Corenna Turnbull Story

Harper’s Unsung Heroes June 2024 Written by Gale Fischer 

Leading From Behind the Scenes

“She’s called the secretary, but as far as I can tell she basically runs the school.”

—Rebecca Stead

Leadership takes on many roles in our schools. Veteran teachers often mentor young teachers, although teachers just a few years into it can also provide guidance to their colleagues. Our building principals are called to take on the bulk of management in our schools, but guidance can come from all of our school staff, either formally or informally. School secretaries are just another example of employees taking on leadership roles. Their job responsibilities go beyond answering phones, keeping track of attendance, and all of the other clerical tasks needed to keep a school running. They are the first line of contact for individuals entering our buildings, providing a smile and a positive greeting. They are there to provide a hug and a reassuring word for kids who are not feeling well. School secretaries are the school mom, doing all of the little things that keep the ship afloat. Wattles Park secretary, Corenna Turnbull, is in her first year as secretary for Wattles Park, but she has overcome the learning curve of a new job rather quickly, performing her duties as if she has been holding down the fort for years. 

Corenna has called the Cereal City her home her entire life. She reflects on her childhood. “I was born in Battle Creek in 1985, the first child of  Cile and Steve Lake. My brother Shane was born two years after me. We lived in Pennfield until I was nine years old and I attended Pennfield Schools through sixth grade.”  Corenna and her family moved to Harper Creek in 1999, just as she started Middle School. She has been a member of the Harper Creek community ever since. 

Corenna’s childhood reflections center around time spent with family. “My favorite memories from childhood involve camping and boating with my family. We would drive up to Cadilac almost every weekend during the summer and camp at William Mitchell State Park. We spent hours on the boat on Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac. Tubing and fishing were also favorite activities during our stays at William Mitchell State Park.”  Corenna describes how camping and enjoying the outdoors were not restricted to the summer months for her and her family. “We would travel to Northern Michigan in the winter and camp as well. We liked to snowmobile, ice-fish, and ice skate.” Although Corenna’s parents don’t own a boat any longer they continue to enjoy camping. They recently purchased a new motor home and spend much of their retirement camping. 

Camping with her parents and her brother was a huge part of her childhood. She describes how the importance of family expanded beyond her parents and her brother. “As a child, I also enjoyed spending time at my grandparents' house with my cousins. We would gather at their house every Sunday morning for breakfast. They had a pool and we all enjoyed playing in the water. There were ten cousins all together. We were all very close.” 

Sometimes starting up in a new school can present challenges for children but Corenna describes how the transition from Pennfield Schools to Harper Creek went more smoothly than one might expect. “The timing of starting up in a new school was perfect. I was entering Middle School, but I wasn’t the only student in a new environment. All three elementary buildings were also merging with the entire seventh-grade population being introduced to a new set of classmates .”  It proved to be an exciting time for Corenna. “I loved school and enjoyed the time with friends. I’ve always been a social butterfly and being able to hang out with my friends was one of the things I loved most about school.” 

Attending Harper Creek Middle School was a source of joy for Corenna. Her high school years provided just as much happiness. She reflects on the social opportunities she was exposed to as a high school student. “Athletics were an important part of my teenage years.” Sports was another way for Corenna to be with her friends. Being active was a byproduct. “I participated in sports to keep myself busy. It fed into my social butterfly personality. I still have many friends from high school teammates that I keep in contact with.” The friendships made were important for Corenna but influence came from more than her peers. “My softball coach was Chris Barnes and my swim coach was Korin Popps (Buck). These coaches had a big impact on my life.”

Corenna made the transition from high school to college after graduation. She reflects on this next phase in her life. “After graduating from high school I enrolled at KCC. I was interested in a business career.” After a few semesters at KCC, a job opportunity came her way, and just like that her career began. “I was offered a job and started working at Battle Creek Health Systems in 2005 as a legal assistant. I worked under two of the hospital’s attorneys. The focus of the work that we did centered around patient rights. We also dealt with all of the hospital’s legal contracts.”

Not long after starting her job with Battle Creek Health Systems, Corenna’s world would shift to another adult transition. She describes the beginning of her relationship with her future husband. “My husband Tommy is also a Harper Creek graduate. He was four grades ahead of me. I knew of him from high school but we really hadn’t had any interaction at that time. Tommy and I were formally introduced to each other in 2006. We went together to a wedding on a blind date.” Corenna hadn’t expected the blind date with Tommy to lead to another date. Both she and Tommy would be surprised at how well they connected with each other. “Our first date wasn’t what I expected. We laughed and we danced all night. I hadn’t anticipated having such a fun time. It blindsided me. We began dating and were engaged a year later. We were married a year after our engagement in 2008.”

Tommy and Corenna started a family immediately which boosted their connection as a young married couple. Corenna reflects on being a mom. “Tommy and I have been blessed with three children with Teegan being born in 2007, Carter in 2009, and  Bella in 2014. Becoming a mom has been the best feeling I have had in my entire life. I love being my kids’ biggest fan. I love the relationships I have with them. I love taking care of them and helping them understand the world that we live in. Being a mom has been the highlight of my life.”

