This interview was conducted by Ken Stone in November 2006:

W45 sprinter Joy Margerum at Charlotte masters nationals.

Masterstrack.com: Why are you running for masters T&F chair?

Upshaw-Margerum: I am running for masters chair because this is a great opportunity for me to continue to have a positive impact on our sport! I am excited to work with and involve others who love our sport and care about it as much as I do. I look forward to and am prepared to address challenges facing masters track and field.

What are the three biggest issues facing USATF Masters T&F? How would you tackle these issues?

Your issues are my issues. We are in this together! Anything that is going to have a positive impact towards masters T&F program interests me.

I am aware that keeping the masters seat on the USATF board, saving "the mile" as a separate record category, and working on increasing revenues are all important. The Strategic Plan has issues to tackle, too. I would first prioritize these issues with the board, then implement accordingly.

What qualifications, attributes or perspectives would you bring to the chairmanship that your opponents would not?

My qualifications, attributes and perspective make me a unique candidate for this job.

As an athlete, I have competed at the high school, collegiate, open and masters levels. I am currently the world indoor 200-meter W45 champion. As a coach, I have trained age-group, high school, collegiate and elite athletes. I was honored to be the 2006 head women’s coach for the U.S. team at the DecaNations Meet. As an administrator, I have been a meet director and involved in the productions of local, state and national meets. I have participated in the development of the steering committee for University of California track and field. I work closely with officials, communicating and collaborating on various meets. I have founded and direct a track and field club/school -- Joy’s Jackrabbits Track Club -- for children 5-13 years old. I work and have directed the Cal and Stanford/Nike running camps. I presently am the Pacific Association masters chair. I would describe myself as a positive, energetic, motivating, hardworking and considerate person. I am open-minded and can see "the big picture" as well as specific issues.

My experiences give me a global point of view. I understand and appreciate the perspectives of different groups. My large network of friends and contacts in the track and field community are great resources.

How would you communicate with grass-roots masters athletes?

Let’s keep getting the word out!

I would like to include the beginning and experienced runner with the following plan: making connections with groups, coaches, athletes and officials -- letting them know about masters T&F. Having information on USATF Masters at the corporate meets, Police and Fire Games, Senior Games, etc., such as a booth during events, posters/flyers at athletic stores, conducting clinics for masters, etc. Getting the word out that masters T&F is a fun and healthy hobby for all!

What changes, if any, would you make in the Masters T&F section of the USATF Web site?

The USATF Web site is a great resource for people. It should continue to be informational, easy to navigate, up-to-date and attractively interactive. I would maintain the site, and welcome new ideas.

What would you do to increase revenues for USATF Masters T&F?

Coach Margerum at DecaNations meet in Paris, holding Team USA's winning trophy.

The first step would be to determine and prioritize needs. Our Strategic Plan has some interesting ideas. I would work with our board and with USATF to develop additional resources.

Would you work on behalf of Sacramento's bid to host the 2011 World Masters Athletics Championships? If so, how?

Presently, I am working on this bid with our Pacific Association and the Sacramento Sports Commission. They are very qualified and organized. Sacramento has a terrific history of putting outstanding track and field events together. This is an exciting process and I am learning a lot.

USATF is considering a smaller board of directors -- with no seat reserved for Masters T&F. Would you fight to keep Masters T&F at the table? If so, how?

I believe Masters T&F should have a seat on the USATF board.

I would fight to keep it, stating that we are a part of the whole U.S. picture. This is a great sport and together we, masters athletes, need to be represented and able to voice our perspectives.

How would you work to increase the numbers of athletes at masters nationals and other meets?

Increase communication to and about masters track athletes. Information is key. Target regions, states and associations to get new groups and numbers of individuals involved. Increase publication of masters events would help, too, whether in magazines, online, in sport clubs, at events, etc. Continue supporting National Masters News and work together with the new publishers to get the new ideas out to the public.

Describe your management style. How would you recruit volunteers to help you?

As a coach and athlete, I tend to think with a "team" in mind. I like to rally people together and motivate ideas and goals into action. I listen to different ideas, encourage various perspectives and value participation at many levels. I have been recruiting volunteers for more than 20 years for various track and field events. I respect the members and people in our sport who agree to help better the sport.

I know I would make a positive impact on our sport. I look forward to the challenges and rewards of the USATF masters chair position.