This Gem Brings Me Both Joy And Shame

Our superb William and Mary Connection and current coach of Gettysburg High School, Brian Mount somehow dug up a gem of an article from the Centre Daily Times from the days before color was invented, 1978.

This article includes me and gives me both joy and shame at the same time.  As most of you know, I am not afraid to point out my poor performances whenever I can, but this one probably can't even be called one of them!  This was during my "great groin pull" (now known in medical circles as a high ankle sprain, I believe?) of 1978 from a stupid choice of fencing as a Phys ed class.  (I did end up taking second place in the class tournament with a superb 3-phase parry and thrust to win my Semi-Final and earn an "A" in the class. Can't remember the world renowned fencing coach who ran the class, but he said it was a great showing that last day.  So I got that going for me anyway.)

Joys:

• The mentions of great friends Ted Lyon, Jim Clelland, Kevin Kelly O'Brien, Pete Bortolotti, Brian Boyer, Gary Black and Tim Backenstose. Both Glenn Chumley and Mark Stephenson were friends, but I did not know them as well as the others.
• Only the second race that I can confirm beating Gary Black.
• The mention of my daughter's namesake and great friend Martha White (Collins) and Nittany Lion great Kathy Mills (Parker).

Shame:

• Again losing out to Kelly, Jim, and even Ted.  I swear I beat them some of the time, but no one ever produces evidence of those times!   hee hee hee
• Placing right behind Glenn Chumley, An HALF-MILER!!!  Glenn was famous for running a 1:53 half on Wednesday at practice and then 1:55 for the meet on Saturday. (hee hee hee)  That, AND making the front page of the Collegian by streaking during a snow storm.  Coach could never prove it was him because the photo was from behind, but we all knew just by his running style.  One time years later, I saw him ahead of me jogging in Fairmount Park.  I caught up with him and it was certainly him.  I recognized him by his distinctive running style even after a few years.  Someone out there will comment on just what this was.  I can't seem to place it in words right now.  Anyway, Glenn, I tip my hat to you for beating me in an XC race.

I Actually Never Met Eugene

I depend on others for a lot of my "reportage".  And when big things are occurring for PSU Track and Field waaaay over in Oregon, I need help to bring you pictures and news.

So it is with great delight that I present our newest Roaming Corespondent, Patty Murnane Nosack!  She happens to live very near Hayward Field, home of all track and field for the next millennium or so.  (Remember, our original Roaming Corespondent is on the Appalachian Trail somewhere in the Green Mountains!)

Patty had the wonderful chance to take her daughter to Eugene yesterday and hang out in the Nike section of Hayward Field with other Nittany Lions.  She generously sent me some exclusive pics for all of us to enjoy.  Thanks Patty!

Grace, Patty Murnane Nosack, Tina Leatherman Jones and Kathy Mills Parker.

Patty met Coach Gondak by chance when she was heading home!

"We must be in the front row!"

Mark Parker gives Grace advice on shoe design!

Tessa Barrett before the 5000M. (Heal up quickly!)

The whole gang.

If I had the chance to visit Eugene, I would briefly visit Hayward Field, but I would really want to make it to the Dexter Lake Club.  Here is Otis Day, still singing the Lake Club's favorite song in 2012!  He had to learn to sing after the movie.  He lip-synced the original!

The Final Listing Of The Greatest Penn State Womens Cross Country Runners Of All Time, Just In Time For Christmas Unwrapping

With the combination of the AIAW results from 1975-1980 and the NCAA results from 1981 to the present, we finally have complete results of the Womens Collegiate Championships.  Those who finished in the top 50 of any of those Championships are included in the rankings.  A complex, flawed and arbitrary method was used to rank them according to my whim and mood.  I was persistent to find all these results so that I could include some friends I have actually run some miles with.  Merry Christmas to Patty, Mary, Kathy, Liz, Kris and Heather.