Like Corenna, Tommy played sports in high school. Corenna describes Tommy as being a jock and a great athlete. He played baseball, basketball, and football. Corenna talks about experiencing her children following in her and Tommy’s footsteps as athletes. “Bella plays softball, Carter participates in basketball, track, and football and he will soon be starting martial arts. Teegan plays football, baseball, and basketball. Tommy and I enjoy being a part of this experience with our children. Tommy helps coach some of the kid’s sports teams. He is very involved with the kids and their participation in sports. Our life is busy and our house has a revolving door.”

Sports is a big part of their lives but there are other activities the Turnbulls enjoy sharing together. “As a family, we love vacationing. We usually take one big trip each summer. We are huge baseball fans and have made a goal to see each major league baseball stadium. We have watched games in four different stadiums. The coolest stadium we have been to is the one in Washington DC. We are also huge U of M fans.”

As a young adult, the job with Battle Creek Health Systems was a great opportunity for Corenna. The pay was good and going to work every day was something she always looked forward to. She describes the positive part of her job and also the challenges it entailed. “I really enjoyed working there. Eventually, I decided to get my notary license so that I could sign for patients for power of attorney. As a notary signing for patient power of attorney, I often witnessed the emotional side of this.” Conflict between the patient and other family members in honoring a patient’s request in the late stages of life is difficult to avoid. No one wants to see a family member suffer but granting their wishes in cutting life-support is hard to deal with as well. 

After a few years as a legal assistant, Corenna moved into a new position. She explains this transition. “In 2008 I was offered a different job within Battle Creek Health Systems and I began working as the executive secretary to the Chief Nursing Officer. The bulk of my job duties involved working with the board of trustees. I also helped to organize activities and other things for hospital staff. The emphasis for this was to boost and maintain employee morale.”

Corenna remained as executive secretary for the Chief Nursing Officer for fifteen years. It was a role that she enjoyed and she put her heart and soul into it, but recently she felt it was time for a change. She describes what brought her to Harper Creek and Wattles Park Elementary. “The hospital had been going through financial stress. I was afraid of possibly being laid off so when the executive assistant position at Wattles Park became available, the timing seemed perfect. I have always wanted to work in an elementary building and have an impact on kids in this age group. They are special and their hearts are pure.” As a young child, Corenna had spent time behind the scenes in an elementary school. “My aunt used to be an elementary school secretary so I would spend time with her at her job and always enjoyed being in that setting.” 

The convenience that came with working at Wattles Park was something that also attracted Corenna to the job. “Our youngest child, Bella is a third-grade student here at Wattles. I love being able to go to work with her every day and will miss it when she moves on to Middle School. Although my two other children don’t attend school here I am able to be on the same schedule with them for the most part with holidays and breaks. Carter is an eighth grader in the Middle School and Teegan, our oldest is in tenth grade.” 

Working for the hospital was something that fit Corenna well and she will always appreciate the years spent there but being here at Wattles Park has provided a new experience. It has been a great source of fulfillment for her. “I have learned a lot being here. Some kids just need a hug sometimes. Some kids crave this adult compassion. It has been rewarding seeing how much kids get excited when participating with them in activities. Being around the kids is the best part of the job.” 

Education has truly evolved over the years. Schools are called to support the growth and development of the whole child. Teachers have the biggest impact in doing this in terms of the amount of time spent directly, teaching, mentoring, and nurturing students but the responsibility to support our student population goes beyond our teaching staff. All of our employees play a role and secretaries are no different. The clerical duties in their job description are obvious but this just scratches the surface of what they do every day. For any adult entering our buildings, the secretary is there to set a positive tone. A secretary providing a hug, a smile, or a word of encouragement can be just the thing a child needs to make the day a positive one. Secretaries are the glue that holds the building together. Corenna has stepped into this role beautifully for Wattles Park, making a positive impact on our students, parents, administration, and staff, just as the secretaries before her have done.

This Is Your Time (Audri Bornamann Story)

Just Another Runner's Perspective June 2014 By Gale Fischer

This Is Your Time

"Never underestimate the heart of a champion." ---Rudy Tomjanovich

Why we start running, continue with it, or come back to it after a hiatus involves many variables.  Perhaps one of the most common of these is running can be an integral stone in the path of a healthy active lifestyle.  As important as living a healthy lifestyle is,  there are many other motives for incorporating running into one’s weekly and daily schedule.  Some have joined the movement because of the social network that it offers.  Others simply run as a means to avoid social situations and carve a space into each day for “ me time”.  Many individuals choose running as a dose of daily stress relief.  I began running as a way to challenge my perceived physical and mental limitations.  Although many can enjoy years of running with no competitive ties attached to it, there are those athletes who are drawn to the sport because of an inner competitive fire.  Most individuals would be hard-pressed to choose a single variable that has kept them running throughout the years.  For most of us, the desire to run is fueled by a combination of variables over a long period of time.  Although I began running with an inner competitive spirit to push my limits, I had no inclination to push that competitive spirit outside the boundaries of my own body and into the arena of competing against other runners. 

