It only takes $26 to be a member of the 26.2 Club
and support College of the Siskiyous Eagles Student Athletes.

If you would like to join the 26.2 Club,
call the College of the Siskiyous Athletic Director, Dennis Roberts, at (530) 938-5313

You may join the 26.2 Club anytime during the year.

 

 

Going the extra mile …

Billy Hefflinger, the head baseball coach at College of the Siskiyous, woke up around five in the morning on Saturday, November 11, 2006, and went outside to check on the weather. He saw snow and estimated the temperature was in the low 30s. Today was the day that he had trained for during the past four months. Today was the day he was going to run 26.2 miles as a fundraiser for College of the Siskiyous Athletic Program. Billy and his assistant coach, Mike Kaczowka, loaded up Mike’s pickup truck with Gatorade and water and headed out to Lake Siskiyous, the starting point of the marathon. He was greeted there by Dennis Roberts, athletic director, and Arnold and Linda Sanchez.  They wished him good luck on the physical battle that awaited him. With snow falling, strong winds blowing, and the temperature in the 30s, Billy began the marathon at 8:00 a.m.

Billy first came up with the idea of a marathon fundraiser three years ago while coaching college baseball in Texas. He would run 26.2 miles after supporters pledged $26.  By putting his own body on the line, Billy wanted to show his players how hard he was willing to work for the team, the athletic department, and the college. He hoped to motivate his players into giving the same effort that he did while running the marathon on the practice field, in games, and especially in the classroom. The first two years of the marathon were a huge success, which allowed the infant baseball program to grow in many ways including facility improvements and trips outside conference play.  After being hired at College of the Siskiyous, Billy proposed his fundraiser idea to the administration. 

Not bothered by the chilly elements, Billy kept a quick pace and the miles went by. He was followed by Mike, who handed him liquids every mile. At the halfway point of the 26.2 mile run, however, the weather started to take a toll on Billy’s body. His clothes were completely covered in snow and ice, and his hands began to freeze and go numb. A quick removal of his top layer of clothes and a pair of running gloves seemed to put Billy back on track for a personal best time. Billy hit the 16-17 mile range with a time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Waiting for Billy was Dave Fontius, assistant volleyball coach and avid runner.  Dave ran with Billy for 7 miles, helping pace Billy and motivating him to continue on.  At mile 22, Billy’s body began to tire with his left leg cramping up so badly that it sent him straight to the ground in heavy pain. Yet, after about a minute, Billy was back on his feet and started to run once again.  With the finish line approaching at College of the Siskiyous’ football field, a large cheering crowd greeted Billy. In attendance were the baseball, softball, and football teams as well as their coaching staff. Other members of the college faculty also showed their support, including the president of the college, W. David Pelham.

Billy crossed the finish line in an amazing 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 8 seconds. Upon completing the marathon, he quickly laid down to rest his weary body. The first annual College of the Siskiyous Athletic Department Marathon Fundraiser was a huge success with all the teams benefiting from the kind donations.