1. Kathy Mills Parker - 3rd 1976, 1st 1977, 3rd 1978, 4th 1979 for 179.6 points.
2. Liz Berry Larsen - - 15th 1975, 11th 1976 and 16th 1977 for 97.3 points. 
3. Kris Bankes - 3rd 1975, 43rd 1976, 15th 1977 for 79.6 points. 
4. Heather Carmichael - 8th 1979, 24th 1980, 31st 1981, 43rd 1983 for 77.6 points. 
5. Bridget Franek - 23rd 2008, 26th 2009 for 52.8 points.
6. Susanne Heyer - 14th 2000 for 36.7 points.
7. Caitlin Lane - 16th 2011 for 35.0 points.
8. Liz Cunningham Kisenwether - 12th 1975 for 33.5 points.
9. Stacia Prey - 23rd 1985, 41st 1987, 31st 1988 for 30.1 points. 
10. Kimberly Kelly Segiel - 27th 1992, 35th 1994 for 28.4 points.
11. Patty Murnane Nosack - 24th 1979 for 26.4 points.
12. Mary Rawe Rapp - 26th 1980 for 20.1 points.
13. Kimberly McGreevy - 28th in 1996 for 19.4 points. 
14. Donna Gardner - 34th 1976 for 13.1 points.
15. Tessa Barrett - 38th 2015 for 13.0 points. 
16. Doreen Startare McCoubrie - 28th in 1982 for 12.0 points.
17. Kelli Hunt - 42nd 1992, 44th 1993 for 11.4 points. 
18. Colleen Glyde - 41st 1992 for 7.1 points. 
19. Wendy Nelson - 43rd 1990 for 5.6 points.
20. Eileen Meenan - 45th 1975 for 5.2 points.
21. Torri Perri - 47th 2012 for 4.0 points. 
22. Erin St. John - 46th 1994 for 3.6 points. 
23. Jennifer Weaver - 46th 1993 for 3.6 points. 
24. Meredith White - 45th 1984 for 2.6 points. 

Another Third Place In The AIAW Championships: 1979

Top Movies 1979:

1. Apocalypse Now   " I love the smell of napalm in the morning."
2. Alien     " The pit is completely enclosed. And it's full of leathery objects, like eggs or something."
3. Mad Max     "I am the Nightrider. I'm a fuel injected suicide machine. I am the rocker, I am the roller, I am the out-of-controller!"

Top Songs 1979:

1. My Sharona - The Knack
2. Bad Girls - Donna Summer
3. Le Freak - Chic 

Two Nittany Lions placed in the top 10 of the 1979 AIAW Cross Country Championships.  Fourth place finisher Kathy Mills was joined by Heather Carmichael in 8th place.  The team finished in third behind first time winner North Carolina State and Oregon.

This cements Patty Murnane's name on the listing of Greatest PSU Womens XC Runners. Coming Soon.

Movies Were Still Better Than The Songs In 1978: AIAW Results Keep Coming!

There was a lot of opposition to having the 1978 Championships at altitude when Colorado submitted its bid at the 1977 AIAW race.  But somehow, they got the bid anyway (sound familiar!?).  It paid off for Colorado only with the individual win by Mary Decker.  The race turned out to be a good one anyway, with the Penn State Women ending up in third place overall.

Notice the fine finish by honorary Alum Martha White Collins for Virginia! And our first mention of Sue Hollick (Crowe) on these pages.  Did you know that I was responsible for Sue joining the team.  Just as I was instrumental in getting the Wolfe twins to join us!  (Scout's Honor)

Patty Murnane Nosack just misses out on being included in the pantheon of "Greatest" PSU XC runners.  But never fear, there is 2 years of results to come!

 Top Songs 1978:

1. Shadow Dancing - Andy Gibb
2. Night Fever - The Bee Gees
3. You Light Up My Life - Debbie Boone

 With Apologies to all!!!!



Top Movies 1978:

1. Grease   "Grease is the word."
2. Superman    "You'll believe a man can fly."
3. Animal House   "Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son."

1976 Was Also A Wonderful Year: Movies, Songs and, of course, AIAW XC Championship Results!

It was like it was yesterday.  I was almost paying attention to what was going on around me. Gerald Ford was President and Chevy Chase was injuring his back making fun of him.  Woodstock was a distant memory, overtaken by Disco of all things.  I even owned a pair of platform shoes to go with my Leisure Suit.