Any real feelings of running to finish faster than others did not surface for me until I had been running for over eight years.  I signed up for a local 10K race and found myself behind the lead pack for the first mile.  As I approached the first turn with the leaders a minute in front of me I realized that they had made the turn for the 5K race and suddenly a wave of emotion hit as I came to the realization that I was the leader of the 10K race.  I had never expected to be in this position and for the first time as a runner I felt an undeniable pressure.  As I approached the starting line earlier I had no expectations of finishing in front of all the other runners but here I was and the only thing I could think was “Don’t blow it.”  Although I had established a significant lead, I found it difficult to stop looking over my shoulder to see who was behind me.  When I finally crossed the finish line breaking the tape, I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.  Although the mounting pressure was unbearable on the race course, I became hooked as this initial victory vaulted me into the competitive aspect of running.                                               

Health, stress relief, and social opportunity have still played a significant role in my running since that July morning in 2005, but for most of the years since, my competitive spirit has been the driving force.  Almost nine years later, age and injury are catching up to me, diminishing the importance of competitive running, but a part of me still grasps at this side of our sport while letting other facets of running play a bigger role. 

Recently I was given an opportunity to help coach the distance runners for my daughter’s track team.  Leading up to this opportunity the last nine months, I have had several conversations with the team’s head coach, Rick McKire.  Many of these conversations led back to one of his most successful athletes, Audri Bornamann, a runner with a fierce competitive spirit.  Immediately as I began coaching, my first responsibility was to lead the distance runners through their workouts, not from the sideline but on the roads and track running alongside them.  It did not take long to take notice of Audri’s competitive spirit.  Her facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice when she spoke of running told the story of how much of an impact this sport had on her life.  I have had plenty of encounters with adults who had the same fire and passion for running that I had but never imagined that an adolescent athlete could know running in the same way.  Simply put, in the short time that I have coached Audri, as a runner she reminded me of myself. 

In 2011 Audri experienced some success near the front of the pack in her cross country meets with her times ranging from 21:28 to 24 minutes.  According to Coach McKire, she put in the work on her own during the next off-season coming back in 2012 looking like a different runner.  In 2012 she steadily chipped away at her times, coming in with a PR of 18:39. In The fall of 2013, Audri PRd again tackled the distance with a time of 18:28.  She dominated, winning most of her cross country meets, many of them without any challengers to push her.  Her hard work paid off during the track season as well with a 5:32 for the mile in 2013 and 11:33 for the two mile, just missing the school record.  Audri’s short stature gives many of her competitors a physical advantage over her with their longer legs and effortless strides.  What separates her from her competitors is her desire to win.  Her heart and soul have driven her work ethic paying dividends on the trails and track.  Her lack of physical ability compared with her competition coupled with her desire and work ethic provide a great example of a role model for her peers, demonstrating that whatever you choose to do with your life, what you possess deep inside of your soul will dictate success much more than the talent you are born with.  Talent can only go so far without drive and determination.

 With her success on the cross-country circuit last fall, her senior season, everyone had high hopes coming into the track season.  Unfortunately, things sometimes do not go as planned.  Audri developed a nasty case of shin splints and gutted it out her first two track meets.  The pain intensified during the mile of her second meet and it was obvious to all of her coaches that she needed to take some time off.  Deep down inside it was probably obvious to Audri as well, but taking time off in this, her senior season was not easy to consider.  After her mile race that second track meet, I had a heart-to-heart talk with her.  I knew what she was going through and understood how difficult it was to give her body some rest, but in reality, nothing that I could say to her could ease the mental anguish that she was going through.  She could not stop the tears that fell from her eyes during our conversation as reality hit.  It was time to take a break. 

Audri was a trooper the next few weeks coming out to cheer her teammates on at the track meets.  As difficult as it was for her to be there she was the ultimate teammate.  She fought back tears as she watched the mile and two-mile race at the all-city meet.  The emotions that are common with teens and the combination of her competitive spirit made it difficult for Audri to cope as she watched her teammates compete.  Watching the mile and two-mile race at the all-city meet was a burden for her that was difficult to bear.  Had things gone as planned both of those races were her’s to win.  The one thing that she could hold onto was the hope that the school record for the two mile and an appearance at the state track meet were still a possibility if her body recovered.  Audri came back after a few weeks and attempted the mile at one track meet and the two mile at another winning both, but not in Audri fashion.  It was obvious that her shins were still in pain.

As Coach McKire spoke with the rest of the coaches before practice the week of regionals, the disappointment on his face could not be masked.  He explained how he had made one of the most difficult decisions that he had ever had to make as a coach, pulling Audri out for the season.  Continuing to run now without healing would only jeopardize her chances of running in college for the University of Michigan.  My heart sank as I listened to his words. 

