Doug Logan & Gail Devers
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"Shin Splints"
A Blog by
Doug Logan
A little of this and that
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I offer, below, insights into a few topics du jour, all with a New York angle. You can take the boy out of New York …
ON SPORTSMANSHIP
This has been a hell of a week for sportsmanship, or lack of.
First, Congressman Joe Wilson called out the President as a liar on the floor of Congress. He first apologized, then retracted the apology, and finally used the internet to raise over$1 million in contributions to fund his lack of civility. This was followed by Michael Jordan's boorish, self-centered acceptance speech at the Naismith Hall of Fame Induction where, to me, he sullied his legacy. His rambling diatribe, in which he attempted to convince us of his competitiveness, included the dissing of teammates, coaches, team officials and even the Hall of Fame itself.
Add to this Serena Williams' bullying assault of an official at the US Open. Anyone who witnessed her tirade was left with a queasy feeling that this woman is capable of physical violence when she does not get her way. The encore for the weekend occurred at the MTV Video Music Awards, where Kanye West rudely and awkwardly interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech to state she was unworthy of the award.
Whew!
I confess to being regularly accused of finding the positive in almost every situation. This week was no different. Amid the barbarity, we saw Derek Jeter's humble and dignified remarks upon breaking Lou Gehrig's Yankee hitting record, Kim Clijster's charming and self-effacing joy upon winning the Open women's title after a three-year maternity hiatus, and Beyonce's classy gesture to Taylor Swift, enabling the teen starlet to finish her acceptance speech.
Justice be done!
AUTUMNAL EQUINOX
The US Open tournament in Flushing Meadow, N.Y., has become far more than a sporting event. It is a rite of passage, a harbinger of autumn and a formal end of the summer.
Time to close the house in the Hamptons, put the kids in school and renew friendships put on hold during the summer months. For those of us in the business of sports it is a reunion of sorts; a time to sit in the plaza over espresso, complain about the cost of the concessionaire's food and swap lies. I have made this pilgrimage now 14 years in a row and will probably be making the trek when I am hobbling and drooling.
It is also a wonderful weekend to be in the city of New York. Opening day for the Giants at the Meadowlands, the Yankees playing the Orioles in their new palazzo, and Fashion Week at Bryant Park. On my way back to my hotel in mid-town Manhattan, I passed a group of music fans on their way to Carnegie Hall. That night, Trey Antanasio of the band Phish – the modern equivalent of the Grateful Dead in terms of having legions of dedicated fans who live on a different plane of consciousness – was playing with the New York Philharmonic in a benefit for his deceased sister Kristine's foundation. Four guys were spiking their soft-drink cans in preparation for the spiritual service ahead. However, in the vernacular Eucharistic experience, wine and water was replaced by Remy and Mountain Dew.
My son, Carter, politely declined my additional ticket to Sunday's Open so he could drive up to Monticello, N.Y., for All Tomorrow's Parties, an indie-rock festival. I was a little envious since this year's lineup included the Melvins, the Flaming Lips, Boss Hog, Jesus Lizard, Suicide, and the Feelies.
Alas, no ticket for Dad.
SEX, DRUGS, AND ROCK AND ROLL
I now know why they hired me!
First, I get sucked into the imbroglio over whether we should legislate the use of music headsets. [Those who have seen me sneak out of hotels for a morning walk or run with buds growing out of my ears know how I feel on this topic.] I have also come to the conclusion that I should have been a pharmacist [with all apologies to Ted Leo] to prepare me for what was to come across my desk. Now I am barraged with advice on how to deal with issues of transgender, hermaphrodites, elevated testosterone levels and what constitutes too many androgens.
I highly recommend anyone who has an interest in these current topics read a wonderful essay written in the September 13, 2009 New York Times by Alice Dreger entitled "Swifter, Higher, Stronger? Science Adds a Variable". These are issues that are going to stay with us for some time to come, and Ms. Dreger gives us some insights on science and identity politics.
7 TRAIN PLAYLIST
My playlist for riding the subway over the weekend, back and forth to the US Open.
| Song | Artist | Album |
| Killer | Boozoo Bajou | Dust My Broom |
| Citrus | The Hold Steady | Boys and Girls in America |
| Missing Cleveland | Scott Weiland | Happy |
| Just Dance | Lady GaGa | The Fame |
| Neon Bible | Arcade Fire | Neon Bible |
| Where the White Boys Dance | The Killers | Sawdust |
| Lagrimas Negras | Bebo & Cigala | Lagrimas Negras |
| Sympathy for the Devil | The Rolling Stones | Forty Licks |
| Mrs Officer | Li'l Wayne | Tha Carter III |
| Criminal | Justin Nozuka | Holly |
| Walk on the Wild Side | Lou Reed | Transformer |
| Shankill Butchers | The Decemberists | The Crane Wife |
| Teenage Lobotomy | The Ramones | Mania |
| I Need a Roof | U Roy+Bravo | Now |
| Cold Brains | Beck | Mutations |
| First of the Gang to Die | Morrissey | Live at Earl's Court |
| Southern Man | Neil Young | Greatest Hits |
| Trading Places | Usher | Here I Stand |
| Seven Nation Army | The White Stripes | Elephant |
| Hey Ya! | Outkast | The Love Below |
COMMENTS
Doug, Nice comments on the bizarre happenings of the week. I also admire your music list, especially the Decemberists. Would like to hear your comments on the Caster Semenya issue.
Stick with track, Doug. The rest is self-centered drek and fluff.
I agree, Doug, stick to track and more importantly, start addressing the masters TF issues. Furthermore, Joe Wilson never retracted his apology.
Regarding the positive for the week, you forgot Juan Martin Del Potro and his polite, humble, delightful behaviour as he tackled the equally delightful Federer and so gently had to ask Dick Enberg TWICE if he could say something his mother could understand . . . I wish I could have taken your son's ticket . . .
I hope my membership fee did not pay for that Manhattan hotel room?
Hmmm, you realize that the Meadowlands is still in New Jersey don't you?
I would also be interested in hearing about USATF's policy about handling gender questions like Caster Semenya.
nice sampling with the playlist
Doug, You need to open another blog-CEO Deadheads. This is USATF, College programs are disappearing, HS sports are disappearing. The rest of the world is closing the gap on on us. What's the plan?
I think it would be a good idea to stop spitting venom at the brats of other sports Doug and look at our future. High schools are shutting down sports, period in many places. Colleges are losing scholarships in track to appease the big sports. Calling out Congress, tennis, basketball, and pop music isn't really in your job description, is it?
I would much rather know that those you mentioned were acting foolishly and the USATF CEO leave their discipline to the leader of their sport. Do you remember when Carl Lewis was running his big mouth constantly? Never heard a comment from Pete Roselle, Bowie Kuhn or Kasie Kassem, they didn't need to comment, like these guys, his actions told the whole story about him.
Intuitive diversion and eloquent application. I'd enjoy talking with you in a pub, drinking a few beers, or single malt whiskey, discussing life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and how WE (the US track community) can grow our sport and develop a system to continually win 30 medals at every Olympics and World Championships.
I have no problem with Doug going off-topic. It's a blog -- not an official report to the USATF national meeting. I appreciate his fun-loving spirit. But as long as he's citing NYT articles, I'd love for him to write at length on doping vs. medication in older age groups -- the subject of this August piece: "For Older Athletes, Drug Question Emerges" (I can't post the link here.)
This is starting to get really irritating. I wonder who else was being considered for CEO prior to his hiring?
It's very likely that 20 yrs ago would have read comments from guys like Pete Roselle, if they dared feign any interest in amateur sports such as T&F anyway. So Doug mentions other sports in HIS blog - he wouldn't be as savvy a CEO if he limited his sports interests to USATF only, so why can't he comment on them?
I, for one, was disappointed in this blog entry. While I have enjoyed many of the previous entries that enlighten us peons into the mindset of our lead administrator on the pressing issues of our sport, in this I barely see a mention of Track or Field. Instead Mr. Logan is telling us about his choices in music. On the week of the World Athletics Final, he is telling us about the U.S. Open TENNIS tournament and a number of other sporting and social events already in the news. At least, where is the comparison to this successful, American, individual based, sporting event that sucks in your attention year after year and our sport's failure to produce the same level of interest (save possibly Penn Relays) amongst non-fanatics?
This week I was pleasantly surprised to hear a vocal sports radio discussion comparing Usain Bolt to Tyson Gay--coming out of an adjacent car radio at a stop light. It could have been like anybody arguing about which Manning brother is better or something similarly inane. What was remarkable was it was talking about Track and Field as if it was an important sport again. That's great. WE are in the news without it being a story about drugs, cheaters or the like.
Now for Mr. Logan, how do we get more of that?
The subject in my email seemed provocative, thus, I came, read and was dissapointed. I agree. Make this BLOG worth reading!!! Argh. You have people reading - be a daring CEO and give us real thoughts. Substance! There are a ton of issues related to T&F, put a disclaimer at the beginning of each blog and KEEP IT REAL. Thanks Doug.
I don't mind reading about other sports as long as I feel you are keeping TF in line I don't feel that way. More masters are competing and some even getting sponsors. When will you as CEO lobby or enact rules to be sure that any masters athlete that sets a national record, international record, or is put up for an award is clean - drug free. HAving been a Senior GAmes and listened while 2 male medal winners discussed their enhancements, I am disgusted USTAF is not addressing that issue
I found your non-T&F ramblings irrelevant, self-absorbed, and irritating. Especially your brushing off the topic of "hermaphrodites". Hey, get a clue. That is an outdated, derogatory term. The word is "intersexed". It's a VERY big deal if you're Caster Semenya or Shanthi Soundarajan. It's your RESPONSIBILITY to be informed on these issues. So sorry
if the pressures of your job are interrupting your musical reverie. You have a dream job, and you have the nerve to complain. Maybe you should apply for work at the tennis association.
Speaking of Sportmanship; I wonder how you feel about Oklahoma States Doug Smith loading his team with older foreign athletes in order to steal an NCAA title. That is not coaching, that is not developing our own young athletes, that is not Sportsmanship - that is being a Travel Agent in a win at all costs approach. German Fernadez can take pride in his future team title, knowing they are "all Americans."
USATF needs to get involved in getting the NCAA to revise their regulations and close this loophole that allows schools that sell out their track programs to load up their XC teams with foreigners, taking valuable scholarships away from young home grown athletes.
And lastly Doug, the people that are telling you to spend more time solving the problems of USATF, and less time on your ipod playlists, are right...get off your ego and attempts to look cool, and do your job of solving the sports problems, and stick to the sport in your blog.
Wow - it appears many posters here don't understand the position of CEO of USATF. We the volunteers -coaches, officials, meet/race directors- of USATF, elect volunteers within our organization to represent the US within the IAAF, not the employees of USATF (which CEO is). As for the NCAA - crossover of personnel doesn't mean the NCAA will abide by any USATF governance. USATF, IAAF & NCAA are 3 separate and distinct organizations - choose the right one to complain about.
In track and field this week we have had some outstanding peformances by by Bolt, Powell and Gay and yet our CEO is preoccupied by the theatrics of other sports. You don't hear the commissioners of baseball, football and basketball talking about other sports at the expense of their sports. Let's get back on track and fix our 4X1s and talk about what we can do to promote our sport. I'm becoming weary of our soccer/jogger's philosphy. Who can we talk to about replacing him. We truly need a track person at our helm. I'm afraid he is the only USATF representative reading these blogs and we can't get rid of him. Does anybody know who we can contact at tha National level to try to get Doug Logan fired?
Neal Schuster Master athlete/USATF Official?
Don't METH with me, don't mess with us!
Hardy an appropriate title for 12 year old kids that are USATF members( SEX and DRUGS)! Please clean up your act.
Track and field needs a chief executive whi is more concerned with our sport rather than tennis. Who cares about his musical playlist? The new administration was suppose to correct the errors of the 4xs100 of the Oympics. Did the coaches know to inform the sprinters about the touch rule so they would not be disqualified? Also with two national high school cross country championships USATF is starting a third. Why? It must be Disney money. All the years when there were no national high school cross country championships where was USATF? Hoe Mickey Mouse.
What a bizarre post Doug. This would be better served on your personal blog vice the USATF.
I guess the "boss" is trying to make track and field attractive for the "common folk ". Well, why not work to make T.V. coverage more attractive to the general public by cutting short inane commentary before each sprinter takes his/her mark. Five minutes of human interest vs. 9 seconds of a race is not track ..nor is it only the last lap of distance races, two jumps at the long Jump pit, etc., etc.
Stick to T&F buddy. Music critics are in the entertainment section of the paper.
What ois the point of this non-related track blog on USATF's website? As usual USATF doesn't surprise me addressing no issues and deterring away from any sense of promoting track and field...
The end of summer and start of fall in our sport is the start of cross country, a sport USATF barely recognizes, yet falls under the banner of USATF. How about writing about that and how exciting it is to see junior high, high school and collegiate athletes across the country start competing again after working hard for the past 12-16 weeks.
Another question...does Doug even read these comments? Does anyone at USATF?
Scott, yes, all comments are read.
I knew when Doug became CEO of USATF he was the wrong person for the job. What does having a background in soccer administration have to do with track and field administration anyway? We need a leader who is about fixing what's wrong with our sport, not a self-serving figure head who appoints a group of do nothing ex-athletes who haven't got a clue about what's wrong with track and field, while he goes around the world having a good time on our dime. Step down Doug!
Doug I'm glad you listened to some oldies, but goodies on you play list while riding the tube. Keep bringing up the subjects that no on wishes to talk about, we and you will find solutions. Everyone believes that USATF is a cash cow-if only it were true. Continue to spend judiciously and keep up the good work. A supporter
What should a National Org do?
What is USATF doing?
What is USATF not doing?
Bring back Mile @ USA Meets
Jr Olympics is the most successful program in US for participation , pattern national program after this, of final field at nationals thru this program other of final selected or time.
Guide on how to run an Assoc/Hand books for
Making Money
Coaching clinics/ Coaching Ed/ DVD's by Events/ Testing for Talent (Guide Lines)/ Testing centers (By assoc)/ Regional Coach's (By Assoc)
Officials (Outreach to Jr Highs, HS & Colleges)
Info to Press Public Relations Handbook (USOC 1994)
USATF & USOC Restart Facility to support US Olympic sports (College & HS) Friend of USOC
Outreach & Tech support to Jr HS & HS Programs
Committee of USATF & NCAA track Coachs to stop eroding of Track support @ College level. This email was sent 8/27 to Doug Logan. Please take down the current blog and address any of these subjects.
I'm kind of dismayed at all these caustic comments about Doug's performance and writing about something slightly off topic (sportsmanship concerns track and field, as it does all sports).
Sure, he mentions music he's listening to. What's the harm in that? He also comments on some of the issues he's dealing with currently in track and field.
As the USATF has little relation with the NCAA, I think it's safe to say that college cross country promotion should fall under the NCAA's banner. Maybe the two organizations can work together to help this - but currently I'm not sure the USATF can do anything about colleges' individual decisions to drop the sport.
I'd like to see some proposals instead of just empty calls for resignation. From what I've seen so far, I like the way Doug is running things and I hope it continues. We've got Diamond League meets on US soil, potential for USA vs. Jamaica meets, and a CEO who is paying attention to the way the world moves today.
I don't think this blog should necessarily be used as a promotional venue for the sport - who is going to see it? And do we really want Doug doing critical analysis of NCAA XC rankings and Golden League meets?
Leave those jobs to the people that actually are responsible for them - the promoters / marketers / advertisers, and the statisticians and supporters.
I'd also say that it'd be far more helpful if we ask ourselves what we can do to increase the awareness of track on a personal level, rather than make demands that Doug do it for us. Sure, it's his job, but without passionate and dedicated supporters of the sport who are willing to invest (monetarily or with their time and effort) then any push is bound to fall flat on its face.
Lastly, if you're going to criticize, have the courage to stand behind your words and put your last name.
Philip, I've been a passionate and dedicated supporter of the sport who was willing to invest (monetarily or with my time and effort for 34 years. Our CEO gives us a playlist, we are facing serious problems. AAU, TAC and now USATF have counted on the NCAA Track programs to develope our talent for over 50 years. Those programs are going away, I understand this is not Mr Logan's problem. I hope Mr Logan would give some thought to the day when it will be his problem. A good Leader would have considered opening a new web page to get feed back on where we want to go and what we need to do. It appears the people would read this blog are the passionate and dedicated supporters of the sport you spoke of...kinda cool when you think about it. Perhaps this is the web page to ask for input
John,
I do appreciate both the time and effort you've put into the sport, and as well as the passion of the people who are commenting. My personal opinion is that some of the passion is misplaced - anger at the CEO is less useful than the sort of contribution you've made. You posted constructive criticism in a respectful way - I really admire that. Not many people take the time to do so. Thank you.
I agree that some sort of open forum for proposals is in order. I would really like to see that - preferably a website where we can hash out these ideas, because limiting to a physical gathering obviously causes geographical and monetary limitations.
I think in this case you do need the USATF to take charge and open up the debate in a meaningful way. This certainly could be put together by individuals (hell, software engineering is my job - it's easy enough to make a website) but without the sanction of the USATF and the knowledge that the debate's outcome is meaningful, the discussion becomes much less useful.
So that's my proposal - give us an official forum for discussing the issues that face us. And if you want my help, you've got it.
(Also it might be nice if the comment submissions for this blog supported paragraph breaks...!)
Philip, Well put, Awesome
I'll give you my rationale for not using my real name here. Because I want to talk sense to the very powerful chief executive of this organization who I already deal with on many other levels. If he, or anybody else in the organization, were to associate opinionated remarks to my real name, everything I might say or do subsequently could be dragged down by their thoughts "oh, he's the crackpot who said . . ." Trust me, I'm a dedicated volunteer and unabashed fan of Track and Field. Just about every person who subscribes to the e-mails notifying us OF this blog are. And the ones who choose to comment are probably the cream of the crop--the ones who care the most. These are your core constituents; the people who bring the real experience of the sport you administer to the public. We have many concerns on a wide variety of issues. We look to USATF to deal with those issues. The general public doesn't even know who or what USATF is. They just feel their membership dues are unnecessary fees imposed on them just so they are allowed to participate in some event. In other words USATF is a waste of their time and money. I would personally like to have some things I can point to that shows USATF is doing something, but frankly after many years of dealing with USATF politics at the highest level, I know most of the time USATF really does do nothing. I support and actively participate in USATF because it is the only organization that can do so many things for Track and Field. I so wish it would. So Doug, and the other powerful readers of these comments, listen. We are trying to tell you to keep your eyes on the prize. Pay attention to what is important. Look forward at what we can do. Stop brushing things under the rug. Make some decisions we can be proud of. And use your blog to explain what is happening at the top. Everybody has friends they can go out have a beer and B.S. with. We don't need more B.S. from USATF. We need a leader.
What does acting out on the floor of congress have to do with sportsmanship? Congress has been acting out in public against presidents for decades. Stay on the topic of track and field.
I have been a member of USAtf for 5 years and this is the first time I read this blog. I am not sure if the previous CEO wrote one. I must say, I am truly disappointed with it. I was expecting Doug to speak only and only about our sport, Track & field. I really couldn't careless about what's going on in tennis, football, baseball or even his choice in music (I've never heard of any of those artists). Those guys at the "popular" American sports are making millions; we are bombarded on the media about them. So, this is the last place I want to hear, read or talk about it. I am 45 year old sprinter, I love track with all my heart and soul. This year I noticed that almost at every meet I participated I noticed all the athletes that were missing from years before. I can only assume that the economy was one of the big reasons why they were not there. This is one of the things I would like to see in your blog Doug. How can we promote track & field, Cross-country, race-walking, marathons? How can we get sponsors? Why do we have to pay to play the sport that we love so much? I know that next year I am going to pay a chunk of money with coaching, traveling and participation. I am no better than the other members writing these comments, but I really would like to see when I am getting more satisfaction? When I win a medal? Big deal. I want more than just a medal. I want to be at home, turn the TV on and see what's going in my sport in at least one channel, one channel, not damn NFL.
It surprises me that so much of the commentary is negative. I believe that Doug is working very hard for our sport. I've seen him in action enough to know how much he puts into his work. He was at the Associations Workshop a few weeks ago in Des Moines and he was interacting with us the entire weekend. So what if he has other interests...I hope you all have more than track and field in your lives despite your love for the sport. I'm glad he let's us get to know more about him in his blog.
As I glanced thru the previous comments, I must agree that with the critical state of our sport at the grass roots level, Reading about a music playlist and other spoiled individuals is clearly in the wrong place wrong time catagory.
Next time Mr. CEO, please share your visions and thoughts on our sport.
Hi Alan, I agree with you that Mr Logan should have other interestes, but if he wants to share with a whole bunch of strangers he should do it on tweeter or facebook, not here. By the way, I have another life beyond the track.
The US Open is "...more than a sporting event...", etc. Where is the track meet with a similar place in the public consciousness? Is anything being done to develop one? Maybe we should get Boozoo Bajou to set these posts to music so that you'll listen to the message.
Doug, After reading through all the comments I was pleasantly surprised that there is so much communication in this blog. My father once told me, don't worry so much about the bad comments, or even the good ones, you should worry when no one is talking. The USATF is doing better, but we do need more coverage. I like many of the other bloggers am a Masters athlete and would love to see more about Masters competition. I love track and field and came back to it after being off for nearly 25 years. For me to come back the USATF must be doing something right because I was able to find information. My fears of track and field are that we are losing the growth of the sport from our youth. We are losing to the other big sports because they are all in the public eye constantly. So why can't the USATF be more present at events to help promote to our Youth. I help athletes at the High School level and for the past 2 years at all the qualifying up to the State Track Meet there is no one from USATF advertising. Why aren't we signing our youth up for meets, promoting membership, getting them involved. You have a captive audience and they love their sport, but they have no where else to go after the High School season is over. Without promotion there is no sport. Take it from those other sports you were blogging about, promote to the youth and the sport will build.
In addition to issues others have pointed out, Doug's self titled "SPORTSMANSHIP" apparently means top-center again proselytizing his dislike for one political party in a job that should be apolitical and inclusive. And doing so dishonestly: Wilson did not withdraw his apology to Obama, and I don't know the million Doug says Wilson raised, but I am guessing it was for the Rep. Party, which Doug dislikes. Was it REALLY to fund incivility, or is Doug spinning/lying again? Will Doug apologize as fast/well for his mistakes/lies? Good example of Leadership and "Sportsmanship" from USATF's lying, purposely offensive CHO - Chief Hypocrite Officer.
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Doug Logan is the CEO of USA Track & Field
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