A Family Affair

Not only is Mark Heckel the President of our USATF Mid-Atlantic Track and Field Club, but he is one of the pre-eminent Track and Field Officials in the nation.  And it looks like the acorns didn't fall far from the tree!  Sons Kade and Kreg are following Mark into the wonderful world that is Track and Field Officiating. Here, they all appear for the first time together at the Diamond League Meet in New York.  I've sung Mark's praises before, but I'll point out again that he combines every virtue a PSU Track Alumni (Golfer) could aspire to.

Mark Heckel, Kade Heckel and Kreg Heckel.

The Best and the Brightest

"Athletics is for education and recreation, nothing else. Winning is important only in that you learn more."-Coach Harry Groves, 5/21/2011 at the Alumni "Run".

With Coach Groves' words, we must point out that Penn State is excelling not only on the track, but in the classroom and in the world beyond.

Penn State's academic success was honored recently with a record number of Spring Academic All-Big Ten athletes in all sports.  But at the head of the class were 2 PSU Track athletes with perfect 4.0 grade-point averages, also tops in the Big Ten, Emily Giannotti and Katie Rodden.  A tip of my cap goes to both.

Emily Giannotti

Katie Rodden

Thirty-four track and field athletes attained All-Big Ten honors:

Men's Track and Field (13)
Bernard Bennett-Green	Sr.	Journalism	Drexel Hill, Pa.
Ryan Brennan	Jr.	Security And Risk Analysis	Chester, N.Y.
Robert Cardina	So.	Communications	Lancaster, Pa.
Robert Creese	Jr.	Mathematics	Mount Airy, Md.
Thomas Damiani	So.	Science	Dalton, Pa.
Matthew Fischer	Sr.	Marketing	Kennett Square, Pa.
Russell Hedrick	Sr.	Energy Engineering	Schwenksville, Pa.
Jonathan Hendershot	Sr.	Supply Chain And Information Systems	Nazareth, Pa.
Daniel Jordan	Sr.	Recreation, Park, & Tourism Management	Boalsburg, Pa.
Alex Kenney	Gr.	Communication Arts and Sciences	State College, Pa.
Michael McClelland	Jr.	Communication Arts and Sciences	Washington, Pa.
Aaron Nadolsky	Sr.	Communication Arts and Sciences	Altoona, Pa.
Nicholas Scarpello	Sr.	Advertising/Public Relations	Jamison, Pa.
Women's Track and Field (21)
Leigha Anderson	Jr.	Labor Studies and Employment Relations	Carlisle, Pa.
Abigail Benson	Jr.	Nutritional Sciences	Elma, N.Y.
Shelley Black	Jr.	Kinesiology	Hanover Township, Pa.
Dynasty Boxley-McGee	Jr.	Journalism	Ypsilanti, Mich.
Megan Boyer	Sr.	Human Development & Family Studies	Millersburg, Pa.
Rachel Casciano	Jr.	Advertising/Public Relations	Wyomissing, Pa.
Gabrielle Cocco	Sr.	Journalism	Allentown, Pa.
Kelsey Couts	Sr.	Interdisciplinary Digital Studio	Powell, Ohio
Emily Giannotti	Sr.	Counselor Education	Coudersport, Pa.
Lauren Kenney	Jr.	Kinesiology	State College, Pa.
Marta Klebe	Sr.	Supply Chain and Information Systems	Chesterbrook, Pa.
Erin Knabe	So.	Science	Califon, N.J.
Danielle Kocjancic	Sr.	Communication Sciences & Disorders	Kane, Pa.
Melanie Leszcynski	Jr.	Marketing	Audubon, Pa.
Olivia Mangan	Sr.	Psychology	Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Lauren Mills	Jr.	Nutritional Sciences	West Chester, Pa.
Sarah Palmer	Jr.	Kinesiology	Gansevoort, N.Y.
Gwenndolyn Porter	Sr.	Kinesiology	Clearfield, Pa.
Kathleen Rodden	Jr.	Kinesiology	Ardmore, Pa.
Kiah Seymour	So.	Communications	Washington, D.C.
Sarah Underwood So.		Undeclared	Alexandria, Va.

Of personal note are the superb performances of Olivia Mangan, daughter of our Chief Laundry and Morale Officer Larry Mangan, our very own newest Author Nick Scarpello, and Jonathan Hendershot, son of former Holder of the Golden Putter Dennis Hendershot,   And Baseballs Taylor Skerpon, son of vaulter Don Skerpon.

John Gondak Has Been Named.............

...... men's distance coach of Team USA for the North American, Central America, and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletic Association Under-23 Championships, set for August 8-10, in Kamloops, Canada. Many of us are pulling for him to have that interim tag removed, well this certainly adds to the resume.