In the grand scheme of life, there are certainly more difficult ordeals than taking time off from running to rest one’s body.  You can always find someone experiencing more extreme circumstances than what you are going through.  This line of thought, although true, does not make what Audri is going through any easier to deal with.  This was her senior track season, her time to shine.  Expectations were high.  She was supposed to win the mile and two-mile at the all-city meet.  The school record for the 3200 meters was her’s to claim.  It was her last chance to challenge for a state crown.  Sure she will likely recover and run again as a member of the running community or even collegiately.  Time will make things better, but time will never give her back her final season as a high school athlete.  This was her last opportunity to compete at the high school level and her body let her down.  Although she lost the opportunity to go up against other high school girls for the last time, perhaps what is a more difficult blow to deal with is that her last chance to participate with her high school teammates was stripped from her.  This was supposed to be her time.  The story did not end as it should have.

As difficult and unfair as Audri’s circumstances have been one bright moment did come out of it.  For our team’s final track meet, our other senior distance runner, Naomi approached the coaches with an unusual request.  She wanted to carry Audri on her back the last quarter mile of the two-mile run as a show of support for her friend and teammate.  This would disqualify her from any points for the team for this race and of course, as coaches, this was the first thing we considered.  After discussing it we decided that this was more important for Audri than the points it would have given our team.  As the entire team, girls and boys joined Naomi and Audri for the last stretch of that quarter mile it was obvious that this show of teamship and friendship would provide a memory for Audri and the whole team for years to come. 

All of us should count our blessings each and every day just to be able to go out for a leisure run.  In some ways, we should consider it a privilege.  Although the competitive side of running should not be the only driving force for us to run, having that variable of running taken away can be a difficult blow to one’s spirit.  I did not compete as a runner or an athlete in high school, so I can only imagine how difficult it would be to lose that opportunity as a senior.  We love you Audri.  Although we can’t feel your pain, our hearts go out to you.

KEEP RUNNING!!

Until next time, this has been just another runner’s perspective.

 

 

The Highs and Lows of Running

Just Another Runner’s Perspective  May 2024 Written by Gale Fischer

The Highs and Lows of Running

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

—-Dolly Parton

11/10/2018, Vienna, Illinois: Michelle and I had made it to the marathon mark, just a little over halfway before our ultra marathon journey would be complete. I had signed on for this epic race weekend, four months prior. It seemed running fifty miles just a few months after celebrating my fiftieth birthday would be a unique way to bring in a half-century. As is the case with any marathon, there are peaks and valleys, but knowing we had another twenty-four miles to go didn’t ease the signals my weary body was sending my brain. We took a quick bathroom break, grabbed some fuel, and were off again in less than ten minutes. Up to this point, we had implemented a strategy that consisted of intervals of running nine-tenths of a mile followed by a one-tenth-mile walk. We had discussed adding another walk break every mile after the brief intermission, but the calories we had just taken in seemed to supply us with a boost of energy. We decided to continue with the one walk break every mile for now. 

When discussing training and race day strategy with my good friend Scott Struck, over the months leading up to the race, one piece of advice seemed to stick. Scott, who was an experienced ultra-marathon guru, had completed a number of ultras. This weekend he had made the pilgrimage to Vienna with us and was attempting to hit the century mark for a one hundred miler. He had advised me many times that when hitting a rough patch to stay the course. Eventually, a rebound would occur and the mind and body would somehow dig their way out of the grave, and find new life. He was right. So far I had gone through some highs and lows, and now as Michelle and I approached mile twenty-seven it seemed we had found our way out of the abyss and back into the sunshine. 

Our spirits remained high for another four miles. We were still hanging in but it seemed like a wise decision now, to add another walk break into each mile. This change in our game plan seemed to help our physical and mental state remain even keel for another ten miles. At around mile forty we stopped at an aid station for a quick shot of fuel. I grabbed a peanut butter sandwich but was unable to swallow it. I reasoned that dehydration left my mouth dry and no matter how much I chewed it wouldn’t go down. I spit it out and we were on our way again. Sure enough, a few minutes later I could feel my energy being drained as my blood sugar level began to plummet. I struggled through to the last aid station, two and a half miles from the finish. I sent Michelle on her way and took a few moments to refuel before tackling the last section. My body had taken a beating and my energy stores were non-existent, but as I crossed the finish line my emotional state was sky-high. 

Life can become a roller coaster ride with the peaks and valleys adding vivid details to one’s personal story. Running draws many parallels to life with the roller coaster ride being one example. These highs and lows can occur in the midst of a run or race, just as Michelle and I had experienced for our fifty-mile ultra. I suppose the longer the distance the greater the disparity is between each of these peaks and valleys. Although the bulk of my experience as a runner comes from distances of half-marathon and above, I assume the varied physical and mental states one goes through can exist for almost any distance. There are many factors that can shift one through these ups and downs. Weather, changes in elevation from flat to hilly on a racecourse, calorie, and hydration consumption, and the phenomenon of the body recovering mid-race are all examples.

