While Joe Palacioz '71/76 probably possessed the drive and determination to develop into a successful runner, he lacked one very important quality: speed. "But," he notes with a chuckle, "I was pretty fast for a lineman."
Even so, Palacioz can spin a fine yarn about a memorable spring afternoon when he defeated the legendary Jim Ryun. Well, sort of.
In the early 1960s, Palacioz used his size and strength up front for Newton, Kan., High School on the football field and as a shot putter on the track team. During a meet in McPherson, Kan., in 1963, Newton's coach was short a runner for the mile, so he inserted Palacioz. Ryun, who was clearly talented but not yet famous for his athletic accomplishments, was also in the field.
The race progressed, and Palacioz, using that lineman's speed, lumbered down the stretch on his third lap. Meanwhile, Ryun, slightly behind, was also running toward the finish line — on his fourth and final lap. To the casual observer, it looked as if Palacioz was winning the race. "So I always tell people I beat Jim Ryun," Palacioz says. "I've won a few bets with that one." Ryun, of course, went on to become one of the most accomplished runners in U.S. history. Palacioz's contributions to the sport are more modest, but important nonetheless, especially to Wichita State.
Palacioz, who has served as city manager in Hutchinson, Kan., since 1989, has an enduring affection for WSU in general and the track program in particular. For the past 10 years, he and his wife have been among the biggest fans and supporters of Shocker runners. They attend home and away meets, cheering and often bringing after-meet snacks for the athletes. "They're just wonderful supporters of the program," says Steve Rainbolt, head coach of the track and field team.
Palacioz's interest stems from his belief in the value of sports, even those that don't benefit from big budgets or attract huge crowds. "I just don't think athletes in the minor sports get the credit they deserve," he says. "I respect anybody who earns a scholarship at the Division I level. There is a lot of sacrifice and sweat put into the sport and in keeping the grades up. All this makes a person better able to deal with challenges after competition."
This season, Palacioz has an added reason to root for WSU. His son, John, is a redshirt freshman on the track team. Regarding the love of WSU, it's like father, like son. "It was always a dream of mine to be a Shocker," John says. Not surprisingly, Joe helped his son fulfill that dream. On many of John's evening training runs when he was a boy, Joe would drive patiently behind, shining the headlights to provide a safe path. "My dad was a great inspiration to me," John says. "My mom was great as well. We wouldn't get back until 9:30 sometimes, and she'd have dinner on the table for us."
The family's fondness for WSU is clear. Their basement, lovingly referred to as "Shocker Country," is filled with WSU memorabilia. The walls are painted yellow, with black trim, of course.
The track season begins with the Missouri Invitational, an indoor meet in Columbia on Jan. 17. Many outstanding athletes return from last year's team, and Coach Rainbolt has high expectations. As does Joe Palacioz: "I can't wait for the season to start."
— Kollen Long '90/96
