‘Peace for Meece’ to be good practice
Saturday, the Eastern men’s and women’s cross country team will take part in the second annual “Peace for Meece” Memorial 5K/ Alumni Event.
The annual race honors former Eastern cross country and track and field member Ryan Meece.
Meece, who was a member of the team from 1993-1998, died from a complex brain injury in September 2009.
The 5K run will start at 8 a.m. at the Panthers’ cross country course, and is open to the public.
The race will not only be for a good cause but it will help the Panthers prepare for their first meet Sept. 10.
“This is more of just a workout for us,” Eastern cross country head coach Erin Howarth said. “There won’t be any other teams there. It will just be with the community.”
Howarth, who is a first year coach at Eastern, did not attend the meet last year and said she hopes it gives the team good experience.
The team has only been practicing for a little over a week and having the opportunity to race against other competition, besides their teammates, will be helpful.
The event, which was started by Meece’s wife Trisha, was made to honor the memory of Ryan Meece and celebrate the spirit of running.
The event will help raise money for Eastern cross country and track and field scholarships, and Mecce’s children’s education funds.
Bob Shaughnessy can be reached at 581-7944
