In a heartfelt tribute to a dedicated sports official, the Great Lakes Cross Country Invitational held at Brooks Golf Course in Okoboji, Iowa, has been renamed the Ron Baack Great Lakes Cross Country Invitational. This change was announced on Thursday during the 37th year of Baack's officiating at this meet, marking a significant milestone in his 52-year career in Iowa high school track and field.
Ron Baack’s commitment to officiating has made a lasting impact on the community and the athletes he has worked with over the decades. His recognition comes as a surprise to him, as he expressed in a statement, "Shocking. Something I did not know about. I’ve been doing this for many, many years. I’m very, very pleased and very happy that I received this award." Baack also emphasized the importance of health in maintaining his long-standing role in the sport, stating, "The only way you can do this is you have to be healthy. You have to stay healthy. I’ve been fortunate to be able to have good health and be able to do these things I like to do."
Baack's influence extends beyond mere officiating; he is known for his active engagement with the athletes. Kyle Zankowski, Head Coach of the Spirit Lake Cross Country Team, noted Baack's role as a vital presence at meets, saying, "One of the most important characters at the facility on any given day. If we host a district meet for track and field, he’s up there coaching the kids, making sure everything is kosher with their blocks; he’s running back and forth getting blocks off the track, so kids don’t trip." His dedication to fostering a positive environment for young athletes is evident in his interactions, where he takes the time to encourage each competitor.
The Great Lakes Cross Country Invitational featured participation from 26 schools this year, showcasing the competitive spirit of high school cross country running. In the girls' varsity race, Audrina Jones from Sioux Center claimed victory with an impressive time of 20:32.3. Meanwhile, Jace Hungerford of Spirit Lake High School secured the win in the boys' varsity race, finishing in 16:46.0. These performances highlight the talent and determination of the young athletes competing in this prestigious event.
Renaming the meet after Ron Baack not only honors his decades of service but also serves as a reminder of the vital role officials play in the development of student-athletes. Their dedication ensures that competitions run smoothly and fairly, allowing young runners to shine on the track. As the Great Lakes Cross Country Invitational continues to grow, Baack’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and officials alike.
Leave a Comment