The Brotherhood Loses Another

Ted's attire at this year's St. Pat's solo concert.

We lost another brother yesterday.  Ted Lyon was truly a remarkable individual.  With intellect and incredibly varied talents, he was truly one of a kind.  Exactly the way I describe the generic Penn State Track Alumni (Golfer).

I first got word via  Paul Souza and Facebook.  My reaction was eerily similar to my reaction after the passing of Steve Black, my brother-in-law, last year. The empty feeling in my chest, and yet the rapid and fluttering heart rate indicated to me that all of us in the PSU Track Alumni Family are truly brothers. (That includes all you women too, damn it to the new-fangled gender gobblety-gook we have to deal with! We are all a family, no matter what other differences we may have.)

Ted had incredible talents.  His running resume brought him to Penn State to follow Ricky Garcia, both from the famed high school of Remember the Titans fame, TC Williams.  While at PSU, his guitar talents united him with Paul Souza.  They teamed on several bands in State College, including The Trend and The UP. (Incredibly, Steve Black played rhythym guitar with Paul and Ted at one time also!)

Ricky Garcia Lane 1 and Ted Lyon, lane 2 for TC Williams.

Paul Souza, left with Ted Lyon, right.

Following graduation, Ted and Paul both hightailed it to Boston to form a band called Beat Surrender. For 7 years they led off for bands like Santana, Cheap Trick, Bruce Hornsby and the Range and Natalie Merchant.

When the band finally broke up, Ted moved to Williamsport and started another phase in his eclectic life.  He was recently married and has 2 kids from a previous marriage.  My condolences to everyone.

I am deeply heartened that I had the opportunity to golf with Ted in a recent Coach Groves Golf Tournament and we had a ball, as we both were there more for the comaradarie than the actual golf.  We reconnected after many years apart, but still started right where we had left off.  Make sure to make it to our Track Alumni Reunion this year.  You could be missing out on something you won't have a second chance to enjoy.

Ted warming up behind me and my dad, 1979.

Let it be said that Ted was still a better golfer than I.  (But then so are you!) RIP,  friend.

Stephen Dwight Black 11/16/1958 - 4/1/2017

Stephen Black's funeral mass was celebrated at St. Bridget's Church in Richmond, VA on Friday, May 19, 2017.  It was a beautiful service celebrating the life of a very uniquely talented friend and family member.

Among Steve's talents were entirely self-taught musical abilities on bass guitar and keyboard,  Steve appeared in the very first band to perform at the PSU Dance Marathon, Milo Thunder and the Road Hogs.  He was also the bass guitarist in Paul Sousa's first PSU band with Ted Lyon on lead guitar.

Later Steve turned to acting.  His credits include multiple parts in John Adams: The Mini-Series ( Steve actually appeared next to star Paul Giamatti on the front page of the USA Today article about the series!) and multiple appearances on the television channel Investigation Discovery.  He appeared annually as George Washington in Richmond's historical reenactment of Patrick Henry's Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death speech.

I include multiple examples of Steve's acting gigs.  I hope you will view them and say a prayer for him and his twin sister Barbara.

Wicked Attraction: Live Free or Die - Steve had a large part in this episode as the boyfriend and chief suspect in the murder of his girlfriend. (Hint: he didn't do it!)




Monsters and Mysteries in America: The Mill Race Monster - Steve plays a bemused cop doubting everything about the reports from teenagers about a 7-foot tall green monster.  He actually ad-libbed the bit eating and drinking coffee and the director liked it and left it in.

The Magenta Shamrock:  NOT SAFE FOR WORK due to sexual content (not by Steve!) Steve has only a brief appearance in this well-made short film, which is, in the end, a kinda sorta love story.

The Gravediggers: Hang 'em High:  This was a self-directed and self-written short film about the hanging of Nathan Hale. Steve appears as one of the gravediggers and you can spot Gary Black playing a Redcoat! 


 

Just A Few Answers And Team Pics (From Coach Groves!) For Ricky Garcia

The word went out yesterday for some remembrances for Ricky Garcia's time at PSU.  And some have already come in!  Thanks, keep them coming....

• Ricky Garcia was an awesome competitor and a great teammate. Always smiling and gregarious, even when he was barking at a certain coach!!! -Larry Mangan.

• Recalling 1982 TAC US 15km road championship...hosted in State College...Jeff Adkins wins..I have race of my life running with Ricky Garcia for first 8 miles.. then he drops me and puts at least 30 seconds on me in last mile to finish in top 5 in the United States championship. But he's a miler/ steeplechaser... what range!!  -Harry Smith.

