The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 19, Milford, Kosciusko County, 23 May 1984 — Page 9

Sports

Cross-country runners take the long way home

By TOM CHARLES Sports Editor

“California here I come, right back where I started from. ...” The words to that song weren't Written with Annabel Marsh in mind, but they certainly apply to her situation. Marsh and two San Francisco friends, June Crowley Wydler and Caroline Merrill, flew to Boston in early April and are currently on their way.home. Big deal, you say.. It is. They are running home. Known as “The Trio," these three pioneers are attempting to become the first women to run across the United States Their run. which is sponsored by Greyhound Lines Inc., is a means of publicizing the first Olympic women’s marathon in Los Angeles this summer. The threesome stopped in Kendallville last Friday, 900 miles and five weeks into their journey and eager for the miles ahead. As foreign as the idea may .sound to the average person, they enjoy running 30 miles a day, six days out of the week. Take Marsh for example. She is 60 years old, recently retired from her position as a planning analyst for U.S. Steel and a veteran of many longdistance jaunts. She has completed 49 marathons, nine Pikes Peak Runs, one 24-hour run, four 50-mile runs and numerous ultramarathons. That is not the record of someone who finds running to be a pain. . anywhere.

WHS athletic code revised

By TOM CHARLES Sports Editor • Wawasee High School’s Athletic Code of Conduct, which has been the focus of much debate in the past months, has been revised for the upcoming 1984-85 school year. According to Dr Howard Hull, WHS principal, changes in the Code were unanimously adopted by the Lakeland Community School Board at its May meeting Board members have the final say in the adoption of a code of conduct. “Input from coaches, community members, teachers, board, members and administrators was considered before the changes were adopted.’’ Hull said The changes affect four areas of the code, all of which have been used to deal with incidents during the 1983-84 school year. Those four areas are: punishment for the first offense involving attendance at a party where alcohol is present; punishment for students involved in thefts; changes in punishment for firsttime offenders who undergo certified drug/alcohol counseling; and changes in the appeals procedure "The changes improve .the Code’s wording and consistency without negating a strict approach to the problem,” Hull stated. “These policies will go into effect July 1 and will remain in effect for the 1984-85 school year.’* Two Not Approved Although four changes were adopted by the School Board, two proposed changes were considered and then voted down. The first proposal, a punishment alternative of 100 hours of community service, was voted

7 » Fastest field in 500 history

The time trials are over and it is now official. This year’s field for the Indianapolis 500 is the fastest in history, with an

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READY FOR THE RACE — With the field of 33 cars set for the •Sth running of the Indianapolis 50»,tMs Sunday, crews now face the challenge of fine tuning their machines for the race itself. This car. sponsored by Provimi Veal, will be driven by Tony Bettenhausen. (Photo by Tom Charles)

Merrill, age 42. and Wydler, age 48, both bring equally impressive running credentials to this effort. Merrill has been running for the past six years and is a veteran of 10 marathons, two Pikes Peak Runs and several ultramarathons. Wydler has completed eight marathons, one Pikes Peak Run and one ultramarathon in her eight years of running. “We first started off as joggers.” said Merrill. “We’ve had this goal since February 1982. and if we couldn’t turn jogging into being a lot of fun there is noway we could have trained for what we are doing. " “I don’t think this is a masochistic run at all." added Marsh. "W’hen we planned this, we tried to be very realistic about what our capabilities would be. We try to do it cautiously.” That caution expresses itself in the form of the Osler Method, a combination of running and walking which the women use to lessen the chance of injury. They run anywhere from 17 to 20 minutes — depending on the terrain — and then walk for three minutes. So far. the strategy has been successful. They run daily dose of 30 miles in six five-mile stretches — three in the morning and three in the afternoon. At the end of each five-mile section they stop at their support van (driven by Wydler's husband. Jack) for a drink and some raisins, candy or. honey. They take a lunch break at the end of 15 miles and then hit the road for another 15 in the afternoon "It helps to break up the day like we are doing it,” said Merrill. "1 think if we tried to run 30

