Tradition Class Pride: Building a Cross Country Dynasty (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781515122937)

Ben Rosario- Ben has been just about everything possible in the running industry. As an athlete he was a Division II All American before running professionally for the Hansons Brooks Distance Project where he became the youngest qualifier for the 2004 Olympic Trials Marathon. In 2005, he was 2nd at the USA Marathon Championships. He then co-founded Big River Running Company in 2006 in his hometown of Saint Louis, Mo. Big River quickly became one of the top stores in the country, earning the Running Network's "Top 50 Stores in America" honor every year of its existence. Ben then sold his half of Big River in 2012 and moved to Flagstaff, Ariz. In January of 2014 he and his wife Jen launched Northern Arizona Elite, a professional distance running team in Flagstaff. Now sponsored by HOKA ONE ONE the group has become one of the best in the country. Amy Van Alstine (XC) and Kellyn Taylor (25k) won national titles in 2014. Matt Llano (1:01:47) ran one of the country's top 20 half marathon times of all time and represented the USA at the IAAF World Championships. The team hopes to put athletes on the U.S. Olympic Team in 2016. Jim Linhares- Jim currently serves as the Assistant Principal for Mission at Saint Louis University High School [SLUH]. From 1983 to 2009 he served as the school's head cross country coach, winning three Missouri State Championships and establishing a tradition of excellence that continues today. He first fell in love with running during his own teenage years under the guidance of legendary coach Ron Jorgenson at Prep North High School. In 2010 he was elected to the Missouri Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame after a 27 year career that saw his teams finish in the top ten at the State Meet 17 times, in the top four eight times and of course the three Championships. He also served as the head track coach at SLUH from 2004 through 2009, winning the State Championship in 2004. Jim's life outside of running includes his incredibly supportive wife, Mary and their three children; Andrew, David and Will. All three ran for Jim on the SLUH cross country and track teams. His work at SLUH now includes "coaching" faculty members, being involved in the hiring process for new staff members and doing strategic planning for the school. So in many ways, his work as a motivator and leader continues today.