The
Vern Wolfe Memorial Masters Track and Field Meet
By
Hank Kraychir
I am pleased to announce that the Trojan Masters Track Club
will be holding the renewal of their annual Masters Track and Field Meet on
April 25th 2004 in Vern Wolfe’s memory. During his 21-year tenure
at USC, Vern Wolfe not only won seven NCAA National T & F team titles he was
also a gifted Masters participant and a National T & F Hall of Fame
Enshrinee.
Ron Allice, the current USC Track and Field Coach remembers
him well, “His impact on this program will last forever…He was a highly
respected coach for his professional yet caring approach in a highly competitive
sport.” Howard Bennioff remembers him for his agreeable style toward anyone
who would ask for help – “He was a very generous and compassionate man.” I
was honored when asked to write this tribute – I remember Vern Wolfe well from
my days at USC. I was fortunate enough to be the last thrower he coached before
his retirement in 1984. His impact on me lives even today, as it is – I’m
sure – with many of his other former athletes.
The meet will be held on the beautiful University of Southern
California Campus. It will start at 10:00 am with a welcome ceremony. There will
be a presentation of colors and the singing of the national anthem by USC’s
campus ROTC unit. The first event will be a special affair – the Armed
Services 3 mile run will be held at 10:15 am. All other runner events will start
at 10:45 am, with field events starting at 10:15 am.
We would like to extend an invitation to all Masters Track and Field Participants to come to sunny Southern California – enjoy the warm climate and come see the sites. See our ad in this edition of Masters National News for specific details relating to this competition.