Dave Teague

Dave Teague, former Hamline All American runner passed away this week after a short bout with cancer.  A 1975 grad, he was MIAC cc champ in 1975 with a 25:52.  His Hamline track times ranged from a 4:18 mile to 14:36 5k.  I only knew him for a couple of years, but he was a better person than runner.

When I started running track meets in the mid eighties, I had no high school or college background.  I wasn't familier with track manners, and didn't know most of the top competitors. Most ran on teams and were a bit cliquey.  Some of them were not to kind to the new guy at meets. 

Ed note: I may have casued some friction by:
1. shoving guys out of my way when boxed in
2. throwing an elbow in the ribs when a competitor run too close to me
3. punching a fellow runner aas we tumbled to the track together, he had spiked me from behind

Dave was well liked and respected by all.  He didn't run for a team, yet all knew him by name.  He was still racing the mile at age 32, when most guys retired right after college.   He was always kind and encouraging to me.  By watching him glide in and out of situations, I learned the art of track racing with a bit more class.

He actually took me under his wing a bit and encouraged me to shoot for the state age record of 4:17 for men aged 25-29.  When I ran a 4:16, Dave was there to hug and congradulate me on the feat.  He had too much class to mention the record I broke was his.

The next week, I cheered him on as he cruised thru six laps at 4:12 mile pace.  He did fade the last quarter, but still ran a fine 4:18 to set a state record for men aged 30-34. We talked about how it was great to be friends, and how records were made to be broken.   Dave was so right, as my buddy Pete Kessler, topped my mark a year later.  And Dave's fine time was clipped by when I turned thirty. I'd assume it's been eclipsed a few more times by now.

I caught  Dave on a run that next year;  he had pretty much quit racing.  Work, injuries,  and I assume family obligations.   He gave me two tickets to a Theater he managed.  I was going to bring my new bride by sometime and then go out after to catch up on old times.  I never used those tickets and have not seen him since.  I had a full time plus job, a new bride, and soon a son on the way.  I missed out on getting to really know him as a person. 

Now that I'm in my mid fifties, the things I cherish the most are the friendships I've made over the years.  Fast times will fade as you age, but your friends last a lifetime.  Next time you race, embrace your  rivals.  Talk to your fellow runners, listen to them.  Take them out for coffee or a bite.  Do that warm down together, and laugh a bit. " Your only dancing on this earth for a short while".  Don't be left with two unused movie tickets.