McDougal Wins

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:38:52 -0300

Josh McDougal wins NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship

Jim Ferris letter about OTC

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:37:44 -0300

Rick,

I spent hours today going over your Distance running camp website. All I can say is WOW.

What a Legacy you have created and carry on to this day. As a recreation therapist/special ed

teacher/ general recreation person the whole camp program hit home for me. One of the

requirements to get a degree from the U of O in recreation was to attend and study camping and

camp programming. I wasn't thrilled I had to do this at the time but now I'm glad I was forced. I'd

say you get an A + for your camp. I especially like the writers' hall of fame and it's format. The

hikes and other activities teach well rounded runners who appreciate the environment. Running

seems to be only a part of your camp experience. There are many life lessons learned at your

camp. As I looked at the pictures I remembered my time there back in the early 90's. I could see

your program and the places you went.

I spent some time going over your leaderboard I noticed Jared Rousell from Webster

Thomas ran 9:48 as a Junior last year. (This years class AA champ cross country ) So much info

on events. Really amazing. You must have a full time web master ?

As I read your poem I could see you driving away and thinking these thoughts. I've always

enjoyed Lake Placid. I've been there so many times over the years. I'm sure you must have

limited numbers that attend. I could see the beginning a great friendships in all the pictures. If

you multiply the number of camps over the years, times the number of participants, the

friendships started must be so special.

Some of the hall of fame writings were very good. Who decides on the reading material? When

do you schedule quiet time for reading and reflection? Must be at night or a scheduled quiet time

during the day if that is possible. The other activities in the gym look great. The classroom stuff

looks great. Talk about organization !!! I thought of my phone calls to my teammates back in the

summer of 65 and how we got together and ran the construction soft soil hills made by graders

as they built the bay bridge. We did this once a week for sure sometime twice. This

was organized running back then during summer or school breaks. Granted these memories are

priceless but your organization is fantastic. I'm amazed at the opportunities today.

Keep up the great work and Legacy.

Jim Ferris, former Section V runner