RCW: A Look Back 4.5

As the cross country teams prepare for the Rim Rock Classic this weekend, let’s take A Look Back at the creation of their esteemed home course, Rim Rock Farm. The property was originally owned and the course designed by former head track & field and cross country coach Bob Timmons. The team first used the course as its home in the late 1970s, and “Timmie,” as Timmons was affectionately called, wasn’t afraid to have the team help build his design, putting the runners to work clearing trails after practice.

Rick Ensz (1975-80), who helped Timmons reroof the structures on the property between seasons, also tells the story of a road trip to Oklahoma State for a cross country meet. Timmie brought along a 100-gallon tank in the back of a vehicle. The team, obviously confused, asked what the tank was for. Timmie said, “We’re gonna pick up some little ‘fishlings.'”  Sure enough, on the way home from Oklahoma, the team stopped near Wichita to load up the tank with little one-inch fish to stock the ponds at Rim Rock Farm. 

Student-athletes across the decades have assisted with the development of their home course. The property is currently managed by Steve Heffernan, a member of the KU cross country team from 1987-90.

Pictured are members of the track & field and cross country teams as they work on the pond underneath the King’s Bridge at Rim Rock Farm in August, 2000.