For Joseph Goffney, Journey’s iconic anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’” became more than just a song — it became a reality on March 2.
At the age of 50, the former track star laced up his running shoes once more, chasing a dream decades in the making: to complete a 400-meter race in 53 seconds. While that precise time may have remained just out of reach, the true victory was in fulfilling the dream itself.
Goffney, who ran track at Coldspring High School before competing at the collegiate level, set an ambitious goal for himself: to prove that age is just a number and that the fire of competition never fades. His journey back to the track was fueled by perseverance and belief, qualities his former coaches remember well.
“We didn’t have a track at school — just a patch of grass,” recalled Coach Sykes, Goffney’s high school track coach. “The only time we got to run on a real track was at an actual meet.”
Coach Elmore, another longtime coach at Coldspring, wasn’t surprised by Goffney’s determination. “I’ve known Joseph all his life. If he believes he can do something, he will work at it until he achieves it.”
That belief was evident in his eyes as he settled into the blocks, full of determination. As he powered through the first 300 meters, his strides were strong and steady. But by the final turn, fatigue started to creep in. Still, Goffney pressed on, fueled by the dream that had carried him to this moment.
As he crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in celebration—not just for the time on the stopwatch, but for the heart and resilience behind the run.
Though 53 seconds remained elusive, Pastor Joseph Goffney had achieved something even greater: proving that dreams don’t expire. And as he stepped off the track, he left with a promise — “Just wait till next year.”