Other Nittany Lions competing internationally this summer are: 

Darrell Hill (USA, NACAC U-23)

Michael Shuey (USA, NACAC U-23)

Kiah Seymour (USA, NACAC U-23)

Brittney Howell  (USA, NACAC U-23)

Steve Waithe  (Trinidad and Tobago, NACAC U-23)

Dannielle Gibson (Bahamas, IAAF World Junior Championships, to be held July 22-27 in Eugene, OR)

Full press release from GoPSUSports.

The "Lucy" of Rusty Boots Has Been Found in the Rift Valley

As many of you may know, Lucy is the name given to the mother of all modern humans.  Discovered in the Rift Valley by Louis Leakey in 1974, the 100 or so fragments of Australopithecus skeleton represents the earliest known ancestor of Mankind.*

Well, we may have come as close to the origins of Rusty Boots, as Leakey came with his 1974 discovery.  And our Louis Leakey, Coach Bill Whittaker himself, relates his find dates to 1972.  In this case, the Rift Valley is Bill's garage rafters.

But, for the first time, here's our "original Rusty Boots".!

"Rusty Boots" are in fact javelin spikes.  And this model is the actual boot referred to by the originators of the chant we all know.  Notice that the 5/8" talons are actually rusty!  And make for excellent purchase on a rain-soaked and muddy javelin runway. And like Velociraptors, there are spikes everywhere!

Maybe we can make these another rotating prize at the Coach Groves Golf Tourney for the MVP of the winning foursome or something?

*Except in my hometown of Dover, PA.

Craig "Surgin" Virgin Has a Soft Spot In His Heart For Coach Groves

Steve Bratt sent along his saved listing of the finish of the 1975 NCAA Cross Country Championships.  That's the one hosted by PSU on the Blue Course.  Sort of a big day for Coach Groves, highlighting Penn State's resurgence as a running powerhouse.

This was the same event which featured a great duel between Craig Virgin and Nick Rose, with Craig taking the title with a big finish.

You'll notice that there was a top 5 finish for PSU with a great run by Paul Stemmer in 28:58!  In fact, Penn State finished 4th overall in the team standings.  Glancing through the results reveals some great names from the past littered throughout:

• Paul Cummings of Brigham Young in 7th  29:02
• David Merrick of Penn in 9th  29:05
• Herb Lindsay of Michigan State, 12th  29:10
• Tony Staynings of Western Kentucky, 13th  29:12
• John Treacy of Providence, 21st  29:19
• Bill Donakowski of Michigan, 23rd, 29:19
• Greg Meyer of Michigan, 29th  29:30
• Niall O'Shaughnessy of Arkansas, 38th  29:39
• Henry Marsh, Brigham Young, 77th  30:05
• Kenneth Wilson, Penn State, 80th  30:08
• George Christopher, Penn State, 125th 30:30 (PSU Marathon Record Holder)
• Craig Masback, Princeton,  143rd  30:40
• Walt Majak, Penn State, 144th  30:41 (fellow podiatrist and PCPM grad.)
• Ronald Secord, Penn State, 222nd, 31:28

Craig Virgin, Illinois and Nick Rose, Western Kentucky.

 I had the pleasure of speaking at length with Craig several years ago and he could not have been any nicer.  He was in the midst of his extensive rehab following his devastating head-on collision that ended his competitive running career.  He took to the rehab as hard as any workout he ever did.

When I related my PSU (shallow!) roots, he became quite animated and related that the 1975 NCAA XC race was one of his fondest running memories.  He really enjoyed his stay at the Nittany Lion Inn and marveled that he was able to wake up early for a shake out run after just crossing Atherton Street to the golf course.  Thank goodness he didn't sprain his ankle on the exposed roots!

But what he was most happy about was the reception that Coach Groves gave him during and after the race.  Craig related that in all the races he ran all over the world, the only one where he received a gift and hand-written letter afterward was from Coach Groves.  Craig framed the letter and has kept the Lion statuette that Coach sent him all these years. (I have lost mine BTW)  I'll keep trying to get Craig to attend a Coach Groves Golf Tourney as a surprise for Coach.

You Can't Go Home Again. But If You Close Your Eyes, You Can Still Smell Mom's Cooking

A Review of the 2014 Remake of the 1980 Nike Internationalists:

I have called the 1980 Nike Internationalists The Best Running Shoe Ever Made.  Which is, of course, hyperbole.  But it certainly is the best shoe I ever wore at the (miserable) "Peak" of my running career.

So I finally bought a pair of the remakes just to see if a bit of the magic could return.  And you know what?  They do bring a smile to my 3 miles a day treadmill routine.  In fact, I have run an average of 3 1/2 miles a day since slapping them on.  (A 1/2 mile a day may not mean much to most of you, but have 3 knee surgeries, gain 80 pounds and turn 54, and then let me know!)

