Today, the United States has a well-established tradition of distance running, highlighted by the performances of greats like Billy Mills, Bob Schul, Jim Ryun and Steve Prefontaine, but not so long ago, this storied chapter of U.S. sports history began with this year’s featured sportsman — Max Truex.

The National Interscholastic High School record-holder in the mile (4:20.4, 1954) out of Warsaw, Ind., “Little Max” ran for Coach Jim Slosson at the University of Southern California. Standing 5'5" and weighing in at 130 pounds, Max‘s diminutive stature was never missed by the sportswriters, nor his USC roommate, discus thrower Rink Babka (Olympic silver medalist, ’60), who stood well over 6' tall and outweighed Max by better than 100 pounds.

Although Max may not be readily remembered by the general public, his performances in the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters races at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne inspired former Stanford University coach Dink Templeton to rightly predict in 1957 that Max would be “the first American who [would] challenge the supremacy of the Europeans …” When Max once again stepped onto the Olympic track in 1960, he proved the sage old coach right. His sixth-place finish in the 10,000 meter final in Rome belied how truly spectacular that performance really was. Not only did he set a new American record for that distance (28:50.2), but with that race he became the seventh-fastest man to run the 10,000 in history, finally earning the U.S. respect among the world’s distance running community. Only one other man who was not in that Olympic final was faster than Max.

Max, the pint-sized powerhouse who Bill Bowerman, the acclaimed distance coach from the University of Oregon, recognized as one of the very best distance runners in the world, went on to run many more international races, setting the stage for the wave of American distance runners to come. He also earned a law degree, married his wife, Kay, and began raising a young family. Sadly, Max contracted Parkinson’s disease and suffered an untimely death in 1991, but for those of us who had the pleasure of knowing “Maxie,” he will forever remain the spunky little runner with a enormous capacity to run with the world’s best.

We are pleased to announce the creation of Youth On Track Foundation, Inc., co-founded by On Track owner, Ron Morris — Olympic silver medalist in the pole vault (1960), collegiate-level track coach and educator — and Doug Smith — businessman, track coach and youth mentor of Orange County, Calif.

This foundation was specifically formed for the benefit of community youth. In pursuit of this mission, Youth On Track Foundation will raise funds to mentor youth and young adults, host athletic clinics at no cost to participants, support cultural education, and provide specific scholarships to those in need to assist them in pursuit of their educations at two- and/or four-year colleges and universities.

Youth On Track Foundation is a corporation which is organized and operates exclusively for charitable purposes within the guidelines of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible.

Additional information regarding Youth On Track Foundation and its activities will be forthcoming throughout the year ahead.

Navy Run, Jump ’n’ Throw Names On Track Its ‘Official Supplier’

In keeping with our company’s commitment to youth, On Track recently entered into an alliance with Navy Run, Jump ’n’ Throw, a program for the nation’s newest sports activity for physical education and recreation programs. On Track is honored to have been selected Navy RJT’s “Official Equipment Supplier,” and as such we are pleased to return a portion of our Navy RJT-related sales to the program. Sponsored by the United States Navy, Navy RJT helps instructors introduce youngsters to track and field skills and events through no-cost materials. For more information about Navy RJT, visit the “Links” section of On Track Online and click on the program’s link, or call toll–free, (800) 539–7057.