Team barbecue today

Today’s team barbecue at the Hudson Riverfront was a steamy success. I believe we had a record turnout of close to 75 people. That's my best guess.

Yes, it was hot. It was very hot. But it was not as hot as Friday’s record heat, and for that we are grateful. We had a nice warm breeze off the Hudson, and we had two huge fans that were provided by the athletic department. These fans were lifesavers.

I proved to be in midseason form when, while standing in front of one of the big blowers cooling off, I noted to a table of men that the fine cooling device was “my biggest fan.” This met with the usual groans of disbelief that I could tell such stupid jokes.

The big surprise of the day was the special guest appearance of Marist Alum (from way back in 1995) Mr. Bucket. Some know Mr. Bucket, a local high school track coach of some renown, as “David Swift.” Anyway, Mr. B provided us coaches with some much-needed grilling assistance. It also should be noted that Bucket was Billy Hild’s coach at Spackenkill, not to mention Vess’ uncle, so he still has close ties to the current generation of Running Red Foxes.

For his efforts, Mr. Bucket was rewarded with a Marist Alumni Racing Team singlet, size medium. We hope he will use it well as he enters the masters track racing ranks next year. Wow. One of my alums (athletes that I coached) will be racing as a master. That makes me officially old.

It was especially gratifying today to see so many freshmen, and so many families of freshmen, make the trip to Poughkeepsie for the team BBQ. They are part of the family, and they see how much fun we have in each other’s company. Thank you all for coming.

Special thanks to the team captains and upperclassmen (you know who you are) who helped so much with getting food and helping with set up and break down. Chuck and I truly appreciate it.

Great to see everyone.

Cooler weather is coming. As always … Run, Rehydrate, Run Some More.