Ron Book

Wed, July 11, 2012 5:54:22 PM

Dear Mr. Dooley:

Your column of Sunday, July 8th, naming the 25 best Gator coaches, a Who’s Who list, has circulated amongst many former University of Florida, Track and Field athletes. I read an e-mail that Frank Saier sent to you on Monday and I wanted to join with my own commentary. In case you missed Frank’s email, I have attached it.

I ran track in the University of Florida in the early 1970’s. I wasn’t great, set no records, set no standards, but I was a good student athlete and an OK runner who became a Carnes disciple. My relationship with Jimmy Carnes grew, even greater and stronger after I left the University of Florida. I went on to work for Governor Bob Graham as Chief Legislative and Cabinet Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff, and, at Governor’s Graham’s request, I drafted Jimmy Carnes to be the Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Jimmy Carnes served in that capacity for eight years under Bob Graham, served in that capacity under Governor Martinez, similarly under former Governor Lawton Chiles and had a role under Governor Bush. I learned as much from Jimmy Carnes as I learned from my own father and I loved my father dearly. Jimmy Carnes led the University of Florida into greatness. While he may not have won a National Championship, without Jimmy Carnes, the University of Florida Track and Field Program, would not be what it is today. He had many All-Americans. Jimmy Carnes was recognized by the United States Olympic Committee when they selected him as the Head Coach for the US Track and Field Team that was to go to Russia for the summer games in 1980. It was his career at the University of Florida that allowed such selection. That was the time that President Carter vetoed our participation in the Olympic games for political reasons. Unfortunately, Jimmy Carnes did not receive another chance to serve as the US Olympic Coach but he went on to lead America’s Track and Field movement like no other in this country. His records at the University of Florida for dual meet wins and his record in helping create the Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee, as well as his creation of the Florida Sunshine State Games and other things, that I helped him with over his career, are legendary.

Ask some of the great track and field athletes of America, people like Frank Shorter, Marty Liquori, Dwight Stones and others, who the greatest track and field coach has ever been out of the University of Florida, and they would all say Jimmy Carnes. I bet if you ask current coach Mouse Holloway, he would say the same thing. I will be in Gainesville for the dedication of Jimmy Carnes Boulevard where hundreds will be there when we unveil the signs for the new road, which will be the street running in front of the track stadium. The legislation so designating the road is one of my proudest legislative lobbying achievements and one many will see, for decades to come, recognizing Coach Jimmy Carnes’ greatness. Simply an omission on your part, but one that should not go without notice or comment.

Sincerely,

Ronald L. Book

Ronald L. Book, P.A.

18851 N.E. 29th Avenue

Suite 1010

Aventura, FL 33180

Phone: 305.935.1866

Fax: 305.935.9737

email: Ron@rlbookpa.com