Pre Classic Highest Ranked Meet of the Diamond League

OCTOBER 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Hayward Field Renovations...... 2 Pre Classic Highest Ranked Meet Business Members ...... 2, 3 First Call...... 3 of the Diamond League Era MASTERS NEWSLETTER TrackTown Fitness...... 4 The sixth edition of the IAAF Diamond League Average UO XC...... 4 Meet is in the books and OTC’s Prefontaine Classic now Competition Score NWCU XC...... 4 Eugene 94,416 boasts the highest average ranking of any in- Vin’s Track Town...... 5 Zurich 94,216 vitational meet in the world since the Diamond Monaco 94,194 League’s inception in 2010, according to All-Ath- Bruxelles 94,057 Oregon Track Club Office Hours: Monday-Friday, letics.com. Paris 93,544 9:00 am to 3:30 pm PDT Rankings by A-A.com, the official data services Lausanne 93,514 2350 Oakmont Way, Suite 201 London 93,307 Eugene, OR 97401 provider of the Diamond League, are determined Roma 92,963 Phone: 541-343-7247 Email: [email protected] by the quality of the fields (Participation Score) Doha 92,313 plus the quality of the performances (Results Stockholm 91,745 OnTrack is published by the Oregon Track Club Board of Directors. Birmingham 91,325 Oregon Track Club, P.O. Box 11364, Eugene, OR 97440 Score). The Pre Classic has had the No. 1 or No. Issue #57, October 2015 Oslo 91,277 Distributed free monthly. 2 Results Score in each of the last five meets, www.oregontrackclub.org • [email protected] Shanghai 90,930 continued on page 3 New York 90,529 Tom Ragsdale, a Founder of All Comers Meets, Dies by Ron Bellamy highly successful junior high and high school coach, as a meet Tom Ragsdale, one of the founders of the Oregon Track Club’s director on the local and state meet level annual summer All Comers Meets and a key OTC volunteer at Hay- and as an innovator. ward Field’s major meets, passed away May 21 at age 90. The chute change-over system now used A teacher, coach and innovator, Ragsdale’s OTC membership everywhere to regulate the finish line at big dated back to the mid-1950s. For his work on behalf of track cross country meets was his inspiration. and field in the Eugene community he was the second inductee So was the transition from popsicle sticks into the University of Oregon Track and Field Hall of Fame, and, to sticky tags. The J-heel, used by javelin in 2014, the first recipient of the OTC’s Brathwaite Award for pro- Tom Ragsdale throwers and high jumpers, was his inven- moting fitness in youth and families. tion. And Poison Oak Alley, an iconic stretch of the state cham- Ragsdale, who developed OTC’s first All Comers Meets with Rob- pionship cross country course at Lane Community College, was ert Newland, based them on the inspiration of Bill Bowerman back his routing. in 1954, and wound up directing them for more than 20 years. From 1955 through 1991, he was Clerk of the Course, and a lot Those enduring All Comers Meets, with their images of kids more, for University of Oregon meets. And he played major roles in running and jumping and throwing at Hayward Field, are now an staging five NCAA championships at Hayward Field, three Olym- intrinsic part of the identity of the Oregon Track Club. pic Trials, the Prefontaine Classic through 1989 and numerous na-

His contributions to young people in the sport also came as a continued on page 6 OnTrack OCTOBER 2015

