Time to Pass the Torch

by Tom Chobot

Gwyn and I have been members of the club for roughly 35 years. During that time, we have run and/or been involved in countless club races and club functions, and cherish every memory of every one of them. Moreover, the Pacers have become a second family to us, as we have been blessed to have formed a boatload of close friendships which, in our hearts, are indeed considered family. When we retired three years ago, we moved into the home where I grew up in Susquehanna County in Northeast PA. It was a shock at first, as we started with only a small handful of folks whom we knew here. However, little by little, we began getting involved in the local community, including establishing a kids’ fun run at a local community fair, starting a run/jog/walk club, and volunteer coaching with the local high school cross-country team. This brings us to the point of this article. It’s time to start cutting our ties with our Berks County involvements – a very difficult decision indeed. 

In 2009, Phil Lechner, Gwyn, and I approached the club with the idea of hosting an all-county junior high cross-country meet which would mimic the Berks high school XC championship meet. The club instantly embraced the idea, and has continuously supported the race ever since. Additionally, Gwyn and I began to co-direct the high school championship race in 2014 and have approached the club for volunteers each year since, and the club has always come through. 

This year will be our last for both. Most likely, Phil will take over the junior high race, and he will need lots of help. I plead to the club to continue this race as an official club event, and I wish to emphasize the importance of this event with respect to the future of our sport in the Berks area. Nearly every Berks County cross-country runner over the last 16 years has participated, averaging 200 runners each year. In terms of community service, this event has arguably given the club the greatest return on investment over that time frame. 

The BCIAA will be looking for directors and volunteers as well for the high school race. Might be something to consider. 

Letting go of these races is no easier than watching your child leave for college or the military, but when it’s time, it’s time. We will be asking for volunteers once more this year for October 14^th at Kutztown U. and October 18^th at the Reading Fairgrounds (email me at chobot7957@msn.com if you’re interested), and we hope to see many of you when we volunteer at Blues Cruise. As always, we wish our Pacer family all the best.