Little Jav on the Prairie, by Mike Fanelli, used with permission

I first met Mike Fanelli at the NorCal 10,000m in 1981. He ran his PB, just over 31 minutes, and I was back in pack, setting my PB that day, as well. I had seen Mike around at races for several years, and began to spend time with him in 1984-85 as he managed Reebok Running’s athletes. Since then, we would catch up at events, share a few words and tell stories.

Each day, I check my Facebook page, to see what Mike Fanelli has put up from his Track & Field garage, probably the finest collection of track memorabilia owned by a human being in the known world.

The 1968 Mexico Olympics reconsidered, Day Eight, part one: All Things Must Pass, by Mike Fanelli

The 1968 Mexico Olympics reconsidered, Day Seven: Amazing Grace, by Mike Fanelli

The 1968 Mexico Olympics reconsidered, Day Six: Monumental Marks Manifested, by Mike Fanelli

Today, I had to post this one, and with Mike’s permission, I will begin to post some of his most amazing findings. But, take it from me, friend Mike on Facebook, as his daily track & field musings are some of the finest in the world. And check the comments, some pretty amazing people reach out to him.

When Michael Landon Coached Up Terry Bradshaw, from the collections of Mike Fanelli / Track & Field Garage

LITTLE JAV ON THE PRAIRIE
When Michael Landon Coached Up Terry Bradshaw

In 1954, Eugene Orowitz had the longest high school javelin chuck in the nation at 193′ 4″…it earned him an athletic scholarship to USC. There, he ruined his shoulder and quit the sport.

He then found acting, and changed his name to Michael Landon…a name that he selected from a local phone book after being advised by his agent to do so.

In 1966, a big kid out of the Bayou State, Terry Bradshaw, busted the national schoolboy record in the spear chuck multiple times in a four week stretch…his high school best was recorded at 244 11 3/4’….the kid was also a half decent quarteback too.

Shit like this happens all the ðŸ¤£

Editor’s note:

In 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979, Terry Bradshaw lead the Pittsburg Steelers to Super Bowl titles. Mr. Bradshaw was first quarterback to win 3 and 4 Superbowls. He also lead the Pittsburg Steeler sto eight AFC Central championshps. Elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, in his first year of elgibility. Terry Bradshaw was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

His best javelin throw in high school was 245 feet or 74.68m at Woodlawn HS. The man has a serious arm. A beloved NFL analyst for many years, he is a colorful character in American sports.

Author

Larry Eder

Larry Eder has had a 52-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Also does some updates for BBC Sports at key events, which he truly enjoys.

Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."

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