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Show THETHUNDERBIRD WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9, 1988 PACE 11 Bringing out other's best is goal for men of trade Dix does the legwork BY Lopour watches clock DANNY COX BY ZANE BYBEE harrier is defined as a small, quick hunting dog, or a slender hawk with long legs, but it also describes a cross country runner, namely SUSC junior David Dix. The winner of two meets this year, at Chapman College and Cal State San Bernardino, Dix has also had several high finishes. But the price for being a good runner is sacrifice. From eight in the morning to three in the afternoon, he attends class, and then begins training. On one day, endurance is the focus, as he runs from eight to 15 miles. Then he alternates by running mile sprints the following day. "It's a pretty grueling schedule, but still find time for my social life." Dix has built a unique relationship with his coach, Joe Lopour. "Joe is a really good guy; a good coach," said Dix. "He really helps me a lot while training for and running in the meets He's always offering encouragement." Dix and his teammates have also become close throughout the year working out together and travelling to meets around the country. "Now we're training for the regionals in Salt Lake. It will be our toughest meet by far and really put us to the test." Dix said he expects the team to do well in regionals "if we can just run at our own Utility is a term used to describe an athlete that plays any position where he or she is needed, but a utility coach is a rare 'Bird. Cross country and track coach Joe Lopour is such a rarity. Lopour began his coaching career in the wrestling program at Pierre High School in South Dakota. He also assisted with football and track for three years there In 1964 Lopour took on the head wrestling coach job as well as assistant football and track at Mitchell High School in South Dakota. In 1966, he taught physical education at Dakota Wesleyan University. Five years later Lopour made his move to SUSC where he has been heavily involved in teaching all aspects of phvsical education, and coaching gridders, harriers and tracksters. The track program at SUSC is improving. "We're getting better, we used to finish 33rd, 34th, and 37th, in fields of 37. Now we're in the middle of the pack and improving," he said. "Track is a builder. All sports should go out for it It's a team sport, but it's individual The clock doesn't lie " The maturity of David Dix and Jackie Cengler is a great asset to Lopour. They take the younger runners out for practice and are excellent role models, both scholastically and academically. Nov. 12 is the region seven finals, showcasing UTEP, BYU, NAU and ASU. A and-a-ha- lf M' v pace." "I really don't know how well I'll do. need to run as good as can," he said. just i ,4 f is ' Jr Hr r s f T ' N . ! i-- ' i 'f. 7l S if . , . r - , 4, s ; Jf i y- yj. - . ' jt . V 'iW Vf f . $. V HmmmJ!' K Above center: Lopour watches the stopwatch intently as Dix prepares for the regional tournament. Abovewarm-u- p stretches. Lopour gives Dix special attention by helping him with |