Talk about out-standing in their field.
BC Athletics held its big annual awards night at the Vancouver Hilton recently, and for the first time in the 40-year history of the banquet, a husband and wife were named as co-winners of an award.
For those close to the sport it comes as no big surprise that that honour went to Oceanside Track and Field coaches Randy and Kim Longmuir.
Well known in these parts for their years of dedicated service to the sport they love, the easy going couple admit they were all smiles as they were called up to the podium as recipients of the 2011 Excellence in Coaching award.
As per the criteria, Randy and Kim, who specialize in middle distance for senior athletes in 2010, have had numerous athletes on provincial teams.
Contacted in Richmond, BC Athletics president and CEO Brian McCalder confirmed the award doesn’t come easy, and the selection process particular.
Two hundred and twenty people were in attendance for the 40th annual B.C. Athletics Awards banquet on Jan. 29.
“Just great people,” McCalder started off when asked about the Longmuirs. “They’re both very athlete-focused, meaning they’re not in it for themselves; they’re in it for the athletes and the betterment of the sport. They’ve done a great deal of work in growing the Oceanside Track and Field Club from 30 (members) to over 100 over the years.
“They’re very important,” McCalder answered when asked about the bigger picture, about what the Longmuirs’ dedication means beyond their borders, pointing out the criteria for such an award at this level takes just that into account.
“They’re a great example of what the association is looking for at the community level, of growing club and commitment to the overall development of the sport.”
There were over 100 awards presented that night.
“It’s really a night to honour athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers,” said McCalder.
The Longmuirs were nominated by their good friends, OTFC president and 11 year coach Ray Riva, and club treasurer Barb Chestnut.
Their nominations were reviewed by the BC Athletics Track and Field Committee, and considered against a set of criteria including the performance of their athletes, outreach, and other initiatives such as helping the club by working to get better equipment and facilities, and also their interest and involvement in improving they’re coaching through certification.
“We had no idea,” Kim said when asked if they knew they’d been nominated, then related how they came to find out.
It was just before Christmas and the two of them were going through a stack of mail. Randy handed Kim a letter from BC Athletics telling her of the award. Randy congratulated her and the two continued opening more mail until Randy came across the matching letter addressed to him.
“Just the way it happened,” Kim smiled. “He was so supportive and then for both of us to receive it ... that was extra special.”
The couple, who met through running in Winnipeg, have both been coaching for over 25 years. This is Kim’s eighth year with OTFC, and Randy’s seventh.
The banquet they both agreed, “was great. We were very humbled and very honoured,” said Randy, with Kim pointing out, “I mean the company we were in ... the room was packed with former Olympians, big wigs from Athletics Canada ... internationally respected coaches, athletes, officials ... and here we are from little old Oceanside Track and Field.”
Highlights of the night included a special presentation to former Olympian Gary Reed who recently retired from competitive running after a long and successful career that includes a silver medal in the 800 m event at the 2007 World Championships, and the reigning Canadian record holder for that same event.
Contacted this week, Riva echoed that Kim and Randy have been instrumental in the growth of the club and in both attracting and keeping kids interested in track and field.
“They’re passionate about the sport — it’s all volunteer, it’s all their own time,” he said, adding, “they’re terrific ambassadors for the sport, and for the kids in general.”
“I know I am a bit biased, as they are my mom and dad, and also happen to be my coaches, but I am pretty proud of them,” said Kim and Randy’s daughter, Caley, 18.