Lynn’s Mom

What do you think got Lynn into UO track originally?

I think it was the moving that did it to be honest. When we moved from Mississippi it wasn’t easy for her. She was suddenly away from her father, who she was close too. The whole move was just a jolt to her system, which eventually led downhill, and I think when she discovered the university’s track team it helped balance her out. She has been into sports before, and into track as well, but nothing like Oregon’s track team. Obviously this place has a little magic to it, that much is evident, and I think that magic rubbed off onto Lynn and has captivated her ever since. She doesn’t just love the team; she loves the atmosphere, the other fans, the sport itself. Most people can’t say that they love everything about Track and Field. Lynn can.

How much time do you think Lynn spends around the track?

Oh as much as she can. We live pretty far from the track, but she always finds the ability to get down there, whether it’s by bus or walking. Nothing can keep her from the track if she has anything to say about it. Lynn goes down to the track at least 3 times a week, even when there are no competitions. When spring time rolls around and the meets start to happen every week or so at Hayward and everyone is out in the sun practicing, Lynn takes advantage of that time to go down there even more to socialize. Sometimes she goes down and doesn’t even go inside the gates, she will just hangout around the main entrance, by the big Hayward Field sign. That’s how I know it’s more than just an obsession with the team, it’s a connection with something more.

Did you ever think Lynn’s obsession with the team was a little too much?

At first I did. I would think to myself, “What the hell is going on here? This can’t be healthy,” but it was exactly the opposite. Lynn always being around the Track team has done amazing things for her sense of self that I don’t think could have been fixed other ways. Medication is a dangerous thing, fixing a dangerous problem, and when that problem can be fixed with something so organic, well I don’t think there is a better way.