Top Songs:

1. Silly Love Songs    Wings 
2. Don't Go Breaking My Heart    Elton John and Kiki Dee
3. Disco Lady    Johnny Taylor

Top Movies:

1. Rocky     "You're gonna eat lightning, and crap thunder!"
2.  Taxi Driver    "You looking at me?"
3.  Carrie    "Sorry is the Kool Aid of human emotions."

AIAW XC Championship Results 1976


 Penn State finished 5th in the College Womens Cross Country Championships' second year.  Kathy Mills paced the Lady Lions with her 3rd place effort in Madison, Wisconsin.

Team Finish:

1. Iowa State
2. Cal State Northridge
3. Wisconsin Madison
4. Michigan State 
5. Penn State

Overall Top 5:

1. Julie Brown   Cal State Northridge   16:29.8
2. Carol Cook    Iowa State                    16:39.2
3. Kathy Mills   Penn State                     16:42.1
4. Kim Merritt   Wisconsin- Parkside     16:43.4 
5. Ann Mulrooney Wisconsin-Madison  16:45.3 Kim Merritt, 2000.

Julie Brown.

Penn State AIAW Finishers 1976:

1. Kathy Mills - 3rd             16:42.1
2. Liz Berry - 11th               16:56.8 
3. Donna Gardner - 34th   17:41.2
4. Kris Bankes - 43rd           17:51.5 
5. Lisa Turner - 97th            18:38.4
6. Eileen Meenan - 163rd    19:38.4 
7. Hillary Noden - 222nd     22:54.0

That adds Donna Gardner to the all-time greats and bolsters Kris Bankes' already lofty status!  Coming Soon.

The Search For Complete AIAW Championship Results Continues: Here's Some "Complete" Results of The 1977 2nd Place Team

The AIAW XC Championships started in 1975, but the first All-American Team wasn't chosen until the 1977 race.  That happens to be the year that our very own Kathy Mills Parker dominated the field.  Our 2nd and 3rd team members were very high in the field with Kris Bankes garnering the final of 15 AA positions.  But that left out Liz Berry Larsen, the 16th finisher that day!  Other scorers that day were Hillary Noden and Mary Rawe (Camp Hill's phenom and future wife of our own Coach extraordinaire Tom Rapp).  The sixth and seventh runners were Donna Gardner and Penny Fales.

Tom Rapp, Mary Rawe Rapp with Tom's ex-roommate Larry Mangan.

Here's some bits from the Eastern Kentucky University Special Collections Archive:

Is This The Final Listing Of The Greatest Penn State Womens Cross Country Runners Of All-Time?

Short Answer:  Probably Not! 

I'm going to go ahead and add partial results of the 1979 AIAW Championships to the list.  But I will still make efforts to get the full results of 1975, 1976, 1978 and 1979. And 1980 is still missing too. I don't want to miss any of the women finishing in the top 50 but not making All-American status as per the original criteria.

As I suspected, Heather Carmichael (and Here) moves up on the list with the inclusion of 1979, while Kathy Mills Parker moves further ahead of the pack.

Greatest Penn State Womens Cross Country Runners (AIAW and NCAA) Of All-Time

(Red indicates changes from the last version.)

1. Kathy Mills Parker - 3rd 1976, 1st 1977, 3rd 1978, 4th 1979 for 179.6 points.
2. Liz Berry Larsen - - 15th 1975, 11th 1976 and 16th 1977 for 97.3 points. 
3. Kris Bankes - 3rd 1975, 15th 1977 for 74.4 points. 
4. Heather Carmichael - 8th 1979, 31st 1981, 43rd 1983 for 54.9 points. 
5. Bridget Franek - 23rd 2008, 26th 2009 for 52.8 points.
6. Susanne Heyer - 14th 2000 for 36.7 points.
7. Caitlin Lane - 16th 2011 for 35.0 points.
8. Liz Cunningham Kisenwether - 12th 1975 for 33.5 points.
9. Stacia Prey - 23rd 1985, 41st 1987, 31st 1988 for 30.1 points. 
10. Kimberly Kelly Segiel - 27th 1992, 35th 1994 for 28.4 points.
11. Kimberly McGreevy - 28th in 1996 for 19.4 points. 
12. Tessa Barrett - 38th 2015 for 13.0 points. 
13. Doreen Startare McCoubrie - 28th in 1982 for 12.0 points.
14. Kelli Hunt - 42nd 1992, 44th 1993 for 11.4 points. 
15. Colleen Glyde - 41st 1992 for 7.1 points. 
16. Wendy Nelson - 43rd 1990 for 5.6 points.
17. Torri Perri - 47th 2012 for 4.0 points. 
18. Erin St. John - 46th 1994 for 3.6 points. 
19. Jennifer Weaver - 46th 1993 for 3.6 points. 
20. Meredith White - 45th 1984 for 2.6 points. 

