In our final Hall of Fame interview, we highlight Phil Brusca and one of his fans — Olympic discus medalist Richard Cochran (bronze in 1960). First, Dick: “Coach Phil Brusca has, and still is, a major positive factor in my athletic life. Throughout my high school years, Coach Brusca was the driving force behind what ever athletic endeavors I attempted. His quiet and personal interest in his athletes pushed each of them to try harder and push themselves further than they thought possible. He constantly guided them in both athletics and in becoming a better person. I know of no athlete he mentored who did not come away from contact with Coach Brusca with a better view of themselves and of the sport or activity they were involved in.”

Dick continues:

Without Coach Brusca’s help, I know I would not have been as successful as I was. Even after I left high school and entered college, the things he taught me continued to assist me through out my college career and into my Olympic endeavors. His teachings and motivations to this day continue to help me as I work with college throwers and athletes.

Constantly when I find myself having difficulty with an activity or athlete I ask myself: What would Coach Brusca do? Coach Brusca will always be my example to look towards and will forever be in my personal Hall of Fame along with my parents.

COACH BRUSCA IS THE GREATEST!

Masterstrack.com: How did you learn of your induction into the Class of 2015?

Phil Brusca: Jerry Bookin-Weiner called me to inform me that I would be inducted into the hall of fame this year, 2015, and asked me if I would accept this honor. I responded with a resounding YES!

What was your reaction to the honor, and what does it mean to you?

I was quite pleasantly shocked and surprised at the news that I was being accepted into the Hall of Fame. I was so shocked because I had previously been nominated twice but not selected for induction. After the last declination, I was told that I would be inducted posthumously but no further nominations would be made on my behalf. I am thrilled to be alive to accept this nomination.

What aspects of your career helped you gain this honor?

Consistent performance at both indoor and outdoor championships have earned me 50+ national champion patches. Through the years, I have had several injuries/illnesses that could have sidelined me. I had torn meniscus in my right knee, a torn Achilles tendon which required surgery, and I battled shingles and prostate cancer as well. Neither injury nor illness have prevented me from competing. This drive is also an important aspect of my career, which I believe contributes to my earning this honor.

Unlike other Halls of Fame, ours has no physical location. Should USATF Maters make an effort to find such a home? If so, where should it be?

Yes, we need to establish a physical location for the Hall of Fame. I believe it should be located in the Midwest to give equal and convenient access to all.

What is the most prized moment in your masters career?

At the age of 50 years old, I set a record in my very first competition in St. Louis (my home), throwing the shot-put 50 feet. Throughout the 38 years of my masters career, I have set many records which have been surpassed. But my most prized win was my shot-put performance in the World Games in Melbourne, Australia. I threw the shot 47 feet 3.5 inches, which was my personal best at that weight to that point. I am also extremely proud of my performance in the weight pentathlon in Colorado with a score of 5000 points. I have also won three other weight pentathlons.

Is there anything else readers should know about you or your career?

I was a high school teacher and coach for 40 years, I retired in 1991, surpassing the state retirement eligibility age of 38 years. When asked why — when I could retire after 38 years of teaching and coaching did I coach beyond that 38 year eligibility threshold — my standard answer: I loved what I was doing. In my career, I am also proud of having coached Dick Cochran, Olympic bronze medal winner in discus.