Now it can be revealed. The “air-conditioned” press box where Pete Taylor held forth for countless hours in Charlotte was barely that. He writes: “Yes, I used ice bags under my shirt on Thursday and Friday, and in the dormitory public room I credit Julie Hayden (ran a sparkling 5:06.64 1500 in W45) with saving me from a disastrous end (I was struggling from prolonged exposure to heat).” Pete hopes Orono in 2007 is cooler. Also hopes he’ll be able to reprise his meet-announcing role. (Yes, he frets over being tapped to do the gig. Not to worry, Pete.)

Pete continues his series of Charlotte recollections:
The third interview by Andy Boyajian was with Bill Collins, and one note about Bill: During the relays I observed a couple in the stands who may have had nothing to do with the meet.
Bill was waiting to run anchor. The man: “That’s Bill Collins.” The way he said it was the same as “That’s Michael Johnson” or “That’s Michael Jordan.” Bill Collins has star power, and we need that.
I told Karl Smith (1984 Olympian for Jamaica) that I made such a fuss over him not for Karl but for the spectators; I wanted them to know what we had. As you know, Karl ran 14.41 (a good college time, albeit they run 3 inches higher) in the 110 hurdles at age 46; can you believe it?
Speaking of unbelievable; you recall that Jeremy Wariner won the 400 gold at the 2004 Olympics in 44.00 sec, and thus the 46.98 that Antwon Dussett ran was just 2.98 seconds slower. What? We need this blend of young superstars, extraordinary competitors in their 40s like Alisa Harvey, Karl Smith, and Sal Allah, speedsters like Bill Collins and Nadine O’Connor in their 50s and 60s, hard knockers like Harry Brown in their 70s, and fleet octogenarians like Mel Larsen (“the Iowa Cyclone”).
We have it, Ken, a great mix from the superstar to the pedestrian. Oh, I forgot Aaron Thigpen, who only hammered out a 10.73 in the M40 100. (Again, I was track announcer, and thus I am not mentioning field.)
I loved Chad Newton’s act, by the way (M35). This guy is so smooth and confident (4:08.50, 16:33.61, and 33:43.60 in the 15, 5, and 10 despite the conditions). When he threw his hat off in one race I told the crowd it was like Kip Keino, who used to toss his beanie when he was ready to make his kick (but that might have dated me).
Michelle Simonaitis (W40) of Utah gave me my biggest thrill, as she dominated the 5000 (17:52.97) she had me throwing in all sorts of things. I gave out her high school at one point (Cave Spring HS in Roanoke, VA) and announced her maiden name (Petrus) at another. Turns out her family was there, and she was thrilled (as I was).
Sid Howard (M65) held off Mack Stewart by .01 sec in 800 (2:28.61 to 2:28.62), and I’m proud to say I suggested that Sid had won.
Brian Pope (1st in M40 5000 and 10000) adds a lot of class to the meet by showing what true distance talent looks like. Kathy Martin (won all 3 distance races in W50) is incomparable. Bill Iffrig (M70 distances) is an underrated hoss. Ian Whatley (M45 racewalk) had terrible trouble with heat but still looked great in walking 25:24.13 for 5000 (8:10.6 per mile).