Ever wonder who else is interested and involved in this Extra Mile campaign?
I thought you might be, so I wanted to highlight two recent additions to the cause. I am very thankful for these guys, as I am for everyone who has sent in pledges, donations, mileage and general good wishes.
The first is a recent financial donor to the Extra Mile despite having no real connection to Valparaiso or the soccer program at VU. He does, however, have a strong tie to me and to my esteemed alma mater Westmont College, and he is a major player in the advancement of soccer in the United States today.
I am speaking of Allen Hopkins, most notably recognized for his great work on ESPN covering US Soccer, the MLS, the World Cup as well as many other sports. Though Allen and I were not on the Westmont team at the same time during our college days – I am older and not as pretty; I have a face made more for radio than TV – we have stayed in touch throughout the years as our paths continue to cross due to our involvement with soccer. As fellow Westmont soccer alums, we also share a lasting bond. Because my experience as a college soccer player was so impacting and meaningful to me, and the others I played along side, I am highly motivated to provide the same experience for our current players.
It thrills me to have Allen on board as we work to keep this thing moving in the right direction – thanks Hoppy!
The second donor I wanted to profile is one of our founding fathers for soccer here at Valparaiso. Fred Mina, VU class of 1971, played soccer at Valparaiso University long before we even had an officially recognized varsity team. As a player in the late 60’s, Fred became the team’s player coach in 1970, as well as the faculty advisor for the team in 1971 and 1972. Fred has very kindly detailed a great history of that era of the program for me which I will have posted here and elsewhere soon. From these humble beginnings, the program has come a long, long way.
And, it is great that Fred is still involved, helping us to push the program to even greater heights!
Coach,
Last week I decided on a different approach for my part in the Extra Mile effort. You get a dollar for every minute I run in road races during the campaign. I figured this would be a good incentive to get me running faster. I waited until after Saturday's race to write this because I wanted to make sure I was going to be able to finish. I have been fighting some disk and quad injuries since December and my generally slow 5K & 10K times are a minute a mile slower -- to your benefit. So a check is in the mail for Saturday's North Carolina Freedom Run. If I ever get healthy expect less!
Racing on the SE Coast of NC pretty much shuts down for July and August. Even though Saturday's race started at 8AM it was still the typical upper 80's with 95% humidity. The race is right at the mouth of the Cape Fear River so there is plenty of moisture. Hopefully when races resume in September I'll be up to some better times. The next major race is a 5 miler so you get more money.
I will still try to get in 10 - 20 miles a week so if you need some miles let me know.
Fred Mina
Class of 1971
What a great idea, and a creative way to use the Extra Mile as personal motivation.
Thank you Coach Mina!
Remember, together we are smarter, more creative, more inspiring, more capable, more powerful, and, well… just plain MORE than we are alone. Let’s stick together throughout this upcoming season and this running campaign.
By the way, I walked my little man to day care (about a half mile - Alex loves it and tells everyone he is walking for "Chair-wit-y"), and then ran to work from there. 4 miles out of the way so far today...
Gotta run,
Mike
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