Michael Booton
High School Honors
3 cross country letters: PIL championas a senior; co-captain.
3 track& field letters: PIL 1500m and 3000m champion as a senior.Co-captain, Madison Sportsman of the Year as a senior.
Post-High School Career
One year at Oregon State; two years at Mt. Hood Community College. Qualified for National CC twice.
Two years at Portland State, B.S.degree in Geography (cartography emphasis).
Volunteered as a timer at Madison track meets. Also assisted with Pop Warner Football and as a softball umpire.
Fifteen years with Army Corps of Engineers, Navigation Division.
Commentary
Thank you, PIL Hall of Fame, for not only considering me but accepting me. To be included among the great athletes from Madison and all Portland schools is a true honor.
My journey in distance running began with mentors — my father timing me as I ran around our house, Mr. Roy at Vestal Grade School, Mr. Krohn at Montavilla Community Center, and my cross country/track coach Mr. Franzke at Madison High School. They taught me work ethic, dedication, and lessons that carried far beyond athletics.
Distance running demands persistence — rain or heat, daylight or dark, often alone. Yet it also gave me lifelong friendships with teammates and competitors alike, especially those from Madison and Jackson High Schools. We trained together, competed fiercely, and built bonds that still last.
Running gave a 105-pound freshman the chance to excel, to belong, and eventually to pursue a college education that may not have been possible otherwise.
I am deeply grateful for this honor. Thank you.
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