Last week's comments about the 1926 track team, particularly the 440-yard relay team which set a national record, drew several responses.

Gerald Wilkison recalled the glory days of the KHS track team. He also recalled a fellow by the name of Tony Cannon who was quite an athlete in his day. There are some who think Tony was never defeated in a high school race. I haven't been told that for certain but wouldn't doubt it for a minute. Even today Tony still looks like he could do pretty well in a 100-yard dash.

Barbara Webb called to give me a little background as well. Mrs. Webb has a scrapbook on Kennett High School that has to be among the best in existence. Mrs. Webb also pointed out to me that the boys track team placed second in the 1925 meet. It was also in that meet that Bryant Rice won his first loving cup as the individual points leader for the meet. He repeated that performance in 1926.

It was also because of her scrapbook I learned the first names of all the participants in the relay race. Bryant David Rice, Class of 1926, was identified by first name in the 1926 article because of winning the loving cup. The others were identified by last name only.

Goodman was senior Melvin Goodman. And even though he does not appear in the team photo for the yearbook, did compete in the meet. Gwyn was junior Dan Gwyn

Walls was apparently Beauford Wall who graduated in 1928. His son is former councilman and State Farm agent Don Wall. Don called me after reading the article as well. His dad and Bryant ran head-to-head several times and while Beauford was fast, Don said his dad only beat Bryant one time. Don still has the medals from his father's high school days.

Either Don or Gerald said they thought those meets were run on sand tracks as opposed to cinder. That makes the national record time of 45 -4/5ths seconds all the more impressive. Don also mentioned he had mentioned the idea of including the relay team in the hall of fame to the booster club at one time, but nothing ever materialized. Let's hope the club takes another look.

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Totally confused

When time comes to get a haircut I drop into the friendly confines of Ron Harris' establishment. The political lesson which goes along with the trim is offered gratis.

Ron is one of the regulars in a coffee klatch that has several other luminaries as regular attendees. Among the regulars, although I suspect others come and go as their ability to withstand the large amount of verbiage which takes place are Doak and Wanda Weatherly, Larry Swindle and Tommy Striegel.

Ron regales me with tales of how this bunch strives to point out the errors of the Democratic Party and its elected officials. Ron tells me how Tommy remains steadfast in his commitment, and even comes around to an agreement on one or two points when pressed very hard.

Last week I ran into Tommy. He offered me a ride to work even if it was just from the parking lot to the front door, the lift was appreciated.

Tommy took that occasion to point out that his efforts, as well as those of the other members in the coffee klatch, to convert Ron to their way of thinking seem to be working.

Now I was totally confused. Left to sort things out on my own I came to only one conclusion.

Ron and Tommy got at each other unmercifully. Each convinced that they have made such valid arguments that the other is just on the verge of capitulating and ready to become a card-carrying member of the other's party.

This has apparently been going on for years and truth be told I doubt either one has budged an inch from their convictions.

As for the others in the group, I think they just show up for the coffee and entertainment provided by Tommy and Ron.

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Welcome to the club

Chamber exec Jan McElwrath can now start saving some money. With a new grandbaby that can be important. Jan has joined that illustrious group eligible to participants in the American Association of Retired Persons. Even though retirement doesn't loom near she can still enjoy the benefits of hitting that magic number granting eligibility.

Her staff at the chamber, Carol Henfling and Amanda Howlett put together a surprise, drop-in birthday for her Friday afternoon at the chamber office. Jan's official birthday is Sunday, but the gals wanted to send Jan off on a Birthday Weekend.

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How you say it

Ron Beaton, one of the pride and joys in John and Kathy Beaton' life, is in New York City this semester studying at a school there. Ron e-mailed me a photo via my daughter, Haylee. The photo was of Times Square and included a line he added that read "View from THE Square ... take that Bud Hunt!"

That's pretty good, but it's been suggested that in the case of this column the emphasis is on the last line in the header. Do you suppose Ron was trying to say he is also a "Square?"

Nah, not Ron.