Robert Thomas named vice chairman of USATF Masters T&F
Janet McCarty-Smith, the USATF Masters T&F Executive Committee member known for not showing up, has made it official. She’s not showing up. My masters mole at the Indy annual meeting reports: “McCarty-Smith announced she is stepping down as vice chair because she has some changes in her life that require more of her time (evidently pursuing a graduate degree). Gary (Snyder) had been talking to potential replacements during the convention and announced the appointment of Robert Thomas from Indiana as vice chair effective Jan. 1.” Janet’s departure paves the way for a real shake-up in the Executive Committee, since Robert was part of the USAMA advocacy group founded in Lahti by Anselm LeBourne and fellow elites. Robert is a 400-meter world champ from Lahti who served as USAMA’s point person in Indy. Now that he’s seated at the table, pressure will build for him to deliver. Kudos to Robert — and to Gary for having the guts to appoint rabble-rouser Robert!
Here’s Robert Thomas anchoring the M40 4×4 at Lahti in August.
My mole source also reports:
Long discussion about relay selections. For Kamloops there will be a process that allows multi athletes to submit a certified time if they would have a conflict between the first round of the 200 and the pent. Phil Greenwald can provide details.
Also a long discussion about the incidents in Lahti and the approved process (which is what was followed). No action was taken but the issue that Gary termed “emotional and controversial” will be on the agenda at the 2010 Convention for possible changes.
We also saw an early version of the promotional film that John Oleski is spearheading. It looks really good at this stage. Still needs some additional footage. Ideas for the next stage were discussed. The goal is for it to be final by the time of the outdoor meet. The title of the film is Forever Fast.
I’m not sure what the “incidents in Lahti” my mole is referring to. Hope to nail this down soon.
5 Responses
Robert Congradulations on your appointment, I know you,
so I know you will do a great job. If I can ever be of any help please let know!
Same here. When it comes to track he’s the man. Robert, don’t hesitate to ask for help. We work together as Team USA. Wait, I’m not American. Oh, what the monkey. Congratulations!
Congrats Robert!!!!!
HI-5 Robert! Congrats.
congrat [ true leader ] clean up the mess bro’
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