2024

Obituaries December 18, 2024

Roy Englert dies at 102: National Senior Games legend set records in relays, distances

M95 distance superstar Roy Englert Sr. once was asked three short tips for those seeking to be lifetime runners. Roy replied: “1) Keep moving. 2) Keep moving. 3) Keep moving.” Today his son Roy Jr. shared the sad news that we won’t be seeing his dad run anymore. He died a week ago in Lake Ridge, Virginia, at 102 surrounded by his loving wife and children. I met him at 2019 Ames masters nationals, where he kicked off the meet with an M95 world record in the 5000. I taped him being interviewed and asked some questions myself. I also…

Robert Thomas hopes to succeed Jerry Bookin-Weiner (right) as USATF Masters T&F Committee chairman.

General December 2, 2024

Q&A’s with Robert Thomas Jr. and Mike Travers, USATF masters chair and treasurer candidates

Masters Hall of Famer Robert Thomas Jr. of Indiana, a world-class age-group quarter-miler until a few years ago, is poised to succeed Jerry Bookin-Weiner as USATF Masters T&F chairman at this week’s annual meeting in Orlando. In a frank Q&A, he says Mt. SAC withdrew as 2025 outdoor nationals host because of pricey per diems for Southern California Association officials. He also supports more masters drug-testing if the budget allows. And he reveals that USATF annual meetings will be remotely viewable beginning in 2025. Below Robert’s responses is a reply to some of my questions from incumbent USATF Masters T&F…

Rachel on way to 11.42 hurdles gold at 2016 Perth worlds.

General December 1, 2024

Q&A with Rachel Guest: Candidate for secretary of the USATF Masters Track & Field Committee

USATF Masters Hall of Famer Rachel Guest of Arizona, a W45 combined-events star with many world titles (turning 50 in April), is a candidate for USATF Masters T&F secretary. She responded to my Q&A invitation only hours after Colleen Barney sent her own responses. Like Colleen, she took pains to answer carefully — and not step on toes. But she deserves credit for committing to posting meeting minutes online. This isn’t always done. At this point, Rachel (and all the others) are running unopposed. But rules allow late candidates at this week’s annual meeting in Orlando. Masterstrack.blog: How would you…

Colleen Barney takes steps at ANW's Universal Studios course while wearing her national masters uniform.

General December 1, 2024

Q&A with Colleen Barney: Masters T&F vice chair candidate is first to respond to our questions

W55 sprinter Colleen Barney, the retired Newport Beach probate attorney and “American Ninja Warrior” veteran, was judicious in responding to my candidate questions ahead of this week’s annual meeting in Orlando. The biggest revelation in the Q&A is her running for vice chair of USATF Masters T&F Committee on a slate with chair candidate Robert Thomas. She would succeed Robert as vice chair. Although I gave candidates a Dec. 1 deadline, I’d still post any responses I get in the next few days. In any case, join me in thanking Colleen for taking this effort seriously. Another eye-opener is her…

The new, improved Hilmer Lodge Stadium hosted USATF Masters National Combined Events Championships in 2023.

General August 27, 2024

Mt. SAC to USATF: We won’t host 2025 masters outdoor nationals without money guarantee

Mt. San Antonio College — home of the early spring Mt. SAC Relays — is no stranger to big meets. The Walnut community college east of Los Angeles was awarded the 2020 Olympic Trials but lost it thanks to worries over pending lawsuits (later resolved). The school’s beautifully rebuilt Hilmer Lodge Stadium hosted the USATF masters combined event national meet in 2023 and the U.S. Para National Championships this past March. So in December 2022, when Mt. SAC was awarded the 2025 USATF Masters National Outdoor Championships, expectations were high for another great meet. Now those hopes have crashed. Mt….

Neringa Jakstiene, (575) in front row, celebrates with fellow Ironlady pentathletes after her world record outing. Photo by Ken Stone

Records July 19, 2024

W60 Neringa Jakstiene clobbers world records in pentathlon and long jump as heat sends man to ICU

Last March at Chicago indoor masters nationals, new 60-year-old Neringa Jakstiene set world records in the pentathlon, high jump and 60-meter hurdles. What to do for an encore at Sacramento masters outdoor nationals? On Thursday, Day 1 of the meet at Sacramento’s American River College, she set a W60 world record in the outdoor pentathlon — and took down long-standing American records by Phil Raschker in the 80-meter hurdles and long jump. Also: crushing Christiane Schmalbruch’s 4.75 (15-7) world record in the long jump. Neringa’s series on a day in the 90s: 13.00 in the 80-meter hurdles, 9.13 meters (29-11½)…

USATF field referee checks out shot put ring at American River College.

General July 17, 2024

Update: Olympic Trials starter is at Sacto nationals, with sloping shot put sector fixed just in time

I’m back! Not only blogging (for the first time in a year), but also competing at USATF masters nationals. We’re in Sacramento — at American River College, not Sac State like 2010 nationals and 2011 worlds. I couldn’t resist entering my umpteenth nationals at age 70. Today was arrival day for many. After 2 p.m., bib numbers (with names on one of a pair!) were handed out. Declarations were made for Thursday events. Sign-ups began for massage and chiro sessions ($60 for 20 minutes.) Weather was nice — mid-80s. (But no such luck the rest of the meet.) Shuttle hurdles…