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WRC Home
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WRC History and Member Recognition
An
Old yet Contemporary Club
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The information on this page is presented to further
enlighten the membership and other interested parties as to some of the
history, leadership, and recognized members of the Washington Running Club.
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A Bit Of History
The Washington Running
Club (WRC) was formed when runner members of the Washington Sports Club
split from that association in 1974. Apparently, the Washington Sports Club
(WSC) was placing increased emphasis on other sports and the running
members decided a club aimed solely on running was necessary.
The WRC, and its
antecedent club, the WSC, has been known among
runners as an elite distance running club in the Washington DC
area. In the 1960’s, 70’s and early 80’s an elite racing
team would travel to national and world cross country races (e.g., Scotland
& Ireland) to compete (as well as to other racing events). And they did
well at these events. For example, in 1967, the club won 7 national
championships.
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Lore
has it that the antecedent club of the WRC harkens back to the Washington DC
trolley days.
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Over
the years, the club has had in its membership a number of talented
national-class athletes. Some of note include: Jack Fultz, George Malley, Henry O’Connell, Matt Wilson, Jeff Scuffins, Bruce Coldsmith,
Jim Hage, Steve Spence, Terry Baker, Bernie
Allen, Bruce Robinson, Will Albers, Walter Sargent,
Michael Wardian, Mary Anne Dickerson, Laura DeWald, Patty McGovern, Casey Smith, Genevieve Kiley, Lindsay Goulet, among
others. To see some of the outstanding marathon times run check out the "top
member marathons" page. The WRC has also had (and still has)
numerous other members who had been supreme high school and collegiate
runners, been sponsored by running companies or running stores, and who
have run very notable and competitive times.
While a club steeped in
competitive tradition, the WRC has runners of all abilities. Some are in
their prime and running very fast times, some are maintaining their
competitiveness and consistency, some are in the twilight of their careers,
and lots of others fall somewhere in between. WRC members strive to partake
in the running community and enjoy the sport to their own individual
desires.
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Presidents of the
WRC
Presidents of the WRC harken back to the first days of the club. Elected by
the membership, this person is responsible for calling meetings of officers
and the membership, controlling the club's operations and financial
dealings, appointing members to unelected positions, and being the general
person in charge. Often the terms "prez,"
"head honcho," or "big enchilada" are bestowed upon the
WRC president. They are used with the utmost respect, of course. Below is a
listing of those brave enough to esteem to this highly regarded position in
recent years.
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1981-1982
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Mark Baldino
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1983
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Dan Rincon
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1984-1985
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Alan Roth
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1986-1987
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Jack Coffey
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1988
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Dan Rincon
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1989
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Lisa Hamm
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1990-1991
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Kevin Kolakowski
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1992-1993
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Tris Kruger
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1994-1995
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Andy Smythe
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1996
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John O'Donnell
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1997
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David Keating
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1998
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Jack Pozo-Olano
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1999 (partial)
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Steve Tappan
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1999 (partial)
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David Keating
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2001 & 2002
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Jim Wadsworth
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2003 & 2004
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Barb Fallon Wallace
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2005 & 2006
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Stephen Baker
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2007 & 2008
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Adina Wadsworth
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Present (elected 2009)
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Elyse Braner
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Present WRC Officers
President: Elyse Braner
Vice President: Naoko Ishibe
Secretary: Dan Simonds
Treasurer: James
Scarborough
Director At Large: Madeline Harms
Director At Large: Dan Yi
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About the WRC president. Elyse Braner has been a very active participant in the WRC for the last two years and has
been working hard at improving her running and having fun with the sport. When not running, Elyse likes to take part in yoga classes and other fitness activies, as well as work at Lululemon Athletics in DC.
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Member Awards
The WRC recognizes the
achievements of its members from time to time, both in club volunteerism
and of course, in running as well. The Alfred tomFelde
Trophy is a perpetual award that has been in the club since the 1960's. It
was awarded annually in the past, took a hiatus of sorts, but is now again
awarded on an annual basis. The recipient houses the trophy in good keeping
until it is transferred.
The club also provides
awards and member recognition at its annual year-end party/banquet, usually
held in late January or early February. The running year is simply the
calendar year. Criteria for receiving awards or recognition takes into
account race performances and/or loyalty and activity in the club. We
strive to recognize outstanding running accomplishments and good people
too.
