Coos Bay Oregon has always been a place of some struggle…….hard work…..and a life the people of Coos Bay still continue to embrace. Steve Prefontaine has been gone from there for many years…..has been away from earth for many years…….however, has and will always leave a lasting impression that is sustaining. Few people who run leave behind the kind of impression Steve Prefontaine did….affectionately known as “Pre”. Pre died early, but his actions remain cemented in track soil and cement everywhere.

He was told he was to small to play football…and perhaps he was told athletics was not really the place he was going to shine. However, that could not have been further from the truth. He ultimately placed all his focus on running…..and running…..and being world-class. He was a rebel, who just so happen to be able to run….and be one of the best. In fact….he ran like the wind…never let up….pushed harder than anyone in the field….and ignored the back of the pack…..because he was in front. His heart showed through each stride and push to the front.

This guy never gave up……he was the leader of the pack…set goals that did not seem reachable……and made his grasp further than his reach….hewas Pre.

At 25 he died in a car accident….and was also the end to an era of a runner that changed the sport and perhaps inspired others to reach further. How about this…HE NEVER LOST A SINGLE RACE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON. Is that insane??? He won 78% of all the races he had ever run as an athlete competing since his childhood. He was always the leader of the pack….the fact that I still think about him…never knew him….and actually know little about him shows he still remains in front. At least in front of my mind…..and his soul follows all running on any track. Pre leads the front of the pack…..never looking back…..and will aways be remembered. Go Pre as this artricle is for you and what you did for the little guy! Maybe Lance should have paid more attention to you today than he might of looking back at the past. You were true to the sport and other athletes who compete at high levels!