Business Members AHM Brands Brown Contracting, Inc. Byrke Beller MD, - Pacific Women’s Ctr CAMERON MCCARTHY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS – CHAMPION SUPPORTER Cascade Dermatology Chambers Construction Company CORVALLIS HALF MARATHON & 5K – CHAMPION SUPPORTER Creswell Health & Rehabilitation Center Curtis Restaurant Equipment Custom Orthotics D2000 Safety, Inc. Dave Henry Real Estate Services, Inc. David E. Carmichael, Attorney Hayward Field will be renovated with the goal to accommodate as many as 30,000 spectators. Douglas Gallagher Law Office Eclectic Edge Racing Eugene Airport Hayward Field Renovations Eugene Marathon Eugene Physical Therapy, LLC – Supporter Member will Increase Capacity Eugene Running Club Eugene Running Company By this time next year, Hayward Field is “Hayward Field is unparalleled in impor- Eugene Wellness Center likely to look vastly different as a major tance to the sport of track and field and Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission renovation to the venerable facility gets the entire state of Oregon,” said Vin La- European Touch Painting Co underway. nanna, the university’s associate athletic Fitness Link Performance and Training Center The University of Oregon’s Board of director for Olympic development. “With Franklin R. Lulich, CPA, P.C. Trustees is in the early steps of sanction- (Nike designer) Tinker Hatfield’s magnifi- GANT Custom Homes – Supporter ing a project to completely rebuild and cent design vision, Hayward Field is sure Member Garden Way Chiropractic Center overhaul much of the venue, while pre- to set a new standard as the home for Gleaves Swearingen LLP, Attorneys serving the iconic East Grandstands. athletes from across the world.” at Law The work would begin shortly after the The project would be funded by private Golden Realty Handy Ed Construction conclusion of the 2016 Olympic Track and donations, and have no impact on the Health & Safety Institute Field Trials at Hayward next July. University’s operating budget. The Uni- Home Federal Bank False – Supporter Member The stadium plans call for additional versity of Oregon Foundation would man- Hughes Financial Group of Wells seating, with flexibility to handle as many age the project and associated costs. The Fargo Advisors – Supporter Member as 30,000 spectators, improved training foundation has created Hayward Field Hutchinson, Cox, Coons, Orr & and academic facilities and tripling the Enhancement LLC, a single-member, lim- Sherlock, P.C. space of the Bowerman Sports Science ited liability corporation, to facilitate the Innovative Print Group Kalen Electric & Machinery, Inc. Clinic. renovation. Kathleen Dugan LMT Hayward Field, which is hosting its Preliminary plans and designs would be Kernutt Stokes LLP sixth Olympic Trials in track and field and completed before the end of this year. Let’s Move LLC Lile/Eugene Moving & Storage its 14th NCAA Outdoor Championships in The cost of the project is yet to be deter- Locklear Leatherworks LLC 2016, will celebrate its centennial in 2019. mined. The renovation would be substan- LPL Financial - Kelly G. Higgins, It is also under consideration to host the tially complete prior to the 2017 NCAA Financial Advisor Trials in 2020. Track and Field Championships.