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Alfred tomFelde Trophy
Perpetual
trophy with inscription stating: "For the Most Active Long Distance
Runner of the Year from the WSC"
First things first. Why
does it say WSC, you may ask? If you red the bit of history above, you
learned that the WSC, Washington Sports Club, was the precedent club to the
WRC. Runners belonging to the WSC (which also included athletes in other
sports) split to form the WRC in 1974 to gain a more direct focus on
distance running. The trophy had its origins with the WSC, and so, the
inscription on the trophy shall stand for perpetuity, or until someone
changes it.
The trophy is named in
the honor of Alfred tomFelde, who was an
accomplished olympic-caliber race walker in the
1930's. He was also a dedicated member of the Washington Sports Club. The
trophy was introduced in the early 1960's. Thus, this baby is more than 40
years old and deserves our utmost respect.
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Showing a tradition of the WRC - the Alfred tomFelde Trophy and awardee inscription plate...ah that glare! |
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The
trophy continues to be considered perpetual by the WRC, but in recent years
has not been awarded to the most active distance runners of the club, but
rather, to those who have shown outstanding volunteerism, loyalty, and
leadership in the WRC. Thus, the trophy's modern day creed implies: "Exceptional
Service to the WRC." The table below lists the recipients of the trophy, beginning
in 1972.
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Year
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Award Recipient
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1972
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Edwin Jerome
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1973
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Ray Morrison
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1974
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Lester Page
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1975
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Mike Bradley
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1976
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Bruce Robinson
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1977
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Bruce Robinson
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1978
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Mark Baldino
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1979
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Dan Rincon
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1980
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Allen Naylor
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1981
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Robert Thurston
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1982
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Jay Jacob Wind
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1984
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Peter Nye
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1985
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Sargeant Family
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1986
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Ron Ponchak
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1987
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John Walsh
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1988
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Gerry Ives
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1993
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Tristram Kruger
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1995
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John O'Donnell
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2001
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David Keating
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2002
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Jim Wadsworth
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2003
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Barb Fallon Wallace
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2004
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Norman Brand
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2005
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James Scarborough
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2006
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Stephen Baker
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Note that some of the years and
corresponding names are missing. In some years the trophy was not awarded.
In others, we are simply missing
the information.
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John O'Donnell
hands off the large antique trophy to David Keating in 2002, while Jim
Wadsworth cites Dave's many accomplishments. Dave showed leadership by
volunteering many hours to develop membership, build club group run
numbers, assist members with their running, create the club's website, and
proffer creative and informative news of the club.
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Recent Member
Recognition
2007
For 2007,
the year-end party was held at Sonoma
restaurant on Capitol Hill in DC. The club presented 4 outstanding runner
awards as shown in the table below. Also recognized were 19 members who had
quality performances.
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Major Awards for 2007
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Highlights
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Male Runner of the Year
and most improved
- Will Ellison
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3:05 Columbus PR, 38 minute 10k PR, 1:24 half marathon
PR
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Female Runner of the Year
- Elyse Braner
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69:59 Army 10-Miler, 3:14 Marine Corps, 1:25 20k win
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Prolific Racer and
Traveler
- Michael Mills
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Michaels ran many marathons all over the United States and in a couple of foreign
countries as well, such as Sweden and Antartica.
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High Achievement
- Laura Chipkin
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3:25 Boston,
3:22 New York
Marathon,
both PR’s
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Special Recognition Awards
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- Jean Christophe Arcaz
- Lance Crist
- Courtney Fulton
- Erica Grasmick
- Kevin Grasmick
- Elizabeth Jones
- Maria Kozloski
- Max Lockwoood
- Lucy Nottingham
- Tom O’Reilly
- Bob Platt
- Philippe Rolly
- Shirley Sameshima
- James Scarborough
- Dan Simonds
- Stephanie Tocco
- Michael Wardian
- Lindsay Goulet Wilkens
- Jay Wind
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Many members had good years running and special
performances throughout, from PRs, to many races run, to goal setting finishes. These
special recognition call-outs are to honor their hard work and efforts.
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2006
For
2006, the year-end party was held at the Boulevard Woodgrill
in Arlington.
The club presented 5 outstanding runner awards as shown in the table below.
Also recognized were 24 members who had quality performances. The club
awarded the annual Alfred tomFelde trophy to
outgoing club president, runner, and dedicated volunteer Steve Baker for
all his work for the club.
