On Friday, Dec. 15, in the Cougar Room at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young University track and field athletes past and present gathered to pay tribute to their retiring coach, Sherald James. There wasn't the fanfare of a major media event. Just a warm glow of mutual gratitude for a life spent in service. James has been coaching distance runners at BYU for the past 38 years. Nothing really needed to be said as the athletes and their families gathered. They all knew why they were there. To pay tribute to a man who stood at so many crossroads pointing the way. Not pointing just to track records and glory but to direct them to the important life goals of service to career, family and church. And balancing these for optimal success and happiness.
It was a truly inspirational event as five Olympic athletes coached by James strode to the podium and shared intimate insights into their relationship with this truly remarkable man. These were men of great accomplishment in world-class track and field competition sharing their respect for the Spanish Fork rancher and coach.
James was the last of the three pillars of track and field coaches to retire from BYU. The others being Willard Hirshi, who retired last spring, and Clarence Robison, who retired in 1988. Robison, the "Moses" of BYU track and field, shared warm words of love and appreciation for coach James, as did Willard Hirshi.
It was a fitting tribute in that these men had coached together for over 30 years. Together, they shaped the lives of so many thousands who have come through their program. It seems to be the end of an era. An era that focused on the development of young men first and track and field championships second. An era of devotion to the sports because they are good, upright and develop the best in all of us. Not for money and fame but for the enjoyment of the struggle and sometimes a sweet taste of victory. An era where the good guys did win both individually and collectively. Where the brotherhood of sports was truly fostered. Where sportsmanship was a given and not a sympathy award.
The former Olympians spelled it all out for us in their very deed. They were all there in attendance on a cold winter night to celebrate a humble man's retirement. These athletes, which Sports Illustrated dubbed the "Stormin' Mormons" for their assault on the record books of track and field, delivered masterful performances fitting of Olympians. Namely, Henry Marsh, Paul Cummings, Ed Eystone, Doug Padilla and Jason Pyrah. These men exemplify what the coaches were trying to do, develop young athletes into future leaders in their families, communities and churches. These coaches have truly succeeded.
Finally, fitting of James, he finished with a story about love for one another, hard work and determination and finally God's care and concern for each one of us. We wouldn't have it any other way.
So, as we bid James and the other coaches farewell, what of the future of BYU track and field as a builder of men? The next generation of coaches has stepped forward, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, with the coaches taking upon themselves the responsibility to build on the foundation laid by those who have gone before. Nothing less than the very best will do. Nothing but the very best have been appointed.
Mark Robison, the son of BYU track and field patriarch Clarence Robison, is a fitting successor to fill the head coaching position with purposeful vision. He is a BYU athlete and coach of great reputation in his own right. Ed Eystone is an Olympian, NCAA champion, running legend and coach and just as appropriate, a father and a husband.
And finally, Frankie Fredricks is an Olympic silver medalist and NCAA champion — a true gentleman and superstar. Could current athletic director Val Hale and the former coaching staff leave BYU track and field in better hands? I think not. The very essence of what these coaches inspired is evident in the lives of the new coaching staff. I wish them well and look forward to BYU track and field's continued success building champions in life as well as in sports.
Adieu, coach James. A life well spent. Thanks from all of us who have had the good fortune of being associated with you.
D. Blaine Anderson of Salt Lake City was a member of the BYU track and field team from 1976 to 1982.