The ability to overcome a rough stretch in the middle of a run or race can come down to mental strength and capacity. Although often easier said than done, staying positive and weathering the mental storm can ease the physical burden associated with running long distances. Implementing a strategy of working through some discomfort with grit can reap dividends but there is also the other side of the mental equation. Knowing when to back off, for a race segment and allowing the body to adjust to the elements can allow one to run out of the valley and regain some composure. The importance of being prepared physically for the demands of a race is undeniable, but being equipped with mental strength and flexibility is also a huge part of figuring out how to run and race. As powerful as the mind can be, there are times however, when one can only do what the body physically allows.

Going through rough patches and finding a way through them are common in a single run or race but this pattern is something that many also face in the long haul of a running journey. When one first decides to give running a try, patience must often adhered to withstand the battle to get through running continuously for one mile, five miles, ten miles, and beyond. The struggle to reach each of these milestones will be replaced with an emotional high filled with excitement and confidence. When seeking to reach a PR, patience and hard work are often a requirement. This period of time may be filled with blood, sweat, and tears, with little emotional satisfaction, but when the goal is reached it will feel like summiting the crest of a mountain.

A journey to reach a peak in terms of speed and distance can satisfy one for years and even decades at a time. As intoxicating as this thrill is for the competitive runner, the decline in mileage and speed tied to aging can have just as powerful an impact, negatively. Once acceptance of this new phase is made, then enjoying the highs of a new chapter in running can be had. The pattern of injury, recovery, and return to running can also be the catalyst of ebbing and flowing between a rough patch and a runner’s high.

If one is attentive and reflective, running can teach many life lessons. Dealing with the highs and lows that some experience as runners can help in surviving the peaks and valleys that are a part of everyday life. As in running, there are things in life that can fuel confidence and make us feel as if we are on top of the world. Enjoying this while also preparing for a possible downfall is something to consider. It is a delicate balance. A rough patch may present itself, but getting through these rough patches to rise again is part of the process. 

Until next time, this has been just another runner’s perspective.

Chris Crowell Story

Just Another Runner’s Story May 2024 Written by Gale Fischer

A Life Shaped by Running

“Home is the comfiest place to be.”

—Winnie the Pooh

Many among us consider running to be an integral part of life. It may not be the top priority but its importance is undeniable. It can be the catalyst for a healthy lifestyle but beyond this running provides the perfect balance to keep stress at a low level and joy a dominant presence. Work, family, and other commitments are important, and a constant presence, with running providing respite for many of life’s obligations. Running can offer a natural transition for alone time and reflection but also bless one with a social group of like-minded peers. If looking for a mode to explore the community, running can give glimpses of your surroundings that can be seen in a way, unlike other methods of exploring. The geography of Southwest Michigan offers runners a variety, with nature trails, rural paths, city sidewalks, small town streets, and country roads. The geography of Kalamazoo and its surrounding area, the change in scenery with the four seasons, and the positivity of the running community make Southwest Michigan an ideal location for being a runner. This month’s featured runner, Chris Crowell, has been blessed to enjoy the bounty of being a runner residing in Kalamazoo beginning with his first experience in running as a young child. Running has been present in his life as a resident of Kalamazoo, as a high school and collegiate student-athlete, as a non-competitive runner, and in his career.  

Chris has enjoyed an active lifestyle for as long as he can remember. “My mom was a gym teacher so we were very physically active as a family. My first memory of organized sports was playing baseball in elementary school. Soon I started playing basketball and football.”  The area of Kalamazoo that Chris and his siblings grew up in offered them another unique form of exercise. “We grew up in the Winchell neighborhood. My siblings and I spent many hours ice skating on Wood’s Lake in the winter.”

Running became Chris’ sport of choice upon transitioning out of elementary school. “When I started middle school my sports focus turned to  cross country and track, but I continued to play basketball during the winter.” Chris may not have started organized running until junior high but he has a unique story of how running sparked his competitive drive as a youngster. “My first running experience was in third grade. When I attended elementary school we walked home every day at noon, ate lunch, and returned to school for the afternoon. We lived four blocks from school. I became competitive with myself and would look at the clock when I left school, run home, and do the same when I returned to school after lunch. I would keep track of my time and try to go faster each day. It was always my goal to complete the commute in under three minutes.” 

When Chris started high school he gave up basketball and fully committed to running as a student athlete. “After my freshman cross-country season, my coach, Don Lukens, sat down and talked to me. He told me that I could play basketball and run and be good at both or I could focus on running and become a great cross-county athlete.” The thought of excelling as a runner intrigued Chris. “I asked Coach Lukens what I could do to become a great cross-country runner. He told me that I needed to run every day, year-round. I gave up basketball and began running year-round.” 

Running every day helped Chris to become a competitive and successful high school runner, but not giving his body a break was a risk. “I sustained running year-round for three years but eventually developed an overuse injury. I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in the summer leading up to my senior cross-country season. I had to have surgery and missed my entire senior cross-country season.” Missing out on his final season of high school cross-country was a tough pill for Chris to swallow. “My junior year I had our team’s fastest time, fifteen minutes and three seconds, so I was looking for big things my senior year. Missing my final year of high school cross-country was difficult. I felt that I was letting my team down. I had finished a great summer of training and was anticipating an epic final season.”