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Major Awards for 2006
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Highlights
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Male Runners of the
Year
- Dane Rauschenberg
- Max Lockwood
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Dane: 52 marathons in 52 weeks, average time of 3:21,
best time 2:59:48.
Max: 2:33 at Boston Marathon, 4 10-milers in 56 minute range, other
quality races.
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Female Runners of the
Year
- Lindsay Goulet
- Elizabeth Jones
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Lindsay: 2:55 at Chicago Marathon, joined top-marathon
list, other quality races.
Elizabeth:
prolific racer, number of wins, many races run.
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Master Runner of the
Year
- Jean-Christophe Arcaz
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Jean-Christophe: 1st master at Veteran's Day 10k (35:40), many excellent
times run including a 58:48 10 miler.
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Alfred tomFelde Trophy
- Steve Baker
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Club president, dedicated volunteer, and runner.
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Special Recognition Awards
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- Marie Sandrock
- Jessica Marquis
- Lucy Nottingham
- Michael Wardian
- Dave O'Hara
- Kevin Grasmick
- Henry Grossmann
- Frank Sprtel
- Bryon Powell
- Will Schaffer
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Marie: 3:09 - Philadelphia
Jessica: 3:23 - Boston
Lucy: 3:27 - Chicago
Michael: 2:22 - Steamtown
Dave: 55:17 - Cherry Blossom 10-Miler
Kevin: 2:40 Chicago
Henry: 2:54 Richmond
Frank: 54:09 GW Parkway 10-Miler
Bryon: 2:47 Potomac Marathon, two 100-milers
Will: 2:08 Capitol 20-Miler (1st), 16:28 5k (1st)
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Special Recognition
Honorable Mentions
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Casey Smith, Juli Wohlrab, Laura Chipken, Challice Bonifant, Adina
Wadsworth, Erica Morton, Lance Crist, Tom
O'Reilly, Dan Simonds, Mike Mills, Will
Ellison, Kyle Yost, Bart Forsyth, Mike Proulx
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2005
For
2005, the year-end party was held at the Boulevard Woodgrill
in Arlington.
The club presented 8 major awards as shown in the table below. Also
recognized were 15 members who had quality performances throughout the
year. The club awarded the annual Alfred tomFelde
trophy to club treasurer, runner, and trustworthy volunteer James Scarborough.
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Major Awards for 2005
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Highlights
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Male Runners of the Year
- Michael Wardian
- Philippe Rolly
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Mike: 2:24 at Steamtown, 10
marathons run, 8 under 2:30.
Philippe: 2:36 at Twin
Cities, Pikes Peek
in 29:54,other quality races.
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Female Runners of the Year
- Genevieve Kiley
- Erica Morton
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Gen: 2:48 at Twin Cities, quality 10ks.
Erica: 3:24 pr at Chicago, track coordinator
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Masters Runners of the
Year
- George Buckheit
- Jean-Christophe Arcaz
- Bruce Reynolds
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George: lots of masters top finishes, 33:38 at Pikes
Peek.
Jean-Christophe: Grand Prix placer, excellent places and times in
numerous races.
Bruce: Grand Prix placer, ran lots of races in
excellent times.
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Alfred tomFelde
Trophy
- James Scarborough
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Club treasurer, selfless volunteer, dedicated runner
and racer.
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Special Recognition Awards
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-Laura Chipken
- Juli Wohlrab
- Amy Sullivan
- Dan Simonds
- Bryon Powell
- Will Ellison
- Steve Money
- Yancey Hall
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Laura: 3:26 PR - Chicago
Juli: 4:12 PR - MCM
Amy: 4:12 PR - MCM
Dan: 3:06 - Chicago
Bryon: Western States 100 1st under 30 & 2:54 thon
Will: 3:29 PR - Berlin
Steve: 2:36 MCM, 15:58 Tsunami 5k
Yancey: WRR rankings, good 10ks
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Special Recognition
Honorable Mentions
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Al Han, Frank Sprtel, Dane
Rauschenberg, Barb Fallon Wallace, Casey Smith, Dave O'Hara, Max Lockwood
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2004
For
2004, the year-end party was again held at the Rhodeside
Grill in Arlington.
