After further review…The fall season is the time for cross-country running. Overshadowed by more crowd-pleasing sports at all levels of play from high school through the pro ranks, cross-country is often considered a “minor” sport! There’s no question it lacks spectator appeal. Courses range in length from two-and-a-half and beyond (depending on the age and sex of competitors), and fans tend to cluster at the start and finish lines. In between are long stretches of inhospitable trail without aid stations or camera crews, and runners tick those miles off in huffing, puffing solitude. It may not have the “sizzle” of football or soccer, but you might check out Kevin Costner’s latest film “McFarland” to get an idea of what that sport can do for youngsters.
In a recent cross-country state championship meet, “Zeke,” we’ll call him (to protect him and the state), crossed the finish line first. With the victory the 17-year-old runner became the state champion of 2015. Bent over with his hands on his knees before starting his cool-down walk, Zeke glanced at the competitors still running hard to the finish line. He noticed that one runner, about 25 meters out, was struggling beyond normal.
Zeke said “I didn’t l know who he was or what school he was from, but his face was turning white, he was holding his chest, about to fall and looked awful.” Zeke shouted for someone to help, but no one did. So Zeke rushed to the side of this runner, put his arm around him and walked with him for about 15 meters, then stepped aside to let him finish on his own. You’d think people would respond proudly to such a gesture from a 17-year-old competitor. Well, unfortunately, some didn’t.
The assistant director of that state high school association stripped Zeke of his state championship medal, saying “that teen’s act of sportsmanship violated the National Federation of State High School Association race rules.” You read that right: sportsmanship “violated” race rules! Although the prep running community appealed the decision, the state association refused to reverse it. “Rules are rules,” it declared. Well, suppose that struggling runner had collapsed and even died? What then?
Zeke said “It was very disappointing. I did all that work during the summer for nothing.” No, Zeke, it was not for nothing. You did what needed to be done, but there were unfair consequences. Zeke, would you do it again? He was not hesitant in his answer: “Of course I’d do it again, because it was the right thing to do!” Thanks, Zeke!
Will you do what needs to be done because it’s the right thing to do?
To contact Jim go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
Jim’s 11th book “Another 101 Best of TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS” will launch at the end of November, 2015, priced at $20 with free shipping. Please email him to order this new edition and, if an autograph is requested, please include the name.
