October 21, 2009

1964 and 1965 Men's XC inducted into Hall of Fame

On October 16, 2009 the National Cross Country Champions of 1964 and 1965 were inducted into the WMU Sports Hall of Fame.

Here is the description from Keith Reed:

The Hall of Fame celebration was an outstanding affair with great food and exciting speeches from the inductees. If there was a theme throughout, it was: "I bleed Brown and Gold and what a wonderful time I had at Western." But it was Bruce’s (Burston) speech that set the true tone. First, we were given a wonderful standing ovation, and then Bruce talked about our accomplishments and then honored both Coach Dales and Parks, but the statement that truly woke up the audience and hopefully the administration was this message: “We are all too old to have our children come to Western, but our grandchildren will never have that opportunity to come and participate in Cross Country/Track and Field”. Well done “Mate”!!!!!!

After Bruce’s speech, Smitty, presented the “Big Shot” pictures to the University and stated that he hoped that these pictures would stir future Western athletes and students that our accomplishments could be achieved by all.

More here: http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news/2009/08/023.html