The shape and last of the new version is identical to the original model.  A straight lasted shoe ideal for my foot type, may not be what everyone else fancies.  The insole provided is probably infinitesimally better than the original, but not statistically better.  It is removable and the shoe is ideal for the insertion of any over-the-counter insoles or prescription orthotics.

The upper materials are really, really similar, but probably newfangled stuff I don't know anything about.  The quality control is far superior to the old waffle shoes of Nike's early years, but these manufacturing problems were mostly ironed out by the time the Internationalists appeared.  Mine come in blue and white (Fight on State!), but there are other options.  If they continue to make them (which I doubt), they will probably change the color scheme every 40 minutes or so as per the whims of the buying public. (Hyperbole again, for the haters out there!)

The midsole represents the biggest deviation from the originals.  Substituting for the EVA materials of the past is the new Lunarlon material developed by Nike Sports Research Division recently.  This supposedly will mean better long-term wear.  I'll get back to you about that!

The green "Lunarlon" midsole and "waffled" forefoot.

The rubber outsole and tread pattern is different than the original with a cut-out to show the green Lunarlon midsole, but still has a facsimile of the waffle-look in the moderately flexible forefoot. I'm not sure if this outsole will wear as well as the original and I'll get back to you on that.

Compared to the "bulky" cushioned shoes and the "minimalist" shoes out there, these beasts would fall in the middle but closer to the minimalist camp.  The feel of the shoe during activity is noticeably different than all of the very cushioned shoes I have worn for years.  There is minimal height difference from heel to forefoot, (which too many people make a big deal of nowadays).  Remember, "a little heel height never hurt anyone"; At least in training shoes.

I was prepared for an injury or at least a lengthy, and achy transition from what I have been wearing for many years.  But in reality, I had one day of knee pain and then all was immediately good again.  The feel of running in them is very similar to what I remember as a 1/2 of my current size "yout". This shoe is an ideal training shoe for a fit and fast runner of any age.  It could even be worn in a longer road race without incurring much in a speed deficit.

I got these shoes via Road Runner Sports via the mail order and they ran me $89.95 with the normal member discount.  The least I've paid for a shoe I run in for many years.  They also have a more true-to-the-original model utilizing the EVA midsole and waffle tread pattern of the 1980 version.  These are listed at $79.95 retail.  I might try them next!

Some Excellent July 4th Fireworks

There were PSU Track Alumni (Golfers) in action all over yesterday highlighted by the great performances at The Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.

Kara (Milhouse) Foster, left, 9th in Women's Elite.

$1250 for 6.2 miles!

Tyler McCandless, 8th in Elite Mens. (PRs at 5K and 10K)

$1500 for 29 minutes work.

Dawson Inc. at the Philly Zoo.

CoBlogger Matt Groves, at places unknown!

Director of Fun Teddy Quinn at the Firecracker 5K.

Dennis Pollow in Bergen NY.

And I'm finally home from West Virginia...

Off-Topic Rant: Ten Things I Have Learned in Ten Years at Campgrounds

1. Showers are optional. That same band-aid was here last year!
2. Showers are disgusting and give immediate fungal disorders. Anti-fungal medication is available at the Camp Store.
3. The size of one's RV has nothing to do with the size of anyone's body parts.
4. The number of tattoos per camper can be discerned with the following formula:  x = y * (pi)(weight in kg)  with y being the number of limbs intact per camper.
5. The number of natural teeth per camper utilizes the same formula above divided by 12.
6. Amount spent for one's RV should = 2*(Total Yearly Household Income) or 6*(Home value) whichever is higher.
7. Dogs should be at least 1/4 pit bull no matter what the Rules state.
8. Fireworks are not just for the Fourth of July, you silly fool.
9. Quiet Hours are from 1:00AM to 2:04AM.
10. Large campfires are required at all campsites 24/7 when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees F.
11. BONUS FACT: EBT cards are not accepted as payment regardless of how long the line is behind you.  But keep trying, nobody is as important as you.

Let's Get Caught Up

So USATF wasn't the only national governing body to hold its national championships recently. The British Athletic Association Championship featured Shana Cox placing second place most likely earning a spot at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Shana ran 52.62 to win her qualifying heat and 52.51 for second in the final. Full results can be found here.

Speaking of the Commonwealth Games, this from the always entering Instagram of Fawn Dorr. Team Canada certainly gives out a lot of swag.



One last thing. Independence Day is a time honored summer tradition in this country and tomorrows Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, GA is a great part of that tradition. Tyler McCandless and Kara Foster are entered in the elite fields. So keep an eye for results and lots of peaches.

