August 12, 2008

Gabe Pacione: 1990-2008



"The three of us walked across the track and took our seats in the stands. The infield was cruelly empty. As the clock ticked, a spot or two of sun broke through the westerly scudding clouds. People began to rise and a few cried "Go Pre!" In numbers they stood and applauded. With a minute to go, it was as if he were into his last lap. His people were all up, roaring him home as they had done four nights before. When the clock stopped, there was a visceral "OOOF!" and five seconds of dead silence. Then people were pointing, cheering, imagining him on his victory lap..."

- Kenny Moore

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a terrible tragedy. Very apropos quote. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

calliman said...

It made me think of this:
XIX. To an Athlete Dying Young
by A. E. Housman (1859-1936)

The time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.

To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.

Anonymous said...

He's in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

gabe was the friendliest kid ive ever met. i cant believe this happened to him. he really changed the way i look at things. he was and will always be someone i look up to both as a runner and a person. i wish i could thank him. His family and friends are in my prayers. R.I.P gabe