Sports : Carrying the ball: VS Cross country teams continue unique Homecoming tradition

In certain parts of eastern Iowa, on certain fall Friday afternoons, drivers have slowed down, to look at an unusual sight: Teenagers jogging along the shoulder of the road while carrying a football. This strange sight for some drivers has been a familiar part of Homecoming for Vinton-Shellsburg since 1987, the year that John Frazier took over as cross country coach after Ken Stark's retirement. That tradition includes driving to the opposing school, and running the game ball back to Vinton to hand it to the Viking football team. “When I took over the program, we wanted to be part of the Homecoming festivities and to honor the football team and give the players a boost going into the big game,” said Frazier, who accompanied members of his team from Independence to Vinton last Friday. The coach said that on the college level, some Iowa and Iowa State Cross Country teams have done this on occasion, running the game ball from each opposing town. Throughout the years, the runners have covered the comparatively short 30 miles between Independence and Vinton, as well as longer distances. “We have run from Anamosa, Van Horne, Marion, Williamsburg, Tama, Western Dubuque and others,” says Frazier. In recent years, however, to limit missed class time, the runs from schools further away have been shortened. Last year, the cross country seniors drove to Western Dubuque, and went by van to Independence with the ball, then the entire team ran to Vinton from there. Running the football along the highway is something cross country members will remember for a lifetime; many say its one of their favorite high school memories. “It was the best part of cross country. It was so much fun,” says Lindsey Silko, a VS alum now living in Alaska. “It is fun to have past runners recall the run and to relive the experience,” says Coach Frazier. The Benton County Sheriff's Office has accompanied the runners to help keep them safe. “We have run in the hills and rain and over hills and valleys,” says Frazier. “We have seen accidents, and even drivers get arrested for drunk driving. We have also seen happy drivers wave as they pass us as well as some very irritated drivers along the way. When traffic is backed up, we feel for the drivers but if they see us at the game hours later, they understand the importance of the event and appreciate our efforts.” Arranging the runs is a lot of work, coordinating everything with the VS bus barn staff, as well a making arrangements with the opposing teams. But says Frazier, “It is worth it. The student body president is honored to tell us about their school and to hand us the game ball and send us on our way.” Frazier also offers a word of thanks to everyone who has helped over the years. “It takes a lot of people contributing to make this a fun event. Everyone is supportive in helping our cause.” In recent years, parents and fans have stood along the bridge, welcoming the runners into town. “This also shows support for our training and makes us want to compete harder. It is our workout for the day,” says the coach. The entire team does not run the entire way; it's more of a relay, says Frazier. “Our bus drops off the runners and then goes ahead two miles. They then hand the ball off to the next groups of runners (normally 5-6 athletes) and then the bus pulls ahead two miles to the next drop. Each runner runs around seven miles – three legs of two miles each plus running into the stadium,” he explains.

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