Athlete parlayed early success into career

He also oversees several community running events Andy Ball grew up in Pompton Plains and attended Pequannock Township High School. Athletically, he has always been drawn to running, and his attraction to the sport took him all the way to the US Olympic Trials and laid the foundation for a career in the health and fitness arena. “I had a natural ability to run quickly and for long distances,” the Sparta resident said. Ball had fun running around he block, and in fifth grade ran 1:57 in the 600-yard dash. This set the stage for his middle school track where he shined in the half-mile and mile events. With the support of his family and teachers, Ball was running a 5:02 mile by eighth grade. In college, Ball lowered that mile time to 4:07 and turned in a sub nine-minute two mile. Ball advises budding runners “You run the race, don’t let the race run you. This attitude helped keep my persevering work ethic towards whatever God would bless me.” Around Christmas of 1991 he was asked if he was going to try out for the 1992 Olympics. When he put his mind to it Ball broke his a 5K barrier of 13:57. He improved every meet until he ran 13:46 for 5K and 28:32 for the 10K qualifying for the chance to make the Olympic team. Running on a sore Achilles, Ball placed seventh in the Olympic Trials. (Top three got to go to the Olympics.) Undaunted, he went on to run on the road racing circuit, allowing him to travel on top of a very flexible nine-to five-job he had to pay his living expenses. Ball’s met his wife thanks to his older sister. The couple married and settled in town and Ball started work at Sparta Athletic Club. He began as a membership and marketing rep and found his marketing and promotions background and athletic experience a good fit there. “I began to come up with different programming ideas to reach out to the community, such as the Main Street 5K Festival in April, Camp for kids and the Sussex County Inline Hockey League,” he said. “It took a few years and some commitment to introduce the new Fieldhouse where I’ve assisted with my expertise in marketing the facility.” Ball’s Main Street 5K will be held on April 25, 2010. He has also helped develop the O’burg 5K, Netcong Day 5K, 5K Spirit Run, the SCCC first year 5K and the Krogh’s Turkey Trot. Ball has been interested and involved in nutrition throughout his career. In addition to being the Manager at Sparta Athletic Club and the Fieldhouse, Ball is a Juice Plus representative. Ball’s daughter, Julia, is 9, and son, Zach, is 7. Both children enjoy running and are involved in UpWards Basketball at the Sparta Evangelical Church in Sparta. Ball’s wife Joy is an singer and sometimes graces races with her rendition of “The National Anthem.” Andy Ball’s Northern Heights Chicken Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (dark meat is very moist) 1/2 Cup olive oil 4 Tbls. Minced garlic 2 Cups Marsala wine Red pepper Salt Sauté garlic in oil. Add Marsala wine. Bring to a boil. Pour over chicken while marinade is hot. Marinate no longer than two hours Grill the chicken Reserve some marinate to pour over chicken when turned on the grill.