2 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

Business Members First Call: Keep Calm Marilyn Milne at Public Relations Services LLC – Supporter Member Mark Stapleton DMD, MSD, PC and Welcome Fall Dentistry For Children Michael Keller Realty of Spokane, by Erin Regali, OTC President But OTC also has a strong past – a rich WA – Supporter Member The fall is my favorite time of year. tradition that it builds on year after year. Mike Fanelli, San Francisco Real Estate Crisp mornings, apple It is that history that makes me so proud Musgrove Mortuaries & Cemeteries National Fire Fighter – Supporter cider, football, cross to serve as the OTC president. I wish to Member country, soccer, boots, extend my thanks and appreciation to NEUROSPINE INSTITUTE – CHAMPION pumpkins, fall leaves all the OTC members and volunteers SUPPORTER Nike Running Eugene and all those beauti- who have helped make our organization On Track and Field, Inc. ful days we enjoy in so strong. Keep an eye out for the 2016 OREGON DENTAL CARE – CHAMPION Oregon. September is a membership renewal information that will SUPPORTER Pacific Continental Bank time of new beginnings be out very soon. Pink Buffalo Racing and fresh starts. And what a beautiful fall Oregon Track Club — It’s for everyone! Postal Pharmacy, Inc. we have been enjoying here in Lane Coun- Prichard Partners, Inc. RANDOM LENGTHS – CHAMPION ty. After a record-hot summer, I am ready Pre Classic SUPPORTER RBC Wealth Management, Todd G. for autumn’s cooler weather. continued from page 1 As families, we prepared to go back to Bosworth and combined with the exceptional fields Rexius Forest By-Products school, kicked off the fall sport seasons made possible by title sponsor Nike, the Rogue Ales & Spirits – Supporter Member and adjusted back into our daily routines resulting Competition Score is the high- and schedules. Run Hub Northwest – Supporter est on average of any of the 14 IAAF Dia- Member It is a great feeling to re-energize your- mond League meets since the Diamond Runnin’ Wild Sapient Private Wealth Management self for all the new beginnings, whether League began. it’s preparing to go back to school, tak- Sightline Property Inspections The 2015 Prefontaine Classic was an- SLOCUM ORTHOPEDICS, PC – ing part in fall sports’ seasons, or simply other outstanding success, with the meet CHAMPION SUPPORTER adjusting back to the daily routines we Sports Conflict Institute ranking No. 1 in the world in Participation Springfield Area Chamber of follow much of the year. Score and No. 2 in Results Score behind Commerce For the Oregon Track Club, it’s a time to the Monaco Hercules meet. Taylor Made Homes reflect back upon the great events and The Carpet Company The challenge, of course, is to continue TRACK TOWN PIZZA – CHAMPION achievements we accomplished through- the Pre Classic’s strong showing and plans SUPPORTER out the year and take a look ahead at are already underway for next year’s meet TRACKTOWN ORTHODONTICS – what’s to come. CHAMPION SUPPORTER on May 27-28. Tickets will go on sale to Trisha Kluge, LMT Along the lines of new beginnings, we the general public at 9 a.m. on January TYREE OIL, INC. – CHAMPION SUPPORTER are busy organizing and preparing for the 15 at www.goducks.com and 1-800-WEB- membership renewal campaign that kicks Univera – (Molly England) FOOT. Valley River Inn off in November. A strong membership is Vox Public Relations Public Affairs – so important to our Club and the commu- Supporter Member nity. We tremendously value our commu- Wildish Land Company – Supporter Member nity partnerships and the long-standing Wilson Sound and Lights relationships we share. World Wheelchair Sports – Supporter Member

3 Oregon Track Club Masters OCTOBER 2015 October Pizza Party 2016 Hayward Classic at Track Town Pizza Masters Track & Field Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m. OTCM buys the pizza OTCM buys the pizza — you just buy your drinks and maybe Meet Set for April 24 a salad. The 34th Hayward Classic is set for Sunday, April 24, 2016, at Hayward Field, presented by Oregon Track Club Masters. Veggie, non-veggie, gluten-free? We look forward to again welcoming athletes to one of the We will keep the par- premier masters track and field meets in the country. ty supplied with a wide variety of pizza. Once again, gluten-free piz- zas will be available in limited quantities, but please let us know in advance by contacting Trisha Kluge at tklmt@ msn.com. Track Town Pizza is on Franklin Blvd. in Eugene, right across from the Matthew Knight Arena. Come join us on Thursday, October 22. We start at 6 p.m. and wrap up around 8 p.m. Friends welcome Feel free to bring friends interested in supporting or partici- pating in Masters running, walking and track and field. Holiday Party Friday, Dec. 11 This year’s OTCM Holiday Party will be held on Friday, Decem- ber 11 at 6 p.m. at the Washington Park Center near 21st and Washington. Check next month’s newsletter for full details. Annual Dinner Friday, Jan. 15 The OTCM Annual Dinner featuring an invited speaker and election of officers and Board members will be held Friday, January 15 at the Valley River Inn. Check for details in a future Look for more information, including applications and newsletter. a schedule of events, in future newsletters and online at haywardclassic.org.

1 MASTERS Ed Kousky Finishes 36th Consecutive Prefontaine Memorial Run September 19, 2015, marked the 36th The hilly course, run regularly by Steve running of the Prefontaine Memorial Run Prefontaine when he was in high school, in Coos Bay, and Ed Kousky has run all of is a fitting tribute to his memory. Among them! those running this year: Frank Shorter Ed ran the first Prefontaine Memorial (not in Ed’s age group!). Run in 1981. He is only one of three athletes to compete in every race.