The club went in a different direction and presented 13 member recognition
awards. The club also thanked outgoing President Barb with a gift, awarded
the Alfred tomFelde trophy to longtime dedicated
member Norman Brand, presented Jay Wind with the WRC's
master's men 3d place at Marine Corps Marathon plaque for his strong race
effort, and honored WRC logo designer Danny Royer with a gift certificate.
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Special Recognition Awards (2004)
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Highlights
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Chicago
Marathon Dream Team Members (Mike Proulx-captain,
Erica Morton, Emily Turner, Challice Bonifant, Diana Johnson)
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Team
was 15th in mixed open, all had breakthrough PR marathons
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Outstanding
Marathon Effort (Michael Wardian, Casey Smith & Al Han)
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Mike
ran the Olympic Marathon Trials, had numerous great efforts, is on the WRC
all-time marathon list (under 2:30) ten times, and had a world record in
the treadmill marathon. Casey ran 2:45 and Al ran 2:43 at the Philadelphia
Marathon, both big pr's!
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Race
and Workout Leaders (Yancey Hall & Pascal Brazey)
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Led WRC
team to a win at the Veteran's Day 10k, ran excellent race times, and help
lead with their workout efforts on regular basis.
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Long
Distance Standout (Bryon Powell)
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Silver
buckle at Western States 100, 3d in a marathon in 3:02, other excellent
ultra times and places.
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Triathlon
Excellence (Steve Tappan)
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Qualified
for Ironman Hawaii
and finished the prestigious event even while sick and in extremely hot and
windy conditions.
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Writing
and Dog-Run Excellence (Kyle Yost & dog Riley)
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Won the
dog Pennsylvania Mile and wrote great story on his ironman experience.
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2003
For
2003, the year-end party returned to the Rhodeside
Grill in Arlington.
Mike Wardian took honors as the Outstanding
Runner of the Year, Marie Sandrock captured the
Most Improved Runner, Adina Wadsworth was recognized as Exceptional
Volunteer, and Tris Kruger got the Special
Recognition Award.
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Award (2003)
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Recipient
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Outstanding
Runner of the Year
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Michael
Wardian
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Most
Improved Runner
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Marie Sandrock
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Exceptional
Volunteer
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Adina
Wadsworth
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Special
Recognition
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Tristam Kruger
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2002
For the 2002 running
year, the year-end party was held at the Capitol Lounge on Capitol
Hill. The Alfred TomFelde trophy was awarded to
Jim Wadsworth and runners of the year for men and women were recognized, as
listed here.
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Award (2002 running year)
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Recipient
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Runner
of the year - men
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Todd
Martin
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Runner
of the year - women
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Casey
Smith
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Not
only did Todd and Casey have a superb year with numerous races, big wins,
and fast times, but they also led some WRC teams in races and showed
extreme loyalty to the club. These attributes together led to their
well-deserved awards.
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2001
In 2001, the WRC
reconstituted a year-end party/banquet to socialize, graze, and to
recognize achievements of members of the club. In 2001, the party was held
at the Rhodeside Grill in Arlington. A number
of awards were given to deserving members as well as the transfer of the
Alfred tomFelde trophy from John O'Donnell to
David Keating.
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Award (2001 running year)
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Recipient
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Runner
of the year - men
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Kirk
Baird
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Runner
of the year - women
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Robin
Oswald
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Exceptional
volunteer efforts
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Ron
McGraw & Barb Fallon
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Most
valuable race team member - male
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Todd
Martin
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Most
valuable race team member - female
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Liz
Parks
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Exceptional
coaching
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Nate
Reilly
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Exceptional
treasurer duties
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James
Scarborough
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Outstanding
stalwart of the Sunday distance run
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Gerry
Ives
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Long
term support and dedication to the WRC
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Norman
Brand
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The latter two individuals
in this list need some explanation. Gerry Ives was instrumental in starting
the Sunday run back in 1981, and has stuck with it ever since. Norman Brand
was a charter member of the WRC in 1974, and was a member of WRC’s antecedent clubs, dating back to the 1950s.
Norman has
steadfastly represented the WRC on the Potomac Valley Chapter of USA Track
& Field for years.
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Long-time
member Gerry Ives receives Sunday distance run stalwart award in 2001
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One site that has
been a constant all through the years, the beautiful Capitol Dome!
For general information proffering or questions about
the club write to: wrc03dc@yahoo.com
© Copyrighted 2009: All Rights Reserved by WRC.
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