Billy Mills

[rasb]

Was the featured speaker at the "Cowichan 2008" recognition dinner, in Duncan, BC, Canada, on Thursday night. Apparently, he spoke eloquently about his battles with racism and bigotry, before and after his 1964 Gold Medal Run in Tokyo.
"Cowichan 2008" is the title for the 2008 North American Indigenous Games.
The cultural festivities are well underway, and the Sporting Events (including Athletics) start in a couple of days, and run (ha) until the 10th of August.
There will be close to 5,000 athletes participating in total.
A few days ago, the "Tribal Journeys" concluded at Cowichan Bay, about 15 minutes from my house, with the arrival of close to 100 of the large ocean-going canoes, which were the common method of transport amongst the Indigenous peoples on the Pacific Coast of North America. Some were travelling for 2 weeks, from Alaska to Oregon, and all of the Native peoples of B.C. Very cool stuff. Both "Tribal Journeys" and "Cowichan 2008" can be googled up, for those who are interested.

[Steeplechaser]

Joke from my days running at UVIC:

What do you call a jogger from Duncan?

[lonewolf]

Uh, must be a really inside joke.

[rasb]

You've got me baffled too. Having coached at Uvic for a couple of decades, and now living close to Duncan, I don't get the inside joke either. I must know you, but your handle doesn't resonate. Initials? BT?

[rasb]

Joke from my days running at UVIC:

What do you call a jogger from Duncan?

A Cowichan sweater. I think Keith Butler told me that one, but it had been around for a while, I'm told.

Good one ! For those that don't get it, "Cowichan" is the first Nations name for the beautiful valley, of which Duncan is the centre. Cowichan is translated as the Warmland, and is in fact the place in Canada with the warmest average temperatures over the 365 days of the year.
And the Cowichan people knit/weave the most amazing "sweaters", that are a unique combination of natural fibres and Native Art. I'm sure Google has a reference.
And Keith Butler was a 3:43 1500 metre runner for the Vikes in the 1980's, and has coached the most successful high school track program in B.C., over the past 20 years.
Thanks SC.

[Steeplechaser]

Joke from my days running at UVIC:

What do you call a jogger from Duncan?

A Cowichan sweater. I think Keith Butler told me that one, but it had been around for a while, I'm told.

[paulthefan]

I still get goosebumps every time I even think about the 64 10k final. I down right go apoplectic when I watch it. Mills for president!

[Steeplechaser]

And Keith Butler was a 3:43 1500 metre runner for the Vikes in the 1980's, and has coached the most successful high school track program in B.C., over the past 20 years.
Thanks SC.

It's wonderful and not surprising at all to hear how well Butts has done over the years.
AndyB

[rasb]

AB,
An interesting sub-set of the story:
I was coaching at a local (Victoria) high school before I went to Uvic, and the principal was a great guy, and a supporter of all extra-curricular activities for students and teachers. In fact, he basically insisted that the teachers spend extra time helping students, whether in sport, drama, art, literature, or whatever.
I happened to run into this Principal on the ferry ride between Victoria and Vancouver, and he had switched schools, and was looking for a young, energetic teacher with coaching interests. That was just at the time that Butts (Keith Butler) was ready to move into his teaching career, and I told Court Brousson that Keith was the man. If you check the BC High School Track and Cross-Country results since about 1990, and look for Oak Bay Secondary School, you will see how fortuitous this turned out to be for all concerned.
Some things were just meant to be....
It's great to hear from you Andy, 25 years later