down due to problems w ith liabili- _ ♦sty and questions as to whether such an arrangement was verifiable. The second proposal, a reduction in penalties for violating the Code, was rejected on the grounds that it did not fit with school policy. First Offense The change in this area of the Code was twofold; to remove wording which granted discretionary powers of punishment to individual coaches and to spell out the exact punishment for the first offense of willing attendance at a party where alcohol is present The new code is worded as follows: “. . .Attendance at parties where alcohol appears is strictly prohibited and athletes are expected to leave the party immediately. If transportation by self,. parents, or relatives is the athlete is Expected to call his/her coach, the athletic director or principal to obtain that transportation. Consequence of violation of this rule is: First Offense — one calendar year probation; Second Offense — one calendar year suspension from athletics/’ Theft Under the 013 Code, no specific provision was made for students who are involved in acts of theft. However, the new Code has a paragraph which speaks directly to this issue. Students w’ho are involved in thefts will “. . .receive a suspension from athletics for either 1 3 of the season, or a calendar year, depending upon whether the theft is defined as a misdemeanor or a , felony, according to the County Prosecutor.” j Counseling Another aspect of the changes was the adoption of a provision I which allows first-time offenders

average qualifying speed of 203.692 miles per hour. The 33 drivers, led by pole sitter Tom Sneva, are scheduled to

to seek drug/alcohol counseling in exchange for a reduction in their punishment. This was passed at the School Board’s January meeting. The -new provision reads as follows: "Up to L. of the penalty for First Offense drug/alcohol involvement may be reduced if the student undergoes a certified education and evaluation program and, if necessary, treatment and/or counseling and is subsequently released by a certified drug/alcohol counselor." Appeals The final change was made in the appeals process. Under the old system, the process consisted of five steps These steps included hearings with the coaches’ council; the principal, vice principal and athletic director; the Board of Review; the superintendent of schools; and. finally, with the superintendent of schools and the school board. Under the new plan, steps two, three and four of the pld process have been dropped. This means that the current appeals process has three steps — meetings with the coaches’ council, the principal. vice principal and athletic director, and with the superintendent of schools, the corporation hearing officer and the school board. In addition, appeals will now be handled in accordance with procedures outlined in the "Student Due Process and Administrative Guidelines and Procedures" of the Lakeland Community School Corporation These changes will remain in effect for the entireJ9B4-85 school year The Code may once again come up for review in the spring of 1985 "I take total responsibility for the Code,’’ said Hull. “Complaints should be sent to me for consideration next March.”

receive the green flag at 11 a m. on Sunday, May 27, for the 68th running of the international event Sneva. who shattered the Speedway qualifying record with a four-lap time average of 210.029 mph, will be joined on the front row by teammate Howdy Holmes (207.977) and Rick Mears (207 847) Sneva is the defending champion and is attempting to become the 13th driver in Indy history’ to win the race from the pole spot. The second row is highlighted by the father-son combination of Mario and Michael Andretti. Michael, a 21-year-old rookie driver, is sitting on the inside of the second row’. Mario, the 1969 winner, is on the outside of the row. Sandwiched in between is former winner Gordon Johncock. The entire field of drivers will be racing for the winner’s share of a total purse in excess of $2 million. A crowd of more than 300.000 will be on hand to watch the exciting track action. All reserved seats are sold out, but general admission tickest for the infield area will be available at the gates beginning at 5 a m. on race day. Pre-race ceremonies will begin at 8 a.m. with the traditional parade of bands led by Purdue University’s all-America marching unit. The 500 Festival Queen, Cristie Giles of Indiana University, and her court will lead a cavalcade of celebrities around the track at 10 a.m. The playng of the national anthem and “Back Home Again in Indiana” will follow along with the release of thousands of multicolored balloons.

miles at one time, we would be a more tired in the evenings.” Even with their cautious schedule, which also includes a weekly rest day, they realize that there would be tough times. “We knew that we would have to be mature about (our friendships),” said Merrill. “We knew that there would be days when we would be cranky and tired. We were just hoping to rotate those days so that we wouldn’t all be cranky on the same days!” While there is a real sense of comraderie which spurs “The Trio” along, they have also found that the support of well-wishers along their route has played an important part in fighting sagging spirits. “You have to stay up mentally and the people along the way have helped us with that. They have been just super.” said Marsh. “People wave, trucks give us their air horns and people yell Good luck’ out their front doors. It just keeps you going.” Aside from people, there are some unusual diversions which keep life interesting mile after mile. Merrill, for example, searched for an appropriate present fdr Marsh’s 61st birthday which will occur duringAhe run. She settled on a leathercovered pocketknife which she found along US 6 near Edgertoh. Ind. She also collects rubber bands. “I found enough in Ohio to last the whole way to California,” she quipped. But along with the fun there are the realities

