Following up on yesterday’s comments regarding the 71% increase in boys high school xc participation from 2001-2017. Today I further on how it coincides with the development of our Nebraska Association USATF Long Distance Running Program generally. And Team Nebraska’s role specifically. The Team Nebraska. As originally scripted. With all due respect to the current incarnation.
I sometimes belabor the point that there were no opportunities for post collegiate athletes prior to 2001. Because of its relevancy. It is why I celebrate the first athletes that represented The Good Life in toto. Those that carried the USATF banner into battles. Competitions against the best clubs in the United States. Against the best athletes. A team that verily and truly represented the entire state of Nebraska. A paradigm that came and went. The Platte rending what was once great.
Here is whom you can applaud for today’s robust participation. The first members of Team Nebraska. That coach. That have brought our sport to new levels. Allowing me a seat at this computer with warm fuzzies, confident in my program. USATF. It has changed yes. It will continue to change yes. What won’t change is the genesis. The contributions of these fine young men.
Paul Wilson
Shannon Stenger
Dustin Llewellyn
Brian Wandzilak
Ryan Salem
James McGown
Craig Christians
Derek Fey
Give Them A Hand.
Coach Stenger standing proud with his 2017 Class A XC State Champion Titans. Not for the last time my old friend, GIDDYUP!
photo courtesy of Aimee Guzman-Jones
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