Indy jury to render verdict on Charlotte M45 hurdles race
Carroll DeWeese of the Games Committee that oversaw the Charlotte nationals informs me that Jeff Brower has made a formal protest of the controversial DQ reversal in the M45 short hurdles. In an email note today, Carroll writes that the USATF Jury of Appeals received the protest this past Monday, and “since this protest involves a situation not directly addressed by current rules, the Jury of Appeals and the Games Committee will consider it. We will formally meet as a Jury of Appeals on this matter at the Convention. In order to give this protest the proper consideration, we want to meet face-to-face and not deal with this matter through email. Any decision that we make will be regarded as final.”
Derek Turnbull dead at age 79; a masters legend
Doug Smith in Canada passes along this very sad news from New Zealand Press Association: “Southland’s Derek Turnbull, dubbed the ‘greatest veteran runner of all time,’ has died. Aged 79, Turnbull died in his sleep yesterday (Thursday). The sheep farmer from Tussock Creek started masters running at 40, setting 25 world age group records from 1975. His best year of running was 1992, when he set six 65-69 age group world records and two world best times of the year, as well as finishing the London marathon in two hours 41 minutes at the age of 65.” Versions of Derek’s obituary can be seen here. Letsrun.com also has a memorial thread.
November 3, 2006
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Charlotte referee mystifies hurdlers over undo of DQ
The M45 110-meter hurdle race at Charlotte nationals was among the greatest in masters history, given the 14.41 world age-group record it produced. Jamaica’s Karl Smith was chased to the record by Linz world champion Dexter McCloud of Georgia. But Dexter was DQ’d shortly after the race, giving the national championship to Jeff Brower of Texas. Dexter was flagged by several officials for pushing over the ninth hurdle with both hands. The results showed Dexter as DQ’d, and that was that. Or so we thought. About a week later, the online results were changed to show Dexter as having taken second. What happened? Therein lies a tale.
Hayward Classic 2007 a no-go? Track refurb is hurdle
On Halloween, Ron Bellamy of the Eugene Register-Guard detailed plans for a new, improved Hayward Field, the legendary track stadium at the University of Oregon and site of the 2008 Olympic Trials. But it was no treat for masters track. The nut graf: “The major portion of the renovation project will start the day after the 2007 Prefontaine Classic, scheduled for June 10. In that phase, workers will demolish the infield, flattening it to remove the crown, and install a sand-based drainage system and new sod, (coach Vin) Lananna said.” Uhm, that means the two-day Hayward Masters Classic — a highlight of our circuit in late-June — may be a goner in 2007.
Seven from USA enter South American masters meet
The sun never sets on masters track. Down Under in Brazil, the South American Masters Championships start this weekend in Rio de Janeiro — and seven U.S. men (but no women) are entered. They include world-class sprinters Val Barnwell and Bennie James and hurdler Darnell Gatling. Here’s the schedule of events. The biggest of the 17 delegations is host Brazil, with 399 entered. The smallest include Aruba (one distance guy) and Japan (an M60 sprinter with money and time on his hands.) Buena suerte to los Norte Americanos (including five from Mexico)!
D.C. columnist Nearman uncovers two Rosie Ruizes
M45 middle-distance runner Steve Nearman might be passed in the final yards of an 800, but you can’t put anything past him as a journalist. In his latest story for the Washington Times, he reveals that two women have been DQ’d from this past Sunday’s Marine Corps Marathon after he notified race organizers of some curious things involving the pair. Two male runners (including an M65) — who curiously had the same times as the DQ’d women — also were “purged” from the results. Nice catches, Steve!
Canucks pipe up for their pick for Master of the Year
Doug Smith reports from Canada that his countrymen aren’t aboot to take the WMA picks for IAAF Masters of the Year quietly. Doug reports that masters champion Diane Palmason writes “to question the headline on the front page of the November 2006 issue (of National Masters News) with regard to Bill Collins being selected for the IAAF Best Masters of the Year 2006 award. Collins is an exceptional athlete, and did have a good season in 2006, following many other years of excellent performances.” But there’s a big but coming.
Scariest event? It has to be Halloween Vault in Texas
The debate is over. Vaulters are crazier than hurdlers. In Texas, M50 vaultdude Doug “Bubba” Sparks sends details and history on the annual Halloween Vault, (Bubba is shown second from the right in the Aussie hat) which this year was held Saturday at The Woodlands High School near Houston. Bubba writes: “Our annual Halloween Vault started for me at UC Irvine in 1990 and has followed me to The Woodlands, where I’ve lived since 2002. Photos from last year are here.
October 30, 2006
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Died and gone to heaven? No, you’re at NTCA confab
What would you call a convention that included talks by Brian Oldfield, Hal Connolly, John Godina, Mac Wilkins, Jay Silvester, Kate Schmidt, Maren Seidler, George Woods and Tom Petranoff? I’d call it Woodstock for Throwers. That’s just a partial lineup of speakers being advertised for the National Throws Coaches Association’s annual conference Nov. 10-12 at the Columbus Marriott Northwest in Dublin, Ohio. This may be the biggest assembly of American throwing legends in history. Now, who gets the assignment of asking each of them to make masters comebacks?
Willie Venable’s legacy: organs as precious gifts
One of the greatest tragedies for masters track this year has one of the noblest outcomes. M55 sprinter Willie Venable of Kent, Washington, the victim of a fatal attack one night in August, is living on, reports his Seattle friend Dave Ortman. Willie’s organs have been transplanted into a number of people. Dave shared a note from Marjie Lines, a close friend of Willie’s who wrote: “It was wonderful meeting many of you and hearing all the warm, humorous stories about our dear Willie (at a September memorial for Willie that she and her husband hosted at their home). Sharing these memories and feeling his unique presence through your reflections, concern and love truly helped Nigel and me through this heavy time. Thank you.”
