The New Testament Of The Sport
The New Testament Of The Sport was the sub-title of Women’s Track & Field World.
Bottom of the front cover ‘The Only Publication In The World Devoted Exclusively To Women’s Track & Field.’
A monthly periodical lovingly produced by the inestimable Vince Reel. Back in the day, you won’t believe this, women were not treated equally in the sport. Vince thought that was wrong and decided to do something about it.
I wrote a column called “On The Road” for Track & Field News, The Bible of the Sport. Perhaps you’ve heard of it.
For a dozen years, I was Senior Editor (Roadracing). A fun gig.
Somehow, Vince asked me to handle the same job for his operation. The sport had come to the streets.
Thus “On The Road Again.”
Only rule Vince had was accuracy. All he was paying me for, because I don’t remember money changing hands. Nike was paying my bills.
The races were the same, I just left the men out. My typewriter smelled better afterwards.
Vince, great coach that he was, turned me loose.
On The Road Again. February 1983
[Heavily edited for brevity.] As Old Mother Time – well, she probably admits to just turning forty and she’s anxious for her first Masters competition – kisses 1982 off, a recollection of the year’s outstanding achievements might seem in order. Wrong, waffle-sole breath!
Women aren’t looking back. No one is gaining on them. If you are not already training for LA84, tomorrow might not be too late to start.
Ellen Hart has the jump on many of her peers. At Anaheim California (December 4) Hart covered a certified 8 kilometers in 26:27. None too shabby for a distance most of us understand as five miles.
Hart has some difficulty hearing the footsteps of the estimable Joan Benoit. The Athletics Wester began last year unable to run as a result of surgery and finished 1982 as the holder of National Records. Her latest came at the Turkey Trot 10K (Rosemont IL, November 21.) Benoit became the first American woman under 32 minutes with her 31:44. Hart chased Benoit with 32:42.
While most people were busy filling out their waistlines, many women were racing their Thanksgiving hearts out. Judi St. Hilaire captured the Jordan Marsh Five-Miler (Boston, November 25) in 26:47. At Manchester, CT (Nov. 25) Leslie Wrixon covered the 4.77 miles of the Manchester “5” in 27:01. Sue Richardson followed 20 seconds later.
Mindy Ireland lowered her personal best by some 14 minutes at the Heart Of San Diego Marathon (Nov. 21) to win that race in 2:41:36.
Since we’re speaking of Ireland, that country’s Monica Joyce was the winner of The Great Race for Youth 10K (San Diego, Oct. 17) in a 34:08 cruise. Second place was 4:40 back.
And since we’re speaking about foreign countries – don’t you just adore my transitions? – take Japan. Please. Pat Story, a 38-year-old from Los Angeles won the inaugural Shibata City’s Women’s Marathon (Oct. 17) with the remarkably slow time of 2:58:37. Homegrown Yuriko Sato finished second in 3:11:45.
Might be a great trip for some of you who wish to eschew the bright lights of Broadway next October.
Okay, I’ll admit to some favorites. But you have to concede that Joan Benoit has earned some favoritism with her rather astonishing return to – no, improvement of! – form. On October 31, let’s call it Halloween in a Bangor, Maine 10K, the still pixyish Benoit essayed the nicest little 32:43 you’ll ever see.
Much of Joanie’s talent is between her ears, so look for at least one stunning performance in the new year. But not many more. Benoit is planning a California vacation in 1984. She could be selling cornflakes after the Olympic Marathon.
One athlete who has started to reconsider the marathon is Cathie Twomey. A sparkler at 1500 meters and no slouch at 20K, Twomey gave the 42 kilometer event some thought. She began to rethink the matter 20 miles into the Honolulu Marathon (Dec. 12).
One of the biggest ‘bears’ – we’re talking a Kodiak with thyroid problems – jumped out from behind a coconut palm and leaped atop Cathie’s back. Her race, an experiment, ended there.
“I think I shall give my all to making the 3000m team. This really restores my enthusiasm for the track,” Twomey told a friend after forest rangers and medics rid her of her ursine companion.
Twomey had looked good running along behind Eileen Claugus. The latter was pushing from the gun as she tried to achieve her “owed” victory. Runner-up in 1981 behind absent four-time winner Patti Catalano. Claugus figured on one should deny to her the floral crown.
No one did. Claugus, once the national record holder for the high school mile, crossed first in 2:41:11.
In a completely different climate – what a country – the Maryland Marathon (also December 12) in Baltimore was cancelled because of a piddling 8-10 inches of overnight snow. The event is expected to be rescheduled for the spring.
One thousand (1000) of the two thousand (2000) entrants showed up at the starting line anyway. A number noted that they’d never heard of a marathon being canceled because of weather conditions.
It is said there is only a fine line separating genius and insanity. I often wonder which side of the line marathoners stand.
Remember, in the new year, moderation in all things. You can always do more later.
Vince Reel. Long Beach City College. (Track and Field, 1932-33): 1933 Junior College State Champion 100 yards (9.9) and 220 yards (22.3) … Occidental College Track and Field (1934-36) … Two-time SCIAC champion … Fourth place 1936 NCAA Championships 220 yards (20.9) … Ran 9.6 in the 100 yards four times in his career … Long Beach Wilson High School Track and Field Coach (1938-1957) … Claremont College Track and Field Coach (1958-71) … Olympics Track and Field coach for India (1960) and China (1972) … Textbook author and founder of “Women’s Track and Field World” magazine.
Vince was inducted into the LBCC Hall of Champions in 2006. Go, Vikings!!!