He Wants Franken to Have a Run for the Money

I was interested to read the Jan. 7 article “Second L.A. Track Meet Heightens Competition.”

Al Franken killed quality track and field in L.A. by his penurious methods. Al never paid for the top talent. He would bring in three or four good athletes per year and use the strict amateur rules which we lived by to his advantage.

Don is quoted as saying, “We have probably the finest high school meet in the nation.” They have always preferred to focus on high school athletes, attracting their families and friends. These families are not track fans. They come to see little Jimmy compete. They won’t be back next year. This does nothing to promote the sport. But that’s OK, because the Frankens will bring in the new crop of high school talent and their families next year, free of charge!

I see that the Powerade meet at Staples Center will have 13 of 20 U.S. track medalists from Sydney. You never saw that at Al’s meets.

I know Al thinks he has been good for track, but the truth is just the opposite.

JOHN LAWSON

Long Beach

(Editor’s note: Lawson is former L.A. Invitational record-holder in the mile.)