Ed Kousky October Birthdays 1 David Harrah 65-69 12 Mark Crenshaw 45-49 22 Neal Benson 65-69 1 Thomas Thomson 55-59 12 Doug McLucas 45-49 22 Barbara Roberts 65-69 1 Ann Rakosi 50-54 12 Travis Tieu 30-34 22 Joe Schwarte 50-54 2 Jeffrey Jones 40-44 13 A.Carmen Bayley 65-69 23 Richard Kallunki 70-74 3 Helen Jackson 65-69 13 Richard Diedrich 65-69 23 Anna Houpt 60-64 4 Bill Eltz 70-74 13 Craig Mallinckrodt 55-59 24 Bettina Huber 55-59 4 Judy Bachman 70-74 13 Laura Hubbard 45-49 24 David Harris 50-54 4 Kirsten Bartlett 55-59 13 Girlie Hale 40-44 24 David Bailey 45-49 4 Jon Oleson 50-54 13 Jessica Huff 30-34 25 Diane Maske 60-64 4 Kathy Oleson 50-54 14 Anne O’Brien 70-74 25 Eric Wold 45-49 5 Mary Sherman 60-64 14 Gary Bricher 65-69 25 James Chang 45-49 6 Brooks Esser 55-59 14 Beverly Lulich 65-69 25 Lisa Duong 30-34 6 Steve Bean 50-54 14 Mary Van Orden 50-54 26 Carol Mosman 60-64 7 Kathryn Hledik 60-64 14 Emily Wheeler 35-39 26 John Hall 55-59 7 Katrina Jones 30-34 15 Karen Stapleton 40-44 26 Mike Ramos 40-44 8 Janet Andersen 55-59 15 Aaron Olsen 35-39 27 William Nevell 50-54 8 Pamela Haas 55-59 16 Elli Abarr 70-74 27 Malinda Walker 45-49 8 Stephen Perry 50-54 17 Therese Hughes 65-69 28 Alan Schloss 70-74 8 Neil Finkston 45-49 17 Brian Kau 50-54 28 Carol McLatchie 60-64 9 Doris Tai 55-59 18 Penny Jackson 65-69 28 Janet McElwain 50-54 9 Ginger Thramer 55-59 18 Eliza Drummond 55-59 28 Emma Marliave 25-29 9 Kevin Brandt 45-49 19 Laura Coulter-Beebe 50-54 29 Barbara Kousky 70-74 9 Regina Brandt 45-49 20 Robert Hausmann 60-64 29 Don Zimmerman 70-74 11 Berneice Lewellen 80-84 20 Andy Hamilton 50-54 29 Pat Swehosky 60-64 11 Jonathan Stafford 70-74 20 Steven Barnett 50-54 29 Pat Walsh 55-59 11 Jane Gardner 60-64 20 Josh Dykes 35-39 29 Michelle Chille 45-49 11 Chris Curington 45-49 21 Terry Falkenstern 55-59 29 Gregory Coughlan 45-49 12 Gregory Richterich 70-74 21 Paige Yates 30-34 30 Craig Seidman 50-54 30 Wayne Wheeler 40-44