Updated (But Still Incomplete) Top Penn State Womens Cross Country Runners Of All-Time

Through extensive searches requiring Herculean efforts (Google and even email!) and the actual transfer of legal tender, I obtained AIAW XC Championship Results of 1976 (partial), 1977 (total) and 1978 (partial).

These efforts were facilitated by Sarah Adams and the wonderful people at Eastern Kentucky University Special Collections and Archive.  She has been granted an honorary membership in our group and joins Jeri Elder and Kay Warfel as a Digital Archive Goddess on the right sidebar.  She will probably be somewhat confused by how much I paid for the few specific items I needed, but I am very thankful for them.  It gives me a little street cred when I say I am trying to run all of this stuff down, and come through with at least some of it.  Still looking for the results of 1975, 1979 and 1980! Only a troll under a bridge seems to have them.

So we can add a few names to the listing of the Greatest PSU Womens Cross Country Runners of All-Time!   I had the math intern retire to the basement with a calculator and figure out the results using the same arbitrary, self-serving and non-meticulous method I used before.  There are many ways to answer the question, but this method pleases my friends and infuriates some others.  You are welcome to promote your own listing as you please.  And Pete Rose is still the greatest baseball player of all-time, just in case you wanted to know!

 The Top Penn State Women Cross Country Runners Of All-Time (Including AIAW results 1976, 1977 1nd 1978 and all NCAA results 1981 to present):

New members in red

1. Kathy Mills Parker - 3rd 1976, 1st 1977 and 3rd 1978 for 133.8 points.
2. Liz Berry Larsen - - 11th 1976 and 16th 1977 for 66.4 points.
3. Bridget Franek - 23rd 2008, 26th 2009 for 52.8 points.
4. Susanne Heyer - 14th 2000 for 36.7 points.
5. Caitlin Lane - 16th 2011 for 35.0 points.
6. Kris Bankes - 15th 1977 for 33.0 points.
7. Stacia Prey* - 23rd 1985, 41st 1987, 31st 1988 for 30.1 points.
8. Kimberly Kelly - 27th 1992, 35th 1994 for 28.4 points.
9. Kimberly McGreevy - 28th in 1996 for 19.4 points.
10. Heather Carmichael - 31st 1981, 43rd 1983 for 13.1 points.
11. Tessa Barrett - 38th 2015 for 13.0 points.
12. Doreen Startare McCoubrie - 28th in 1982 for 12.0 points.
13. Kelli Hunt - 42nd 1992, 44th 1993 for 11.4 points.
14. Colleen Glyde - 41st 1992 for 7.1 points.
15. Wendy Nelson - 43rd 1990 for 5.6 points.
16. Torri Perri - 47th 2012 for 4.0 points.
17. Erin St. John - 46th 1994 for 3.6 points.
18. Jennifer Weaver - 46th 1993 for 3.6 points.
19. Meredith White - 45th 1984 for 2.6 points.   

Liz Berry Larsen, 2nd from left.

Kris Bankes.

*Thanks to Hugh Hamill for the correction of Stacia Prey's name, (not Perry as in the "official" results. The intern has been sacked.

AIAW History I Came Across During My Search For Results (With More To Come)

The history of Penn State Womens Cross Country began in 1975 with its AIAW sanctioned team. The team began with aplomb and was among the organizations strongest teams throughout its history until the NCAA took over Women's Sports with a bitter coup in 1981.

