A Lull In The Action Means Housecleaning Commences

With not much happening in the Track World, it is time to do a little Spring cleaning, even if it is a little late.  So let's all get to work and crowdsource an updated Penn State Track Alumni Record Book!  Sorry ladies, I don't even know how to begin compiling one for the women.  Maybe an ambitious member of our group will try!!!!    Hint, hint!

But at least we have a starting point for the Men's Records which includes Indoor, Outdoor and Road records.  Matt Groves has done much of the legwork from his dad's notes in the past.  We are certain that our listing needs updating, and that's where you come in.  If we all get together on this we can fully update the listings in no time.

Let's start with the Men's Outdoor List:  Any changes can be made via the Facebook Page or on the comments below.  Please help!

Our first update to the list doesn't change the record, but clarifies it.

(George)Malley's AR was NOT the 8:21.72 you have listed. Henry Marsh had the AR at the time (1978) and it was 8:21.55...Malley's AR was in 1977 at the AAU National Championships at Westwood, CA at 8:22.54.

Some PSU Goodness Mixed in at "Once Upon a Time in the Vest"

I've only had a little time to browse the site, but I have come across so many cool things.  An example is a little blurb about Al Cantello, former WR holder in the javelin and distance coach at Navy since 1965, and a hero of mine, among many others.

But here are two PSU references to stimulate the appetite:

Bill Ashenfelter's Shoe

Shoe worn by Bill Ashenfelter in the 1952 Olympic Steeplechase, won by his brother Horace.Ashenfelter III.

PSU Junior Jim Stevenson, winner at the 1964 Olympic Trials Preliminary meet Javelin 242' 8".

The Olympic Trials were different in those days.  At this preliminary meet, first place meant you were on the team, and 2nd through 6th place put you into the formal Olympic Trials meet for a chance at the other slots.  I'll have to get my crack team of editors and fact checkers look this stuff up.  Did any of you know Jim Stevenson was an Olympian?  We do know that he has the grandfathered old javelin Alumni Record for PSU!

An early addendum:  I was pointed to this obituary of  Jim Stevenson which explains it all.  Sounds like another extraordinary man from the ranks of the PSU Track Alumni.   I keep saying that our members are the most interesting, most intelligent and most accomplished people I have ever met.  I'm sorry I never got to meet Jim Stevenson.  But I'm trying to make it possible for all of us to meet each other, which will enhance each and every one of us.

Penn State Track Alumni Records: Throws Division

Well, as most of you know, this is the field where I know the absolute least. But I have become more of a fan of the events as time has gone by.  The artistry of the events is mesmerizing.  Combine that with the different applications of strength needed in each of the events, and they remind me of the artistry involved in a baseball pitching duel, my favorite pro sports event. The ability to control strength and apply it in just the small window of optimum performance is not something many of us can possibly do.  My pinnacle in the strength department occurred in a "weight-room" session during Sophomore Year where Coach Groves just wouldn't leave like usual.  So I couldn't "weight" until he left to end my session.  So there I was attempting to bench press my own weight.  And I did it! I actually bench pressed 120 lbs. when I weighed 118 pounds.  Probably the most pitiful of any of our readers.  (Use the Comments to post your best bench press mark!)

Anyway, here are the Alumni records in the Throws.  They are almost all pretty old, and I'm not aware of  any newer and better marks.  That's where you come in. Let us know if there are changes to be made.

Hammer: 64.60 [211' 11"}, Alvin Jackson '77 1979
Shot Put: 21.87 (71' 9") C.J. Hunter '90  2000
Discus: 69.62 (228' 5"), Knut Hjeltnes '75 1985
Javelin (old): 82.90 (272' 0"), Jim Stevenson '66 1964
Javelin (new): 70.40 [231' 0"}, Rob Austin '96 (PS.Open) 1997
Javelin (new): 71.70 (235' 9 1/4") Dave Masgay (Penn Relays) 2000

Knut Hjeltnes with Grete Waitz.(RIP)  Could Grete out bench press me back in the day?