Sports, Society and Patriotism
One thing I have always liked about running and sports, in general, is that in a race everyone has an equal opportunity to excel. If equal access exists, it doesn’t matter what your societal status is, what your religious beliefs are or your ancestral history. In simpler terms, the watch doesn’t play favorites.
Sport often reflects what is going on in a society. At times, sport pushes a society in a certain direction. U.S. military forces were segregated during World War II. After the war and defeating fascism abroad, there was a renewed energy to end segregation at home.
In baseball, the Brooklyn Dodgers broke the “color barrier” by bringing Jackie Robinson to the major leagues. Robinson’s dignity in the face of venom directed toward him and his skills as a ballplayer challenged the stereotypical attitudes that many Americans had long held. Sport, in this case baseball, nudged America forward.
In the 1960s sport continued to push America down the path of civil rights for all. Kathrine Switzer helped illuminate the blatant discrimination against women by running the Boston Marathon. John Carlos and Tommie Smith, with their “black power” fist at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, forced Americans to once again face the issue of race relations.
As a 14-year-old, I initially accepted the conventional wisdom that they had embarrassed the country and sullied sport. However, very quickly I realized the courage it took and the depth of rage they felt that America was betraying its ideals. I realized that their act was the opposite of self-centeredness. I was moved by the silent dignity of their protest.
More recently, Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during NFL football games has ignited a debate about what patriotism means. Kaepernick’s protest was meant to highlight what he felt was the institutional racism that exists in America. Like Carlos and Smith, his patriotism has been questioned. He is portrayed as an overpaid, spoiled athlete who doesn’t appreciate the opportunities America has afforded him. The part of the debate that has resonated with me is, what exactly is patriotism?
A simple definition would be fidelity or love for your country. But what does that mean? Except for the small percentage of Americans who can trace their heritage to Native Americans, it can’t be based on geography. It can’t be based on religion or ethnicity.
American patriotism can only be based on a belief in a creed or set of ideals. American ideals are rooted in the historical era known as the “Enlightenment.” These 18th century ideas emphasized the value of all people. The innate right to respect, dignity and equality.
Our ideals are summed up in the Declaration of Independence by the words “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” They are embodied in the words of Abraham Lincoln; “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” They are embodied in the Pledge of Allegiance by “indivisible with liberty and justice of all.”
In a sense, in order for Kaepernick to believe the way he does, it would be an act of selfishness or cowardice to do nothing. You don’t have to agree with the merits of his argument, but to question his patriotism is unfair. The attitude “America: love it or leave it” is the antithesis of American patriotism.
Race recaps
Speaking of the Declaration of Independence, the Marbletown Road Race once again thundered down Pine Bush Road on the Fourth of July. In its 49th running, the race had a record turnout of 159 participants. The 2.3 mile race was run under hot and humid conditions that tested your resolve. The top three men were Joseph Iannazzone (12:11), Adam Beach (12:55) and Ryan Kleitz (13:02). The fastest women were Gabriela Olivera (14:18), Heather Hazzard (15:26) and Jacque Schiffer (15:30).
The Mid-Hudson Road Runners were forced to move their Twilight Track Series to FDR High School in Hyde Park. They were worried about how the move and late notice would effect turnout.
The organizers were elated with the 100 kids and adults who participated. The enthusiasm of the kids was infectious. This series, which began in 1973, is suitable for all levels. I ran several events and had a great evening. There are two more Fridays left on July, 19 and July, 26. For more information go to mhrrc.org.
Monday, July 8 was the first night of the New Paltz Summer Series. The first race was at Undercliff/ Overcliff, part of the Mohonk Preserve. A unique feature of this race is that you can run the 4.75 mile oval course in either direction. The weather for the race was ideal. After some very hot and humid days, the runners were treated to cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The race had a record turnout of 224 finishers and 31 kids.
It was a literal sprint to the finish with William Whelan out-leaning Galo Vasques 27:14:48 to 27:14:50. Taking third place honors was James McGowan in 27:45. The top women were Kate Comisso (32:59), Catherine Herne (33:35) and Chelsea Beasley (34:37). The top finishers in the children’s half-mile race were Xavi Duffy (4:36) and Mia Bohler-Wragge (5:00). The top finishers in the mile race were Noah Duffy (7:22) and Cora Comisso (8:33). The next race in the series is at the new Open Space Institute’s River 2 Ridge Trail in New Paltz.
The heat and humidity returned for the Wednesday night July 10 opener of the Kingston Cross Country Series. The 2.7 mile course tested both your speed and agility. The race had 122 kids and adults. Participants were treated to watermelon, hotdogs and pasta salad. The cold beverages felt really good on a steamy evening.
The top three men were Adam Beach (16:57), Ryan Kleitz (17:04) and Raffaele Legnini (17:19). The fastest women were Felicia Ojarovsky (21:11), Heather Hazzard (21:28) and Farrier Gathen (21:51). The kids half mile winners were George Gathen (2:29) and Emma Carr (3:29).
In the mile race, top honors went to Eric Brener (5:21) and Ali Brener (5:28). The next race in the series will be July 17 at Williams Lake in Rosendale.
The Shawangunk Runners, the Irish Cultural Center of the Hudson Valley and the Ulster County CYO should be applauded for organizing these extremely affordable summer races for all.
For information on many races in the area, check out the Freeman’s Calendar of Running Events.
Calendar, results
Race directors, please submit information for the race calendar to sports@ freemanonline.com. Information should be in the form of a concise email with important details highlighted and included in the body of the email. No race flyer PDFs.
Race results should be submitted directly to me at ssrun54@aol.com.
Steve Schallenkamp has been active in area running circles since 1966 as runner, race director, volunteer and coach. He is a member of the Onteora Runners Club and president of the Shawangunk Runners Club.