Same Old Story – Bill Lott to the Rescue
Zack Sharlepp
“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.” Mark Twain
I often struggle with this concept when deciding what topic to cover for my monthly column. I often find myself writing about my own experiences, but always wonder whether anyone cares and fear I sound self-absorbed. With so many great writers already covering the going ons of our great track club I find original ideas particularly hard to come by. Compete with Herb and offer race recaps? No, I don’t have the story telling ability or quick wit to stand a chance! Cover current events in the GWTC community? Nope, Mr. Yon’s knowledge and way with words are something I can’t hold a candle to. So, personal experience and unoriginal ideas it shall remain. This month’s topic while both unoriginal and based on personal experience bears repeating.
Bill Lott is a saint!
Having finished the extreme challenge in 2015, running every GWTC race offered in a calendar year, being a frequent race volunteer, regular attendee at Tuesday intervals (both morning and evening), and involved Board meetings, I knew that Bill’s commitment to the club went far beyond that of any other member not named Peg Griffin or Bill Hillison. This should come as no surprise, after all the man has the volunteer of the year award named after him. But, having been granted the opportunity (or punishment?) to direct one of GWTC’s biggest races of the year, I came away with an even higher sense of respect for all that Bill does, and the way he does it. Leading up to the race Bill was at every Monday evening training run, he helped with packet stuffing the Wednesday before the race, he was at packet pick-up both nights, he marked the one mile, 5k, and 10k course, he was the first person to arrive the morning of race day, and was the last person to leave when everything was packed up.
In addition to everything he does physically, Bill’s guiding presence, friendly reminders, and ideas on how to make things better are helpful beyond measure. While Bill is not the type to tell someone what to do, I would have welcomed his orders, his friendly approach of asking “so how is Springtime going?” with follow up questions of who is doing specific tasks always reminded me of things I hadn’t thought of or additional tasks that needed to get done. If you are not careful, Bill’s approach will trick you into thinking you know what you are doing, when truthfully it is just Bill’s masterful way of making sure the needed tasks are completed, without being bossy or drawing attention to himself.
With all that said, Bill, please accept a huge thank you from me and Rachel. Your friendship, assistance, and gentle reminders were greatly appreciated. Here is to hoping that we are not such a burden next year!