The most up to date Finish Line for Jan-Mar. 2009 is available.

The most up to date 2008 WPTC Finish Line is available.

The 2009 Annual Banquet will be held at Palmieris in Turtle Creek on Saturday November 21 at 6:30.

CLARENCE NORMAN CRAWFORD – Three Rivers Association
Nominated by Bruce Long; Seconded by Linda Phelps, Harold “Lefty” Martin
Officiated for over 52 years – Attained Master Level Certification

Norm’s list of meets worked includes 2 Olympic Games, 4 Olympic Trials and 4 National Championships. It also includes 9 Youth and Junior Olympic Championships, 3 Masters Championships, 15 Penn Relays as well as international meets. His work in those meets has predominantly been as a Starter, Assistant Starter, Finish Line Judge, and Umpire and includes work as the Head Official. He has started for 36 consecutive years at the Pennsylvania State High School championships and had another 20 years starting the state Cross Country Championships.
As prestigious as these accomplishments are, Norm has never forgotten where he began, Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to the track community by mentoring athletes, training new officials, and working with youth track & field,. He continues to work 60-70 meets annually including USATF Youth, NCAA and High School meets among which are inner city meets that many other officials turn down. He works these meets out of respect for the sport and love for the athletes.
Norm’s love of track & field goes back to his own high school days when he was a star sprinter. He later carried that ability with him to North Africa in WWII where he won the 100m, 200m and long jump at the US Army West African Track Championship. His running career was cut short when he sustained a leg injury during the war so, when he returned home, Norm got involved with coaching track & field. He soon realized the need for better officiating so he expanded his involvement by helping to officiate local meets.
Honors bestowed upon Norm include the title of Grandfather of Girls’ Track & Field in Western Pennsylvania – an honor given him because of his work to bring equality to girls’ track & field in the 1960’s when the only girls competition was club track teams. He successfully led the effort to have girls track & field added as a high school varsity sport in PA. This and his other involvement with high school track, led to his induction into the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association HS Hall of Fame. He is also the recipient of the Andy Bakjian Award and the TAC President’s Award.

Crawford served as Vice Chair for Awards of the National Officials Committee for 8 years, served on the officials Diversity Committee and was Officials Chair of the Three Rivers Association.

His obituary can be found here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09218/988930-122.stm

September 25th-27th at Villanova University there will be a USA Track & Field Coaching coaching program. You can read more about it here.

On Friday, August 21st, the West Penn Track Club will be having a group night at the Pirate’s 7:05 game versus Cincinnati–$1 hot dog night and free 1979 Pillbox Hat night to all fans!

These $8 grandstand seats can be reserved by contacting Barb Volek. She will provide you with an address to send your money.

We are asking that everyone RSVP by August 10th so we can get the group seats–we do need a minimum of 20.

This isn’t just for club members! Bring your family and friends with you for a fun night at the ball game!

Contact Barb Volek to make your reservations at 412-853-7426. Send your checks to Barb at this address:

Barb Volek
770 Sunset Drive
Freeport PA 16229

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the West Penn Track Club please fill out this form and send it in.

5K Walk/Run for Romona will take place in Old Economy Park Baden, PA on Saturday May 30th. Proceeds benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation Pittsburgh. Please read the pdf for more information.

The UPMC, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Biodynamics Laboratory is conducting a study on knee function and a particular type of knee pain while running. They are looking for those who do experience this knee pain or help finding those who do. You can read more if you are interested or can help out here.

Terry McCluskey, Margretta Lutz, and Lou Lodovico made the 2008 National Masters Rankings.

West Penn Track Club will be celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary this year. The Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday, November 22nd. Please view and respond to the invitation