When it comes to Tom Raunig, her track and cross country coach at the University of Montana, the Bigfork sophomore barely needs time to think.
“You want to run well for him,” she says without hesitation.
Raunig earned his master's degree in health and physical education in 1989 and his doctorate in adult learning and higher education in 1995, and he figures it's about time he used them. While he's enjoyed his latest stint in Missoula and ranks among the best track/cross country coaches the Grizzlies have ever had, he's ready for a slower pace.
“Just saying goodbye to the athletes is the hardest part,” said the coach, who will be honored at 4:30 p.m. today during the Tom Gage Last Chance Meet at Dornblaser Field. “It's difficult for the moment, but I know having left the state of Montana before that students are amazingly resilient. It would be overrated to think they won't adapt.”
Maybe so. But it'll take time for the Grizzlies to get over the mentor who pulls the most out of them with a gentle touch and wealth of experience that comes from four years as a professional distance runner.
“He's motivational, encouraging, and just great to work with because you always feel comfortable talking to him,” Andrus said. “It's our last season under him and we want to make it a good one.”
To that end, Montana's track and field teams put it all together last Saturday. They posted a rare sweep of archrival Montana State in Bozeman, taking the men's and women's titles by slim margins in the annual Griz-Cat Dual.
“Coach got a little emotional at the end and we all surrounded him and cheered,” Andrus said. “That was really special to be part of that.”
Considering all the hats he wears, Raunig says his job at Montana is probably better suited for a younger man. His move north will give him more time to spend with family and friends and to pursue interests that have been on the back burner.
“There's some motivation there to get around to writing a book,” he said. “I've off-and-on dabbled with it. Since 1984 I've been writing down notes. It's going to be on my pro running experience, something that's helpful to runners.
“I'd also like to train a little harder,” added the former Grizzly All-American, who holds the school record in the 10k at 28:24. “The head (track) coach at the University of Portland (Rob Conner) has challenged me to race him in a marathon. It's not set in stone, but I'll have more time on my hands, which will be nice.”
While Raunig is reluctant to ruffle any feathers in the UM athletic department, he makes no bones about what is holding his programs back.
“We could use an indoor track,” he said. “It's a recruiting disadvantage, and that's the big thing that would make my replacement's job easier.
“But I think I remember the article they did on (former Grizzly track coach) Dick Koontz 12 years ago and he said the same thing. Basically we're tied for seventh in the Big Sky Conference in facilities right now. Portland State just rents time an at outdoor track and we're probably tied with Northern Colorado. They have an outdoor track, we have an outdoor track.”
Despite his recruiting challenges and limited budget, Raunig has helped turn out more than one-third (14) of the 40 All-Americans Montana has produced in its long history of track and cross country. In addition, his men's track and field team ended Montana State's 12-year stranglehold on state bragging rights in his third season.
“That was important to get back a foothold on recruiting in this state,” he noted.
Raunig is content in the fact he's leaving the track and cross country programs in better shape than when he took over.
“I know here the average finish in cross country, indoor (track) and outdoor (track), which is six sports each year, prior to myself getting here was seventh,” he said. “Over the last 10 years we've been averaging fifth.”
Besides the athletes, Raunig will miss the camaraderie he shares with fellow coaches at Montana.
“They're a real good group to work with, a lot of outstanding people,” he said. “They were excited about our double win over Montana State. (Wayne) Tinkle and (Bobby) Hauck congratulated me. Bobby actually did a little bit of track so he always follows closely.
“I'm getting out a few (volunteer) workers I don't always get for (Friday's) meet,” Raunig added with a grin. “Robin (Selvig), Tom Hauck - they know it's the last favor I'll have to call in.”
Sports writer Bill Speltz can be reached at 523-5255 or bill.speltz@lee.net.
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