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b y T O M L E y D E SChooL SUPPort ENtrY fEES BENEfIt LoCaL traCK ProGraMS T he Wharf to Wharf is more than a fun and competitive road race. It's a way to assist school athletic programs, with heavy emphasis and track and field and cross country. since it began in 1973, the six-mile race has contributed more than $5 million to youth sports programs, scholarships and the running community. This year entry fees could bring in as much as $250,000, said Mark McConnell, Wharf to Wharf board treasurer. That estimate is more than in past years. The increase is due to a $5 increase in the entry fee (it's now at $45). It's also because many will turn out as a tribute to race founder Ken Thomas. Thomas, a long-time santa Cruz- area educator and track coach, died last Oct. 28 at age 74. Last year, the race website notes, entry fees and donations together raised $265,040. students from elementary, middle and high schools, both athletic participants and non-athletic participants, raise money for their institutions by volunteering at the race. The scotts valley High school track and field, girls basketball, football and lacrosse teams received $44,600 through their participation in 2016. but, as a whole, track and field and cross county teams receive the most money. The funds have been a boon to such programs, some of which couldn't function at the level they do now without them, coaches and athletic directors said. "Track is a very expensive sport," said Matt Ryan, soquel High school track and cross country coach and league representative. "It's like 16 different sports and you need to get equipment for all of it." Just how expensive is it? This year, Ryan said, he ordered 20 new hurdles at a cost of $3,000. The school also needed to replace its 25-year-old pole vault run. That cost about $1,200. "Wharf to Wharf helped pay for that," Ryan said. "The nice thing is Wharf to Wharf specifically states where the money goes — anything for track or cross country. … basically, we get a pot of money from Wharf to Wharf for anything that is necessary," Ryan said. "The idea of putting (money) back into the community was certainly spear headed by Ken (Thomas) a long, long time ago," he said. On Oct. 21, soquel High will host the first Ken Thomas Cross Country Invitational meet to honor him. "I can't imagine what it's going to be like to have to start the race this year (on July 23) without Ken. It's going to be very emotional for me," Ryan said. stu Walters, athletic director at soquel High, said Wharf to Wharf funds have helped resurface all- weather tracks throughout santa Cruz County. "It's (Wharf to Wharf) obviously a big help to all schools, and just an unbelievable machine that they've created. A huge army of volunteers keeps it going. It's just a phenomenal thing that's been going on in our town." Dan Gruber, head cross country coach at Aptos High school, said the money the cross country team receives from Wharf to Wharf is essential for the program. "Essentially, it gets us uniforms and entry fees …," he said. "It's something that we count on and it's really important." It's especially important for post- season events. He won't know how many athletes will be going to the state meet in Fresno, so he can't budget for it. Male and female runners must travel to Fresno and spend the night there to compete. "That alone costs us quite a bit," Gruber said. The santa Cruz Coast Athletic League also benefits from Wharf to Wharf. It has paid for a timing system. Ten years ago, Watsonville High school built a new track thanks to a $50,000 donation from Wharf to Wharf, said head track and cross country coach Rob Cornett. The school also was able to purchase a timing system. Wharf to Wharf funds also were used to purchase hurdles. "I believe we have the nicest hurdles in the county," Cornett said." Last year race funds were used to buy a new high jump pit and install a new discus ring, net and cage. "I think we have the best throwing ring in the county as well," Cornett said. Last summer, Cornett recalled, he talked with Thomas about renovating tracks in the county. "His wish was to resurface one (synthetic rubberized) track every year. And, low and behold, the first recipient will be us," he said. Each year Wharf to Wharf awards college scholarships to high school athletes who will go on to compete in track and field. They are the Howard Marcus Memorial scholarships and the Otis Chandler Memorial scholarships. The Chandler scholarships, established in 2006, are named after former Los Angeles Times publisher Otis Chandler, a world track and field qualifier and strength training advocate. Each year two-year college scholarships are awarded to high school girl and boy track and field athletes. They are for $3,000 and can be renewed for two more years. The Howard Marcus Memorial scholarships were established n 1989. They are awarded annually to one boy track and field athlete and one girl in memory of Marcus. Marcus was a longtime member of the Wharf to Wharf Organizing Committee. He also founded the star Track Club, precursor of the santa Cruz Track Club, and helped build the first all-weather track in county (in 1986 at soquel High). The Marcus scholarships amount to $3,000 per year, renewable for four years. 24 WHARF TO WHARF SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2017 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL

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