My dad called yesterday, and we had a brief, but nice visit. He doesn't have a computer or know anything about the Internet, but gave me a website to check out and about an honor he was receiving. It was a nice article and provided a lot of information about my dad, Bob Conley, that I didn't know and I am so proud of him.
Milesplit, the nations largest high school track & field and cross country network has been releasing the XC Legacy series. This project is to officially crown the National Cross Country Team Champions from 1980-1988. The fifth segment of this series has been released and below are just a few portions.
If you have ever been a part of a state championship team you know the feeling of accomplishment accompanied with victory. Each year there come very special programs across the country whom step beyond simply winning and into a realm of total domination. It is in these moments of triumph that the questions of a teams "greatness" are raised. Extraordinary accomplishments that warrant recognition and validation to set in stone once and for all, their XC Legacy.
1. Highland, Idaho: National Champions
What defines a dynasty? There are the obvious factors such as team strength, state championships, and an extended run of dominance. Most often, these dynasties are accompanied by one more element, superb coaching. Illinois has Joe Newton, Florida has Brent Haley, Washington has Pat Tyson, Indiana has Chuck Koeppen, and Arizona has Bud Davis...the list goes on and on. Within the realm of National prep cross country these legendary coaches step beyond simply producing state championships and into the realm of complete Regional dominance. Each state has their own coaching legend, and while individual talents come and go each year defying reasonable comprehension there stands year in and year out one common denominator, the coach.
Greatness for a Decade
From 1980 to 1990, no team completely defined an entire state as the Highland Rams from Pocatello, Idaho. Producing nine (9) state championships in a ten year stretch the Rams set the standard of excellence for Idaho prep cross country. However, this reign of dominance culminated with the epic run of the memorable '84 Highland boys cross country team. From 1981 until 1984 the Highland Rams went undefeated, during this stretch they remained as the only team to defeat Utah powerhouse Murray. The Highland Rams have not been unknown in the XC Legacy rankings, finishing the '82 season ranked 6th Nationally, and the '83 season ranked 3rd Nationally. The Bob Conley led Rams entered the 1984 season with one of the top prep teams in the country. Only one downfall, this national powerhouse competed in Idaho.
Bob Conley: Idaho's Greatest
He stands at the top of the list, as the greatest cross country coach in Idaho prep history. Bob Conley is a man of unequalled measure and a true national coaching legend. Until now, the story of Bob Conley, has been missing from the annuals of legendary U.S. coaches. Each year Conley improved his boys teams and each year they excelled head and shoulders above everyone in the state. This Hall of Fame coach assembled a team for the '84 season that included two nine minute two-milers at the front of a dominant pack. While many of the records and meet results no longer exist and the State Association lacks adequate records what we do know is that Bob Conley's team was epic.
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