Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Proposals aims to ease, tighten rules on USATF masters records

USATF’s annual meeting will vote on more than 50 rules changes, including many with masters impact. At least four involve masters records. One I like: You need at least two entrants in an event (rather than the current three) to have an age-group mark ratified, but in field events all entrants across age groups count […]

November 13, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  5 Comments

M75 Kiwi great Ron Robertson wasn’t his old WR self at Perth

Ron Robertson of New Zealand took gold in the M75 cross-country race in Perth, but fell short of his goal — medaling in four distance events. It wasn’t a bridge too far, since he became WMA Athlete of the Year in 2011 after winning four golds (three in WRs) at Sacramento worlds. But this year […]

November 12, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  One Comment

Kettrell Berry gets nearly 10-year prison term for sex with student

His eyes are bloodshot. His face grim. This is how Kettrell Berry, 53, looked when sentenced Thursday to 9 years, 8 months in prison for having sex with a student at the San Diego school where he worked. I wish I had been in court to hear the judge, who apparently noted kind words from […]

November 11, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  11 Comments

Champion Goldy dies at 99; personified name as athlete, person

A star at Michigan nationals was Champion Goldy Sr., a modest minister who represented all our hopes for active old age. Now I’m sad to report he won’t achieve his own goal — competing at age 100. Wednesday morning, USATFMasters tweeted the news: “Rev. Champion Goldy passed away last night at 99 years & 10 […]

November 10, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  4 Comments

Final Perth report from Bob Weiner, Gary Snyder, Mary Trotto

Aside from a DNF in the 1500, Bob Weiner had a good worlds. He beat his archrival Doug “Shaggy” Smith in the M65 steeplechase and got lots of attention for Team USA via his Masters Media Committee. His final summary is posted on USATF. Mary Trotto compiled medal winners. Gary Snyder, our outgoing national chair, […]

November 9, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  5 Comments

Bill Collins got by with a little help from his friends, and Rolls-Royce

Bill Collins, who won the Perth 1-2 double amid health issues, is an American nominee for WMA/IAAF Masters Athlete of the Year — along with Jesse Owens Award dinner Athlete of the Year-to-be Irene Obera. We’ve heard the basic news on Bill’s scare, but friend and teammate George Haywood (who defended his Lyon M60 title […]

November 8, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  7 Comments

Jon Beverly seeks subjects for lifetime competition book for 50-plus

Jon Beverly, longtime editor of the late great Running Times, is looking to interview masters runners of distances from 800 and up. If you’re 50 or older and been competing fairly steadily since youth, Jon would be interested in talking with you for a book he is working on about principles of lifetime competitors. You […]

November 7, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

4 steeple WRs at Perth, including the oldest lady ‘chaser on record

Perth went into the books Sunday, and 19 world records were set or tied, including six by Americans. The Aussies won the medal chase, of course. As if I care. But I’m impressed how, competing in November, Northern Hemisphere athletes did so well after a hauntingly long season and Southerners excelled early in their year. […]

November 6, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  One Comment

Lots of ways to view WMA Perth action — well after the meet ends

Perth organizers are trying to make a buck, of course. One way is through sale of athletes’ action photos. The image store is here. But give the folks Down Under credit for taking advantage of technology more than any other world masters meet — livestreaming the entire meet and archiving the footage for free access. […]

November 5, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  3 Comments

Legends Fosbury, Wilkins, Banks, Powell offer SoCal track camp

If you’re free in late December and can afford the $225 fee and trip to San Diego County, this track camp is for you. Dick Fosbury, Mike Powell, Willie Banks, Mac Wilkins, Tonie Campbell and others are holding clinics Dec. 29-30 at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. Cool. Of greater interest to most […]

November 4, 2016   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments