Living in the past wrote:
Let's face it, Timmons meant well. But he was in over his head. He also used your dad to further his career. After all, if he were really that devoted to your dad, he would have stayed at Wichita East and coached him during your senior year. But his career advancement took priority.
Your posts are so ridiculous that I have to step in here and correct your many mistakes.
First of all, Bob Timmons coached a number of national champions and record holders before Ryun, who wasn't even the best of them. Some of his swimmers were Olympic Champions and world record holders. Archie San Romani Jr. was national record holder in the mile long before Ryun came along, and helped pave the way for him.
I was there and saw Timmons working with Ryun and developing him every step of the way. I guarantee you that Ryun would have been NOTHING without the excellent and expert coaching of Bob Timmons.
Ryun had an excuse for everything and whined about anything, but Timmons kept him focused on the goal, provided a HUGE support network, and didn't tolerate any excuses. He was the master at developing talent and set high standards for every part of the young people's lives on his team.
Ryun's later failings came about because as he was maturing physically, his own insecurities and weakmindedness were gaining more control of his training. He started slacking more and more, skipping practices for dates, then dropping out of races. But it was mostly his weak mental attitude that not only kept him from progressing but eventually resulted in his downfall.
It wasn't long before quitting and starting a family took the priority, and his running became destined for failure, which is fine, but that was 100 percent Ryun's choice and nothing to do with the training of Timmons. To the contrary, Ryun could have chosen to keep running but, family or not, he no longer had the drive AND the network of support that was there at the beginning with Timmons, and his teammates at Wichita East.
You can hold Ryun accountable for his actions all that you wish.
But you would be hard pressed to find any high school coach who was better at developing talent than Bob Timmons of Wichita East. Personally I don't know of anyone who comes close.