RRR special events

RRR Awards....

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

Above: 2006 winner Rich Tinger (R), congratulates 2007 Don Cordisco Award winner, Bernie Casserly.
Photos by Ed Howard

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

Jerry Sun accepts the 2007 Volunteer of the Year award from 2006 winner Cheryl Langus.

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

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

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

Below: Frank Dickinson receives his his RRCA National Volunteer award from Ernest Joseph and Laura DiMarino at the January meeting.