POST-KATRINA BULLETIN

By: Tony Mozingo

Our wayfaring webmaster finally resurfaced this week, allowing good news to be distributed across the South. Our sincerest apologies go out to our fans, since for the past month the Pine Belt Pacers have been as they say, "Incommunicado". (Goodness only knows where Elmer’s been, but I suspect it’s a place somewhere between "Been There" and "Don’t Care To Do That". Wherever it was, I for one am glad to welcome him home, for I missed the sarcasm and dumb jokes he tells.)

In all seriousness though, our hearts go out to our friends of the Gulf Coast Running Club, the New Orleans Track Club, our President Jim Coll, and all those who suffered from Hurricane Katrina. For those of you who don’t know, Jim’s mother, father and friends are from the area of New Orleans most deeply affected by the flooding in the city, the eastern New Orleans town of Chalmette. Also suffering loss were our friends from Pearl River County, Laurel, and the Hattiesburg area.

We regret having to postpone the HubFest 5K, but for obvious reasons, we didn’t feel that the time was right to produce the run. There will be an event this year one way or another though, and the decision on when and where to have it will be announced soon. The run will be dedicated and made special for all of our friends who were and are affected by the recent storm.

Speaking of the storm on a lighter note, loyal readers of this column will be happy to learn that our own Keith Barrett weathered the storm well. According to the legend of Eatonville himself, he passed the time as Katrina came through listening to REO Speedwagon’s "Ridin’ The Storm Out" on his battery-powered 8-track tape player while applying masking tape to his running trophies and Jeff Gordon memorabilia. Unable to cut his way out of Eatonville and make it to the Family "Y" for several days, Barrett holed up in his truck in the days following the storm and survived with only four cans of Vienna sausages, two packages of dry Powerade, a box of MRE’s and an empty ice chest.

"I’m going to try to carbo-load for the Boston Marathon with one of these," Barrett said, speaking of the military rations that kept him alive.

When asked why he didn’t "ride the storm out" in the comfort of his own home, Barrett insisted that he was told that there wasn’t enough room and that he should find the nearest shelter.

Hurricane Katrina’s eye passed through the heart of Lamar County. Naturally, the Longleaf Trace was heavily affected. Hundreds of trees, some that had stood since the days of the steam engines and sawmills a hundred years ago, broke like match sticks and fell across the path. Thanks to the hard work of members of Friends of the Trace though, several miles have been reopened near Hattiesburg and work is progressing steadily.

We appreciate all of the messages and good wishes that have been sent since the storm passed our way. Like all storms, this one was followed by brighter days. The thoughts and prayers of you all have encouraged us as we try to get back to normal.

In conclusion, come see us when you can. We may not have many places to run or a lot of money left, but by gosh we’ve got Yousri and Mustaffa of Soccer Loccer/City Runners for entertainment. Nobody can match that.

"Hey man, just keep rrrunning, man."