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.

• 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 – Alison Luscher
• 2010 – Jamie Kempton
• 2011 – John Melican & Frank Dickinson
• 2012 – Jesse Hackell

Left – Frank and John on volunteer duty at the Women’s Distance Festival 5K

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 – Alison Luscher
• 2009 – Dan Hogan
• 2010 – David and Claudia Cohen
• 2011 – Jesse Hackell
• 2012 – Larry Wold

Right – Jesse Hackell holds his well-deserved 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.

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
2011 – Laura DiMarino
2012 – JC Santa Teresa

Laura DiMarino accepts her award from RRR President Jamie Kempton

RRR RUNNER OF THE YEAR

In 2008, the club added a new award, and presented it to two vaulable members of Team RRR.
RRR Runners of the Year:

• 2008 – Female: Sheila Casey
  Male: Michael Nusblat
• 2009 – Female: Josephine Patten
  Male: Bernard Patten
• 2010 – Female: Marie Killeen
  Male: John Singer
• 2011 – Female: Barbara Paer
  Male: Narcis Aron
• 2012 – Not awarded

Right – 2011 RRR Runners of the Year – Narcis Aron and Barbara Paer

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, Alison 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