"The Check Is In The Mail"

The true way to know you are dealing with a die-hard Penn State Track and Field Alumni Golfer (and now Reunion Goer!)is to hear them say that distinctive phrase.  The "confirmed" list is just a small fraction of those who are going to be at the hootenanny on May 18 and May 19.  In an effort to give Group Idiot Officers and now Track Program Organizers heart attacks, attendees wait to send in their money in an effort to make sure they receive the 0.000006% interest they are entitled to in their checking accounts.

In reality, the attendance will be great, and from 8 decades worth of PSU Track History.  I'm not making that up.  It has never happened before.  I'm hoping to get reminisces from everybody on video during the reunion and other activities.

Don't miss out.  There are only a few days left to get your RSVP in.  The reality of an actual deadline is new to our event.

Monday Blues

"I don't want to work, I just want to bang on the drum all day..."

The Penn Relays are over and I must return to work again.  So a little mirth is required.  So I bring back "The Bear Story", which is a true account of my encounter just off the Blue Golf Course in the summer of 1980.  Let's pretend this recent photo and video are from my bear.  It's not stretching it a bit either; it looks almost exactly as it did that day in front of Old Main!Even the trees look similar.

 

PSU Alums at Penn Relays

There were many Alums competing at the Penn Relays, and also in the stands.  Soon we will outnumber the Jamaicans!

Blake Eaton won the Olympic Development Shot Put, Allen Pettner won the Olympic Development Javelin, Matt Lincoln was fourth for Canada in the USA vs. the World Distance Medlay and Shana Cox was fourth in the USA vs. the World 4 x 400 for Great Britain.

The Fullers were there (they seem to be everywhere!) both in the stands and on the track.  Also spotted on the track was Sam Borchers.  Our Chief Morale Officer (and doing a fine job BTW!) Larry Mangan was hanging out in the Jamaican section for the Saturday events, as was past winner of The Best Shot Kelley O'Brien.  Both sent me reports of the thrilling events via today's internetty thingie.  Thanks.

Here's a few of the alums out on the town in my beloved Philadelphia.  I used to own those streets myself.  I know, kinda hard to believe!

That's Christian Eck, Will Nowicki, Scott Sherwood, Dennis Pollow, Brian Fuller, John Maloney, Ryan Foster, Chris Ferry and Tim Johnson burning the town down.

Almost a Tricycle!!! PSU is 800 U

It's been a marvelous Penn Relays this year even though I couldn't be there live.  Penn State had arguably the best weekend of all teams there, winning two "Wheels" and just missing on the third.  The individual performances in the field and on the track were nearly as good.  There is a lot happening in Happy Valley!  It will be a hootenanny at the Reunion this year.

Here's the Update:

1. Mens Championship of America Sprint Medley Relay - Returning Champions! Update: 2 in a Row!  3:18.47 Aaron Nadolsky, Brandon Bennett-Green, Brady Gehret (45.6), Casimir Loxsom (1:50.0)
2. Mens Championship of America 4 x 800 - My favorite event  (Longest standing Event Record at Penn)   A Wheel for the Win!! 

   7:19.76

   Owen Dawson (1:50.8), Ryan Brennan (1:50.8), Casimir Loxsom (1:49.3), Robby Creese (1:48.9)

3. Mens Championship of America 4 x 400 - The Quintessential Track Event. Update: Qualified for today's championship of America!  Second Place 

   3:04.78

   Aaron Nadolsky, Matt Gilmore, Brady Gehret (45.0), Bernard Bennett-Green (45.3)

4. Womens Championship of America Distance Medley Relay - A School Record Coming? Update:  3rd Place and a School Record! 

   11:08.41

   Rebekka Simko (3:23.0), Ijeoma Iheoma (52.8), Marta Klebe (2:09.8), Kara Millhouse (4:42.8)

5. Womens Championship Javelin - PSU is Javelin U. Update: Lauren Kenney First Place

   48.99m (160-8)  And a Watch!  Laura Loht  3rd 46.09m (151-2)

6. Women's Championship Hammer - Leading Thrower in the Big Ten!  Update:  Melissa Kurzdorfer  for the Win! And a Watch!
   

   62.53m (205-1)

7. Mens Champiopnship Shot Put - A strong duo. Update: Joe Kovacs Champion 19.94m (65-5),  Logan Caldwell 11th 17.22m (56-6)    
8. Womens Championship of America Sprint Medley Relay - 8th
   

   3:55.19

   Dynasty McGee, Kirsten Nieuwendam, Ijeoma Iheoma, Marta Klebe (2:11.0)

"A Very Good First (2) Day(s): Wheels and Watches

An Update on the Penn Relays Quest for hardware:

1. Mens Championship of America Sprint Medley Relay - Returning Champions! Update: 2 in a Row!  3:18.47 Aaron Nadolsky, Brandon Bennett-Green, Brady Gehret (45.6), Casimir Loxsom (1:50.0)
2. Mens Championship of America 4 x 800 - My favorite event  (Longest standing Event Record at Penn)
3. Mens Championship of America 4 x 400 - The Quintessential Track Event. Update: Qualified for today's championship of America!
4. Womens Championship of America Distance Medley Relay - A School Record Coming? Update:  3rd Place and a School Record! 

