Unsung Hero Award goes to Bill Roe for all-comers meet series
Bill Roe, former USATF prez, has just wrapped up his all-comers series in Shoreline, Washington. Dave Ortman writes: “Bill just finished up the 42nd annual summer of putting on all-comers meets in the Seattle area. An astounding record considering that he has to drive nearly 100 miles each way from Bellingham each Wednesday night, and he faithfully showed up most of the time he was the head honcho of USAT&F! How about a shout out for info on all-comers meets around the country. I remember attending summer all-comers meets . . . run by Rich Greeno, a heralded Midwest area T&F coach in the late 1960s that I believe is still going on in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.” Which gets me thinking. Who would you salute among officials, administrators and meet directors? Now’s the time to thank the folks who make meets possible!
Bill Roe (left) gestured while chatting with Bob Weiner at the 2008 Spokane masters nationals. (Photo by Ken Stone)
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Craig Chasse, the current president of Potomac Valley Track Club (PVTC), has been a tower of strength in recent years. From directing the meet, setting up the hurdles, to answering a zillion questions, nothing is beyond Craig. Beyond that, he actually competes, even in meets he directs!
Before Craig, Sal Corrallo was an amazing contributor to masters and open athletics as president of PVTC. He did things way, way beyond the call of duty.
Moe Duis, do-everything leader of the Sterling Track Club in northern Illinois beginning in the 1960’s, was the first adult I met as a kid who ate, breathed, lived, and loved track and field–and did something about it. His team was always excellent, and the meets were beautifully run. One of my first teammates in the shot was Al Feuerbach, and our arch-rival was some wild man from the U of Chicago Track Club named Brian Oldfield. Later, the great current masters thrower, Ron Summers, was a star on the team.
I don’t quite go back the full 42 years of Club Northwest All-Comers meets, but did compete in them at West Seattle Stadium around 1972-79. Thanks for such a great opportunity, Bill.
My favorite meet directors are Mary Woo and Parker White!!!
Bill is a “fixture” in year round running events in the PNW. He can be seen at area track meets, XC meets, announcing road races, working the shoots at National events nationwide, and always at our monthly CNW Board meetings leading the discussion on how to improve the running scene. A tireless effort!
Thx Bill
Rick Milam just passed away this week. He co-founded and ran the Los Gatos all-comers meets in Los Gatos CA, which just concluded their 32nd year! He loved the sport and did a great job coordinating the all comers meets as well as many major HS and other meets in NorCal.
http://www.dyestatcal.com/ATHLETICS/XC/2010/milam.htm
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