|
| About the Foundation | Youth | Elite | Anti-Doping | Grants | News | Giving Opportunities | Merchandise | Distance Project | USATF |
Director's Cut, by Ashley Wright"STILL RUNNING IN HIS BLUE SHOES" FEBRUARY 11, 2011 - Hello fellow track fans, I just printed my boarding pass and will be heading to LAX tomorrow for the USATF Foundation Meeting. In addition to a couple of dinners and the board meeting, we are going to have the opportunity to tour the USC track and field facilities and meet a few Olympians. The last time I was in sunny California for a USATF Meeting, we toured the Olympic Training Center and had a wonderful time talking to some of the track athletes who train there. It was such a pleasure. So stay tuned, I may have some fun stories to share in a coming post. As a follow up to my last blog, where I shared some of Jack Wickens’ favorite moments from 2010 and his predictions for 2011, I wanted to introduce you to another Board Member, Chris Borch. In 2005, Chris and his wife, Andrea, decided to give back to Furman University, where Chris was a distance runner in the 70’s. The Borchs established the Blue Shoes Program, which helps fund scholarships and provides money for team travel. For every million dollars raised by Blue Shoes, the university kicks in an additional half-scholarship for track and cross country. I love how Chris explains the history behind the program on the program’s website - www.furmanblueshoes.com. “Because of the track scholarship and other aid I received from Furman, I was able to attend Furman for four years. I have always been grateful for this support… In the months that followed, I came to especially love our morning runs, gliding, in my blue shoes, over the dew-covered Furman golf course. As the cross-country season progressed I steadily improved, finishing second for Furman in the final meet of the season. In the spring I set a freshman school record in the three-mile (13:51). It was a wonderful year of learning, running … and blue shoes. Today, I still love those morning runs. I love running with my sons or with a friend, and I particularly enjoy taking our family’s three dogs for a run at a nearby reservoir. Looking back I realize the lessons running teaches - setting a goal, working hard and not giving up - have been invaluable to me in every aspect of my life.”
CHRIS BORCH & DAVID OLIVER When I asked Chris to share his favorite moment of last year he explained, “Two years ago, we invited David Oliver to speak. He was one of our best speakers … all from the heart and all about setting a goal and never giving up … a perfect ambassador for the USATF Foundation. So, my most favorite moment of 2010 is seeing David Oliver get the American Record and win the Jesse Owens Award.” Mr. Borch, you are a great man and the USATF Foundation is pleased to count you as one of us. I look forward to meeting you. ABOUT ASHLEY: "Like many of you, growing up I wanted nothing more than to be an Olympian. The idea of competing to be the best in the world seems to me to be the ultimate thrill and accomplishment. I never realized my Olympic dream, but it has truly been an incredible opportunity supporting others to achieve theirs. As a member of the USATF Foundation Board, I’ve had the pleasure to meet athletes. I love hearing their stories. As my buddy Tom and I were talking about ways to better market the sport, we decided that very few fans get to know the athletes outside of results and BLOG would be a good way to share Foundation News, connect with youth teams and get to know our elites." -- Ashley ARCHIVES
|
ASHLEY WRIGHT, USATF FOUNDATION DIRECTOR READ ASHLEY'S BIO HERE.
|