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REGIONAL QUALIFIER — Wawasee hurdler Mike Goodspeed was one of two Warriors who qualified for this week’s regional track meet by virtue of his performance at the Warsaw Sectional last week. Goodspeed turned in a school-record time of 15.0 and placed second in the high hurdles at the sectional. Brad LeCount will also represent Wawasee at the regional. He was fourth in the pole vault with a leap of 12-6. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

Sports shorts

Warsaw canoe/ kayak race June 3 Plans have been completed for the third annual Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Canoe/Kayak Race on Sunday. June 3. The race will begin at Pike Lake in Warsaw and run a course down the Tippecanoe River. Registration will begin at 10 a m. and the races are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. The entry fee is $5 per person. Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers at the conclusion of the race. There will be six classes of competition. For more information on the race, contact Mike Foreman at 267-5744 or 267-4652. Darr is VII swim rookie of the year z Vincennes University freshman Jennifer Darr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Darr of Syracuse, has received the Edward D. Jones “Rookie of the Year” as the women's swim team’s best first-year swimmer. Coach Harry Wickens also

of trying to conquer nature’s obstacles. Os the miles they have run thus far, none were more difficult than the mountains in Pennsylvania. In fact, they may turn out to be more difficult than the Rockies which they still must face. “We had been geared into the fact that we would have to work hard in the Rockies, but we got some good practice in Pennsylvania,” noted Merrill. “I didn’t expect all the hills in Pennsylvania,” added Marsh. “They were a lot harder than I expected. But we talked to a (cross-country) bicyclist, which is a little different from running, who said the most difficult part was Pennsylvania and that the Rockies were easy after that. And we are hoping that we will find that to be the case.” “Who knows, we may wish we had some of those hills once we get into Nebraska,” said Merrill. With the exception of some heavy rains, the weather has been cooperative. Thus far, they have been able to start running at 7 a.m. and finish in the late afternoon. However, when the temperatures begin to climb they may resort to running early in the morning or late at night to avoid the heat. At this point, they are right on schedule for their projected early-August arrival in San Francisco. And, if their plans don’t change, they will celebrate their return by running in the San Francisco marathon. What else would you expect?

presented Darr with a scholarship for last semester in recognition of her contribution to the team. At the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship at Fort Pierce, Fla., Darr was fifth in the 400-yard individual medley and the 200-yard backstroke, and sixth in the 200-yard individual medley. The VU women’s team finished second in the NJCAA championship and the men’s team finished second. Caldwell and Ganshorn to head summer swim dub The Wawasee Swim Club will be in session from June 9 to July 31 this summer under the instruction of coach Tim Caldwell and assistant Sue Ganshorn. Both have spent numerous years in the development and improvement of swimmers. Practice time for those 11 years old and older, advanced swimmers will be from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Younger children will practice from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. There is a fee

for both groups. The swim club has six meets scheduled for the summer season. Bus transportation will be provided to away meets. Anyone who has a child interested in participating may register at Wawasee High School on June 2, or contact Charles or Sue Koser at 457-4106. The club will be providing concessions this summer at Syracuse Lakeside Park. Special Olympics in Terre Haute The Indiana Special Olympics will hold their 15th annual State Summer Games on.the Indiana State University campus in Terre HaUte, June 21-23. Competition will be held in track and field, swimming and diving, gymnastics, volleyball and multihandicapped events. With 2,500 mentally handicapped athletes and nearly 1,000 coaches and chaperones, the State Summer Games are the largest single event in the Special Olympics year. The athletes qualify for the Games through participation in their local Area Games. Athletes

Wed., May 23,1984 - THE MAIL-JOURNAL

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THE TRIO — Annabel Marsh, Caroline Merrill and June Crowley Wydler, all residents of San Francisco, are currently in the midst of a cross-country run sponsored by Greyhound. "The Trio,” as they call themselves, passed through this area at the end of last week. They began their run on April 14 in Boston and hope to reach San Francisco in early August.

