GRANITE CITY – Coach Harry Lang recently attended the 53rd annual Granite City Robinson Lang Invitational, a cross-country meet he created with his friend Pete Robinson in 1974, continuing his longtime support of Madison County runners through mentorship and attendance at local meets.
Lang, who has coached at Collinsville High School, Granite City North and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, remains active in the local cross-country and track and field community, according to an interview with Caden Meier, a Triad High School junior cross-country runner.
Meier described Lang as “a local staple in the cross country and track and field genre and a mentor to all.” He said Lang has reached out to him with training tips, thoughts on time progression, and motivational words of encouragement.
“I am lucky to have great coaches, but his extra mentorship means a lot to me, and I respect his advice very much,” Meier said.
Meier said the Granite City Robinson Lang Invitational carried added meaning because Lang was there. He said he wanted to post a strong result for his team and for Lang.
Meier placed eighth overall in the varsity race of 216 runners and recorded a 21-second personal record.
“This was more than a meet to me,” Meier said. “I wanted to put up a good result for my team and for him.”
The Granite City Robinson Lang Invitational remains one of the largest cross country meets in the area, according to Meier, with Lang attending yearly to watch athletes compete.
