In memory of David Thoreson, Saturday, January 12 event includes Decathletes attempting a 10 event 30 minute challenge, a free youth 3 event 30 minute challenge and luncheon reception
Santa Barbara, Calif. (December 11, 2018) – The Santa Barbara Track Club (SBTC), hosted at Westmont College, welcomes the community for a special event to honor David Thoreson, a national class Decathlete and teacher at La Colina Junior High School. Beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, January 12 at Westmont, a field of brave Decathletes will attempt the 10-event, 30 minute challenge created by Thoreson in the 1970s. In addition, at 11:00am the SBTC will host a 30 minute, three event challenge for youth. A luncheon reunion will follow the Youth Triple at 11:30am, also hosted at Westmont’s Thorrington Field.
The event is free for spectators and participants thanks to the Warkentin Family. Youth interested in competing or those participating in the luncheon reunion can RSVP on the event’s webpage.
“This event allows us to celebrate the incredible life of David Thoreson who not only had a lasting impact on the Decathlon, but all the students he inspired at La Colina,” stated SBTC Executive Director and Head Coach, Josh Priester.
Thoreson was a national class Decathlete, winning the bronze medal at the 1967 Pan American Games and scoring a best of 6,233pts in the 30 minute Decathlon, a world record which stood for many years. He later worked at La Colina Junior High School becoming an institution to the thousands of students he impacted. You can read more about Thoreson’s life and legacy on the Santa Barbara Independent website and tributes can be sent to HeyMrThoreson@gmail.com.
Past SBTC Season Kick-off Events
About the Santa Barbara Track Club
The Santa Barbara Track Club (SBTC) hosted at Westmont College aims to provide a pathway to the podium for athletes of all ages and abilities. The SBTC is comprised of Olympic and aspiring Olympic Track & Field athletes, a Youth Track Club as well as community members seeking to reach their highest potential through group and private training.