by Larry Eder
The Three Bills: Bill Jakunis, Bill Welsh, Bill Rodgers, by Ralph Giordano
Staten Islanders were treated to an evening with Bill Rodgers last night, organized by Jeff Benjamin, a long time correspondent of American Track & Field and RunBlogRun.com. Here is his note on the photo, that arrived in my mailbox this morning.
The Three Bills, photo from Ralph Giordano, from reception on Staten Island last night….
Here is what long time correspondent and friend, Jeff Benjamin noted in email this note on the photo:
” Bill Jakunis, Staten Islander, 1976 Olympic trials champion in high jump, upset Dwight Stones-I believe 13th in Montreal-Olympic team mate of Bill Rodgers
Legendary runner coach, Bill Welsh, Staten Islander, 10th in 1957 Boston Marathon, Jakunis coach and also coached Staten Island’s only sub four minute miler, Charles Marsala
Bill Rodgers,” (AR in marathon, 1975, 1979, bronze medal, World Cross Country, 1975, four time NYC winner, four time Boston winner, and should have had AR for hour run on track)
P.S. Thanks on four time Boston-1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, forgot 1978 with Jeff Wells and Bill Rodgers finish! NYC was 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979, at one time, Bill Rodgers won 35 of 39 races, in 1978-1979.
