UTF

I am sorry to let you know that one of MECTA's and UTF's finest athletes and people Jef Evans has passed away. My father was (this is Eric Evans) pretty well universally loved and respected by people from all parts of his life. Jef passed away May 3rd of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Although he struggled with the realities of dementia, he was amazingly resilient in his positive outlook and his never give up perspective. Although the cancer was pervasive he did not go through a prolonged suffering. One of the strongest concepts that jef held onto all the way through his passing was creating "a lifting". As his ability to communicate concepts dwindled he worked with his speech pathologist to find new ways to get his message out. "Lifting" became his new mantra. Jef was a great runner in High School and College. He told me once he was the slowest runner on his team at Stanford, but what he failed to mention was that several of those students were some of the best his division had to offer with at least one going on to the olympics. After he graduated college and went on to get a masters degree and he became a teacher of mathematics and a track coach. He coached for at least a decade before going for his P.H.D in psychology. I never ran in school or at all until my early 30's when my dad asked me to run some road races with him. I did this for a bit but my passion was tennis. When I was suffering from severe tennis elbow, I quit tennis and joined UTF. Being part of the MECTA community and specifically UTF has informed my life in ways I can't begin to communicate. So many beautiful people with so much good intention and passion. People who are unsure of themselves to the point of real discomfort, overcoming those fears, and proving they can do it, and that the risk is worth the reward. I partially owe this to my Dad for encouraging me run those road races. Jef had an amazing way with people which everyone seems to respond to. Almost to a person people feel like they had a connection to him that others couldn't possibly have. I was lucky to spend so much time with my father competing, relaxing, working, adventuring, eating, and "Lifting" as often as I can with the support of my community. Some of Jef's final words were "that's wonderful, Thank you very much that is so kind, and that is lovely"

You may notice that Jaylen White, who is one of our youngest and fastest runners understands the value of restoration when available. It's not just the old guard. Victor, Tricia, and Lisa are also relaxing between events. GO UTF!