Despite having to take off from running due to a stress fracture, tuning in to cross-country and track proved to be fruitful for Chris. “It was a wise decision. Our coach was focused on building championship teams and supporting every kid who came out.” The running culture that existed at Loy Norrix helped to support ongoing success in terms of championships and high numbers of kids coming out to run. “Coach Lukens helped us set mileage goals. Every summer from June 1st through September 1st we had a thousand-mile club for our team. This was an average of about eleven miles a day. We could earn a shirt for doing this and we all were proud to wear this shirt. It seemed like everyone wanted to be on our team. We had around thirty boys run for us each of my seasons.” 

The daily practices, cross-country meets, and team championships helped to create life-long memories, but team bonding also occurred before each season began. “Our team would go to Wellston, Michigan for three weeks each summer to train on the wooded trails. The area was beautiful for running. We would run, eat, sleep, and hang out together. It was so much fun.”

The miles logged and the hard work that Chris put in helped him achieve many accomplishments as a cross-country runner, individually and as part of a team. “Some high school cross-country accomplishments included conference champion and regional champion, with a high school PR of fifteen minutes and three seconds in my junior year. I went out too fast at the state meet as a junior and led after two miles but faded after that, finishing forty-first. Our team took third place as a team.” 

It seems that as a high school athlete, cross-country was more of a love for Chris than track, but he was also able to leave his mark on the oval. “I recovered from my stress fracture and surgery, and trained more for strength and speed and less for distance for my senior track season. I came into track strong. I was able to run a four-minute and nineteen-second mile and break our school’s two-mile record at that time with a time of nine minutes and twenty-one seconds. I ran the two-mile at the state meet my senior season, finishing ninth.”  Typically these times would have been the fastest in the area but there was an elite runner at a cross-town rival. “At this time there was a competitor at Portage Northern who was All-American. He ran a four-minute, eight-second mile, and a nine-minute, two-second two mile. I was second for a conference and regional that year for those two events.”

Despite missing out on his senior season of cross country, Chris was able to make an impression on some college coaches. “My senior year some smaller colleges started recruiting me. It came down to Central Michigan and Western Michigan. It seemed that Chris was destined to remain in Kalamazoo for his collegiate running career and beyond. “I committed to WMU, starting there in 1978. We had an extremely strong and deep team for both cross country and track. I didn’t run varsity until I was a junior and senior. We won the MAC championship for cross-country and track my freshman year. Our coach, Jack Shaw, was a really strong coach and recruiter.”   

Chris’ teammates consisted of some elite runners. Although he was a tier two runner on his team he feels fortunate to have been a part of these teams. “I was a good runner but not a top-tier runner like most of my teammates. It was an unbelievable experience running with these guys. They were a positive influence on me, teaching me about dedication, resilience, and focus as a runner. I am still in contact with many of these guys.”  Under the guidance of his college coaches and teammates, Chris was able to improve as a runner with a PR of fourteen minutes, forty-five seconds for the 5K, and thirty-one minutes, seven seconds for the 10K.

After graduating from WMU Chris was at a crossroads. His plans were not set in stone but he knew that running would still be a part of his life. He had planned to continue with school after earning his undergraduate degree from WMU but Chris decided that he needed some time to catch his breath.  “I had studied biomedical science and chemistry with the thought of going to medical school. After graduating from Western I decided that I needed a break from school. My thinking was that I would eventually go back to medical school. I started working at a running store in Kalamazoo called the Athlete’s Shop and continued there after graduation in 1982.” 

The owner of the Athlete’s Shop was nearing retirement which gave Chris a chance to think about his future. “Bruce Johson, the manager, and I became good friends. We decided that we wanted to purchase the store together. Neither of us had any business experience and we couldn’t afford the price so we had to walk away.” Chris’ future was now in a state of limbo. “Bruce and I loved Kalamazoo and the running culture. We continued to pursue our dream of owning a running store. We had no money, no loan, and no employees. Family and friends helped to provide the money and the manpower to get a business up and running. We opened Gazelle Sports in December of 1985.”

Chris and Bruce had the vision but couldn’t have pulled it off without some help. “One of my core values to this day is the sense of community which was founded because of how the community stepped up to help us. We worked hard at trying to build a company about building friendships and relationships with customers. We wanted to give back to the community and promote people building healthy lifestyles. This was part of our process.”

Chris and Bruce did an outstanding job of opening up to the community and building these relationships but they didn’t have the business sense for financial expansion. They eventually found help in this area. “In 1990 we hired Jean Sequite. She had some business and financial background and this is what helped us grow financially. We opened a store in Grand Rapids at this time with Ken Sung running it. He was a visionary in terms of product and innovation. He completed our leadership team which allowed us to grow.”

As a business owner, finding the time to keep running as a priority may have presented a challenge for Chris, but having a store immersed in the running community helped with this. “I continued to enjoy running after college. The focus of my running became more about the social and health benefits rather than running PRs. It also provided a great way to balance my business. Finding relationships and becoming self-reflective through running became the centerpiece for my sport.” Other than the stress fracture that sidelined Chris for his senior season of cross-country in high school, he has found a consistent routine with running. “Now at the age of sixty-four, I am still able to run. Running fast is great but longevity in running has been equally amazing. I have had injuries here and there but for the most part, I have been able to maintain three or four days a week. I also ride a bike and kayak.”

