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Dalton runner's death 'shocking' to coach
By JUANITA COUSINS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/05/07
University administrators said Sunday they will miss the Georgia College and State University athlete with great potential who died while running a charity race early Saturday.
John Bruner, 19, was set to begin his sophomore year next week but collapsed at a benefit for the American Red Cross in Chattanooga.
"We were really looking forward to having him back this year and possibly having a championship year," GSCU athletics director Stan Aldridge said.
Officials said Brunner was nearing the end of the 4.7 mile Missionary Ridge Road Race that began at 8 a.m. in 80-degree weather.
His parents, Greg and Margie Bruner of Dalton, had finished the race 73rd and 80th, respectively, when they heard an ambulance and received news that their son's heart had stopped beating.
John died at a local hospital soon thereafter.
"He was such a precious soul," Greg Bruner said Sunday. "John lit up everybody he was around. For that we are grateful."
Aldridge said Bruner was on a partial athletics scholarship and was known as a good student.
He was a starter for the Bobcats and among the top five runners, Aldridge said. Bruner finished 20th at the Peach Belt Championships in Alabama in October 2006.
GCSU cross country coach Joe Samprone said it was common for runners to participate in local races during the off-season, but the news of Bruner's death was "shocking."
"John was a very good runner for a freshman, and I was looking forward to his future," Samprone said. "I look at all my runners and say they are the picture of good health. So this is hard to believe."
The cause of death is unknown. Samprone said he did not know of any health problems for Bruner, who ran the same charity race last year.
Samprone said he will meet with the cross country team Monday, and the school hopes to schedule a memorial service once back in session Aug. 15.
In addition to his parents, Bruner is survived by an older sister, who attends the University of Georgia, and a younger brother.
Funeral arrangements are pending.