Seven Warriors set for regional meets

By TOM CHARLES Sports Editor Five members of the Wawasee girls’ track team and two members of the boys’ track team will compete in regional action this week. Jill Rsitty, Marcia Sorensen, Christy Speicher, Sandy Payne and Jeanine Gunn will represent the Lady Warriors at today's (Wed.) Fort Wayne Regional at Northrop High School. Gunn is the sectional long jump champion and Speicher captured the sectional shot PMUggyn. The top f ive inaividuajs in each evem and tdjir three relay teams advance from the regional to state competition. Based on the pre-regional seedings, Wawasee has a good chance at sending two athletes to the state meet. Both Gunn and Patty are rated in the togfnve regional long jump entrants. 'Gunn’s sectional jump of 17-lthe second best in the Meld; f%tty is ranked third with her sectional effort of 16-10* 2. Payne will compete in the 100-meter hurdles and Sorensen is entered in the shot put. Neither is seeded in the top six. Gunn will also high jump in the meet. She is not seeded, but her best jump this season, 5-2, is one inch less than the number five seed. Boys Mike Goodspeed and Brad LeCount will represent Wawasee in the Kokomo Regional track meet on Thursday evening. Both qualified by virtue of their performances in last week’s Warsaw Sectional. Goodspeed broke his own school record in the high hurdles during the sectional. His secondplace time of 15.0 seconds clipped the mark of 15.1 he set earlier in the season. -• "Mike still seems to be getting better as he goes along,” noted

are selected by their coaches according to a quota system rather than by performance, and are grouped into age and skill divisions. The American Legion is one of the key supporters for the State Games, contributing money to help defray the costs of awards and materials as well as providing volunteers to run the Games. Sixth Lugar fitness festival June 22 and 23 \ The sixth annual Dick Lugar Fitness Festival will be held in Indianapolis on June 22 and 23. Activities will include a health fair at the City Market on Friday, June 22 as well as 5,000 and 10,000-meter runs on Saturday, June 23. For the past five years, Lugar’s fitness festival has attracted thousands of Hoosiers and some of the top runners in the state and around the Midwest. Close to 2,000 runners are expected to participate in this year’s event. Runners will be charged an

coach Jerry Minton. “He won his trial heat in 15.3 and had a pretty clean race in the finals." LeCount, who co-holds the school record in the pole vault, cleared 12-6 to finish fourth in the sectional and earn a ticket to Kokomo. But a pair, of broken poles has kept him off his form for most of the year. “He is still having pole problems,” noted Minton. “I think it is going to take a jump of about 13-6 to get out of the regional That will require a super effort on his part. “But Brad is a real competitor,” Minton added, “He is a good third-attempt vanltar and one of those athletes who doesn’t give up.” Despite having fine seasons, Jerry Auer and Mike Ballinger will not be makiong the trip to Kokomo. The two distance standouts had disappointing sectionals and did not place in the top six in their specialties. Auer, who noted that he “ran out of gas” on the last lap of the 1,600 meters, turned in a time of 4:37 and finished seventh. In other meets this year, his times had been as low as 4:34 —a mark which would have netted him fifth place at the sectional. “Jerry just seemed to have an off night,” said Minton. “He didn’t really have a bad night — just not one of his better nights.” • The same could be said of junior Mike Ballinger. A standout in the 3,200 all season, Ballinger was just off the pace in what turned out to be a quick race. His time of 10:03 was just short of sixth place. “The 3,200 times were a little bit faster than I thought they would be,” Minton said. “Mike was ran about the same time that he has been running, but he just didn’t have that little extra to get into the regional.”

entry fee and will receive a commemerative T-shirt. 1 “Health care is one of the greatest concerns and costs in our nation,” Lugar said. “There is substantial evidence that the risks of cancer and heart disease can be lessened through proper diet and fitness. Personal health and fitness is something every American can do not only to live better, but also reduce health care costs.” Lacrosse club sponsors car wash The Wawasee High School lacrosse club will conduct a car wash at the Lakeland Youth Center on Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The dub is hoping to raise $3,500 to pay for the purchase of 25 sets of lacrosse equipment for use in future years. Donations will be accepted the day of the car wash. Club members are also seeking sponsors who will pledge money for each car they wash.

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