6B
Wednesday, July 26, 1995
- Serengeti Driver's
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SPORTS UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Kansas legend running for His life
By Dan Gelston Kansan staff writer
Ryun rededicated his career to Jesus
silver medal.
Jim Ryun set record after record in the mile and 1500-meter events while running for Kansas during his four-year track career, his achievements filling pages of record books
Through the years, Ryun's dedication to excellence in running has remained strong, but his reasons for running have changed.
However, it was four years later that Ryun reached what he called the pinnacle of his life — he and his wife, Anne, accepted Jesus Christ into their lives.
"I had always been fairly religious," Ryun said. "But I learned more about Him and wanted to bring the spiritual part of my life to the forefront and devote my life to Him."
Since then, Ryun has done exactly that.
With a renewed spirit, Ryun restarted the camp he had left in
sionable to me," Dick said.
The passionate religious experience also was a plus for Bill Lundberg, former Kansas runner and Hillsdale (Mich.) College track coach.
Ryun has certainly made the most of his gifts. He made history by breaking the 4-minute barrier in the mile and also has won an Olympic
"The intent of the camp was to teach them to run and convey the personal relationship with Jesus Christ we have as Christians," Ryun said. "It's important to let the campers know that we owe everything we have to Jesus Christ, and we must be thankful for the gifts He has given us."
"The importance of the spiritual aspect of this camp is great," Lundberg said. "It's a great opportunity to help people develop their running and send the message of Christ and salvation."
Ryun stresses the religious part of the camp because he feels devotion to Christ is more permanent and important than running.
began with a devotional and testimony and the afternoons were spent running, working and relaxing. The evenings also stressed religion.
Mark Dick, a former Ryun camper and current counselor, led the devotionals.
"Jim has set out to show that his relationship with Christ is more important than the running experience. That was what was impress-
High School senior Catherine Wolfram enjoyed the spirituality of the camp.
"A Christian atmosphere was what I was looking for in a camp," Wolfram said. "It's refreshing to meet
people who not only enjoy to run but share a devotion to Christianity." Ryun also wants to bring back the popularity of the mile with an annual national high school mile championship
It would bring together the best high school milers to establish a champion and
break Ryun's time of 3:58.3.
"I want to reestablish the mile at a grassroots level and have it regain not only interest, but quality." Ryun said.
While other high profile athletes have fallen astray, Ryun has remained true to his convictions.
"My faith, my family and my walk with Jesus Christ are the most important things to me," Ryan said. "We can accomplish a great deal athletically, but it won't mean a thing if we aren't able to live the way Jesus wants us to."
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