Births on March 25

Wes Santee, American runner (d. 2010)

Remembering David Santee: The Ashland Antelope and His Quest for the Four-Minute Mile

David Wesley Santee, born in Ashland, Kansas on March 25, 1932, was a formidable American middle-distance runner and athlete whose career, though ultimately curtailed by controversy, left an indelible mark on the sport. Known affectionately as the "Ashland Antelope" for his agility and speed, Santee competed primarily in the demanding 1,500 meters and mile events, capturing the attention of the athletic world during an era of groundbreaking achievements.

Early Life, Collegiate Prowess, and International Debut

Santee's athletic journey began in his hometown, where he attended high school in Ashland. It was there that he first showcased his prodigious talent, setting a state record in the mile run. His exceptional abilities quickly earned him a place at the University of Kansas, a renowned institution for track and field. During his time as a Jayhawk, Santee continued to dominate, establishing new records in cross country, the mile, and two-mile events. A testament to his individual brilliance and leadership, he was crowned the Individual NCAA Cross Country Champion in 1953, simultaneously guiding his team to the overall championship title.

His collegiate success paved the way for international competition. In 1952, David Santee proudly represented the United States at the Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, where he competed in the 5,000 meters. Although he didn't secure a medal on that occasion, it was clear that he was a rising star on the global stage. Just three years later, in 1955, Santee proved his mettle again, earning a silver medal in the 1,500 meters at the Pan American Games held in Mexico City, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world's elite runners.

The Epic Pursuit of the Four-Minute Mile

During the mid-1950s, the athletic world was captivated by one of its most daunting challenges: the quest to become the first human to run a mile in under four minutes. David Santee was among the passionate few at the forefront of this monumental aspiration. His chief competitors were legendary figures like Great Britain's Roger Bannister and Australia's John Landy, whose rivalry pushed the boundaries of human endurance. On May 6, 1954, Bannister etched his name into history by finally breaking the barrier with an astonishing time of 3:59.4. A mere seven weeks later, Landy surpassed Bannister's mark, showcasing the intense competition of the era.

Santee himself came agonizingly close to achieving this historic feat. In June 1954, he set a world 1,500-meter record of 3:42.8 during a race where he decisively defeated Olympic champion Josy Barthel. However, in the excitement of sprinting past Barthel, he slightly eased up, resulting in a mile finish time of 4:00.7 – just a fraction of a second over the coveted barrier. He pushed again in early 1955, recording an even closer 4:00.5 mile, but tragically, he would never surpass this time to claim his own sub-four-minute mile.

Controversy and an Abbreviated Career

Sadly, David Santee's promising career was abruptly cut short by a dispute over his amateur status with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). In an era when amateurism was strictly enforced, AAU rules limited athletes to a meager $15 per diem for expenses, covering food and lodging, in addition to air travel costs. In May 1955, following three track meets over a nine-day period, Santee had been paid $1,127.85 for his expenses. This seemingly substantial sum, while perhaps justifiable for his travel and living during intense competition, far exceeded the AAU's restrictive amateur guidelines.

The consequence was severe: Santee was suspended by the AAU. In 1956, this suspension escalated into a permanent ban from amateur events, effectively ending his chance to join Bannister and Landy in the exclusive sub-four-minute mile club. The ban also cruelly cost him a place in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, denying him another opportunity to compete on the world stage. It's worth noting that Santee had faced earlier international bans due to prior questions surrounding his amateur status, indicating a persistent tension between his athletic pursuits and the stringent rules of the time.

Legacy and Enduring Recognition

Despite his abbreviated career, the impact of David Santee's talent and dedication cannot be overstated. During his time on the track, he set multiple world records, including the outdoor 1,500-meter run, the indoor 1,500-meter run, and the indoor mile. His athletic prowess and the compelling narrative of his career, including his storied rivalry with Bannister and Landy and his unfortunate troubles with the AAU, are chronicled vividly in Neal Bascomb's critically acclaimed 2004 book, The Perfect Mile.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to track and field, David Santee was deservedly inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2005. His life came to a peaceful close at home in Eureka, Kansas, on November 14, 2010, after a battle with cancer. Santee's story remains a poignant reminder of an athlete whose raw talent and relentless pursuit of excellence were ultimately intertwined with the challenging realities of amateur sports in his time.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Wesley Santee

Who was David Wesley Santee?

David Wesley Santee was a prominent American middle-distance runner and athlete, active in the 1950s, known for his prowess in the 1,500 meters and mile events.

What was his nickname?

He was widely known as the "Ashland Antelope," a nod to his hometown of Ashland, Kansas, and his graceful speed on the track.

What were his main athletic achievements?

Santee set multiple world records in the 1,500 meters, indoor 1,500 meters, and indoor mile. He was also the 1953 Individual NCAA Cross Country Champion and a silver medalist at the 1955 Pan American Games.

Was he involved in the "four-minute mile" quest?

Absolutely. David Santee was one of the leading contenders, alongside Roger Bannister and John Landy, striving to be the first to break the four-minute mile barrier. He came incredibly close, with times of 4:00.7 and 4:00.5.

Why did his career end prematurely?

His amateur career was cut short due to a suspension and subsequent permanent ban by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) in 1956. This was the result of a dispute over his expenses, which exceeded the strict amateur status rules of the time.

Is his story documented?

Yes, his career, rivalry with Bannister and Landy, and challenges with the AAU are extensively chronicled in Neal Bascomb's 2004 book, The Perfect Mile.

Has he received posthumous recognition?

Indeed. In 2005, David Santee was deservedly inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant contributions to the sport.