San Diego may return to masters nationals rotation
San Diego hosted the first six USA masters outdoor nationals, but in the past couple decades, pretty much nada. That could change. Mike Rouse, newly elected president of the San Diego-Imperial Association of USATF, says he’s looking into possibly bidding for masters nationals. This he confirmed in a quickie email interview, saying: “I’m definitely interested in getting involved with a national championship at all levels. This (meet) you mention might be a great start. I will definitely investigate.”
Mike also wrote:
“I’m excited about the position. I’m going to the USATF office tomorrow to . . . get acquainted and get copies of by-laws, past minutes, committees, chairmen, etc. It will be a learning curve for a while, but I’m up to the task.
“As to your questions….
“I will communicate (with association members) through e-mail and Web site. We must get an extensive Web site developed immediately. One of my first priorities.
“No, I have not been active in actual T&F meets personally. However, I have great (rapport) with about 25-30 local H.S. coaches, and have been active in H.S. meets in SD, as well as in Dallas and Kansas City. I do not have ‘favoritism’ towards road racing only.
“I believe my job as president is NOT to run the organization, but to gather around me experts that can take each phase or area and be the expert. I am there to organize, delegate, and hold Committee Chairpersons responsible for their duties.
“In my opinion, that has been the local problem — too much responsibility by officers only and no delegation, for fear of loss of power. That will change with me. I know I don’t have all the answers, but believe I can put in place those that do.”
Me again:
San Diego in August can be hot — but if the meet were held at, say, UC San Diego or San Diego State University (a few blocks from David Pain’s house), the prevailing breeze should make events quite livable.
A possible bid by the Southern California USATF Association for masters nationals — for a Los Angeles area site like Azusa Pacific — may push San Diego back a few years, but wouldn’t it be great to have a San Diego masters nationals coincide with David Pain’s 87th birthday (July 31, 2009)?
We owe him the recognition. Returning the meet to his back yard would be perfect justice. Make David take a victory lap. (And make Mike Rouse enter the 10K!)
One Response
UC San Diego is a terrific venue. It is seldom too hot because of the morning fog. It also has one of the best discus winds on the planet. (Hawaii was pretty good, though)
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