Masters sprinter/marathoner Louise Tricard hospitalized
Track historian Louise Mead Tricard, a masters sprinter in her early 70s who also has run the New York City Marathon, is hospitalized in Florida and battling cancer. She has Internet access but has been very brief in her notes. Sunday morning, after I alerted her to a women’s decathlon debate on the Track & Field News message board, she wrote me: “in hospital/cancer surgery.” Later, I asked for a status report, and she replied today to the effect that she’s still in the hospital after having spent 14 days in a New York City hospital for “major surgery.” She said she came home to Cape Canaveral, “blood wacko — electrolytes not capable of sustaining life.” She required 4 units of blood, magnesium, potassium, etc and “things (are) better. Won’t be out of here for a few more days at least.”
Louise, whom I’ve known for about 12 years, is the author of two books on the history of American women’s track and field. She’s a regular presence at USATF conventions and led a successful petition drive to scrap the no-false-start rule in USATF some years back.
She’s posted nearly 470 message on the T&FN message board, including many dealing with the sale of her voluminous stockpile of track books and literature. She competed in the Pan Am Games and in the 1950s set an American record in the indoor 440-yard dash. She also knows every major American female track star of the past half-century.
Please join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. She’s a national treasure.
Here is Louise listening to Gerry Lindgren at 2005 Hawaii masters nationals:
Masters sprinter Willie Venable dies after attack
Tragic news out of Seattle: M55 sprinter Willie Venable has died of injuries from an attack in late August. Seattle Times writer Jennifer Sullivan even quotes masters decathlon star Dave Ortman: “Though Venable was a regular competitor in local decathlons in the mid-1970s, fellow racer David Ortman said he disappeared from the track-and-field scene until about a year ago. When Ortman saw his old rival at a race for senior-age competitors, Venable was out of shape but seemed excited about his return to racing. ‘He was always really upbeat,’ said Ortman, a Seattle attorney. ‘He could do these amazing splits, even at his age, like a cheerleader could do. The flexibility was amazing.’ ” Thanks to Becca for sharing this news.
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Rick Neidhardt - September 8, 2006
There’s a great photo of Willie running the 100m at this summer’s Washington State Senior Games. Here’s the link:
http://community.theolympian.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album477&id=01_100_finish -
Larry Barnum - September 8, 2006
Wilie seemed like a very graceful,lithe, gentle man, on and off the track. Even though we were in different age groups we ran against each other two years ago in the Reno Senior Games. He told me he’d once been a 27’2″ long jumper in his prime so when I saw him this year at the Hayward Classic I joked that he was doing 27’s again, at least in his heat of the 200m. He’d been injured lately and I’ve been injured all year so we planned to get healthy and run against each other again in Reno next year.
I didn’t know him well, but I’ll miss him. -
mike fanelli - September 9, 2006
Am really saddened to hear about this…met the affable Willie for the first time at this past June’s Hayward Masters meet in Eugene where he went on to entertain us with his amazing “splits” routine…may you rest in peace brother.
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Larry Lettieri - September 9, 2006
This is truly sad news. I, too, met Willie for the first time at this June’s Hayward Classic, competed with him in the 100M and LJ. He had an incredible love for life. Never met anyone so energized, which makes this news all the more tragic. God bless you, Willie.
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billbernitt - September 10, 2006
I worked alongside Willie for 20 years. I worked for Nissan and he worked for ITS surveying longshore damage at Pier 91. Contrary to the papers report Willie did drive.He sometimes had a company car and we will all remember his green pickup truck loaded with cardboard for recycling{a side business}. Always a big smile and a great attitude. The world is a lesser place with his death.Keep on sraight ahead Willie…..
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Francine Adams - September 11, 2006
To anyone who was the recipient of Willie’s great smile or spent time listening to Willie “spin a yarn”——I’d love you to email me w/stories. My children considered Willie their second “dad” and we’re all saddened by his loss. A gathering of friends is being planned 9/12 in Poulsbo,Wa. Details at margielines@hotmail.com
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Bill Oberding - September 12, 2006
Little did I know this past spring at the Reno Games when we said our good byes that would be the last time we saw one another. Willie and I have been competing for many years and he nick named me the rabbit for my quick start out of the blocks. We each won our share of races against each other, but what I will remember and miss most will be his friendly smile and positive attitude and that awesome but graceful lean at the tape. This just sickens me to think this could happen to a man I would charactize as truly one one the worlds nice guys. He was not only a tough competitor he was one of my best friends to me and my family. I must also add he was the only man that could give me a scare in the standing long jump, but I always looked forward to his smiling face and warm hug at the track. Rest in peace Willie you will be miss by all……….
Always your friend,
Bill -
Laura Rollins - September 12, 2006
I was willies apartment manager where he resided. The first time we met Willie, he jumped in the air, landed in the splits and gave us the story of his life.
Willie was a kind, sweet, gentle soul and will be greatly missed.
On behalf of myself and staff, our deepest condolences go out to his family.
