"What a tremendous clinic it was, for both the campers and the Olympians too," said IMA's Director of Sports Programs, Barry Bahler.

"We wanted a 'home town' feeling and that's just what we got," Bahler said. As the young athletes gathered to thank Lee Evans, John Carlos, Larry James, Russ Rogers, John Marshall, Matt Centrowitz, and Ron Freeman, Matt was going around thanking all the other Olympians for letting him take part.

"I don't like throwing around the word 'hero', but some of these guys were just that and after watching them today, they still are my heroes," said elite athlete Kamu Sullivan, Indiana Invaders Decathlon.

The Spirit of 1968 that bonds these men is still as strong today as it was established. The young people, 8 - 19, some having driven three hours, found every moment worth the effort. " I have never felt as challenged as I do today, to succeed at 'something' ", said 14 year old Matt Nolley after sitting in on a Lee Evans session. "He made it so clear to me, NOW is the time to focus on something, school work, track, music - anything positive - and make it happen." " I realize now, everything good takes time to develop and now is the time to get 'the journey' started."

Each and every Olympian carried the same theme of dedication, focus, hard work and individual effort = success. None of the speakers had prior knowledge of the others' presentation, but they fit together as if they were sculptured by a Master Artist. The attendees could not help but get the message.

A lot will be said about this event and more will be done to continue the challenge now set forth for future IMA Clinics. The mold has not been broken, just polished off and put out into the public's eye once again.

Thanks seems so small for all that you men did, but "Thank You," from the lucky people in Indiana who got to see and hear true American Pride and that the American Work Ethic still can be taught!!

Thanks Russ, Ron, Larry, John, Matt, Lee, and John!!!

click on the images for a larger picture

IMA STAFF/Indiana Clinic(l-r)

John Marshall, Larry James, Matt Centrowitz, Russ Rogers, Brandon Falconer, John Carlos, Kamu Sullivan and Lee Evans. (Brandon and Kamu are Decathlon members of the Elite Track Program, the Indiana Invaders)

Russ Rogers, the Ohio State University coach, has the attention of everyone during the "event specific" phase. Coach Rogers' expertise is the hurdles.

John Carlos, far right, receives the respectful attention of his group, during the "general intro phase" of the Indiana Clinic. Center foreground (red-white-blue shirt) is Mr. James Perkins, Jr., Director Community Relations, USA Track & Field.

John Marshall (center right) and Matt Centrowitz (right) conduct a session on middle distance workouts and mental preparation.

Adopted Hoosier and crowd favorite, Lee Evans, goes over the need to "focus and concentrate" on any endeavor we undertake in life, "if you truly want to succeed."

"The Motley Crew" Phase 1 participants at Butler University. The day long event drew athletes ranging from age 8 to 53.

Photos by Barry Bahler