Reno report: USATF restructures, Raschker honored
Amid the pall created by Bob Fine’s death yesterday morning — only hours after the masters pioneer attended meetings of USATF in Reno — the governing body last night voice-voted approval of a major restructuring that rendered masters track even more cloutless than it was before. No guaranteed seat for MTF on the board. There’s still a chance we might score a seat through another method, but I ain’t counting on it.
“What our membership did this evening has given us the tools to reinvent USATF, becoming more responsible, responsive and professional,” said USATF CEO Doug Logan in a press release.
Taking the podium moments after the vote to approve the measures, he quipped, “Somebody told me this organization was dysfunctional. It looks pretty functional to me.”
That last reference was an unveiled crack at TheFinalSprint.com series of investigative articles by Adam Jacobs, which was titled “Dysfunction Run Amuck.” and aimed heavy guns at several people, including USATF president candidate Stephanie Hightower.
Of course, Stephanie has her fans online as well, including Larry Eder, the respected editor of American Track & Field magazine, who last night blogged his endorsement of Stephanie.
Whatever.
In other Reno developmensts, USATF announced that Phil Raschker, our W60 legend, has been chosen USATF Masters Athlete of the Year. This doesn’t make up for last year’s unforgiveable bonk, but it’s good to see the best masters athlete (including race walkers and roadies) honored this way. She’s known about this award for several weeks.
“I’m honored to receive this award and proud to be in the company of all the past winners,” Phil told USATF’s Tom Surber. “I greatly appreciate USA Track & Field recognizing masters athletes and I hope this encourages more elite athletes to participate in masters track in the future.”
“Phil’s American and World record accomplishments are amazing and she is widely recognized as the most accomplished female masters athlete ever,” said USATF Masters Track & Field Chair Gary Snyder. “Phil is also an enthusiastic ambassador and is quick to point out that masters track and field is a sport for life.”
OK, I’m off to the Silver Legacy Resort Casino for masters meetings that start at 11 a.m. today. Will report on happenings as I can.
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