The 1970s and 1980s Mansfield Cross Country team is having a Reunion and are challenging all of the schools, churches, businesses (basically everyone) to a Race. The race will be held this Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Fabulous Faith 5k at Katherine Rose Park in Mansfield, at 8:30am. "We will be knocking the rust off, and slapping on the ol' waffle-soled Nike's for another shot at the Title", along with our families.
We initially challenged the High School teams to a race, but it looks like they have now filled the 24th, with a meet. Or, it could be that they were intimidated by the thought of a bunch of 50 some-odd year olds standing at the starting line singing Springsteen's "Glory Days".
History: From 1978 to 1981, the Mansfield Cross Country Team went to State 4 years in a row.
The Team was filled with some really talented runners such as:
James Brothers who held the 1,600 record at Mansfield High School for decades, and was one of the top runners in the State. James went on to run for Howard Payne University. (He may still hold the record).
Tommy Miller had the 800 record at Mansfield High School for years, and was one of the top runners in the State of Texas.
Paula Odom (Poo) who was one of the top runners in the State of Texas. She went on to run at Texas A&M University.
David Weatherly was also one of the top runners in the State of Texas. He held the 5,000m record AND the 2 mile record in track. He went on to run for Ranger Junior College, University of Texas at Arlington, and was set to go run for Texas Tech......until a drunk driver put a stop to those plans.
Phillip Muniz set the Freshman mile record, and along with Paula Odom Hill, individually qualified for State in 1982.
Other notable runners were: Kay Stubenrauch, Robert Ruzavice, Keith Littleton, Bret Ellis, Jimmy Cox, Tommy Miller, David Shelton, Kerry McKesson, Phil Davis, Steve Cogdell, Gavin Callaway, Randy Wright, Grady Fowler, Kevin Virgil, Todd Dawson, the Schuster Brothers, Cindy Muniz, Stacy Glassburner Gehm and many more.
Later in life, as families entered the picture, David Weatherly won a 5K while pushing his child in a jogging stroller. Todd Dawson ran a race in Mansfield and won his age group while pushing his child in a jogging stroller, along with Gavin Callaway who won 3rd in his age group while pushing his two children in a tandem jogging stroller.
You can register your team at:
https://thedriven.net/fabulous-faith-5K.race_reg2/eid/6079012467/rid/8243
All other folks are invited to run or walk and enjoy the event and the Challenge. Its for a good cause!
Some of us are ready to take on all challengers, and some of us are hoping our knees will at least get us to the starting line. We hope to beat you there........we mean, we hope to see you there.