A man in motion

Somewhere, Bob Boal is probably still running. That's the way most folks will remember him, as rail-thin, white-haired, determined runner. The retired N.C. State economics professor who became a legend in the track and field world and won a decathlon championship at the age of 85 died Sunday. He was 93.

Boal's "game face" was familiar around here, to those who saw him race in masters' events and to neighbors in Wake Forest who saw him out and about. Time caught up with him, but not many of those in his age bracket who ran against him ever did. Even for those elderly folks who were too infirm to compete, Boal was an inspiration. For his part, he wasn't really a "fitness guru," though he did encourage people to stay active.

Boal got to be a true believer in the late 1960s, after he read a physical fitness book. A cigar and pipe smoker, he was leading a fairly sedentary life at the time. But when he got the running bug, he dropped weight and stayed in shape from then on.

He also founded the Southeastern U.S. Masters Track and Field Association, which promoted competition in middle-aged and older athletes.

Ten years ago, when Boal was a mere sprout of 83, he commented on that group and his involvement: "It shows everyone else that getting older doesn't mean getting worse. Sometimes, you can get better."

Bob Boal didn't even need to say it. He was living proof.