And now, a word from the publisher...

For those of you who have been around since I started this site in March 2007, I want to personally thank you for your unwavering support.

What originally started as an extension of my writing for Northwest Runner (RIP) magazine until it folded almost eight years ago, has now become the go-to site for information, specifically about the collegiate (NCAA Division I and II) & professional scene in the state of Washington.

Since the site's humble beginnings in 2007, we've captured and chronicled some of the great moments of this state's pro and collegiate stars and teams, including the double victory by WSU grad Bernard Lagat along with Brad Walker's win in the pole vault at the 2007 Osaka world championships; the perfect 2008 season by the Washington women's cross country team; the rise of Vancouver native Kara (Patterson) Winger to the top of the world in the javelin; Jessica Pixler's domination of NCAA Division II competition at Seattle Pacific; this season's historic run by the University of Washington men's track team, cumulating in a podium finish at the NCAA indoor championships, and its first Pac-12 team title, and much, much more!

We've not shied away from covering the hard realities of the sport, including coaching changes at the University of Washington and Seattle University, as well as a high profile transfer.

This site's been lauded by the Track & Field Writers of America with its Adam Jacobs Award for online excellence in its coverage of the sport.

During this run, we've been one of the few websites and publications in the United States to maintain a regular presence at the IAAF (now rebranded as World Athletics) World Track & Field Championships, as well as the USATF, NCAA and Pac-12 championship meets.

Over the years, I've been asked by readers if I'd consider expanding the site to cover high school and masters track & field/cross country, and I've consistently refused to do so! 

There are a) several websites that do an excellent job covering those parts of the sport, and b) I'd never have enough hours in the day, even if I wanted to, to do it proper justice, not to mention that, quite frankly, that I really don't care about the 60-year old man who runs the fastest time in state history in the 5000 meters--it's not in my wheelhouse, and it's not my area of expertise!

That said, in order to serve the widest possible readership, paulmerca.blogspot.com has been free to view.

However, even with the advertising that you see on the site, there are costs that I incur in order to give you the best independent coverage of the sport in this state, a sport that quite frankly, has been lost in the shuffle by the state's mainstream print, broadcast and web media, except for a two week period every four years during the Olympics.

If you've noticed since before the USATF championships in Eugene, we've done a soft launch of "Buy Me A Coffee", where readers can contribute towards the upkeep of the site. At the bottom of each post is a yellow "Buy Me A Coffee" radio button that takes you to our site, where you can make a contribution. 

You'll also see a blue coffee cup radio button on the right hand side that will take you to our Buy Me A Coffee site.

No matter the size of your contribution to our Buy Me A Coffee link, you're making an investment in the site's coverage of this state's NCAA Division I, II and professional track and field & cross country teams and athletes, which you won't find anywhere else.

As an incentive to you, we will start offering exclusive "members only" posts, which will be accessed through our Buy Me A Coffee site.

If you've liked our coverage and photos over the years, please consider contributing to our site.

Thank you in advance!

Paul Merca, publisher & editor

paulmerca.blogspot.com

NOTE: paulmerca.blogspot.com may receive a commission for any purchases made from links clicked. Please support this site and our sponsors by clicking on the links. You can also support the site by clicking the yellow "Buy Me A Coffee" link below.