• My most vivid memory of Ricky is when he and Ted (Lyon), both former teammates at TC Williams HS and having more than a little history with each other, were having another one of their epic spats on a run. We were near the Creamery on a run across campus and Ted kept egging on Ricky and finally said something that really pissed off Ricky. I don't know what it was. Ricky tackled Ted and somehow a rock materialized in Ricky's hand although I didn't see where the rock came from. Ricky yelled that he was going to bash Ted's head in and he might have done exactly that if we hadn't pulled Ricky off him. We kept them away from each other til they calmed down. To this day, I can't be certain Ted and Ricky weren't just trolling us all, but if it was an act, it was a damn good one by both of them. Although this episode was full of violence and the threat of worse violence, it was not hard at all for a bunch of college boys to find the whole thing pretty hilarious too. Definitely memorable and I made a mental note to avoid making Ricky mad ! I remain hopeful that Ricky will regain his memories. Those were some of the best times of our lives, and I pray that some of these stories may help Ricky in some way. Hang in there Ricky and stay upbeat !!  -Mark Haywood.

• Don't make Ricky mad. Ricky is one of my best friends. He actually wasn't the only person I pissed off. Great athlete. He probably could have had a college scholarship in a few sports. Intense competitor and we all know the really good ones have a bit of a mean side. I know he's suffering and Read his FB posts everyday. He is dealing with pain that would put most men on the floor - but remember he ran the steeplechase! We all love you Ricky!!  -Ted Lyon.
  

And Greg Fredericks has chimed in with links to team photos from all the Coach Groves' years! Check out 1980,1981 and 1982 XC for Ricky and all of his teammates. CoorespondingTrack years.

Coach Groves Penn State XC Teams

Coach Groves Penn State Track Teams

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.

PSU Track Alumni Store Reviews Are Coming In

  "Very nice. Took awhile. Worth the wait."

-Ted Lyon.

The merchandise is arriving all over.  And the reviews are unanimously great!  Here's Ted Lyon's son modeling the Rain Jacket...  Looking good!  Addendum:  Remember, the items are shipped one month after the Store closes.  And they arrive via USPS.  Don't panic if you haven't received yours yet!

I wore my Rain Jacket yesterday in the coincidental rain.  Had 3 comments from admirers at Mod Pizza!  Those in Centre County needed one too, with the up to 7 inches of rain they received yesterday.  I slept in my t-shirt and can report a better than usual somnolence.  The blanket is headed for use in the RV.

Keep us updated with your opinions of the merch!

It's Still Hot In LA

The Olympic Trials Marathon and the LA Marathon have come and gone, but not all the Nittany Lions have left town.  Since I rarely do anything of interest or fun, I figured I would pass along the exploits of Paul Souza in La La Land.

First, some one dug up this blast from the past featuring two very young Nits.  Notice that Ted Lyon may have given Paul the hair styling tip!

Paul Souza, left. Ted Lyon, right.

And it turns out that Paul was in LA for the Marathon and the Grammys!  With some down time to shoot some hoops with his son.

And apparently Paul is only the second most interesting man in the world!

Addendum:  After several years of waiting, my time has finally come.  Plan 9 has arrived in America.  Plan 9 is a remake of "the worst movie ever made", Ed Wood's 1959 "Plan 9 From Outer Space".  This is the movie that Director John Johnson thinks that Ed would have made if he had the money (and talent) at the time.

Plan 9 has put me on the Big Screen (in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand so far).  And I am now listed in the IMDb  (International Movie Database!!) as a Producer.

The movie is a B-movie (shown in the old days before the feature) with plenty of gore and some bare female chests in the tradition of such fare. It will not be a great film, but a fun diversion for those who remember the original and can bear the tumult of blood and gore and schlock.

Plan 9 can be rented or purchased on all the various film distribution sources, Hulu, Netflix, Google Play Store, Amazon and WalMart etc.  Hulu and Netflix will be coming in 90 days!

A Call To The Hall

Velveteen Playboy's Frontman and PSU vertical leaping record holder Paul Souza will be inducted into the Wheaton College Athletics Hall of Fame in October.  Paul led the Division 3 powerhouse to many titles before taking up his music full-time.

Did You Know: Paul was once in a band where Ted Lyon played lead guitar, and both had the best hair in the band!

Ted Lyon, Larry Mangan, me and Bob Gabel at early VP Concert.

Did You Know: Paul's first PSU band had my brother-in-law Steve Black on bass guitar.

Did You Know: Paul's Indoor PSU high jump record of 7' 4 1/2" in the Ice Palace (Lasch Football Complex now)  is the best ever PSU jump!

