Paralegal Passionate About Coaching Young Runners

South Carolina paralegal Richard Kerns, who is retiring this month from the Legal Services Agency of Western Carolina, Inc. after 42 years, founded the Quick Striders Club, an annual summer club which offers young Greenville runners the opportunity to prepare for running competitions.

Quick Strider membership requires children to obey their parents, maintain good grades, wear neat attire and avoid profanity. The practice sessions, in addition to some tips on coming out of the starting blocks and handing off a baton, involve self-discipline and manners.

The youngsters also learn that Kerns, a Save Our Sons mentor who has received the Jefferson Award, the Black Heritage Award and the U.S. Track & Field's Lifetime Achievement Award, has a higher calling.

"I tell them to make sure The Lord is on your side. Put Him first," says Kerns, "and everything else will fall into place."

Mr. Kerns’ talent as a runner earned him a college scholarship in the 1960s. He has been working with young runners since 1967.

See The Greenville News.