Penn State Women’s Cross-Country History

PennState fielded its first women’s cross-country team in 1975.  The team was an immediate success, winning regional championships from 1975 to 1985, and finishing in the top five nationally from 1975 to 1980, and the top ten through 1982.  In their first season, under coach Chris Brooks, the Nittany Lions finished second in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Championships.  Under Brooks, Kathy Mills, one of PennState’s all-time great runners, was a four-time All American, won the 1977 AAU National Championship, and was the winner of the prestigious Broderick Award as the best cross-country runner in the nation in both 1977 and 1978.

Gary Schwartz replaced Brooks in 1979, but the regional championships and superior national performance continued, first as part of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and then, starting in 1981, with the NCAA.  A highlight of his tenure was a number three finish at the national championships in 1979. 

Coach Gary Schwartz.

Coach Groves and Coach Schwartz at a previous golf tourney.

Teri Jordan started her illustrious coaching career at PennState in 1984.  Over 16 seasons, she won numerous coach of the year honors, the team won three eastern regional titles, and then joined the Big 10 in 1991, finishing second or third from 1991-1996.  In 1996, Kim McGreevy was the Big 10 cross-country champion and athlete of the year. In 1999, Jordan was head coach of the USteam that competed in the World Championships. She is now Penn State’s Coordinator of Disability Programming and the Assistant Coordinator of the Ashenfelter Track Complex.

Matt Groves, Coach Teri Jordan, Coach Groves and Dan Jordan.

 Both Coach Jordan and coach Schwartz will be with us at the next Reunion and coach Groves Golf tourney in May.  spread the word and let's have the best ever turn-out of Women team members ever!

Will A Member Of Our Group And Holder Of An Alumni Singlet Become The Grand Poobah Of Nike?

We previously chipped in and bought Alumni Singlets for Mark Parker '77 and his wife Kathy (Mills) Parker '78.  These were delivered to them by Olympian Bridget Franek.

When Phil Knight steps down from the company soon, he relates he wants Mark Parker to succeed him.  HERE may be why.  With all the different titles held by all the upper echelon of people of Nike, I suggest that they just utilize the moniker Grand Poobah, from the leader of the Loyal Order of Buffaloes Lodge of Bedrock and Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado.

It's all hats nowadays.

"Knight said he wants Nike president and CEO Mark Parker, who has held those positions since 2006, to succeed him. No specific date was set for Knight's departure, though he said he plans to stay involved in the business. Nike Inc. said it expects to name a new chairman in 2016."   -ESPN

I'm Back! But Kinda Sad I Might Not Have Been Missed

That was the longest blog hiatus since it was started in 2008.  Sorry about that.  Work items and a family medical emergency conspired against me even as items began to build up which are important and of interest.  I hope I can catch up sometime soon.  But I hope I was missed by at least a few of you?

Item 1:  The Mid-Atlantic NCAA Championships are this weekend AT PSU!  I can't make it, but I am looking for roaming corespondents to report on things like our Chief Laundry Officer did in this great post for the High School Championships.  Maybe Mark Haywood can give us some gibberish, grainy cell phone pics and anecdotes from the event?  Hint, hint.  Etc. Etc. Etc. Everyone is invited.

Item 2:  The Parkers attended an event at the All Sports Museum last weekend to celebrate the 50 years of Women's Sports at PSU.

I have told the story before of my very first run at PSU as I showed up for my Freshman Orientation week.  I checked in with Coach Groves right away, unlike Greg Fredericks, and he immediately told me to take a run with "these guys".  Luckily I was dressed for a run and just jumped in.  Believe it or not. I was by far the littlest and skinniest person there.  I was intimidated by the size of everyone there.  I think Campbell Lovett and Tim Backenstose were there, as well as Mark Parker.  None of these people would ever remember this, as I was so scared I never talked to anyone, and they didn't talk back.  We went for a "10-miler" to the Pine Barrens that took 1 1/2 hours at 6-minute pace.  This was merely an introduction to the PSU mileage measurement system I would come to know all so well.  But it was also my introduction to running "in the woods" which is one of my greatest memories of all my PSU years.  I would recommend running at PSU for anyone just because of the mountains and scenery of these routes.

