RRR awards

RRR Awards....

RRR VOLUNTEER AWARDS - New this year. Six awards will be given: Three one-year extensions of club membership, Two $100. gift certificates for dinner, and one American Airlines roundtrip ticket for a domestic flight. Members must volunteer in 3 or more races to be eligible. Names will be drawn at the Holiday Party on Saturday, December 10, 2011.

Click to view the volunteer list Check your eligibility!

THE DON CORDISCO AWARD - The inaugural "Person of the Year" award winner was RRR's first official coach, Walter Johnston. He was selected by a committee in 1986, and an annual tradition was born. In 1990, it was renamed the "Person of the Year - Don Cordisco Award", named in honor and in memory of a well-loved and popular member of the club. Don was described as, "...an accomplished runner and triathlete, whose love for running was second only to his love for his family." In 1998, the club officially dropped the "Person of the Year" title, because the award had evolved into a recognition of longtime contribution and service to the RRR, rather than just one year. Today, the "Don Cordisco Award" is the most prestigious award presented by the club, annually chosen by a committee of previous winners who are still active club members.

Don Cordisco Award Winners:

1986 - Walter Johnston
1987 - Mike Angarola
1988 - Ann McGrath
1989 - Adi Steingraber
1990 - Mike Angarola
1991 - Joyce Magee
1992 - Donald Leider
1993 - Bernie Casserly
1994 - Sue Hale
1995 - Mike Shore
1996 - Dennis Rankin
1997 - Jim Hyland
1998 - Larry Wolf
1999 - Kathleen Daly
2000 - not awarded
2001 - Marie Killeen
2002 - Art Reilly
2003 - Fred Turk
2004 - Mike Greco
2005 - Enilda Indyk
2006 - Rich Tinger
2007 - Bernie Casserly
2008 - Ann & John Singer
2009 - Allison Luscher
2010 - Jamie Kempton

Ann & John

Right: 2010 Don Cordisco Award winner, Jamie Kempton, receives his award from RRR President Bernie Casserly and 2009 Person of the Year, Allison Luscher.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - This award is selected by a commitee of the club's race directors and board members. It is presented to the club member who stands out by consistently exhibiting a strong commitment toward volunteering and working at club races and events throughout the year.

Volunteers of the Year:

1998 - John & Ann Singer
1999 - Sue Theise
2000 - Mark Greco
2001 - Joan Maher
2002 - Nicole Olds
2003 - Enilda Indyk
2004 - Frank Dickinson
2005 - Ernest Joseph
2006 - Cheryl Langus
2007 - Jerry Sun
2008 - Allison Luscher
2009 - Dan Hogan
2010 - David and Claudia Cohen

Right - A happy Allison accepts her 2008 Volunteer of the Year award.

THE GEORGE WODICKA INSPIRATION AWARD - In 1996, George Wodicka, also affectionately referred to as "the Guru of Rockland Lake", was presented with a plaque which read, "For Continuing Inspiration and Motivation to All Runners". The Runaround newsletter at the time said, "George delights in talking to new runners about running, and fueling their enthusiasm for the sport." "George was a mentor to many RRR members, was our sport's premier cheerleader, spokesman, and it's most savvy observer." The George Wodicka Inspiration Award was revived in 2001, and is presented to the club member who best exemplifies the qualities that inspire and motivate those around them to keep running, and persevere against all odds.

George Wodicka Inspiration Award

1996 - George Wodicka
2001 - Laurie Goldin
2002 - Bill Fortune
2003 - Marie "Grandma" Killeen
2004 - John Melican
2005 - Ann & John Singer
2006 - Steve Borton
2007 - Dave Fernandez
2008 - Dave Goldwasser
2009 - Alexandra Finger
2010 - John Melican

Right: Dave Fernandez raises his well-deserved award at the 2007 Holiday Party.

RRR RUNNER OF THE YEAR - In 2008, the club added a new award, and presented it to two vaulable members of Team RRR.

2008 Runner of the Year - Male: Michael Nusblat
2008 Runner of the Year - Female: Sheila Casey
2009 Runner of the Year - Male: Bernard Patten
2009 Runner of the Year - Female: Josephine Patten
2010 Runner of the Year - Male: John Singer
2010 Runner of the Year - Female: Marie Killeen

Right - Mike and Sheila accept their awards from RRR Secretary Shelly Shrem.

ROAD RUNNERS CLUB of AMERICA (RRCA) NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARD - This national achievement award recognizes long-term contributions of service to the club and the running community. To be eligible for this award, a member must have contributed at least 2000 hours of volunteer service to their club.

2003 - Joyce Magee and Art Reilly
2004 - Sue Hale and Mike Angarola
2005 - Bernie Casserly and Jamie Kempton
2006 - Kathleen Daly, Larry Wolf, Allison and Brian Luscher
2007 - Ann McGrath Angarola and Frank Dickinson
2008 - Enilda Indyk, Mike Greco and John Melican
2009 - Marie Killeen, Fred Turk and Becky Thurn

Below: Enilda Indyk accepts her 2008 RRCA National Volunteer award.