Willie Banks warms up for Boston nationals with 5-11 at age 53
He jokes about being overweight. His busy life includes consulting, representing Fieldturf in Japan and sitting on two major boards (USATF and the USATF Foundation). But when Olympian Willie Banks wants to bring it, the old legs can still deliver. Yesterday at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, the former world record holder in the triple jump ignored overcast skies and temps in the low 60s to high-jump 1.80 meters (5-10 3/4). He did it the hard way: straddling from three steps out — and wearing triple jump shoes (no heel spikes). He had a couple good tries at 1.83 (6 feet) but called it a day. No TJ for him. He says he’s now looking forward to competing at Boston nationals in a month — his first indoor meet since February 19, 1982, when he set a world record in San Diego. He’ll be 54 in Boston, since his birthday is March 11.
(Corrected caption) Willie heads toward bar in failed try at 1.83. (Photo by Ken Stone)
Willie, who lives north of San Diego, competed at Andy Hecker’s annual Southern California Indoor Meet . . . Outdoors, where athletes contest events like the pentathlon and the 60-meter dash to gauge their fitness ahead of major indoor meets.
The meet venue was made possible through the incredible generosity of Rick Muth (pronounced Mooth), a masters athlete and Southern California Striders member who is president of Orco Block Co.
In 1967, Rick graduated from Mater Dei, a prestigious Catholic high school, and about 40 years later was true to his school by giving it a half-million dollars to upgrade its track to an all-weather facility. (His family, whose building materials are in recent school additions, has donated $1 million to the campus, all told.)
A masters half-miler, Rick didn’t compete yesterday. But he was busy all day as meet announcer. And he accommodated my shameless demands for him to pose with the “Rick’s Track” monument at the entrance and stand in front of a signboard flashing the same. Andy will have results posted in the next couple days. The meet was sparsely attended but well-organized.
Rick Muth announces events coming up next to meet director Andy Hecker. (Photo by Ken Stone)
6 Responses
Thanks for clearing up the mystery, Ken. I thought that the “Willie Banks” entered in the M50 high jump at Boston had to be “the real Willie Banks,” but I could not be totally sure. And it’s an interesting twist — a superstar entered not in his signature event (the triple jump) but one that is quite different and yet compatible athletically.
This would be somewhat akin to having Carl Lewis enter Boston (Carl is still in M45) and sign up for the 60 hurdles and nothing else. No, I don’t expect to see Carl Lewis enter any of our meets, but I will be glad to see Willie in the high jump (he will be jumping on Saturday). Apparently he will be in no other event at Boston.
I had a great time at the meet and feel satisfied with my first performance of the year. It is always a pleasure to see old friends and make new friends at the meets. I look forward to Boston and pray that we all show up in good condition. Sorry I could not enter the triple jump but that event is for REAL MEN…
It was a real treat to see Mr. Banks at the high jump apron Sunday. I hope he will inspire more T&F athletes (novice through experienced)to participate in masters meets.
Again, this was a great meet. A bit cold and breezy, but the competition was wonderful. Thank you Andrew, Rick, and Mater Dei. Locals, keep a look out for it again next year to continue to make this meet a nice pre-outdoor season start-up.
Much success to all this year!
An excellent jump!
I believe that in his college days Mr Banks jumped 6′ 10″ with a three step approach.
OK folks, the meet results are posted at:
http://www.trackinfo.org/scaindresults2010.html
wow…what a treat for us mortals…sorry i can’t be there ( still knee problems ) but i’ll be following the action from here…it should be a great meet, M 50 high jump looks to produce some outstanding results as evidenced by willie’s effort and by bruce mc barnett, who had a nice showing at yesterday’s nj masters indoor championships in toms river nj. it’s such a pleasure to watch such great athletes perform their magic…best wishes to all, and hopefully , soon, i’ll be able to fix my bad wheel..and join my friends once again
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