01/28/2007

McKaig still going strong after rough beginning

Director of the White Pine in his 31st year

By Al Parker

Special to the Record-Eagle

MANCELONA — Jack McKaig had a feeling that the first White Pine Stampede back in 1977 might also be the last.

"That was just the ugliest race of all time,” he said with a laugh. "It was a blizzard. Only about half the participants finished and they were all frostbitten. It was terrible. I thought this could be the one and only White Pine Stampede.”

But, fortunately for cross country skiers across the Midwest, the White Pine Stampede endured — thanks in large part to McKaig, who is serving as race director for the 31st consecutive year.

At a time when other races change leadership as often as Paris Hilton changes boyfriends, the White Pine Stampede has been guided for more than three decades by McKaig, a sometimes cantankerous character who had never even been on cross country skis when he first took the post in 1977.

Flash back to the summer of 1976 when McKaig moves his family — wife Beth, daughter Heather and son John — to Mancelona where McKaig launches a law practice.

"I attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting and Gus (Konopnicki) was there talking about establishing a marathon ski race,” recalled McKaig. "I'd done some small bore shooting and was always interested in the biathlon, but I'd never done any skiing.”

Konopnicki organized a race meeting and convinced McKaig not only to attend, but to take the role of race director.

"I didn't know anything about skiing,” said McKaig. "I'd never been on skis, but Gus was persuasive. He had this idea for a marathon race that would cover four counties — Crawford, Antrim, Kalkaska and Otsego — but Otsego and Kalkaska never joined in. At one point he was looking at a 100K race. But this is really Gus' thing — he started it and trained us.”

That first 50K Stampede course was in Crawford County, starting near Frederic. It was subsequently moved to Mancelona where it begins near the high school and ends at Schuss Mountain. Over the years additional 20K and 10K races were added to the event.

Traverse City's Kaye Krapohl won the White Pine Stampede several times during the 1990s and has fond memories of McKaig and the race.

"I feel privileged to have been part of the history of the Stampede through my victories,” said Krapohl, who now directs the National Women's Winter Tour, set for the same weekend as the Stampede.

She recalled the race's army of volunteers and the grooming that was wonderful, despite Mother Nature's lack of cooperation some years.

"They (the volunteers) give their heart and soul to this event, and it is truly a one-of-a-kind event, for all abilities,” she said. "I remember my dad skied it for the first time. I had won the 20K that year and skied back on the 10K course to ski in with him. I didn't realize that he was in his full hunting regalia — orange face mask, cotton underwear and all. He was sooo hot and sweaty. He made it to the finish, then tripped right at the finish line. Complete face plant.

"But the volunteers were so cool. They made him feel like a million bucks. This is what the White Pine does. It makes skiers — everyone, every age — feel like a million bucks. It made me feel special. I love Jack and the entire organization.”

Lack of snow has caused the Stampede to alter its courses and lengths over the years. For the third straight year, the Stampede will modify its main event — holding 10K and 20K races next Saturday.

Despite worrying about the weather and the amount of snow on the Stampede course, McKaig has no plans to retire from his race director duties.

"This is my winter activity,” he said. "I look forward to it. I get to see the skiers, the community volunteers, my friends and my family. They all come up and it's like one big family.”

Longtime race volunteer Dave Barrons said McKaig's involvement has been vital to the race's continuation.

"Jack McKaig is the one person who has made sure the Stampede happens every year,” said Barrons. "He raises his voice and goes all bluster and bash and gathers a rather small group of volunteers together through the year to get the critical things done. We have a huge group of volunteers on race day, but it is the year-round stuff and the early decisions that make it happen. McKaig is the one who makes sure it all happens.

"His commitment to the race comes from his own enjoyment in pulling it off and because he sees clearly the value the event provides to the communities of Mancelona and Bellaire. Not monetary value, but just the value of committing to a really fun activity, all to benefit other people having fun in your activity — the White Pine Stampede brings people together! McKaig is the fulcrum and the glue — 30 unbroken years would not have happened without his oomph!!”