But before Mark Parker became a running mate on my very first PSU run, I must say I saw his future wife even before that.  Early in the AM dark, I saw her streak across the road in front of us at the park across from Easterly Parkway on my way to the dorm with all my belongings in the Ford station wagon.  She was running very fast, but what was weird was the cast on her left foot she was running with.  Kathy Mills had just had surgery but didn't seem to miss a beat.  I have no idea how she did that, and would never recommend that to any of my patients.  As Coach Groves has said, "She is the toughest runner I ever saw."

Kathy (Mills) Parker with the Women's Team.

PSU Record Holders Kathy (MIlls) Parker (5000M) and Kara Foster (10000M).

The Women's Team meets Nike President Mark Parker and Kathy (Mills) Parker.

Two American Record holders, Kathy (Mills) Parker (5000M and WR!) and Greg Fredericks (10000M).

Let's Celebrate a World Record by One of Our Own!

We're a little late with this one, but what the heck.

In addition to the World Record Horace Ashenfelter set at the 1952 Olympics in the Steeplechase, we have another World Record Holder in our ranks.  Thanks to our great friend from the Oregon Ducks and the West Coast, Dan Martinez, we have these great photos and stats of the 1978 AIAW 5000 M Championships.

Kathy Mills gapped the field by 35 meters in the first lap and never let up!

• 400 M - 67.1
• 1 Mile - 4:48.3
• 2 Mile - 9:55.6 (5:07.3)
• 3 Mile - 15:03.9 (5:08.3)
• 5000 M - 15:35.5   Collegiate Record, American Record, World Record!

Photo by Bill Killian.

 Also in the race and finishing 7th was Kris Bankes in 16:12.0, the 10th fastest American all-time at the time.

Photo by Bill Killian.

"The toughest runner I ever saw." -Coach Groves

Our new friend from California (and the Oregon Ducks!) Dan Martinez has sent numerous vintage photos since we were introduced by the wonderful digital world.  And these vintage photos never fail to get a great response from my "dozens" of readers.  I'll unveil more of these sporadically but wanted this one to be first in line.

Sometimes my grasp of facts and "the truth" is rightfully questioned by blog proof-readers, but this one is 100% certified accurate.  I heard the quote directly from Coach Groves at last year's Track Alumni Reunion and Golf Tourney. I even have it on tape.

Photo by Bill Killian.

That's PSU's very own Kathy (Mills) Parker at the 1978 AAU Championships.  And that's another tough runner behind her in Jan Merrill.  Who should have patented her compression socks way back then!

Kathy Mills Helps All 7 Little Lady Lions to 5K PRs

PSU Track Alumni honorary golfer Rebecca Donaghue coaches the Little Lady Lions of State College High.  (Dave Felice and Steve Shisler coach the Boys.) They won the District 6 Title recently with all 7 runners running their 5K PR.  Rebecca says a big part of her motivation was the photo of PSU American Record Holder Kathy Mills she posted on the wall of the locker room to inspire grit and determination, which Kathy had an ample supply of.  (Torturing the English language is a big part of my blogging schtick, but you get the point.)

The Little Lady Lions will be in action tomorrow at the State Championships in Hershey.

"Early" Women's Team Reunites and Christens Mondo Surface

When the Men's Team Alumni get together from the 70's and 80's, they call us "Old".  But when the Women's Team from the same era get together, it's called "Early"!  Either way, it's good to see them getting together.  It's also a chance to invite all of them to our Annual Harry Groves Golf Tournament and soon-to-be expanded Reunion Weekend!  Details will be upcoming shortly following our phone conference among the doers and shakers of our group and Coach Beth Alford-Sullivan.  There are big things coming for everyone involved in the past or present PSU Track (and Field) and Cross-Country Programs.  That means every era of both Mens and Womens Teams.  Stay tuned.

Chris Bankes, Liz (Berry) Larsen and Kathy (Mills) Parker were among the dozen or so lucky people to take a lap on the newly resurfaced indoor track.  I still have not jogged on the track, old surface or new.

