Rembering Lance Lenard's Legacy

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- Running their way through K-State’s Ahearn Field House is this year's Northeast Kansas Track Club, all athletes of an organization founded and led by the late Lance Lenard.

"He passed in a car accident as well all know back in August,” said NEK Interim Head Coach, Perry Henault. “He left a legacy of kids left behind here who are trying to just keep things moving."

Since 2003, NEK has had 684 National Qualifiers, 1096 All-Americans, 203 National Champions, 4 Indoor Team Titles, as well as more than 130 athletes landing DI and D2 track scholarships.

"Lance was a big proponent of scholarships, he wanted kids to go to the next level and wants them to succeed in life, and this track club is an extension of that,” said Henault. “It teaches you to grow up become an adult and know how to become self-sufficient in hard times."

Many athletes who were coached by Lance throughout the years say his charisma and perseverance helped them succeed.

"He had a voice that you could hear no matter what,” said NEK Coach, Shannon Parr. “He had a way of encouraging any kid no matter their skill level, he just had the same passion and same enthusiasm for every kid no matter his skill level."

Two of his children, Keara and Kade, formed part of NEK, they say their father's integrity will be missed.

"He never treated me worse than other athletes because I was his son,” said Kade Lenard. “He always made it to where when we entered the field everybody was treated the same."

Aside from NEK, Lance also coached the Rossville Middle School and Wamego High School track teams, helped commission Sunflower State Games, officiated the Great Southwest Invitational and more.

"He was a really good coach and I think everyone is going to remember how good of a coach he was and all the times he put the club’s needs over his needs and things,” said Kade.

Now his friends and family including future generations of Lenard’s, are making sure his message of ‘Don't Stop Believing’ will never fade away.

"We're here for you brother, we're keeping it going as you want, and we will do our best we can,” said Henault.

If you’re interested in joining NEK Track you can go to their websitefor more information. 

There is a nice video that you should watch at:  http://www.wibw.com/content/news/Keeping-Lance-Lenards-dream-alive-403305006.html