The Kalamazoo running community has had a profound impact on Chris from the time he ran from his elementary school to his house for lunch, continuing as a high-school athlete for Loy Norrix, followed by his time running for WMU, and for the last four decades as an adult runner. As much as Chris has gained, he has also been a part of the development of the Kalamazoo running community, as one of its great ambassadors for almost forty years, with the work he has done with Gazelle Sports. “We got into developing events such as the One One Run. This was huge. We also started training groups back in the late nineties including Borgess Run Camp. Groups like this grew the running population. The Seahorse Triathlon Club was another group Gazelle Sports organized. We brought Girls on the Run (GOTR) to West Michigan and Kalamazoo after the turn of the century. The community got involved and for a few years, we were the largest GOTR chapter in the nation.” 

As a runner for more than a half-century, Chris has learned about the nuances of the sport and how it positively intertwines into your daily life. “Running is a wonderful time for self-reflection. Let running help you build your social and spiritual connection. You can do this at any pace. Having the time to do this is so valuable. I have done a lot of problem-solving with running. Don’t let go of running but also find other things besides running to stay active.” 

For many years Chris was an integral part of the leadership team for running in Kalamazoo. He still is involved but has graciously passed the reins onto others. He retired from the running store business a few months ago. He may not have become a doctor as originally intended but he has had an impact on others, influencing many to maintain and improve their mental and physical health through running. His love for Kalamazoo and running is undeniable. 

Everyone has a story.  Stay tuned next month for another runner’s story.

Justin King Story

Harper’s Unsung Heroes May 2024 Written by Gale Fischer 

Keeping it Safe and Building Trust

“We don’t need police officers who see themselves as warriors. We need police officers who see themselves as guardians and parts of the community. You can’t police the community that you are not a part of."

—-Bryan Stevenson

The foundation of schools was built on educating future generations. Early on in the days of the one-room schoolhouse, this was a rather simple concept. Children were taught how to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic under one roof with one teacher. The needs of our youth and society have changed throughout history and with this, our schools are constantly evolving. The number of adults required to meet the demands of education has multiplied. We have added counselors, administrators, kitchen staff, and bus drivers. The days of one building housing teaching and learning have been replaced with district campuses spread over miles to include elementary, middle school, and high school buildings. More recently school liaison officers have become a part of the educational process. This concept has grown for Harper Creek through the years starting with one officer sharing time at all of our buildings to our current model of three full-time liaison officers. This month’s featured Unsung Hero, Justin King, started with us this past fall as our elementary liaison officer.

Justin grew up forty miles south of Battle Creek in the eighties and nineties. He reflects on his early years. “I was born in Jackson, Michigan in 1987. I grew up in Somerset Center, Michigan near Jackson. My family consisted of three other siblings; brother Greg, a year younger than me, a sister Brittany, who is five years younger than me, and a half-brother Bill, who is seven years older than me.” Living near water provided wonderful childhood memories for Justin. “ We lived near Lake LeAnne and spent much of our time on and around the water as kids.” Swimming and playing in the water exposed Justin to many adventures but in general, being active in a variety of ways was the theme of his childhood. “I enjoyed paintball as a kid and competed in tournaments many weekends. My siblings and I loved being outside as kids, riding bikes and just playing in nature.”

Justin was raised in small-town Michigan. He talks about his experience of being educated in a tiny school district. “I went to school at Addison Public Schools near Summerset. My siblings and I attended Addison Schools from Kindergarten through twelfth grade. There were only eighty kids in my senior class. All the buildings were housed together in one area. I really enjoyed school.” 

Justin had fun with and excelled in athletics as a high school student. The small-town feel and community involvement added to his high school sports experience. Justin recalls some of his memories as an athlete. “I played soccer and baseball, beginning in my elementary school years, starting with Pop Warner football. My dad was a coach at this level which added to the enjoyment. I continued playing football through twelfth grade and also started wrestling in high school.”  Because of football and wrestling, Justin spent many hours in the weight room. Weightlifting is a passion that he enjoys, still today. Although building bulk helped him excel as a wrestler and on the gridiron, it led to a hernia injury, which forced him to the sidelines for one season of wrestling. 

Justin talks about the success he was blessed with as an athlete individually and as part of a team and the excitement it helped to generate.  “As a wrestler, I made it to the state championship my junior year with my team and then went back to the championship my senior year as a part of the team and also individually. We captured the state title as a team in my senior year. I can remember the community giving support and excitement. They packed Kellogg Arena for the state championship run.” The community was equally supportive of Justin’s football team. “Our football team won districts and regionals during my senior year. The community blessed our football team with waves of support for this as well.”

