USATF Foundation Promotions: Tom Jackovic & Trixie Saumsiegle
In early March; Jackovic to CEO and Saumsiegle to COO. Jackovic had been Executive Director since the Foundation’s ’04 beginnings, while Saumsiegle joined the organization in ’14 as Associate Director Of Development.
Died: Johnny Jones, 60
On March 15, after a long battle with myeloma. A Texas alum known in football circles as “Lam” Jones, he won a 4×1 gold at the ’76 Olympics at age 18, before he even suited up for the Longhorns. He also placed 6th in the 100 final. In ’77, he World Ranked No. 8 in the 100 and was NCAA runner-up that year. His fastest short-dash times all came as a college frosh: 10.23/10.08w/20.67. Also ran 46.16 as a HS senior. Played 5 years in the NFL.
Died: Günther Lohre, 65
On March 15, in Leonberg, Germany. 9th in the pole vault at the ’76 Olympics for West Germany. In ’79, he World Ranked No. 6 in his only appearance.
Died: Nyandika Maiyoro, 88
On February 24, in Kisii, Kenya. The first world-class Kenyan distance runner, Maiyoro ran 4th in the ’54 Commonwealth Games 5000 and World Ranked No. 10 that year. He placed 7th in the ’56 Olympic 5000 and 6th in ’60, Ranking No. 4 that year.
Died: Daniel Rudisha, 73
On March 6, in Nakuru, Kenya. The father of 800 WR holder David Rudisha won a silver medal himself as part of Kenya’s 4×4 at the ’68 Olympics. He World Ranked No. 5 at 400 in ’67.
Died: Cynthia Thompson, 96
On March 8, in Kingston. Thompson was the first Jamaican woman Olympian (by dint of being one heat ahead of teammate Kathleen Russell), in the 100 in ’48. She took 6th in the final.
Died: Willie Williams, 87
On February 27, in Chicago. Was World Ranked No. 1 in the 100 in ’53, the year he won the first of two consecutive NCAA titles for Illinois. Also appeared in the 100 rankings in ’54 & ’56. Ran the first ratified 10.1 in ’56. He later coached for 18 years at his alma mater. □