NORTON, Mass. – The Wheaton College Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to announce the 2015 Wheaton College Athletics Yowell Hall of Fame class of 2015, who will be inducted on October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in Wheaton’s Emerson Dining Hall.

 1999 WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD TEAM – Head Coach: Paul Souza

The first-ever national championship team in Wheaton College history, the Lyons scored 43 points to start an historical five-year national championship run in NCAA Division III women’s track and field history. Wheaton went on to win a total of eight titles between the indoor and outdoor seasons from 1999-2003 winning all five indoor NCAA championships during that stretch to become the first Division III team of either gender to capture five straight titles. Deshawnda Williams ’00 won the 400-meter dash crown in 1999 to highlight the championship squad, while the Lyons racked up 10 All-American honors total en route to the first-ever national title in Wheaton College history. Williams led the team with three All-American accolades, while Tenille Johnson ’01and Colleen Myrie ’01 earned two honors, and Amy Swanson ’99, Beth Castagno ’00, and Angela Mullins ’00 claimed one All-America award each.

"Moldy" Monday

Here's a pic I came across on the world-wide computer-thingie.  With the chic and already overused "Throwback Thursday" meme on Facebook and Twitter, I figured I would do a "Moldy Monday". Can you name all of the Nittany Lions and their home states on this pic? And where was the meet? (Hint: I heard Coach Groves got a speeding ticket coming home from this meet in the van just as they were arriving home.)

Addendum:  It is pointed out that that is Ted Lyon himself behind Dwight Stephens in the pic.  Three TC Williams runners in a row for the Nittany Lions. A Platinum Membership is awarded to Ted for the slight!  We await his future post.

AddendumII: Upon further review, Ted relates it might not be him.  But his Platinum membership and all its options will remain, by the unanimous consent of the Idiot Officers.  Congratulation Ted! 

More Submitted (and Stolen!) Photos of Alums As We Await the Final Day of the 2014 NCAA Prelims

Cas Loxsom and Sam Borchers (2010? NCAA 800M)

Ricky Garcia (circa 1981)

Greg Fredericks (second row) Cemetery Hill, Van Cortlandt Park (1971)  Thanks to George Brose for the photo!

Ricky Garcia (inside) and Ted Lyon (third ) high school race 1977.

Kyle and Owen Dawson with our new author Nick Scarpello

Donations Appreciated!

My recent reunion with Ted Lyon was unexpected and a big reason I continue to blog and promote the Golf Outing and Reunion. I have become reacquainted with many great friends and made many new ones through the activities. This is a rare picture of my father and I before a cross-country meet in 1978. That's Ted warming up behind us! I came across the picture by coincidence right around the time we both went to see Paul Souza's band in Philadelphia.

I convinced Ted to join our little band of hackers next year and, as always, promised him he would have a great time. (No one has asked for their money back yet!) Ted also generously donated to our coffers which will allow us to deliver the fine quality of goods and services we have come to expect from PSU Track Alumni Golf. I quite honestly appreciate every donation we have received. And Ted's first roommate at PSU was our very own Official Physicist, Brian Boyer!* Will the coincidences ever cease?

*Actually a Nuclear Engineer but how can a Biology Major quibble over such things. Ron Moore will become Co-Official Physicist upon his first appearance at the event.

Paul Souza Takes Philadelphia By Storm!

The Outreach Facilitator (Barb Black) and I rumbled to Philly in the Hybrid and met other PSU Track Alumni Golfers for the Velveteen Playboys appearance at World Cafe Live. Paul Souza entertained the crowd with two energetic sets, showing that time hasn't slowed him down at all. It was a great show, keeping me up WAY past my bedtime and making me feel 30 years younger, (at least until I had to find my car in the monsoon afterward!)

A blast from the past shook us right before the first set, as Ted Lyon '83 sauntered in with the wit and good cheer I remembered from 30 years ago! Sitting at the table as I arrived were two other veteran Track Alumni Golfers, Larry Mangan and Holder of The Golden Putter, Bob Gabel. A respectable turn-out for our motley group. We get one more chance to see the Playboys in Philadelphia, as they will enliven the crowd at the finish line of the Philadelphia Distance Run on September 20th.

My attendance was rewarded with assurances that Ted, Larry and Bob will indeed attend next year's Harry Groves Golf Tournament and Reunion. Negotiations are under way for our new House Band to entertain us at next year's Award Dinner. I have commissioned Paul to write a special song for Coach Groves' 80th birthday.

I was also rocked with the revelation that Paul was in a band with Steve Black while at PSU!