IAN SAUNDERS - REST IN
PEACE
Ian Saunders, one of the club's most influential
racers in the 1970's, died on April 7th after a long
battle with illness. Not only was he a talented sprinter but his
time with Sale Harriers progressed the club from a Harriers and
Road runner's Club into a First Division team of the British
Athletic T & F league.
Ian was a top flight sprinter capable of running
against the very best, gaining GB vests over both the longer
sprints. Whilst Ian's contributions were instrumental in helping to
promote Sale Harriers into the First Division of the British
Athletics League, he will be especially remembered for his
particular brand of aggressive racing that came into its own on
Indoor circuits at venues like RAF Cosford, some of which have
entered folklore!
With Ian at the core of the T & F sprint team,
Sale Harriers began to attract other top sprinters. All of them
wanted to train with Ian and his very strict regime. Whilst he
loved to joke and play around, he took his training and racing very
seriously.
Following his athletic career, he moved to Maryland
in the USA where he died at the young age of just 61 years leaving
behind his devoted wife Ginger, and their son Philip. May he rest
in peace. (Written by club colleague Bruce
Wilson)