"A Blast from the Past" with Bruce Coldsmith
By JOEY WARNER

     In the mid-eighties, Bruce Coldsmith did as much for the running community as anyone that has passed through Mobile or has been a lifelong resident of the Port City.  The fabulous blessing is that Bruce is still donating his time and efforts to organized sports events throughout the area.  
     He was a tenacious runner in his time and became a outstanding mentor to dozens of runners at the University of South Alabama by using the team concept.  
His innovative ideas served participating runners and their families with a blend of positive opportunities at local running events.
     Bruce is no longer a coach and does not run as far or as fast as he once did although he continues to volunteer his wisdom and energy for the sake of people that have a need and desire for motivational reinforcement.

Bruce Coldsmith

Age: 51

Occupation: Financial Planner, at Coldsmith, Lee and Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Coaching

Experience: 4 years high school, 8 years college

Education: BS is Biology,U of Kansas; MBA, James Madison University; Certified Financial Planner Certificant, Certified Retirement Plan Specialist.

Family: Wife Elise, Children, Dre, Cosmo, Joel, Calley, Ross

Hobbies: Running, Biking, Swimming, Golf, Fishing

Tell about your own personal running career? I ran TC Williams HS, (same as the movie: Remember the Titans, I was a freshman the year they desegregated). I ran 4:15 mile and 9:09 two mile.  All-District, Region and State. I  ran for the University of Kansas, 8 time all Big 8, Personal Records:  3:50  in 1500 meters, 14:17 in 5K,
4:08 Mile, 8:57 2 mile indoors. Marathon 2:14:47 in 1980 Mardis Gras Marathon, ran Olympic Trials in 1980 and 1988. completed 9 marathons. 10K PRs - 29:22 on the track, 28:54 on the roads.  Azalea Trail Run local record holder in 30:07.

What brought you to Mobile and to the University of South Alabama? I was hired by Joe Gottfried straight out of James Madison University.

What years did you coach the University of South Alabama? 1986-1992

Tell about some of your best memories as a coach? My best memories are all of the great kids I coached and the relationships we had. Those great kids and relationships ended up translating into numerous school records, two conference championships a national ranking of #13, and the school's first All-American, Jeff Campbell, among other achievements.

What were your coaching philosophies? My philosophy was always focus on the most important races and train through the rest of it. The most important thing I did as a coach, and I believe any coach does, is create an environment where great things can happen. We had that.

Name some of the runners you coached? Some of the runners still in the area include Mike Ryan, Kevin Stoots, Deanne Dahmer, and Lisa Savell Drew. Some of the others include Jeff Campbell, All American, All Conference; Scott Simmons, many time coach of national champions; Colleen Kenney, Olympic Trials competitor in the Steeplechase, numerous time all conference and conference Champion (under other coach), and Terry (Big Terr) Wier, All Conference and Conference Champion. I am leaving out many great competitors.

Share some special times you spent with your runners? In 1990, we had a "great guys team" put together and went to the pre-national meet in Knoxville Tennessee in the mid season. I took a group of five runners and we finished third among a strong national group. Making the long ride home from Knoxville, I called into the sports information office and was informed that our effort there had moved us up to 13th in the nation. Other great times include the conference championships (Women in 1989 and men in 1991)

Why did you leave coaching? I had set goals for myself of conference championships and national rankings within 5 years;  at which time I would go on to a school where I might be able to win a national title. After achieving those goals, I saw that to do  what I wanted I could not be the father I wanted to be, so decided to leave the coaching field.

Tell about the events you coordinated around Mobile to raise funds and promote running in the community while at USA? We did the Festival Series where we had a Spring and Fall Fest, geared around good five K's and parties.

What events are you involved in throughout the community? I am currently President of the Dog River Clear Revival, a group focused on increasing the quality of the water, the publics awareness and access to the Dog River Watershed. One of our current projects is to help create more bike trails in Mobile. I am also one of the Committee members for the L'Arche BankTrust First Light Marathon; and I am president elect of the Gulf States Financial Planning Association.

Talk about your involvement with the First Light Marathon? I have been one of Marty O' Malley's core committee members from the start. The event has been great, from the get go, and it is really a testament to Marty, Mike Ryan, Peggy Olive, Dan Detman, Kristin Babington and the rest as to how well it has gone.

Explain what it means to you to be involved in the running community? The running community is first and foremost such a great group of people it is just fun and inspiring to be involved with them, Second it is such a great activity, with something for everyone and in addition, I life long sport (36 years and counting for me). It is also something that Elise and I do together, and we have had all our kids involved at one time or another, too. All the kids have helped with the First Light.

Talk about any other local sports activities you are involved in? I am working with Peggy Olive, the Dog River Clearwater Revival and hopefully soon the Port City Pacers to resurrect the Ghost Chase for October of 2008. This will be a great and fun event to help increase awareness of the trails and raise money for the trails.