   11:08.41

   Rebekka Simko (3:23.0), Ijeoma Iheoma (52.8), Marta Klebe (2:09.8), Kara Millhouse (4:42.8)

5. Womens Championship Javelin - PSU is Javelin U. Update: Lauren Kenney First Place

   48.99m (160-8)  And a Watch!  Laura Loht  3rd 46.09m (151-2)

6. Women's Championship Hammer - Leading Thrower in the Big Ten!  Update:  Melissa Kurzdorfer  for the Win! And a Watch!
   

   62.53m (205-1)

7. Mens Champiopnship Shot Put - A strong duo. Update: Joe Kovacs Champion 19.94m (65-5),  Logan Caldwell 11th 17.22m (56-6)    
8. Womens Championship of America Sprint Medley Relay - 8th 
   

   3:55.19

   Dynasty McGee, Kirsten Nieuwendam, Ijeoma Iheoma, Marta Klebe (2:11.0)

Time Is Running Out: Golf With Us

There is still time to get it together and send in your Invitation to the First Annual Penn State Track and Field Alumni Reunion and even the ultimate activity, The 11th Annual Coach Harry Groves Golf Tournament!

The Reunion will be a very fine event with activities for everyone from 1 to 99 years old.*  A reception at the Lion's Den downtown will begin the festivities on Friday May 18 at 7:00.  On Saturday Morning, enjoy a grilled stickie and coffee and maybe even take a one-lap stroll at the PSU Track at our Alumni "Run".  Those willing to do more can take off for a campus loop while those not so adventurous can hang around the track listening to tall tales of past glory from alums and maybe even Coach Groves!  special Events and Contests are planned with prizes and frivolity.  These contests have been a tightly held surprise by the Track Office.  Some may then elect to Climb Mt. Nittany, and annual event for the past 4 years, firmly planting PSU Track "on top of the world".  There are also tours of the All-Sports Museum being arranged.  Both the climb of Mt. Nittany and Museum tour will be with current student-athletes, which will give all the alums a view of the good things our group fosters. Their practice occurs right after our Alumni "Run".

The golf tournament, despite being the only way to get your name on the Coach Groves Memorial Cup, is open to everyone, and an event that every skill level from none to Tiger can participate in. The best ball/scramble format makes it the only chance I have ever had to break 100 in the most frustrating game on Earth.  Just look at the 2006 engraving to see my name displayed with all the other real golfers!  I have counted 4 non-golfers already on the Cup, and that's counting my once yearly participation in this event as being a golfer. Anyone on the fence as to whether they will golf or not can contact me and I'll have you as my cart-mate, which will make you the best golfer in your cart!  Even if you only putt, and everyone can putt, you would be a welcome addition to my cart.  Let me know.  I guarantee a good time.  If the golf doesn't do it for you, there is always the drink cart and joke telling.

This year's Award Dinner on Saturday evening will be a great affair, as my hard work for the past 4 year's has finally paid off and we have a special guest speaker other than Clark or Coach Groves!  PSU's Greatest Track Alum Horace Ashenfelter III will thrill the crowd with his appearance.  Actually, I had the idea of inviting him for 4 years, but only the Track Office, Coach Sullivan and Jess Riden could make the dream become reality.  My thanks to them for all their help in arranging the whole weekend and taking some of the heat off of Founder Clark Haley and Keeper of the Cup Harry Smith.

Representatives from 8 decades of PSU Track History, from the 40's to the 10's,  will be in attendance for the first time in history! But the most important member of the whole affair has not responded yet, and that is you.  Don't make me get the Hammer Throwers after you!

"A Very Good First Day"

Here's some updates on the Watch List of PSU entries in the Penn Relays:

1. Mens Championship of America Sprint Medley Relay - Returning Champions!
2. Mens Championship of America 4 x 800 - My favorite event  (Longest standing Event Record at Penn)
3. Mens Championship of America 4 x 400 - The Quintessential Track Event.
4. Womens Championship of America Distance Medley Relay - A School Record Coming? Update:  3rd Place and a School Record! 

   11:08.41

   Rebekka Simko (3:23.0), Ijeoma Iheoma (52.8), Marta Klebe (2:09.8), Kara Millhouse (4:42.8)

5. Womens Championship Javelin - PSU is Javelin U. Update: Lauren Kenney First Place

   48.99m (160-8)  And a Watch!  Laura Loht  3rd 46.09m (151-2)

6. Women's Championship Hammer - Leading Thrower in the Big Ten!  Update:  Melissa Kurzdorfer  for the Win! And a Watch!
   

   62.53m (205-1)

7. Mens Champiopnship Shot Put - A strong duo.

And in addition there were plenty of PR's on the track at distance night!

