WHO IS BILL ROE?

He acts like he's paid everyone off...

WWU Distance coach and USATF Bureaucrat

http://www.wwuvikings.com/sports/c-xc/mtt/roe_bill00.html

kcjop wrote:

He acts like he's paid everyone off...

Bahahahaha. I have spent the last 8 years or so working closely with Bill and have been to his house several times. I can assure you that Bill does not have, and has never had, the money to pay someone off.

I was coached by Bill Roe. I loved the guy. I don't know much about his bureaucratic talents, but he was a good coach to me.

I do not know Bill personally, but I thought that I should weigh in here. That is all.

His dedication to Seattle all-comer's meets and PNTF meets for over 40 years alone is more than any other track bureaucrats have done for the sport, I dare say even Virgin. They kept my competitive running going when I couldn't make the cut at UW, and again as a master (where I DID make the cut...for national medals).

With all do respect your points mean nothing to me and have nothing to do with the subject manner at hand. Let someone else join in, contribute new and innovative ideas, instead of the same 'ole same 'ole. Don't bounce from one position to another, has to be an ego thing- money obviously doesn't always feed the ego. What's his problem because there must be some insecurity issues going on here.

Politics101 wrote:

Who is this guy, how did he get involved in distance running?

If I am recalling the story correctly, he turned out for his HS cross country team at Nathan Hale HS in Seattle, and the coach was like, "you suck, but we need a team manager, want to do that?" and a brilliant career in volunteer sports administration began. I think he was a team manager through college at UW and went on to help found Club Northwest, the All-Comers series (over 40 years and he has barely missed any of them!), and has been very involved with USATF at both the local and national levels, most notably spending 8 years as USATF President (Stephanie's predecessor).

Hopefully I didn't butcher any of the details.

Gtfo. Sure there are a lot of problems. Blaming Bill Roe is ridiculous.

Not saying he is able but damn it's like politics. The best route is to serve some time, give back and then let someone come in with new blood, new ideas, new energy. USATF is like stale bread, that would include Bill Roe!

Every heard of Harry S Truman, "the buck stops here!" . If it's on his clock and there are problems then that in itself is a problem, no?

politics101 wrote:

Not saying he is able but damn it's like politics. The best route is to serve some time, give back and then let someone come in with new blood, new ideas, new energy. USATF is like stale bread, that would include Bill Roe!

Bill is VERY encouraging of young people who want to get involved. I should know, he has played a key role in to getting me to where I am today, a process that started about 12 years ago when I was 20. I know he has been encouraging to a lot of other young people as well.

politics101 wrote:

Not saying he is able but damn it's like politics. The best route is to serve some time, give back and then let someone come in with new blood, new ideas, new energy. USATF is like stale bread, that would include Bill Roe!

Talk about same ol' same ol' and not having anything new to say.

The real question is what is your beef with Bill Roe? A man who has dedicated his life to service of the sport?

Bill Roe has no publications in over 40 years. No sharing of knowledge and experience with the USATF federation. He just hordes his experience and it has served him well.

"Lowering the A standard for the US trials makes younger Americans develop."

Keep lowering that bar, Bill. Soon you will have killed the marathon too.

Like polevaultpower said, I don't understand all of this hate for Bill Roe. The man is beyond generous with his time and is a GREAT proselytizer of our sport to young kids, from elementary to middle to high school. He also is a great advocate for those guys who may not be the great talent, but have the work ethic and ability to become excellent T&F athletes (not just runners) to compete at the national level, if they just had a bit more support, even if it is just travel to meets or a place to stay.

The Donger wrote:

"Lowering the A standard for the US trials makes younger Americans develop."

Keep lowering that bar, Bill. Soon you will have killed the marathon too.

Please cite your reference. The lowering of the A standard occurred after Bill's presidency.

Politics101 wrote:

I see where he recently beat out Craig Virgin on the IAAF Cross Country Advisory Board. Why the "F" would he want that job and how did he beat out a 2-time World Cross Country Champion for the position. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't believe Craig has been involved recently with USATF (except as a junior XC team leader in '07). He also appears to be a bit of a "loose cannon", judging by his ocassional rants on Facebook. The BOD probably feels most comfortable going with Bill for these reasons. Someone said on another thread that Bob Hersh could still appeal to the IAAF at next year's meeting- maybe Craig could do the same? Even with Bill's longtime service, I'm not sure he's known internationally like Craig is (or any more electable).

He is a geek that just wants to take your money.