WRC History & Leadership

WRC History and Member Recognition

An Old yet Contemporary Club

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.

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.

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.

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
2007 & 2008	Adina Wadsworth
Present (elected 2009)	Elyse Braner

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

Director At Large: Brian Savitch

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.

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.

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!

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.

Year	Award Recipient
1972	Edwin Jerome
1973	Ray Morrison
1974	Lester Page
1975	Mike Bradley
1976	Bruce Robinson
1977	Bruce Robinson
1978	Mark Baldino
1979	Dan Rincon
1980	Allen Naylor
1981	Robert Thurston
1982	Jay Jacob Wind
1984	Peter Nye
1985	Sargeant Family
1986	Ron Ponchak
1987	John Walsh
1988	Gerry Ives
1993	Tristram Kruger
1995	John O'Donnell
2001	David Keating
2002	Jim Wadsworth
2003	Barb Fallon Wallace
2004	Norman Brand
2005	James Scarborough
2006	Stephen Baker
2008	Adina Wadsworth

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.

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.

Recent Member Recognition

2008

For 2008, the year-end party was held at the Tonic Restaurant in NW DC. The club presented 4 outstanding runner awards as shown in table below. Also recognized were 12 members who had some excellent performances during the year.

Major Awards for 2008	Highlights
Runners of the Year - Naoko Ishibe - Dan Simonds	Naoko: 5ks, 10 milers, trail races, ½ marathon, and Chicago marathon – some excellent performances, wins, places, and times (18:37 5k, 1:22 ½ marathon, and 3:00 marathon). Dan: 5ks, 8ks, ½ marathons, trail races and Boston marathon – some great finishes including a couple of first places, age group placings, PR in 5k (17:37), solid performances in ½ marathon (1:26) and marathon (3:10). Both Dan and Naoko were very active in the WRC, helping with track workouts, tempo runs, long runs, and board activities.
High Recognition - Cristina Burbach - Lance Crist	Cristina: distances run – 5k, 4-miles, 10k, 10-miles. Out of 14 races run Cristina had 5 PRs and some excellent finish and age-group placings. Lance: distances run – 5k, 8k, 10 miles, marathon, 50 mile. Lance ran two solid marathons, Boston and Chicago , and completed the JFK 50-Mile in 8:39! Both Cristina and Lance were active in the WRC this year as well, Cristina running on race teams and helping at the WRC National Marathon water stop and Lance showing leadership for the Friday morning tempo runs, some long runs, and track workouts.
Shout Outs
- Lindsay Wilkins - Barb Fallon Wallace - Elyse Braner - Maria Kozloski - Elizabeth Jones - Madeline Harms - Michael Wardian - Philippe Rolly - Jean-Christophe Arcaz - Roberto Rodriguez - Brian Savitch - Anthony DeCrappeo	Many WRC members had fantastic races last year and deserve shout outs, though we couldn't mention everyone of course. Listed are a dozen notable shout-outs. Note that Michael Wardian and Michael Mills each ran 12 marathons in 2008, and Dane Rauchenberg ran 11.
Alfred tomFelde Award
Adina Wadsworth	For Adina’s two-year service and leadership as President of the WRC!

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.

Major Awards for 2007	Highlights
Male Runner of the Year and most improved - Will Ellison	3:05 Columbus PR, 38 minute 10k PR, 1:24 half marathon PR
Female Runner of the Year - Elyse Braner	69:59 Army 10-Miler, 3:14 Marine Corps, 1:25 20k win
Prolific Racer and Traveler - Michael Mills	Michaels ran many marathons all over the United States and in a couple of foreign countries as well, such as Sweden and Antartica.
High Achievement - Laura Chipkin	3:25 Boston, 3:22 New York Marathon, both PR’s
Special Recognition Awards
- 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	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.

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
- 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
-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.

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

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.

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

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