Yes, They Are Into Kinky (What Happens in the Suburbs...)

In this close encounter of the spousal abuse kind, my brother-in-law Jayson has my sister Jessica dressed up as an alien terrorizing a camp site.

Later that night it was overheard: "No, wait...keep the mask on..."

Paul Turner, Rest In Peace

Link to Havard Athletics Article

From Scott Muoio:

I first met Coach Paul Turner February 1995 at Boston's Logan Airport. I had just been flown in by Harvard University for a track and field recruiting trip and Paul was dispatched by Head Coach Frank Haggerty to pick me up at the airport.

"Look for a round guy with a mustache and a U.S.A. track and field jacket," advised Coach Haggerty as he described his earnest assistant.

When I arrived, sure enough, the description fit Paul to a T. But what I would soon discover is that there was much more to Paul than face value: Paul was as boisterous, good-natured, and serious as anyone I had ever met. And I liked him.

Fast forward six months to the beginning of a new fall semester.

Something about Paul and Frank and the rest of the staff clicked because when the time came to punch my collegiate ticket I chose Harvard.

Over my four years at Harvard I took a relatively business-like attitude about athletics choosing respect and reverence toward my coaching staff over being their pal or buddy. Paul seemed the most receptive to my approach and though we were miles apart on the athletic field (he coached the throws and jumps, I pounded the pavement and the track with the distance corps) we were quite similarly obsessed with stats and love of the sport. It was Paul's fierce determinism and endless passion that I most admired.

I have many amazing memories of my time running at Harvard and Paul figures into quite a few of them. Here are some of my favorites:

One year at the Penn Relays, my ever-present parents were sitting with Paul enjoying the meet. My Mom was nibbling a giant soft pretzel when she noticed Paul stealing a glance. "Would you like a piece?" she asked. "Thank you," replied Paul, always the southern gentleman, as he took the entire pretzel from my Mom leaving her empty handed. My parents and I would later laugh about the faux pas finally admitting "that was Paul," in other words, an innocent, friendly guy who really enjoyed his soft pretzels, even when they weren't his.

Paul had a taste for some very odd movies. We would learn this again and again on the many long bus trips we took from Boston to New York or Boston to wherever. These trips frequently became the Paul Turner video show whether we liked it or not. I'll never forget one particular triple feature he peddled on us that still has me scratching my head to this day: The Madness of King George, Shallow Grave, and Judge Dredd. Peculiar, for sure, but that was Paul. If he were here today I'm sure he could go on and on praising the merit of these movies even in the face of the staunchest criticism. And believe you me, during those bus rides we were all staunch critics!

One afternoon during the Houston spring break trip, a few of us decided to race our borrowed bicycles around the Rice University track. Meanwhile, Paul was working with high jumper Dora Gyorffy at the pit in the center of the track. As we quickly entered the oval and raced around our first lap I'll never forget Paul charging onto the track, frantically waiving his arms for us to watch out and stay away from his prized jumper. Paul certainly had a point as Dora was awesome, but Paul's fierce protection of his athletes in the face of a less-than menacing group of circling bicycles still makes me laugh to this day.

Speaking of the annual Houston trip, no doubt Paul was one of its biggest fans. Over my four years he would often regale us with stories of the famous Good Company Barbecue and all his favorite items they served. I would enjoy their grub on numerous occasions during my trips often sitting a few tables away from good ol' Paul, himself. Paul took his love to literally another level, though, backing up his words by feasting at his barbecue mecca almost daily. Just like with his coaching, when Paul was stirred with passion he would give his all.

In my opinion, nowhere will you find a more loyal, passionate man than Paul Turner. He was a good guy, a knowledgeable coach, and someone I will always remember fondly as a wonderful part of my four year Harvard track and field experience.