05/31/2026
Yesterday was the 51st anniversary of Pre's passing. For this college freshman at the time, he was, and still is, quite an inspiration. In Nov. 1974 made it to the NJCAA National XC Championships at Lane Community College in Eugene. Pre spoke at the banquet that evening about cross country and talked from these simple notes. These key points, Builds Toughness, Character, Pride teaches dedication and creates friendships. All ring true today. The day prior to the race one of our coaches (there were 4 of us who qualified as individuals) took us over to Hayfield Field to kill some time, which was already legendary even back then. We walk up to the track side fence and we're just taking the whole thing in, and across the track we realized there was Pre doing a track session. Jaws already on the ground we watch what was the last part of a couple repeat miles of a workout. I swear to this day I heard "4:02" shouted out on the last rep. So, he's done, starts cooling down, and then we realize he's coming towards us on his way out of the track. He must have realized we were here for the JUCO Nat's and he said something like "good luck tomorrow boys". Will never forget it. To this day. He inspired this group of 4 freshman and probably didn't even realize it. We're open today, Sunday, 12-4.
