Farewell to DyeStat ... Again

By Stephen "SteveU" Underwood

When your identity becomes as closely tied to your work and passion as mine has with DyeStat.com, it’s tough to say goodbye to it.  And the idea of doing so twice in nine months would seem unbearable.

But such is the case for me this first week of August, 2013, as I’ve moved on from my editor-in-chief position here to the position of Director of Media and Public Relations for the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation.  And, of course, it’s not unbearable in this case, but a necessary and exciting step forward for me.  But let me go back a minute.

Last summer, as all of you know, ESPN terminated most of its high school sites, including DyeStat.com, and DyeStat founder John Dye and the rest of us were left trying to find ways to continue the site at full capacity.  It’s a long story, but after more than four months of efforts we were not able to obtain the support needed.  On November 2, 2012, John Dye announced he would retire and all of us publicly said our goodbyes.

But just a month later, Runnerspace.com founder and CEO Ross Krempley made a deal to bring back DyeStat on his site’s platform, a deal which included obtaining most of the site’s archives, its TFX database, and the intent of getting the message boards rolling again.  I was thankful that Ross worked to create a deal with me where I could come back as editor.  Obviously, we no longer had the same type of corporate budget and backing, but more than making up for that was the true runner’s spirit and passion that Ross and everyone else with RS bring to the table every day.  DyeStat was back in body and spirit.

Sometimes, though, you get an offer you just can’t refuse.  For several reasons, when the NSAF reached out to me last month, their offer fell in that category.  My association with NSAF Executive Director Jim Spier, COO Joy Kamani, Paul Limmer and several others with the organization go back almost as far as that with DyeStat itself.  I covered one of their meets for the first time in June, 2000, shortly after my the first stories I wrote for John.  DyeStat and the NSAF have always had a good relationship and I’ve recognized for many years what the Foundation does for the sport.  I’m excited now to be a part of that.

But it’s certainly hard to leave DyeStat – again, this time for different reasons.  I won’t produce another essay’s worth of pontification (you can read my November 2012 farewell here).  However, again, I’m very grateful to Ross Krempley for offering me the opportunity to return and the incredible work he has done to build the new site.  Of course, it’s not just him, but the whole Runnerspace and DyeStat team.  Veteran RS’ers Chris Nickinson and Kevin Ullman were especially valuable in contributing and also introducing me to the Runnerspace system.  Many others have helped in many ways, including Matt Scherer, Adam Schneider, Ian Terpin, Shane Land, Matt Barreau, Donal Pearce and others. 

I also thank my comrade Michael Newman, who also rejoined DyeStat upon its revival to continue managing our TFX system and producing his outstanding coverage in Illinois.  He’s one of a kind and where would have we been without him?  And what a job Scott Joerger and others in the Golden State have done in bringing back DyeStatCal!  Thanks so much to him.

There’s no question that bigger and better things will continue to be on tap for DyeStat and Runnerspace.  We had a great adventure this summer with our new USATF.tv deal and the roadshow that ensued, providing unprecedented coverage of the USATF Junior and Senior Champs, World Youth Trials, Youth Championships, and Junior Olympics.  Just as exciting, DyeStat.com coverage will continue full throttle under the leadership of Doug Binder.  Of course, Doug was also with us during the end of the ESPN era.  He already has a rich history with DyeStat and it’s very good to know the site will be in his hands.  Doug’s experience in track journalism goes far beyond his work with us, and it goes without saying that he’ll bring some perspectives to the table that only he can bring.  Keep a sharp eye out for his work.

Finally, I may not be officially working for DyeStat anymore, but the spirit that John Dye created and that Ross has continued will always be in my blood.  The good relationship between the NSAF and DyeStat will continue, and I’ll see many of you at the New Balance meets and other competitions.  As always, DyeStat would be nothing without the athletes, coaches, families, fans and the others who support it.  So thanks, most of all, to all of you for visiting our site all of these years and checking out our posts.  Best to everyone and keep on running, sprinting, walking, hurdling, jumping and throwing!