Last Sunday, July 5, was Bill Welsh’s 80th
birthday, and a crowd of more than 200 gathered at the College of Staten Island
to honor the grand young man of Island track and field.
Friends, family, and well-wishers came from near and far –
from Florida, from California, and countless others sent “the
Coach” greetings.
The room was full of track luminaries- two Olympians, at
least one international runner, and a host of champions.
It seems as if every event was covered with quality athletes
who attended the event.
There were sprinters, hurdlers, throwers, vaulters, high
jumpers, and even a walker. And if we needed someone to supply equipment, that
could have been taken care of, as well as someone to referee a fantasy meet.
And there were plenty of coaches to train the athletes.
And there were others beside athletes who were present.
Doctors, lawyers, politicians, and successful business
people were in attendance.
You must understand that Bill Welsh has a wide circle of
friends and admirers.
As usual, the Coach gave us some inspirational words. The
message is always the same – given in different forms.
Try, enjoy what you are doing, be consistent, look for a
better way, keep a positive attitude, and keep smiling.
Special thanks has to go to daughter Anna Welsh, the Welsh
family, and those who sponsored the event.
