There was no magic to the creation of the first, and still only true national championship in high school sports. But over the years, the meet has created a bit of magic on its own – from launching professional running careers, to introducing future couples, to creating one of the more exclusive clubs in sports – that of the Foot Locker Finalist.
"This meet kind of marks you as a leader, and someone who can make a difference down the road" says Foot Locker Vice President of Brand Marketing, Jeanine Zocks. "It's like a club, a badge and an honor that says you have what it takes to influence others in a positive way."
Now in its 29th year, the Foot Locker Nationals was originally known as Kinneys. Its origins were as simple as a lunchtime brainstorming session between two executives; then CEO/President Harold Rowen, and Marketing VP Jack Anser; who were looking for a way to improve sales with high school runners. The running boom of the 70's was hot, and they recognized the opportunity. The two selected the Thanksgiving weekend for the regionals, San Diego's Balboa Park as the course, and the Hotel Del Coronado as the host. The pair considered the course a neutral site, and were attracted to the Southern California coast by the consistently good weather. They selected the Hotel Del because they wanted the athletes to have the experience of a lifetime.
Zocks – who has been with the company for 14 years and been directly involved with the meet for a decade – exudes enthusiasm for the event and what it has done for the athletes and the sport.
"Some (qualifiers) have never been on a plane before coming here."
"Some have never considered themselves as great athletes."
"It has helped athletes to attain scholarships and to become leaders in the running community."
"It has given athletes confidence and been a stepping stone to their futures."
As an example, Zocks notes that at this year's U.S. Men's Olympic Trials in New York, six of top ten finishers had run in Foot Lockers. "That's really gratifying."
She also says the connections that are maintained between the Kinney/Foot Locker alumni and the current class of finalists is something unique and special to the meet, and is a part of its power to motivate and create the next generation of top athletes.
This year's returning alumni includes Suzy Favor Hamilton, Carrie Tollfeson, Todd Williams, Chris Solinsky, Ryan Hall, and Jorge and Edwardo Torres. Tollefson will captain the Midwest girls with Solinsky leading the Midwest boys. Hall will captain the West; Jorge the Northeast, and Edwardo the South.
As the meet looks to the future – facing increasing competition for the same athletes – Zocks sees only positive things for the meet, and for the sport; and no changes for the meet other than growth in participation. She points to the sheer numbers of runners of all abilities who converge annually on each of the four storied regional courses at the end of their seasons. "Foot Lockers is not just about the seeded race. It's about giving a choice and an opportunity to everyone in the sport."
Zocks says that Foot Locker will remain true to the path they started down 29 years ago, complete with the regional format, and, for the foreseeable future, will continue to call San Diego home.
"We believe that since its inception, there has been no better event out there to identify the country's top runners for both competition and camaraderie," she says.
Zocks concludes, "We are not going to walk away from this event. There's too much history; too much tradition behind it."