Joy Upshaw-Margerum pulls out of race, backs Snyder
Joy Upshaw-Margerum has decided to drop out of the race for USATF Masters T&F Committee chair. She says she attended today’s meeting of the Masters T&F Executive Board and realized she’s not yet ready to tackle the chair job. Afterward, she and fellow candidate Gary Snyder of Boston went to lunch, and they ended up talking for two hours, she says. In their chat, they realized they shared a lot of the same ideas and management beliefs. So Joy is backing Gary for the job. Joy also may seek election to the Executive Committee as active athletes representative — in hopes of learning more about board politics.
Joy phoned me this afternoon about her decision, and my respect for her grew. Even though she had the support of a lot of smart and experienced people, including Al Sheahen (a former WAVA treasurer and NMN publisher), she opted to listen to her heart.
She wants to learn more about board procedures before jumping in full-force, she says.
Joy certainly would have been a good leader from the get-go, but she doesn’t think she’s ready to be as good a leader as she’d like to be — not just yet. She found that Gary “was on the same page” with respect to many interests, and pledged to help him as much possible from her West Coast perch if he wins tomorrow morning’s chair election.
I was one of several people urging Joy to run, but I’m not dismayed by her decision. She will be around for a long time, and will put this experience to good use — for the benefit of the masters movement. In two years, she might run for vice chair.
If Joy seeks the active-athletes rep position, she’ll have a front-row seat on how to run the committee and fight the good fight for masters track within USA Track & Field.
There’s no shame in being realistic. Joy is clear-eyed about the job. Give her time.
Joy will be back.
Joy Upshaw Margerum enters race for masters chair
W45 world and national champion Joy Upshaw Margerum is going for it. This morning she wrote to USATF Masters T&F honchos: “This email is my formal notice of candidacy for the office of USATF Masters Track & Field Committee chairman. I will attend the USATF Convention in Indianapolis. I look forward to seeing you all, and sharing my excitement for masters track and hopes for our program!” Yowza! This is wonderful news for masters athletes nationwide. Although I encouraged Joy to run, her decision didn’t come until after conversations with a lot of people. That encourages me even more.
15 Responses
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Jack Karbens - October 17, 2006
Joy is extremely well qualified based on her high level of achievement over many years as an open
and masters athlete and coach at the high school,college, national and international level. She is 100% positive every day, communicates effectively and is very reliable. She has a very supportive track family. She also is filled with the Aloha spirit. Vote for Joy!
Jack Karbens -
Allan Tissenbaum - October 18, 2006
I feel that Joy with her boundless energy and enthusiasm is a perfect choice for the chairpersonship
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Dexter McCloud - October 18, 2006
I can’t think of a better person than Joy as Masters Chair. She understands the issues that are most important to the athletes. Plus, she’s a heck of a lot cuter than George!
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Martha Mendenhall - October 18, 2006
I’ve known Joy for many years and my impression of Joy since day one was that she was a “one woman welcoming committee” for Masters Track and Field. She is totally qualified to fulfill the duties of the Masters Chair and will make it a point to get as many people informed and involved as she can. She has always welcomed the newcomers with her bubbly personality and yet she is very knowlegeable about the innerworkings of our sport and the people who lead us. Now she’ll be one of them too. Good choice!
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Marie Kay - October 19, 2006
Congratulations Joy..USA Masters will only go forward with you in the chair. You are an ispiration to all that have the fortune to know you!!!! Good luck with the vote.
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Lisa Daley - October 19, 2006
Joy is uniquely qualified for the job of Masters Chair because of her experience and knowledge as a coach and also because she has such a dynamic personality. I know with her as the Chairperson our Masters Program will move miles ahead. Good luck Joy.
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Linda Carty - October 19, 2006
Joy would definitely be an asset to the Masters program as Chairperson. She has the positive and motivational attitude for this assignment. Congratulations and good luck with the vote Joy!
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Chris Yorges - October 19, 2006
Good luck Joy! Joy will represent Masters athletes in a positive and progressive direction. She has the drive, direction and motivation to make a difference. Joy will listen to athletes concerns and search for solutions that benefit the greatest number of athletes. She has my vote!
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Don Drummonf - October 21, 2006
With the expertise and knowledge that she demonstrates in our sport, who could be a better candidate? I am 100% behind you Joy and have already claimed your victory. We will all celebrate when you are elected.
Don Drummond -
Paul Brown M40-44 400/200 - October 21, 2006
Joy, go ahead and put Masters Track and Field on the map. Our sport has been wandering in the desert of anonymity for 40 years like the Children of Israel.Joy-YOU can be the Moses to lead us to the promised land. The land of milk & honey and endorsements and shoe contracts and………
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Marek Wensel - October 21, 2006
I can not honestly think of a better suited person to fill the position than Joy. It is time for the USATF to recognize Masters athletes for what they really are – a valuable part of the organization. I believe that Joy is the best candidate to lead that charge.
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William T. Long - October 23, 2006
I have known Joy Upshaw Margarum since she was a freshman at Cal St University Hayward. We trained and competed together as sprinters and long jumpers. She has always given positive energy and shared knowledge and wisdom to the athletes around her. She is a unifying force. She has drawn quality athletes and good people to master track and field. She is organized and effective. It is an honor to support her nomination. I recommend her as the most outstanding candidate for masters chair.
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I have known Joy Upshaw Margarum since she was a freshman at Cal St University Hayward. We trained and competed together as sprinters and long jumpers. She has always given positive energy and shared knowledge and wisdom to the athletes around her. She is a unifying force. She has drawn quality athletes and good people to master track and field. She is organized and effective. It is an honor to support her nomination. I recommend her as the most outstanding candidate for masters chair.
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Kettrell Berry USATF SD Masters Chairman - October 25, 2006
Joy
We started together on the Sub-Masters Scene and are still going strong as both athletes and Boardmembers. You have my support 100%.
Kettrell -
Bruce McBarnette - October 25, 2006
I was glad to hear that Joy is running for Chair. Knowing her devotion to the sport and her love for her fellow athletes, I am sure she can do a great job.
2 Responses
Way to go Joy, realising its not your time takes courage, i know you are a perfectionist and would want to do the job to the best of your ability.Go learn and be the best.
I support you PAL…
Marie Kay
Australia.
I have worked numerous meets with Joy and she would be perfect to represent Master’s Track and Field. If she feels she is not ready at this time, so be it….look forward to the future with Joy’s leadership…Joy see ya at the “All-Comer” meets at Los Gatos.
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