MASTERS 2 OnTrack OCTOBER 2015

TrackTown UO XC Sweeps Dellinger Invite The UO men’s and women’s cross-coun- The women will seek to defend their Fitness Runs try teams got their 2015 campaigns un- Pac-12 title led by senior Molly Grabill, who to Dec. 13 derway by sweeping the Bill Dellinger In- capped her junior campaign with a fourth- vitational at Alton Baker Park on Sept. 11. place finish in the 10,000 at last year’s Are you interested in go- The men scored 15 points, followed by NCAA Championships at Hayward Field. ing for a run or walk under Gonzaga (46) and Portland State (85). The Grabill is joined by senior Waverly Neer, the watchful eye of the 2016 women won with 23 points, while Gonzaga who paced the Ducks’ victory at the Del- Olympic Track & Field Team’s scored 35 and PSU tallied 78. linger with a second-place finish and is men’s coach? Then head over to Hayward Both squads begin the year ranked sixth one of six members returning from last Field each Sunday at 8 a.m. and seek to improve on their sixth-place year’s NCAA team. to take part in TrackTown finishes at last year’s NCAA Champion- Also returning are senior Annie Leblanc, Fitness: a program that con- ship meet. junior Maggie Schmaedick, and sopho- nects with the roots of Track- The men, who placed second behind mores Frida Berge and Alli Cash. Freshman Town by teaching the funda- Colorado at last year’s Pac-12 champion- Sarah Baxter is expected to provide the mentals of how to run or walk ships, are led by two-time NCAA individu- Ducks with additional depth. to improve your health in a al champion Edward Cheserek, who began On the men’s side, seniors Jeramy Elkaim friendly, supportive setting. his season with a win at the Dellinger In- and Matthew Melancon, and junior Jake Le- Vin Lananna, the men’s vite. The junior says he is placing a higher ingang provide a veteran presence. Sopho- Olympic coach, will lead priority at the NCAAs on the Ducks bet- more Travis Neuman, along with Cheserek these sessions at Hayward, tering their team finish over his winning and Melancon, are the only Ducks returning which run through December another individual title. from last year’s NCAA squad. The Ducks also 13 and are open to people of “I’d like to keep (the individual streak) added a couple of talented freshmen in Tan- all “ages, sizes and abilities.” going, but the most important thing is ner Anderson and Matthew Maton, though The program is based on the team now,” Cheserek said. their debuts will come at a later date. the concepts taught by Uni- versity of Oregon track and field coach Bill Bowerman NWCU XC Ranks in Top 25 Nationally Two races into the season and 2015 is season races. The Beacons defeated No. more than 50 years ago. His shaping up to be another exciting year for 15 Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) community jogging classes have been credited with the Northwest Christian University cross at the NCU Invitational and followed that sparking the running boom in country program with both teams ranked up with a second-place finish at the CCC the U.S. in the top 25 nationally. Preview. The Beacons trailed only No. Program organizers hope to The women’s team is currently ranked 1-ranked Southern Oregon University. make Oregon the healthiest No. 2 in the NAIA and has won both of its Both teams have big races coming up state in the country by 2021, races, including the Cascade Collegiate on October 3 at the Willamette Invita- when the IAAF World Cham- Conference Preview (CCC) meet on the tional in Salem’s Bush Park. The women pionships come to Hayward campus of Corban University in Salem. face off against No. 1 ranked (and three- Field. Participants should Junior Alyssa Harmon, the defending CCC time defending NAIA champion) Univer- enter Hayward Field through Runner of the Year and a two-time NAIA sity of British Columbia. The men will get Powell Plaza at 15th and Ag- All-American, took first at both races. another chance to defeat OIT and seek to ate. The men’s team has jumped to No. 21 climb in the national rankings. in the NAIA, and has had two strong early

