|
|
|
|
|
University of Oregon
 The University of Oregon has a few advantages that many Clubs don't. In "TrackTown, USA", there's never a shortage of running enthusiasts or resources. So, it may be a surprise that Oregon did not have a Club until recently. A small, relatively unorganized group of recreational runners formed a Club in 2002, but Oregon’s Club really got its start when Tom Heinonen, longtime UO women’s coach, retired after 27 years with the team. The day after his retirement, he decided to volunteer as coach for the Club. On his final day of UO women’s coach, he said: "I'll give it a try. It's a pretty informal group, and we'll see what we can make of it, and if it's fun and rewarding for the kids and for me, then I hope I'd get to keep doing it."
Needless to say, the venture worked out pretty well. In the new Club’s first year, it began competing in collegiate cross country and track races. However, for its first couple years, with the exception of a few individuals, the Club was trounced by NCAA competition. While the group was devoted, it was very small – fewer than five people showed up for most practices. The team enjoyed a full competitive schedule in the fall and spring, but lacked a championship meet to aim for; seasons simply ended without a satisfactory conclusion.
Read more...
|
|
|