Dedicated Athlete

Deseret News Marathon 1979

Nowadays, Dad has a real struggle getting around. However, before his leg started giving out on him, he was a very dedicated athlete. As many of you know, he was a state wrestling champion. He was also on the state all star football team. I obviously was not born when he was in high school and was not a witness to any of those events. But from what I have heard, my Dad's athletic skill was widely known.

However, I was witness to at least one post high school athletic performance by my Dad. I don't recall what year it was, but I think it was while I was in high school which would be in the early 70s. At that time, Dad had dedicated himself to running. He decided that he was going to run a marathon. He signed up for the Brigham City Marathon which ran from the west of the city into the city itself. I have no recollection some 30 years later as to what his finishing time was. But I know for a fact that he finished that first marathon in Brigham City. If I remember right, he ran other marathons as well. But I surely can say that I was most proud to see him finish that first marathon. And, he continues to remind us kids, when he gets on his bike every day, that although he may not be as strong as he used to be, that he has not given up the will to fight the good fight and to finish the race.

--Mike