2019 Distinguished Service Award: Logan Watley
Most runners, whatever their motivation for lacing up shoes, are just looking for a chance. A chance to see their hard work and commitment pay off with the achievement of a goal. The chance to challenge themselves in an effort that only other runners can appreciate. Oftentimes it takes a person to provide that chance. A training group, a race, or in the case of this Lincoln Track Club Service Award recipient, a racing club.Logan Watley has been a driving force in the Nebraska racing scene over the last decade. The Good Life has seen a number of phases of running reaching back to the 1970s and the establishment of the Lincoln Track Club. With the founding of Lincoln Running Company (LRC) Racing (now known as LRC-Nebraska) in 2010, a new competitive element was added to the state. While Logan will deflect credit for this to the others who helped set up the team, a constant presence over the years has been Logan.Assuming a leadership role and heading up a cast of characters, Logan has translated his accounting skills and passion for running into the growth of a team that now counts over 100 members and is a presence at regional races. Developing relationships with a number of entities in the area, namely the Lincoln Track Club, Logan has led a years-long push to represent Lincoln, the Lincoln Track Club, and Nebraska on the competitive road racing scene within the Midwest and nationally. This effort has been highlighted by three team members qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta, Georgia, at the end of February.Beyond the competitive side of the team, Logan has also led an effort to bring in recreational runners to the club. Providing development opportunities for new runners, a series of informal races, and establishing club standards for members to strive toward has benefited a whole range of runners over the last ten years. Many of the club’s runners credit Logan with providing a second wind or additional fire to their running careers.It is our pleasure to recognize Logan Watley as a 2019 Lincoln Track Club Distinguished Service Award recipient.Presented by Brian Wandzilak
