brian Boyer, (although really a Nuclear Engineer), has accepted our position as Official European Liaison and will be relocating to Vienna, Austria in the coming weeks.  It was good to see him at the Reunion and Golf Tourney, where he snagged his second inscription on the Coach Groves Cup!  We wish him well in his main job of promoting PSU Track and Field and his hobby of protecting the world from Nuclear Terror.

Before he leaves, he brings us this 1983 advertisement from the TAC Junior Championships held at the PSU Track.  In a coincidence, Brian is from the Reading area, where the Dolfin Sportswear Co. had its headquarters.  In those days I wore a XS singlet and S shorts.  Sigh...

And does this ad stir any memories in the older set???
More from the 1983 TAC program to come...
 
Web Statistics