Back in the Saddle Again

Following the third place finish in the 4 X 800 at Penn Relays, the 800 U boys jumped right back up on the horse and thrilled spectators at the Payton Jordan Invitational on Saturday.  Cas Loxsom excelled and posted the top NCAA 800 M time so far this year with a 1:46.74 effort!  Ryan Foster also did not disappoint with a 1:47.78.  Lionel Williams rounded out the PSU performances with a 1:49.33 in the event.


Bridgit Franek again threatened the record book with her 15:46.8 in the 5000 M,  off the record of Kathy Mills from 1978 by 13 seconds. Sam Borchers is also rounding into shape,  posting a 3:46.67 in the 1500 M. 

The sprinters traveled to Ohio State where Fawn Dorr and Shavon Greaves both won 2 events apiece.  Dorr demolished the field in the 400 M and the 400 M hurdles while Greaves bested all in the 100 M and 200 M. Additionally, Karlee McQuillen won the javelin for the second week in a row.

The Nittany Lions have a home meet next week in preparation for the Big Ten Championships the following week.

Sometimes it takes more than one attempt to get it right.  This guy had to get back on the horse twice after failing to do a back-flip on a mega-ramp with a Big Wheel! Keep up the hard work and good things will happen.

Men are Usually Pigs, But....

NOT Penn State Track and Field Alumni Golfers! Our efforts to unite all PSU track alums have led to the introduction of a new award this year. All male attendees will be on their best behavior. The Kathy Award is named for PSU's former World Record Holder in the 5000 M, Kathy (Mills) Parker. The rotating prize will be awarded to the most-valuable woman golfer in the tournament to wear for the next year and return for the next lucky recipient. The blue and white pearl necklace is a beautiful piece, picked out by our very own Beth (Stever) Shisler. The Shisler's also offer the winner a luxury collection of their skin care products from Under Your Skin, (underyourskin.us.com).

Blasts From the Past!

A weird series of events led me to cruise through the Interwebbie Thingie where I came across this gem of an article from the Centre Daily Times archives.

At the Second Annual Arts Festival Ten-Miler, PSU Track Alumni Golfers were out in force. This would be 1977 or 1978, well before the dawn of breathable fabrics, colors and probably when dirt came to be made. Even Coach Groves tickled the pavement at exactly 6:00 pace.

Greg Fredericks, our Course Marshall (among other duties!) defended his title in impressive fashion, blazing a 47:37. Charlie Maquire came in second in 50:19. I wish Charlie was still around to enhance our group. He was one of the three toughest runners I ever saw. (I witnessed him run a sub 9:00 2-mile 8 years after college on minimal training.)

Other PSU Track Alumni Golfers included in the trailing pack:

• Jim "Frit" Cooper (on our Wish List) 51:37
• Tim Backenstose 53:49
• Gary Black 55:10
• Hugh Hamill 55:32 (Also on our Wish List)
  
• Mark Parker 56:06 (Nike COO and on our Wish List)
• Bill Kvashay 58:30 (you heard about his Penn Relays Marathon "Win" here)
• Kathy Mills (Namesake of our newest award for the Most Valuable Woman Golfer and former World Record Holder in the 5000M)
• Coach Harry Groves 60:00 (I wonder who took off the extra seconds on that one!)
• Bob Hudson 60:57 (as an 8th grader!)
  

Another Contest Entry and A New Prize Just for Women!

Rob Whiteside enters the contest in a Big Way. This is a photo of Rob's wrist band in front of Albert Einstein's Princeton home! E=mc(2) for sure.

And the idiot officers are announcing another new prize to be inaugurated at next year's tourney. The "Kathy" will be given to the most valuable woman golfer at the tourney. Named for Kathy Mills, PSU great and one-time US record-holder in the 5000 M, the prize will be added to our list of rotating prizes started last year. I'm not sure what the prize will be yet, but I'm leaning toward a piece of fine jewelry. Helping us introduce the prize is Beth Shisler, probable winner of 4 or 5 of them if I had been intelligent enough to have thought of it earlier! An idiot is an idiot.... Spread the world, our Kingdom for some women!




Addendum: Congrats to James Carney on another great performance, 10th at the Peachtree Road Race in 28:18.