Coach J wrote:
Same old song. Been to Eugene many times. Won’t go back. My group ( 10 people) would have gone to ANY other spot in the country except Eugene. But when one company calls all the shots you have sold yourself to the devil. USATF couldn’t care less. I’ve been thru AAU, TAC and now USATF. Been a clown show FOREVER.
Ok, same here but Im supporting the athletes first and then questioning leadership about how to make it a better experience for all of American fans and in a way that the athletes can come to expect and deserve. I cant do it myself but can be a voice to the right people. As it is, athletes, no matter how popular, come and go. They have representation but are not listened to or compensated at a level deserving of high performing professionals comparable to other pro sports in America. IF that was to ever happen, I think we'd see a better crop of long and high jumpers holding out of basketball for a bit but not now. Too much control by too few. Sacrifices will have to be made but we live in a greedy society. Avery Brundage types just dont care about what the athletes or spectators care about in todays market. They are ok with a smaller piece of the pie as long as they get theirs.
When's the last time Max produced a vision to the public let alone one that the fans support with vigor? Just sell more 1980 paraphernalia to "honor" those athletes. Kicking them in the balls multiple times is not leadership. Finding incentives to make an NBA or NFL athlete that would excell in track should be part of their mission. Moving important meets around the country and creating a legue to rival Diamond League for a world market should also be part of the plan. It'll take a lot of money, creativity and sacrifice by people who really care but first order is to get control of the head office! Nothing changes until then.