From the Archives: Oct. 31, 1980

Last night the Great Nike rose from the pumpkin patch and ascended to the top of Redwood’s Gymnasium, continuing a tradition that began three years ago.

This newly established tradition of a 12 foot long canvas and wood running shoe with the familiar Nike swoosh began so that the Boys’ Varsity Cross Country team could worship Nikes. On Halloween each year, “Nikes are to be worshipped, not worn. We tie them on our belts and wear the Great Nike capes,” explains Senior Kirk Dye.

Also according to tradition, the responsibility of carrying on the tradition is passed down from a senior to a junior runner, at the end of each year.

Dye has had the honor passed down to him this year. “Each year a new Nike is built. We get up at 5:30 a.m. and place the great shoe on top of the gym,” stated Dye.

“On Halloween we take the shoe down from the gym after school and we drive it to Phoenix Lake, a favorite running spot, and carry it as we run around the lake,” Dye comments.

But Dye says it may be difficult to go on with the tradition this year. “On Halloween day we (the team) have a big race (MCAL) so none of us want to get up that early to set it up. Maybe this year it will leap up there all by itself.”