• Womens 3000M SC  -   Emily Giannotti 2nd Place College Division 10:28.82,   Abbie Benson 5th Place College Division 10:35.5,  Natalie Bower 2nd in Championship Heat 10:14.27, Lindsey Graybill 7th in Championship Division 10:29.97.
• Mens 5000M  -  Kyle Dawson 6th in Championship Division 14:04.36, Vince McNally 8th in Championship Division 14:06.94, Chris Cipro 19th in Championship Division 14:30.43, Matt Fischer 24th in Champuionship Division 14:38.42,  Alums: Dennis Pollow Jr 6th in Olympic Development Division 14.26.68.
• Mens 10000M  -  Tom Luff 18th in Championship Division 30:36.77 Alums: Tyler McCandless 10th in Olympic Development Division 30:33.64.

Hoist a Cold Molson in Honor of the Penn Relays Distance Night

I spent a few Thursday nights watching the distance races at the Penn Relays over the years, sometimes followed with a marvelous Cold Molsons Party late into the evening.  Penn State will be well represented this year in the Penn Relays, including some strong quartets in the Championships of America Races.

1. Mens Championship of America Sprint Medley Relay - Returning Champions!
2. Mens Championship of America 4 x 800 - My favorite event  (Longest standing Event Record at Penn)
3. Mens Championship of America 4 x 400 - The Quintessential Track Event.
4. Womens Championship of America Distance Medley Relay - A School Record Coming?
5. Womens Championship Javelin - PSU is Javelin U.
6. Women's Championship Hammer - Leading Thrower in the Big Ten!
7. Mens Champiopnship Shot Put - A strong duo.

May you all win Wheels and Watches!

I'm so old that...

1. I never ran a 1600M or 3200M in a high school race.  Or any since.
2. Running watches weren't invented when I started. I timed many runs by the clock in our kitchen.
3. Gore-Tex was not invented when I started running.
4. Gatorade had one flavor when I started running.
5. My first cross country running shoes were solid soled "El Lobos", whatever they were.  They hurt and resembled bowling shoes more than running shoes.
6. Stopwatches had only one button when I started running.
7. Americans were a major force in distance running when I started.
8. Every track in York County was cinder except one (which was grass) when I started running.
9. New Zealand Splits had not come out when I started running.
10. Ron Hill had run every day for 11 years when I started running,(and every day since!).
11. National Bohemian beer cans still required pointy openers when I started running.
12. I ran three marathons before anyone offered me a drink during one.
13. Some road races were free when I started running.
14. The last road race I really ran was the first one I would have won money.  I turned it down.
15. I was once followed by a goat for 3 miles and turned around to take it back, adding 6 miles to my 10 mile run.  Without a second thought.  If only... 
16. I'm one of only 3 people who have been to every single Coach Harry Groves Golf Tournament.  Get your entry in NOW.  They seem serious about the cut-off date and Clark Haley and Harry Smith may not be able to help you when you miss it!!!

Penn Relays Reminds Me of Food

Too bad everything does!

The Penn Relays started in earnest yesterday with the first day of the Decathlon.  Nittany Lion Anya Uzoh got off to a good start in the first three events and was in second place at the time, but I lost track after that...   Now I found it!  He had the best 400M of the day and is in second place after the first day with 3615 points.

There's nothing better than gambling your insides on all the food carts outside Franklin Field during the Carnival.  Which brings me to this great listing of the best hot dogs near Minor League Baseball Parks (and the best hot dogs near Major League Baseball Parks.)  Just for fun!

Although my 2 favorite hot dogs of all time are from Jimmy's in Easton Pa, and The Original (the Dirty O!) in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.

Happy Birthday Coach Harry Groves!

We don't need to get him anything because all he wants is to hang out along the bricks at another Penn Relays, and they start tomorrow! Happy Birthday, Coach.

Old Friends

I don't really mean a friend who is old!  I mean someone who has been a friend for quite a while, which probably means the same thing anyway.  Sorry Greg!

That's Greg Cauller, a friend from waaaaay back in high school, who now coaches Northeastern York cross country and track. I happened to run into him at the Herb Schmidt Relays this past weekend. We had some spirited races back in the day, and I probably never won any of them.  I do wish he had been in the same division as me in high school.  Even if I hadn't beaten him, I would have had a lot of better PR's to talk about.  Our best ever race was a Turkey Trot 10-miler in 1976 where I ran probably my best race ever.  He was also just ahead of me in that one.  I also won a turkey that day!

Greg went on the run for Penn and Millersville but would have made an excellent Nittany Lion, I have no doubt.  He never stopped his career after college, and has been on the top of his age group regionally ever since.  I would love to know his career mileage, but he relates he hasn't kept track like us obsessive types.

Wouldn't it  be nice if you could randomly run into a bunch of  old friends all in one place?

Well, sign up for the 1st Annual Penn State Track and Field Alumni Reunion and the 11th Annual Coach Harry Groves Golf Tournament right now.

Time is running out.  I think they are serious about the cut-off date, so don't lollygag.