Southwestern Michigan College leaders are feeling good about their recent campaign to improve the school’s running trail system. They say that when a call went out to upgrade the trails that pay tribute to legendary SMC Hall of Fame Coach Ron Gunn, 219 individuals contributed.
SMC Senior Vice President Brent Brewer said at a dedication this week,
“We gather to celebrate an exciting step forward for SMC and to honor the legacy of someone who built the foundation of our running community. The check presented today supports upgrades to the SMC trails, Improvements that will benefit current and future athletes, students and community members alike.”
“These upgrades are dedicated in honor of former SMC Athletic Director and head coach of our cross country teams Ron Gunn. Coach Gunn’s impact on SMC and the sport of running in our region is immeasurable, His dedication, vision and passion shaped not only the athletic program, but entire generations of athletes.”
Current SMC Head Coach Zac Sartori, who leads cross country and track and field for men and women, said:
“Ron did some amazing things in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, including cutting these trails that we still use today. Over the years, some of the trail markings have gotten beat down. One thing I’ve had in my heart that I’ve wanted to do since I got here is to remap and update the markers so any member of the public can get out there and walk these trails, feeling confident that they know where they’re going. Thankfully, Thom Janssen from the Monday Night Running Club jumped on board.”
“The legacy Ron Gunn built still stands strong today,” Sartori said. “I couldn’t have half the success I do right now if it wasn’t for Ron Gunn. When I go to meets, people still ask me what Coach Gunn is up to, whether it’s officials or other coaches. I’m elated to follow in his footsteps and pray that I can have that kind of legacy someday.”
Janssen, presenting Sartori with a $5,429.89 check for the SMC Foundation, said the project began about a year ago with the more than 50-year-old Monday Night Running Club’s desire to similarly honor Gunn with some commemorative park benches.
One of four composite benches has been placed at the trailhead behind the Charles O. Zollar Building on SMC’s Dowagiac campus.
Janssen expounded on Gunn’s style.
“When you accomplish the goal at the end, such as hiking in and out of the Grand Canyon, you feel like you won a national championship,” Janssen said. “All of your hard work, blood, sweat and tears, pay off. His super power is motivating and bringing people together. He doesn’t whip you to make you do that, he makes you think you can do something you thought was impossible. You get out there and discover you can do a lot more than you thought you could. We wanted to do something to let Coach Gunn know how much we appreciate what he has done to change each of our lives and there are literally hundreds of us.”
headline photo credit: SMC Media Services: Thom Janssen, Ron Gunn, Zac Sartori
