Fast but not so furious
HONOREE--Greg Fast (right), of Burlingame, Ks., was recognized by National Greyhound Association members during the Fall Meet Banquet at the Elks Club in Abilene on Oct. 12. Also pictured are emcee Helen Stout and Fast’s NGA Board representative, Ken Allen, who is shown presenting Fast with a commemorative plaque.
A Kansas producer known for his quiet demeanor was in the spotlight during the annual National Greyhound Association fall banquet Wednesday night, Oct. 12, at the Elks Club.
In typical fashion, Fast said he was humbled by the recognition and thanked those who attended the ceremony. Kenny Allen, of Abilene, presented Fast with a plaque to recognize his achievement.
As he surveyed the crowd, Fast said it was a reminder of the importance of the banquet for others.
“There are a lot more deserving greyhound people here than I, and I hope they get that opportunity to be up here,” Fast said.
Emcee Helen Stout and Sue Boatright, fellow Kansans, as well as Bob Rider of Vinton, Iowa, and Mike Strickland, of Abilene, were in unison about the calm demeanor of their friend.
Stout, also of Burlingame, was glad to see two of Fast’s daughters, Julie and Janice, who were seated with him.
Greg Fast is a quiet person, she said, and as result did not like to ask for any favors. When he did he was quick to repay. The emcee said to keep his passion for greyhounds, Fast worked several jobs to keep his farm in business.
His humbleness is easy to see not from his talking but his actions. Fast is typical in that greyhound owners are grassroots people who are willing to help others in their time of need.
“What people did not know, he is a very good cook,” Stout said. After a long day of work, when most people would be too tired to do anything but rest, Fast would readily ask people to stay and prepare and cook a steak dinner.
Rider said his friend, though quiet, was also a very positive attitude, which is necessary in the greyhound industry. He first got to know Fast in the early 1990s at the NGA meets.
“He’d say I don’t have another (pup) to run,” Rider said. “But he had Lonesome Cry and other All- Americans to be here. I’m really glad to know him.”
Boatright spoke on behalf of her husband, Rod, and noted that the couple’s friend had the catchiest name in the industry. The Boatrights are from Milan, Kan.
“Wouldn’t it be fun to say ‘all my dogs are fast?’” Sue Boatright said. “What a great name to have with greyhounds.”
Boatright said she admired Fast because he was willing to name his greyhounds based on his life experiences. With the assistance of her husband, she provided the audience with a 5-minute story about 40 greyhound names that summed up his life near Burlingame. “Greg Fast – a great name for a great guy,” Sue Boatright said. Strickland was chosen as a young greyhound producer to recognize Fast. “Greg has always been a good friend,” Strickland said. “He is very modest and does not talk much about himself.” When Strickland and Fast get together they do talk about their greyhound pups and their potential. Strickland then smiled and said when Fast did not think his pups will produce is just when the industry becomes aware of the talents of Lonesome Cry and Clapping Thunder.
“I’ve always enjoyed our conversations,” Strickland said. “You have been a friend to the industry and a friend to me.”
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