US XC Nationals in Boulder? Huh?

Dolen is da man -- Dolen for prez! Thanks for the reminder/prompt, I shall be rejoining this year. What happened to that XC grand prix last fall? That was a good start, but seemed to fade into oblivion in 2004. As to some points that BDG raises:

#1 I see little reason why there would not be membership/support enough for even two or three such teams, there are quite a few adrift competitive runners in town. Is there any earnest interest among the largest local club (mentioned earlier, we know who they are) to foster any grassroots development effort? They clearly put a lot into the masters and elementary aged youth facets, and while I have admittedly not had my finger exatly on the pulse, I have not seen any meaningful movement towards encouraging the future of the competitive side of the sport. Is there any interest among the FF crew and/or the BRC to form a USATF club along the model of the GBTC's and the Aggieses of the competitive open club world? It just seems like most any 'competitive' club in the area is formed around one coach or another, replete with exorbitant fee structures. Is there a possibility of growing an open competitive side out of the youth-heavy Flatirons TC? Will Boulder TC ever accept men? I would be surprised if Bolder Boulder ever loosened the purse strings enough (e.g. cut into Bosley's 6-figure salary) to fully or mostly fund a competitive club team to a meaningful degree, though that would seemingly be ideal.

#2 Just bear in mind that GVH had hosted a prize money ($5000 total purse, most recently) XC race for several years before their bid for nationals was chosen. It takes a level of organization and volunteer effort closer to a Bolder Boulder type event than the typical road race or TGCCROTP. I would be interested in participating in informal brainstorming sessions, if possible -- also, does Dolen have any volunteer slots under his position with CO-USATF that need to be filled?

Sorry, I have more questions than answers at this point, but I do hope that it is more than just a few of us that seemingly have more than a passing interest in putting Boulder on the open competitive club map.

Tim How come there is no funding for an elite group?

y wrote:

Tim How come there is no funding for an elite group?

How much are you willing to donate?

When Zika and Andy Palmer wanted to create an elite distance running group, they built it themselves and financed it themselves.

When the Hansons wanted an elite program in their area, they bought houses and donated a couple hundred thousand dollars a year.

Boulder is a typical town that figures that having quality athletes in the area is enough. USATF is not going to EVER provide funding. If you want it pay for it. Don't ask the shoe companies don't ask BB. Pay for it or shut up. No hand outs.

Easy there jerky.

Who funds Team USA in Cali?

Fu*k the football team! The XC and Track team doesn't get jack, minus the little bit form Nike, to help support the program. How are they supposed to be known as a team who still makes walk-on's great athletes(see Running with the Buffaloes, or talk to anyone on the team years past)? Enough goes into the piece of sh*t football program! At least the XC and distance team in track can do something!

Oh, and yeah! TIM RULES!!!

GO TIM!

GTF

I feel like I should know who you are - drop BDG and me a note so we can connect on this, okay?

GZ

Could also move this to the boulderrunning.com forum

or the Boulder Road Runners forum:

http://boulderroadrunners.org/azbb.php

Only 3 members on the forum right now, but count on the BRR to play a role in this.