Although Justin didn’t begin working as a police officer upon graduation, he knew that he wanted to be involved with the safety of others in the community. Justin reflects on the early years of his career in public service. “After graduating from high school, I went through the fire academy and earned my paramedic license. I worked a couple of jobs in the area as a firefighter and paramedic for a few years.”

Justin enjoyed working as a first responder. It felt like it was his way to help others and make a difference in his community. He wanted to continue to work in this capacity but felt it was time to alter his career path. He discusses this shift in his life. “My mom and dad had served in the Navy. This is where they met. I had always longed to follow in their footsteps. I decided to go into the military.” This presented a bit of a dilemma for Justin. He enjoyed working as a firefighter and paramedic and had become comfortable with the paycheck. He didn’t want to give this up. He was able to find a compromise. “I joined the National Guard and was able to keep my job as a paramedic. I was with the Guard for six years and finished this in 2017 at the age of twenty–nine. In my time with the National Guard, I was able to take advantage of coursework and hands-on training that gave me some tools and knowledge that bolstered my work as a first responder.”

The training that Justin gained from his commitment to the National Guard enhanced the skills required to be a paramedic and a police officer but there were bi-products that he is grateful for as well. “The structure of being part of the National Guard was great. I wanted the experience of being deployed but unfortunately, this never happened. I was attached to a medical unit in Detroit.”

Working in the medical community as a first responder and with his time in the National Guard was a huge part of Justin’s development as a young adult. As a teenager, he wasn’t always sure of what career path he wanted to follow but he always felt a calling to help others in the community. He was ready to take this mentality in another direction. Justin talks about the next step in his path in life. “After finishing with the National Guard I decided to jump from paramedic to law enforcement. I enrolled in the police academy at KCC while continuing my work as a paramedic. I graduated from the police academy after two semesters and then began working with Emmett Township Public Safety in 2018 part-time.”

Working for Emmett Township was the perfect scenario for Justin. He explains why he likes the format of Emmett Township Public Safety. “The job with Emmett intrigued me because they integrate fire, and EMS in one unit. I enjoy responding to a variety of calls. I was more than willing to take this job, with it only being part-time.  A year after starting I was able to join as a full-time public safety employee.” 

As one might imagine, working in the field that Justin has chosen can present precarious situations but it is also full of adventure. The rewards are ongoing. Justin reflects on what it means to him to be a public safety officer. “I like to help people. We see individuals on their bad days. One of my goals is to help people when things are not going so well for them. Every day I can utilize my skills not just as a police officer but as a medic as well. If I can positively change someone’s life, then this is a win.” Dangerous calls are not necessarily something that happen every day but Justin explains why police officers must always be prepared for the routine and the unexpected. “I am certainly not in danger for every call but the potential is always there. I am always on my guard. Every call is an unknown so judgments must always be made to be safe. Many decisions are split second. Training helps with this. We have scenario training and fire training monthly.” 

Justin has developed additional skills in the last nine months as a liaison officer for Harper Creek. He talks about what brought him to our schools and what the experience has meant for him. “A grant was awarded to Harper Creek Schools a year ago to house a liaison officer in the three elementary schools. The grant is for three years but hopefully, funding will continue after this. When the posting came up it interested me and I decided to apply for this position.” Before starting in his current position Justin had limited experience in dealing with children. He saw this as a great opportunity. “My goal is to have positive connections with the youth and to let them see that police officers are there to help. It has been a learning experience for me. I have responded to calls in the past involving kids, but I still consider this my first time really working with kids. I am assigned to Wattles Park Elementary, Beadle Lake Elementary, and Sonoma Elementary but I don’t have a pre-determined schedule. There are times when I will be called to a school for a particular situation. I also have learned that there are times during each day when I need to be at certain buildings.” Justin still works the road in his squad car, picking up overtime shifts, and will go back to the road full-time during our summer break.

Housing liaison officers in schools has been a practice for many years but has become more of a need over the last few decades. Funding is always a concern when prioritizing staffing for schools as well as police departments. The three-year grant to house our three elementary buildings with a liaison officer has equipped us with safety. School shootings and daily threats have become more frequent and police presence can diminish these threats and improve responses when there is a threat but Justin sees his role for our schools going beyond safety. He summarizes his goal of working with our student body. “First and foremost I hope to establish a safe environment for our staff and students but ultimately what I can do goes well beyond this.” Police officers are seen in a negative light by some in our society. Oftentimes, negative situations among police officers are magnified by social media and the general media. Justin hopes to change this perception while working with our students. He explains this goal. “Sometimes kids are scared or uncomfortable with police officers. Every day I strive to connect with kids and increase my understanding of their nature. This can help me when I respond to calls involving children and also with the relationships I develop with kids in our elementary buildings, I want kids to feel more comfortable with police officers.” If it is Justin’s goal to improve public perception of police officers, establishing positive relationships with children is a great way to do this. 

Schools must continue to evolve to meet the needs of our students. It takes more than teachers and reading, writing, and math to help children grow and develop to become productive members of our society. Having Justin come in to work with our staff is more than an extra layer. It is a need. Enhancing the safety of our students and establishing relationships with them is something that will serve them well.