Both Michael and Mark Raybuck, members of the infamous Dr. K Striders running club, ran high school track in one of the least populated counties of rural upstate New York (Allegany). Despite the small-town running climate, a future Olympian in the marathon, John Tuttle of Alfred-Almond High School, totally dominated the distance running scene in Allegany County, and even New York State during the late 70s. Tuttle would eventually become an NCAA Division I distance running star, but he really made his mark by qualifying for, and running in the marathon during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Tuttle qualified with another New York state legend, Pete Pfitzinger, and distance running great Alberto Salazar, in the Olympic trials marathon held in Buffalo, NY.
Michael Raybuck, one year younger than Tuttle, finally had the opportunity to break free of John Tuttle in 1978, as a senior in high school. He was able to headline the local news results during that year, often winning triples consisting of the mile, 2-mile, and 880 yard runs. Despite breaking free of Tuttle, local journalists could not resist inserting Tuttle's name somewhere in the articles.
Eventually, Raybuck made his own headlines without a mention of Tuttle.
The fact that Striders ran in great company, however, is undeniable, as shown by some of the attached news clippings!
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