4 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB Vin’s TrackTown: Citizens of TrackTown by Vin Lananna As the TrackTown Fitness program moves forward, we an- On a recent Sunday morning in September, under beautiful ticipate that many of our fledgling runners and walkers will sunny blue skies, I stood before an ener- want to take part in those community activities, and we will gized crowd of more than 150 “Citizens encourage them to do so. of TrackTown” at historic Hayward Field. It is my belief that every youngster who shows up to run There was a full spectrum of ages on or walk around Hayward Field on Sunday will also want to hand, ranging from toddlers to senior participate in the OTC’s summer series of All Comers track citizens, split fairly evenly between and field meets. males and females. They had all come As always, we look to the OTC for inspiration. Vin Lananna is the to take part in the inaugural TrackTown Associate Ath- On that first Sunday, we started by showing a brief video Fitness program, a series of free events letic Director at the that gave an overview of Bowerman’s legacy, and then I ad- University of Oregon designed to help those in attendance and President of dressed the group, welcoming them to Hayward Field, pro- find a path to a healthier lifestyle, re- TrackTown USA. viding a bit of TrackTown USA history, and most important, gardless of age or fitness level. pointing out what this community can become through the The concept, borrowed from the community jogging class- positive effects of movement each day. es taught by University of Oregon track and field coach Bill I talked about the benefits of sustained consistency of ex- Bowerman more than 50 years ago, is to connect all levels of ercise and the parallel goal of engaging people in established runners and walkers to the many benefits of aerobic exer- walking and running opportunities: the OTC Run/Walk Series, cise. In doing this, we not only pay homage to Bowerman, but historic Butte to Butte road race and the many events which we also engage the community in a fun and social fitness comprise the annual Eugene Marathon. initiative that we hope will have a lasting impact on their With the help of my assistant coach, Ian Dobson, and daily lives. other group leaders, we asked people to break up into three There is also a larger goal in mind: We want to become the groups – walkers, walkers/runners and runners – with the fittest state in the country leading up to the 2021 IAAF World idea of getting on the track and moving continuously for 20 Championships in TrackTown USA at Hayward Field. minutes. Within that movement, we encouraged changes of The TrackTown Fitness program aligns perfectly with the effort; increasing one’s pace on the straights and slowing longstanding goals and aspirations of the Oregon Track Club. down on the curves. With music playing in the background, We are offering this free program as a community ser- everyone was having such a good time that when we reached vice, just as the Oregon Track Club has done for the past 50 20 minutes, they wanted to keep going. So we did. We kept years with its many fantastic events, boundless volunteer moving for another 10 minutes. support, impeccable stewardship of Pre’s Trail, multiple op- As we finished up, I provided some final words on the impor- portunities for masters’ competition, generous funding of tance of progress each week, and I asked everyone to please Grassroots Grants and unsurpassed youth activities. bring a friend to the next Sunday meeting at Hayward Field. We want to get people moving, whether it’s walking, run- One of the great things about this program is that we have no ning or a combination of those activities. Once we’ve done limits on the number of people we can accommodate. that, we want to get those folks to the point where they can I saw some familiar faces in the crowd that day, including and will take advantage of the many training groups and run/ a few OTC members, and I would like to extend an invitation walk opportunities already established in this community. to the entire OTC membership to come join the movement as The monthly OTC Run/Walk Series in Eugene and Spring- we strive to become the fittest state in the entire nation field is a wonderful example. by 2021!

5 family to LaGrande in 1932 and graduated from LaGrande High Ragsdale continued from page 1 School in 1942. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served in the tional championship meets. He developed Eugene’s first mara- Pacific as a radioman on the Orion, a submarine tender ship. After thon, from Armitage Park, the precursor to the 1971 national AAU returning home, he attended the University of Oregon and gradu- marathon and the 1972 Olympic Trials Marathon. ated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Health “There are very few people that I’ve met in this world who and Physical Education in 1950. He continued his education while would be called truly angelic,” wrote his daughter-in-law, Alison becoming a student manager for track coach Bill Bowerman. Tom Ragsdale. “Tom Ragsdale was one of them. He was the kindest earned his Master of Education in 1955. and most generous spirit that I’ve ever met. He took pleasure Tom began a career as a PE teacher at Cal Young Junior High in other people’s pleasure. He put himself last. He taught, nur- School. Throughout his career, Tom earned respect as a highly tured and supported countless lives in the town that he loved. successful junior high and high school coach. In 1967 his North Seldom could we go anywhere but someone knew Tom, and would Eugene cross country team won the state title. He inspired his tell us of the impact he had on them. He was known, loved and teams by example, training with them. respected. Tom is survived by his wife, Gayle, his son Robert (Alison) “Tom left us this week, and there will always be a gap in our Ragsdale of Virginia, his stepson Steve (Nancy) Ingerson of Sa- hearts that only he will fit. After 90 years of life — and what lem, OR, his step-daughter Laurie Gregersen of Eugene, OR, his an incredible life — he’s probably pacing around Hayward Field step-grandchildren Andy (Megan) and Mary Gregersen, Julika and waiting for the next Olympic trials to begin. He was a man to be Sam Ingerson and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Tom was admired, to be emulated and most of all, to be remembered.” pre-deceased by his daughter Donia Ragsdale and his son Brent Born July 7th, 1924, in Grants Pass, Ragsdale moved with his Ragsdale. Many thanks to Erin Regali, Bill Kelly, Kari Westlund, David Wilkins, Rita Radostitz, Nathaniel Teich, Phil Sutton, Jennifer Touchette (graphic designer) and Jim Murez (editor) for their support of this newsletter. Please contact Jennifer Touchette at [email protected] or Jim Murez at [email protected] if you have newsletter questions, comments or content.