The day I met Cliff

This grainy newspaper picture shows Cliff leading the 1500m at the 1981 NJ State High School All-Group Championships with me two runners back. As usual, Cliff won and that day I came in second. We had never raced before because our schools were different sizes and after the race we met for the first time. Little did I know then that we would go to the same university, become teammates, training partners, occasional housemates, homework partners, climbing partners (after our track days), groomsmen and, most importantly, friends. I will miss him. Rest in peace Cliff. Your friend, John “Perks” Perkins.