More Murmurs From Javelin Nation

In all the brouhaha over Nationals and Beer Miles and Internet Lousiness in West Virginia, we forgot to mention the great showing at the USATF Championships by Michael Shuey!  Mike finished 10th with a heave of 233' 0".  We apologize for the slight and vow to perform better in the future.  (Remember, the javelin is also a weapon dating back to ancient times!)

Freshman Michael Shuey.

In Praise of (At Least the Very Eastern End of) West Virginia

I've made a few mild enemies over the years making fun of West Virginia's lack of internet access, among other things.  Needless to say, it's all tongue-in-cheek.  I have vacationed in WV for 9 straight years over the July 4 Holiday.  My family is rabid for the history and the hiking and biking opportunities in this part of the world.

Harpers Ferry marks the epicenter of two of America's best trails, the Appalachian Trail and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. 

Thomas Jefferson once said about the overlook of Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers:

"this scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic"

-Thomas Jefferson, 10/25,1783.

Harpers Ferry marks the center of the Appalachian Trail, and the Official Visitors Center is located there.  In fact, Earl V. Shaffer, a resident of York, PA became the first hiker to traverse the entire trail from Georgia to Maine in mid-1951.  Earl was quite the eccentric and a hermit, and did a through-walk of the trail again, while in his early 80's just before he passed away.

The C and O Canal is the longest biking and hiking Trail in the US, running from Georgetown (Washington DC) to Cumberland, MD.  There is an extension from the end of the trail to Pittsburgh

There Was a Time When the Chief of Police and the Mayor of State College Participated in the Phi Psi 500

Of course, somewhere along the line, a few miscreants took it too far and caused the whole event to be cancelled and relegated to the dustbin of history.  When I asked recently if a "Beer Mile" could be a part of a future Reunion weekend, the responses were fairly even, yes and no.  However, there was a notable underpinning of prohibition-like zealotry from some anonymous sources.  With my vast powers of the inner workings of internetty thingies, I even know who the anonymous people are.  But their secret is safe with me!  And for the record, they do not have a prohibition-like,  teetotaling past either. As in most things, moderation can be the key to happiness.

My vast network of internet friends led me to Larry Fall who has way more memories of the Phi Psi 500 than any of us.  Larry recently retired from IBM and returned to State College.  As a friend of Pete Bortolotti and Charlie Maguire, he has enough bona-fides to make him an honorary PSU Track Alumni (Golfer).  He may not be aware of it, but he's also invited to our Reunion and Golf Tourney in perpetuity!  That's just how we roll.

Here's Larry speaking about the event:

Pete Bortolotti leads with Larry Fall blocked out in the back of the team.

One of my more treasured findings in my foot locker. A shot of my team at the start of the Phi Psi 500 sometime in the late 70s. The only bummer is that I'm the fifth guy and am mostly blocked out of the pic.

For those that don't know, the Phi Psi was a charity beer drinking race run through the streets of State College. Basically, it was a 1.1 mile race where you ran in and out of six bars chugging a beer in each bar. It started and ended at the Phi Psi house on Locust Lane. The race began in 1969 and lasted for about 20 years before it was finally shut down.

In it's heyday it had over 2000 people running and about 20,000 people lining the streets of town watching. Being able to run immediately after chugging a beer is a bit of a unique skill. Not everyone can do it. Those who try almost immediately discover it's a lot harder than it looks. I was fortunate in that it was a talent that seemed almost natural to me - and I got pretty good at it.

The route usually ran from the Phi Psi house on Locust, left onto Foster, right onto Pugh, left onto Beaver at SAE then onto the Phyrst, from the first you backtracked a few yards then turned down the Alley to Rita's (or the TomCat, or Brickhouse, whatever the now torn down bar would have been called that year). From Rita's you continue down to Calder Alley and the My-Oh-My (now the Darkhorse). From the Darkhorse, you continued on to the Skeller, ShandyGaff, then the Brewery. After exiting the Brewery you headed back down Beaver Ave to SAE where you turned back onto Pugh retracing your steps to Phi Psi.

I'm sure my team in the photo won the team division that year because we were stacked. Between the five of us, we probably had around 8 individual championships so there was no way that anyone was going to threaten us. From left to right in the photo: Dennis Gildea, Pete Bortolotti, the late Tod Jeffers, Jim Frye, and me.

— with Dennis Gildea and Pete.

Pete Bortolotti is now a professor in Providence RI and adds this:

Thanks for bringing back some fun and fond memories. I think that was the year I set the record (5:13). Have to make some time to find my way back to SC again soon.

Pete did make it to one of our Reunions a few years ago.

And then there is this about PSU's NCAA 6-mile Champion, Charlie Maguire:

 I remember Charlie winning the 5000 meters at the Penn Relays in '74 or '75, then winning the Phi Psi the following weekend. He said he was more proud of the Phi Psi win than the Penn Relays one.

 This post would not be complete without a nice video from Larry Fall from 1982!