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Rend Lake track coach headed for Olympics

By Becky Malkovich, The Southern

Friday, July 18, 2008 10:58 PM CDT

THE SOUTHERN INA - The opportunity of a lifetime for one Rend Lake College runner just turned into the opportunity of a lifetime for his coach, too.

RLC mens track coach Brent McLain will travel to China next month to watch as one of his runners compete in the 2008 Olympic Games.

McLain will go the games to cheer on RLC student athlete Boaz Lalang, 19, who will run the 800-meter race for his native Kenya's team.

"I was floored when I got the call," McLain said. "I didn't know what to say. I was in shock."

McLain's trip will come courtesy of the college and its foundation.

"Boaz is our first Olympian," RLC Foundation CEO Pat Kern said. "We thought it would be a shame if no one was there to represent the college or show him the college was 100 percent behind him. This is an opportunity that may never come along again."

Kern contacted foundation board chairman Hunt Bonan with the idea of sending McLain to China. With Bonan's support, Kern proposed the idea to Larry West, vice president of finance and administration.

West was all for it, not only to see that the college was represented, but also so McLain could see the fruits of his labor.

"Becoming an athlete of this caliber is a great tribute to not only Boaz himself, but to Coach McLain," West said.

"Brent being in attendance while his runner competes at the pinnacle of track and field competition is the culmination of McLain's tireless effort to recruit and train Lalang."

Southern Illinoisans will be able to stay current with Lalang's progress during the games - and McLain's adventure abroad - via a daily blog by McLain.

"We're also hoping to do video link-ups so Boaz can talk to his friends and people in Southern Illinois," he said.

The cost of McLain's trip, not known until travel and expenses are determined, will be split between the college and the foundation.

McLain will leave around Aug. 13 and hopes to be able to get tickets to Lalang's races on Aug. 20, 21 and, if he makes the finals, the 23.

"I've got my fingers crossed. I'll sit up in the crow's nest if I have to," McLain said Thursday.

"I talked to Boaz two times yesterday, and he's really excited that he will be able to share the experience with the people back home." beckymalk@gmail.com / 927-5633