by Larry EderGentle readers, dear friends and malcontents,
The USA Track & Field championships are upon us, and as our friend, Johnny Mathis ( trivia-what school did he high jump for and what school had an invitational named after him? Tell me next week and get a free adult beverage-as long as it is a beer) would sing, ” It’s that wonderful time of the year! ” It was on a Christmas Album, but you get my drift.
Rumors persist, and while I can not comment on said rumors ( I leave that for the Fox Network), I do hear that several recent habitues of the Leslie Lohan Wing of the Betty Ford Clinic will be joining coaches, officials, athletes, track enthusiasts and other riff raff at the Villard Street Pub for days, nights and mornings of track chatter, adult beverages, a celebration of some rather mundane bachnalian observances and perhaps, if we are oh, so lucky, a few pagan rituals, such as dancing, and howling at the moon. Or maybe, if our luck continues, we can get Coach Dave Frank to tell us a story of his days in college (soon to be a Showtime series).
I for one, am touched that the state of Oregon in particular, has allowed us back into their wonderful land. Last year’s series of journeys into darker side of Eugene nightlife gave several of us, “souvenirs”, shall we say. We learnt about all night Mexican restaurants near the dorm. We also learnt about the Dutch coffee walk thrus or drive thrus. More than one person might show up with a tattoo this year, noting that he loves “Hootie”, whoever that could be. Life, as my father tells me still, is full of mysteries. Our job is to find them, and embrace them. I for one, have made a career out of such a response.
Any hootie, consider June 23-June 28, your time for athletic redemption, a time to share a bon mot with a friend. Perhaps, you could watch the 1968 Olympic Trials film and cry into your beer. Celebrities should abound. The infamous should be inbound as well. Perhaps a few community college coaches (well, only if they were allowed to leave California) might show up.
On Monday, June 22, before you leave for aforementioned sports extravaganza, we will have a little treat for our friends going to Eugene, so watch runblogrun.com fellow track fans–Uncle Larry is about to be oh so nice.
After next week you can also say,
” Ich bin ein Eugener.”
USATF T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS
June 23rd to June 28th
VILLARD ST. PUB ACTIVITIES
(& VENDOR COVERAGE SCHEDULE)
ALL ACTIVITIES AT THE VILLARD ST. PUB & FREE TO THE PEOPLE!
Days/Dates Activities
Tues. June 23rd VSP/VS Athletics “Early Bird†Welcome to Eugene Mixer! 6 pm – Close
Wed. June 24th Vendor/Site Set-up-Token Pick-up: 11 am – 4 pm
Pick up T&F News @ VS Athletic Booth 4- 6 pm
Track Fan “Love Fest†presented by OPEDIX. 4 pm – Close
Thur. June 25th Vendor Coverage Hours/Token Pick-up*: Noon-4 pm & 7pm –Close
Plus 3’s Salute to Officials Party 8:30 pm – Close
Fri. June 26th Vendor Coverage Hours*: 1 pm – 4 pm & 6:30 pm – Close
Accusplit’s Aloha Luau & Coaches Appreciation Party AND
Running Network’s- Double Secret Probation Underground Party
Worldwide Premier Viewing-1968 AAU Nationals & Olympic Trials Video!
6:30 pm – Close
Sat. June 27th Vendor Coverage Hours*: 10 am -2 pm & 6 pm – Close
Hootie XIV “Everyone is a Winner!†5k Run 8:00 am
Adidas Presents!: Skip Jones & The Spirit of New Orleans with Mr Green
Blues Explosion & Dance Party! 7 pm – 10 pm (or longer?)
Sun. June 28th Vendor Coverage Hours*: 8:15 am – 11 am (Tear Down)
Adida’s Hometown Heroes Training Run 8:30 am
VSP/VS Athletics “See Ya Next Year for NCAA’s!†Farewell Party
5 pm – 10 pm
** coverage hours reflect the expected traffic flow given the Meet Schedule
Evenings will be slammed! (booths are lit!) Before the meets could be slow or packed! Saturday AM after Hooties will be packed!
Tell All of Your Friends!
The Villard St. Pub is THE PLACE to be in Eugene!
