Virginia Intermont coach fired for trying to help

[rainbowgirl28]

In the NAIA, the schools have to fund their athletes to go to Nationals. I had a teammate at Lindenwood who was at another school prior and did not get to go to Nationals because his school would not send him. It's a pretty rough situation.

VIC has been a powerhouse in NAIA track and field and cross country ever since Scott Simmons got the job there. He has specialized in giving kids a chance who had exhausted all their options. He is a phenomenal distance coach that has produced great results.

VIC is in deep financial trouble as a school and may have to close their doors soon. It was widely rumored that they would be cutting the track and cross country teams next year, and everyone was looking to transfer.

Well they ended up cutting the team mid-season, leaving the 18 athletes who qualified for Nationals in a bind. Most of these kids do not have the family support to be able to get themselves to Fresno.

Article: http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/n ... -0038.html

Here is the website made by their (now former) coach. They are seeking donations of money or frequent flier miles: http://www.snakesonaplanetonationals.com/

[rainbowgirl28]

Friends and Donors of VIC Track,

First, on behalf of the Virginia Intermont College track team, I want to
thank you for your donations and support.

As of this past Saturday, your donations supported the purchase of round
trip air tickets for our entire team of 18 qualified athletes and two
assistant coaches. The team will be flying from Charlotte, NC to San Jose
on May 22nd. The hardest part is done!

What remains is for us to raise around $3500 to cover local van rentals
and housing for the championships and the balance of air tickets on
Petra‚s credit cards. If you or someone you know was hesitant to give, or
give a larger amount because of a concern that the goal might not be
reached, we ask again for any support whatsoever. Donations are still
being accepted online at www.snakesonaplanetonationals.com

Pass on the word that the Cobras will be in Fresno!

In other news, the Bristol Herald Courier News published my letter to the
editor clarifying the situation and making a public appeal for funds. Here
is the link:
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/o ... -0004.html

Recent results: Elkana Chepsiror wins Georgia Tech 800 in 1:48.72 and
Renata Volf improves her 1500 PR from 4:42 to 4:37.39

Thank you again for you donations. Your support shows the greatest good of
the running community.

Scott Simmons & VIC Track Team