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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. |
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. |
| 1981-1982 |
Mark Baldino |
| 1983 |
Dan Rincon |
| 1984-1985 |
Alan Roth |
| 1986-1987 |
Jack Coffey |
| 1988 |
Dan Rincon |
| 1989 |
Lisa Hamm |
| 1990-1991 |
Kevin Kolakowski |
| 1992-1993 |
Tris Kruger |
| 1994-1995 |
Andy Smythe |
| 1996 |
John O'Donnell |
| 1997 |
David Keating |
| 1998 |
Jack Pozo-Olano |
| 1999 (partial) |
Steve Tappan |
| 1999 (partial) |
David Keating |
| 2001 & 2002 |
Jim Wadsworth |
| 2003 & 2004 |
Barb Fallon Wallace |
| 2005 & 2006 |
Stephen Baker |
| Present (elected 2007) |
Adina Wadsworth |
Present
WRC Officers
President:
Adina Wadsworth
Vice President:
Elyse Braner
Secretary: Bart
Forsyth
Treasurer: James
Scarborough
Information
Officer & Membership: Jim Wadsworth
Club Representative
to USA Track & Field: Norman Brand
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| About
the WRC president. Adina Wadsworth has been an active participant in
the WRC for the last seven years and has been running competively in the
DC area for the last ten years. When not running, Adina likes to hang out
around downtown DC, read, travel, cook, and spend time with her husband
Jim and friends. |
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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. |
 
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.
For the latter, we are working to fill in the blanks. |
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
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.
| Major Awards for 2006 |
Highlights |
Male Runners of the Year
- Dane Rauschenberg
- Max Lockwood |
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. |
Female Runners of the Year
- Lindsay Goulet
- Elizabeth Jones |
Lindsay: 2:55 at Chicago Marathon, joined top-marathon list, other
quality races.
Elizabeth: prolific racer, number of wins, many races run. |
Master Runner of the Year
- Jean-Christophe Arcaz |
Jean-Christophe: 1st master at Veteran's Day 10k (35:40), many excellent
times run including a 58:48 10 miler. |
Alfred tomFelde Trophy
- Steve Baker |
Club president, dedicated volunteer, and runner. |
| 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 |
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) |
| Special Recognition Honorable Mentions |
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 |
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.
| Major Awards for 2005 |
Highlights |
Male Runners of the Year
- Michael Wardian
- Philippe Rolly |
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. |
Female Runners of the Year
- Genevieve Kiley
- Erica Morton |
Gen: 2:48 at Twin Cities, quality 10ks.
Erica: 3:24 pr at Chicago, track coordinator |
Masters Runners of the Year
- George Buckheit
- Jean-Christophe Arcaz
- Bruce Reynolds |
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. |
Alfred tomFelde Trophy
- James Scarborough |
Club treasurer, selfless volunteer, dedicated runner and racer. |
| Special Recognition Awards |
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-Laura Chipken
- Juli Wohlrab
- Amy Sullivan
- Dan Simonds
- Bryon Powell
- Will Ellison
- Steve Money
- Yancey Hall |
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 |
| Special Recognition Honorable Mentions |
Al Han, Frank Sprtel, Dane Rauschenberg, Barb Fallon Wallace, Casey
Smith, Dave O'Hara, Max Lockwood |
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. |
| Special
Recognition Awards (2004) |
Highlights |
| Chicago Marathon Dream
Team Members (Mike Proulx-captain, Erica Morton, Emily Turner, Challice
Bonifant, Diana Johnson) |
Team was 15th in mixed open,
all had breakthrough PR marathons |
| Outstanding Marathon Effort
(Michael Wardian, Casey Smith & Al Han) |
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! |
| Race and Workout Leaders
(Yancey Hall & Pascal Brazey) |
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. |
| Long Distance Standout (Bryon
Powell) |
Silver buckle at Western
States 100, 3d in a marathon in 3:02, other excellent ultra times and places. |
| Triathlon Excellence (Steve
Tappan) |
Qualified for Ironman Hawaii
and finished the prestigious event even while sick and in extremely hot
and windy conditions. |
| Writing and Dog-Run Excellence
(Kyle Yost & dog Riley) |
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. |
| Award
(2003) |
Recipient |
| Outstanding Runner of the
Year |
Michael Wardian |
| Most Improved Runner |
Marie Sandrock |
| Exceptional Volunteer |
Adina Wadsworth |
| Special Recognition |
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. |
| Award
(2002 running year) |
Recipient |
| Runner of the year - men |
Todd Martin |
| Runner of the year - women |
Casey Smith |
| 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. |
| Award
(2001 running year) |
Recipient |
| Runner of the year - men |
Kirk Baird |
| Runner of the year - women |
Robin Oswald |
| Exceptional volunteer efforts |
Ron McGraw & Barb Fallon |
| Most valuable race team
member - male |
Todd Martin |
| Most valuable race team
member - female |
Liz Parks |
| Exceptional coaching |
Nate Reilly |
| Exceptional treasurer duties |
James Scarborough |
| Outstanding stalwart of
the Sunday distance run |
Gerry Ives |
| Long term support and dedication
to the WRC |
Norman Brand |
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. |
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
2008: All Rights Reserved by WRC.
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