A fifteen-year tradition sparks leadership and inspiration

A tradition exists amongst runners at Buffalo High School. Members of the boy’s track team have honored that tradition, first started in 2009 by BHS alumni Zach Mellon and member of 2009 Class AA track and field state championship team.  

Each year, a pair of track spikes is passed down to one athlete on the team who leads by example and demonstrates the qualities of a teammate who brings out the best in others and inspires them to give it their all.      

In 2008, Mellon set a Minnesota state boys track record in the 800m with a time of 1:48.64, a record that still stands today. He was a member of the University of Wisconsin men’s track team from 2010-2013, where he earned All-American Honors in 2010 in the indoor 800 meters and was a 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championship preliminary round qualifier (800 meters). 

Fifteen years have passed since Zach Mellon blazed area tracks and began the tradition of passing the spikes to future Buffalo High School runners, but the spirit of that tradition burns on, inspiring current BHS runners to strive for their fullest potential and reach new heights. Zach recently shared reflections from his days of competition on the Buffalo track team. 

How did the tradition of passing the track spikes begin? What were your thoughts/goals with starting this tradition?

I think this is a fun question for me to try and answer after 15 years. I’ve definitely changed a lot as a person throughout that time, but often look back on my track and field days with Buffalo High School as some of the best and a sort of measuring stick. Enough time has passed where it’s difficult for me to remember the exact thoughts I had when passing my spikes down. I don’t think at the time I realized I would be starting a tradition that would become what it has. 

Since, I can’t precisely remember what 18-year-old Zach was thinking, I will answer with how 33-year-old Zach views it. Buffalo track and field played a profound role in my life, and I knew it then as I do now. Coach Knutsen is still one of the (if not the) strongest role models I’ve had in my life. I attribute all of my success to him, the program, and my friendships at that time. I think that passing along those spikes was really a tribute to that. I understand now that while my success had tangible measures like times ran or races won, what was really special about all of it was the people, the lessons, the growth, the drive, the push, everything that was instilled into me and showed me what can be achieved when you truly strive for something. And I can now say that that is what I hope is being passed along. I still keep in contact with Knutsen and feel reassured that Buffalo track is as formative as it’s ever been.

What keeps the tradition going?

I believe strong traditions stem from deeply-held beliefs. In this case, those beliefs are rooted in how different athletes have exemplified the essence of track and field at some of the highest levels, showcasing what makes Buffalo track different. Also, who doesn’t love the idea of some stinky old shoes being passed around a track team. 

How are spike owners selected?

I’ve always appreciated those who lead by example and attempt to create a rising tide that raises all ships. I’d like to hope that the exchange exists in that vein. 

Previous owners:

Since the tradition began, the shoes have been in the possession of eleven owners: Zach Mellon, Blake Solberg, Matt Dietrich, Dan Pettit, Frank Graham, Jake Kluver, Landon Tourville, Isaac Basten, Nick Oak, Andrew Macheel, and Jacob Macheel. The spikes have been around the block, stretching coast-to-coast from Oregon to North Carolina. Each owner passes down words of encouragement that fuel inspiration for the next owner. 

Nick Oak, a 2020 BHS graduate and member of the University of North Dakota men’s cross-country team from 2020-2022 shared, “Every cross-country and track runner from Buffalo is aware of Zach Mellon and what he accomplished. I know for me, I felt honored to receive them from Isaac Basten, and I wanted to share that same feeling with someone when I passed them down after my last high school track season. Who is chosen ultimately comes down to the current owner’s choice. If you ask me, I believe the owner should be a true leader, not just a strong runner, but someone who really cares about the team. I for sure felt inspired to finish off my senior year of running well. Although things didn’t go as planned due to COVID, I was honored to have the spikes at one point, and I hope that the future runners in Buffalo can have the same honor and privilege that I once had.”

Andrew Macheel, a previous owner who graduated in 2023 stated, “The owner of the spikes is picked based on whoever is seen as a great leader on the team. They don’t necessarily have to be the fastest guy out there, but they have to demonstrate that they are there for the team and not just themselves.

I first obtained the spikes before my sophomore year after Nick Oak graduated. I was thrilled. I had heard about the spikes going around but didn’t know much about them. Nick gave me the rundown and from that point it motivated me to continue working to be the best runner and teammate I could be. If I was ever struggling or had nerves before a race, I would think back and know that Nick had picked me for a reason.”  

Current owner:

The spikes are currently in the possession of Andrew’s younger brother Jacob Macheel, a senior on the BHS track team stated, “The spike owner doesn’t have to be the best on the team, but they have to work hard to do their best for the team and have a positive attitude. I believe the spikes give the owner a sense of inspiration. Knowing that they are in possession of the Minnesota state 800 meter record holder’s spikes, is inspiring enough. When the owner gets the spikes, I can imagine they get excited.”

Tradition lives on:

Strong traditions fuel the fires and passions of future generations. Words of encouragement and support from teammates can push athletes to new heights, giving them strength and courage to go after each race and event with everything they have. 

Through the passing down of a pair of shoes worn by a champion, track athletes at Buffalo High School are given the honor of inspiring future leaders and hopefully breaking a few records in the process. 

Editor’s note: Zach Mellon currently lives in Colorado and works as marketing director. Although no longer involved in running, Zach is active in many outdoor sports and activities, camping, snowboarding, climbing, and mountain biking. “I especially put a lot of energy into rock climbing, which keeps my fitness up!”