'We run to get to the finish line'

WARWICK — On Monday, October 17, Warwick Valley High School coaches, staff, friends and student athletes gathered on the picturesque cross country track at Sanfordville Elementary School to honor and celebrate the long career of XC/Track and Field Coach Richard Furst by unveiling a finish line sign in his name.
It was 42 years ago when Furst, who is now retired, applied for a teaching position at the school and began what would be an illustrious career as a science teacher and coach.
Teachers at Warwick Valley High School are also expected to participate in extra curricular activities and at that time Furst offered to serve as a XC/Track and Field Coach.
While coaching the Warwick Valley High School Girl Harriers, they won 14 Orange County championships.
Furst believes that on the field and in life, attitude is everything.
During the ceremony Coach Kirk Thomas, who served as his assistant for 11 years, recalled that Furst told his runners to work for goals that may not even be attainable.
"Rich Furst left big footprints on the landscape of Warwick athletics and the Warwick School District in his 40 year in Warwick Valley," said Athletic Director and Football Coach Gregory Sirico. "He had the power of influence on all that he came into contact and his influence lives on with the many people he has taught and coached."
In his remarks Furst suggested the new sign could serve as a metaphor for striving to achieve goals.
"Why do you run?" he asked. "You can't explain it. We run to get to the finish line."
- Roger Gavan