Run with the Angels Willie~ -
Victor Chaney - September 17, 2006
I learned today of Willie Venable’s passing and my wife and I are greatly saddened. A few years ago while competing in Regional Finals in Washington, Willy came to our room and gave us a lesson in stretching and jumping. He was warm, lithe and proud of his new chance to compete. He always found a lesson in competing whether or not he won or placed. It was an honor and a pleasure to know him.
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A friend of the family - October 18, 2006
I did not know Willie Venable as many did who took the time to write words of expression, however, I do know his twin sister very well and she contacted me with the news of his passing. She told me about this website most recently, and just from reading the various comments I feel like I knew Willie Venable personally. Many of the same attributes that Willie exhibited were identical to his twin sister. Many of you have shared times of triumph and joy that you experienced through knowing Willie Venable and I know his memory will last in your minds forever. However, his spirit of love and kindness will live on through his twin sister,and I know this for a fact because she truly loved her twin brother. Even though separated by thousands of miles, she loved him. Willie’s sister continues to grieve the loss of her twin brother but she will carry on his legacy with the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As she praises God, because he is first in her life, she will jump for joy as Willie did when he competed in many sporting events. As she greets people at a bank where she works, she will share Willie’s exuberant smile, and some will be fortunate enough to receive a warm hug, as Willie often gave to others. Although Willie has left this life, we are blessed to have his memories and I pray that we can find some peace in knowing that Willie’s loving spirit continues to touch others through the life of his twin sister.
May Willie’s soul rest in peace.
God Bless,
From a family friend
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Masters sprinters invited to elite New Jersey meet
Penn Relays and Mt. SAC notwithstanding, it’s still generally rare for elite open meets to include masters events. For example, you rarely see masters compete in Golden Spike-type U.S. meets (like the Prefontaine Classic, directed by Tom Jordan, a top official in World Masters Athletics.) But Frank Schiro in New York informs us of an opportunity at the 19th Annual New Jersey International Track and Field Meet.
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Paul - May 17, 2005
Ken,
There is also the GSAC Classic (Masters T & F Grand Prix Event) at Randloph HS the following day on June 12. I wonder how much one NJ meet will dilute the other? -
speed - May 17, 2005
And that’s not all…
NEW YORK CITY (May 17) – Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang, whose historic victory in Athens has transformed him into a megastar as his nation prepares to host the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, will compete at the Reebok Grand Prix on JUNE 11, organizers announced today.
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Masters sprinters in New England, unite! (At least online)
One of my pet peeves is “track clubs” that are anything but. My favorite example is the storied San Diego Track Club, which began more than 50 years ago as a bunch of San Diego State University track alumni who wanted to keep the cinder fires burning. But for at least 20 years, the SDTC has been 99% devoted to long-distance running. Fine for the roadies, but not for the sprinties. So I was delighted to learn of a new masters track club that specializes in sprints.
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get well, Louise, so you can come see the brand new Vassar College track— but you’ll have to climb the fence to get in 🙂
I’m thinking of you, and all the inspiration and excitement for the sport of track and field you gave me, ever since the planning of ESG in 1977….
Louise, all the best, Ivan Stanko (you may know me from the T&FN message board as Pego).
God Bless, have a speedy recovery
Louise, hang in there gal.
You are a treasure.
With much affection,
Barry
God Bless, have a speedy recovery. Much love from the Clark family.
Godspeed your recovery Louise my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Much love
Tom
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Get well.
Love,
Alisa
Louise – Best wishes for a full (and as pain-free) recovery as possible –
Richard H
i just read these today-
thanks so much
Louise,
I just received an email stating you were back in the hospital. You are in my prayers and you know I dearly love you. You get well and know that God can move mountains when no one can. I will put you on my church prayer list.
Love you,
Sharrieffa
Louise,
I hope this email finds you if not the happiest in your life- then battling the hell for better hospital food. I never thanked you properly for helping me to get my mom in the HCTCA Hall of Fame. She wasn’t real thrilled….but lo and behold, next year, Hudson County Hall of Fame. If she makes the New Jersey Hall of Fame, I’ll have to even leave Cape Cod- no US City will be safe for me…..Seriously, feel better….and I’m really impressed by your and your sister’s books. As my kids would say, Kewl……
Hi coach,
I hope you are doing better by the time you read this, and that you have someone reliable looking after the cats. 😉
Love you,
Lisa (and Len)
It is with deep sorrow that I tell you of the passing,on Sept. 30, of my sister Louise.
She was in the hospital for a very long time and one of the few pleasures she had was getting the emails from each of you. We would take the computer to a place where we could make an internet connection so she could read and respond to everyone. Many times it was the highlight of her day,and despite the fact that the replies were brief, you gave smiles, support and satisfaction at the time she needed it most.
I thank you for being there for her.
Jane
Dear Jane
I knew Louise only from the Track & Field Message board & was immensely privileged to have had the chance to converse with her.
This is such sad, sad knews.
Could you clarify if you were her only family ?
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