T-shirt drawing is tomorrow!

Be sure you are registered as a Dadsworld.com member to be eligible for our monthly drawings.  The shirts are available in our store, and they are fantastic.

 My wife and I were watching the Olympic Trials last night and it brought back a lot of good memories.  I grew up in Eugene through the 6th grade, and later I attended the University of Oregon.  I have spent a lot of time at Hayward Field, the site of the Olympic Track and Field Trials.  Growing up we had season tickets to the track meets, and we also went to every day of the trials in 1980.  I was 10 years old, really into running and very knowledgeable about track and field.  In fact, I collectd two small books full of autographs.  Athletes like: Carl Lewis, Alberto Salazar, Rudy Chapa, Henry Rono, Mac Wilkins, Brian Oldfield (invented the spin technique in the shot put), Wilma Rudolf, Renanldo Nehemiah, Greg Foster, Stanly Floyd, Willie Banks, Leanne Warren, Edwin Moses, etc.  The world’s greatest track stars at the time.  It was an incredible week for me, and this years trials in Eugene brings back the old feelings of excitement.

Watching Tyson Gay run 9.68 in the 100 meter final was incredible.  Even if it was wind aided.  It’s still the fastest time ever for 100 meters.  It amazes me that track and field hasn’t become more popular… it’s a great sport to watch and compete in.  I guess the big stick and ball sports will always dominate American Sports, but these track and field stars are amazing athletes.  I grew up going to the Prefontaine Classic, the Twilight Meets, the Pepsi Invitational and the regular Pac-10 conference meets. 

I remember watching Gus Envela, from McKay High School in Salem, Oregon get into the 100 meter race at a Prefontaine meet in the late 1980’s.  Carl Lewis was in the race, along with several other high level international sprinters.  Gus dominated his high school years, never losing a race.  He still holds the Oregon high school 100 meter record of 10.4 seconds.   He also holds the 200m and 400m records.  It was fun to see him line up against the “big boys.”  He was outclassed (of course) in the race, but I am sure it was a thrill for him as it was the fans.  I remember he got out of the blocks well, and even was ahead of Lewis at 10 meters, but the field quickly came up to speed and overwhelmed the high schooler. 

I hope you are enjoying the last day of June, and are gearing up for a fun 4th of July.

Celebrate and be safe!  Have a great day.