Coach "Wild Will" Shaw

Wild Will...my cross country coach from college, besides being an excellent running coach (Runners World top 25 in the country one year), has always been very articulate, and has a gift for writing. This may stem from the fact that he has written a daily journal since I think he was in high school or college! I remember that he would periodically tell us some of the stuff he wrote in his journal, and we would feel a sense of pride when we would make it in the "journal" for specific events.

Yes, we would all get into some "knock down, drag out" fights with him about everything under the sun...especially his liberal views on politics, but when it came down to it...he was only trying to get us to have a more open minded view of the world. He also taught US History, and the ones that were dumb enough to take his class, received no slack...and much flack. He had some great quotes. Some of his famous gems:

"Let me tell you to your little fucking face..."

"That's what's wrong with American runners today, they come from the 'Push Button School of Sports'...we're getting out worked by everyone else..."

"You've got to cook it by the feel (when racing)...not by the time..."
NOTE: He actually stole this one from Sam Severino who was cooking burgers on his grill one day.

"The best determination of what you've learned in my class isn't the grade you recieved on your test...come back in 10 years, and let me hear your ideas on current events...that's the true test of what you've learned"
NOTE: Ok, this was paraphrased, but you get the point.

There are plenty more...anyhow, he's had some of his poetry published...and below is one that all of us really enjoyed...and could relate to...

These guys running
"I know them
Going long into the mountains
And fast
Side by side
On country roads
Down low
Across the valley floor
Dreaming of games won and lost
Played earlier

Chasing each other
And Dreams
Themselves
Dreaming

I know them

And they know
That chasing the elusive
Not dying
Is absolute
Playing

These Guys Running

I know them

They are only playing"

-Will Shaw

Will emailed me a day or two ago...and gave me advise and tips in a way that only he can...thanks Wild Will.

Sween