Introduction
By
D.
Charles Owen
It is with a heavy heart
that I open this New Year’s edition of the newsletter, for while there is much good
news to report upon, one significant event racked our community of runners and supporters. As I’m sure almost all of you know, Sue Fletcher-Haines, retired educator, wife,
mother, coach, athlete, basketball player, runner, friend and inspiration, passed away on 30 Oct 01 after an accident which occurred during
a training run near her home in Sierra Vista. At
her memorial service, held on 02 Nov 01, her
family and many friends, the number of which exceeded the seating capacity of the service
site, talked of Sue, her many achievements and
of the way she touched their lives. As my
family and I are relative newcomers to the community, many of the anecdotes and
accomplishments attributed to Sue were
previously unknown to us. It was amazing to
me, that this great woman, who during our last meeting spoke so energetically of the
future of the TMRC, had over the course of
decades coached school record holders (including her own daughter-Lisa), the only cross country team from Sierra
Vista to win a state championship, an Olympian (along with her husband Dick Haines), as well as dozens of runners, many
of whom are still in the local area and active within the TMRC. As
Coach Williams, Track Coach for Buena High
School said, “Sue will live on in all of
us whose lives she touched. She lives on with
me now in the work I do.” Dick Haines, one of the founders of the TMRC and
still a pillar within the running community, invited me to his home last month and shared
with me Sue was training for an assault on some
national age group running records when the accident occurred. It was illuminating and fascinating to see the
pictures and hear the tales Dick has from their
family’s involvement in the sports community. From
those of us who knew her only a short while, and from those of you who were fortunate to
have known, trained/competed with, and shared portions of your lives with Sue, I simply want to say thank you for the
gifts you’ve given us. Dick, you and your family have our deepest
sympathy.
Events
and Special Mention
Brian Bates, longtime TMRC member and system administrator for the UofA South, has created a website for us. The site features pages on the history of the TMRC, upcoming events, results, membership lists
and data, photos, links to related sites, as well as a page dedicated to Sue Fletcher Haines. Outstanding job Brian. You
can access the site at www.thundermountainrc.org. Please check it out. We even have a comments page for those of you with
something to share. One thing we were
concerned with though, despite not sharing personal data other than names and race
results, is whether some of you might take exception to your name appearing within the
site. If so please contact us. We would also like feedback regarding a profile
page recognizing a different member each month. Tell
us what you think.
Also helping bring us
into the modern age, Kathy Krebs suggested we
send the newsletter via email to those of you who have access to the internet. That accounts for all but about 17 of you, and so
the time, labor, and cost savings to the club will be sizeable. Thanks Kathy.
Special mention goes to
those other pillars of our local racing community, Harry and Sharon Dubinick. While Dick
Haines and his family were with Sue during
the tragedy, Sharon and Harry were our
lifelines of communication, keeping us posted on events as they occurred. They also resourced and hosted all future TMRC Meetings for the next year at the Golden Acres Clubhouse near their home. This venue, which we used for the first time last
meeting, allowed us to eat, drink and be merry, not to mention enabled us to hear one
another, see one another, and stay warm. The
potluck dinner actually had food left afterwards, so please come out to one of the
meetings.
We are also hosting the Annual Grand Prix Awards Banquet there on 07 Feb 02
at 6:30 PM. La Casita will cater the event. Cost is $6.25 per
person. This is a bargain since the TMRC is paying the TAX and GRATUITY. Please come help us celebrate our members’
achievements from the past year. As that we
would like a head count as soon as possible, please RSVP, by sending a copy of the sign up
form (available on the website) with your check/money order to the address shown. IT IS
IMPORTANT TO SIGN UP BY 01 FEB 02 SO WE CAN PAY THE CATERERS. PLEASE COMMIT SOON IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND.
The new calendar is out,
so please ensure you are planning your events off of the most recent copy (also on the
website). Many events, which were held in the
past on Ft. Huachuca, were moved to new
locations so all can participate should the installation return to more stringent entry
procedures. If an event is shown as taking
place on the installation, recommend you contact the race director, or watch the
Commander’s Access Channel (97) for any changes.
Elections for TMRC Club Officials were held
at the last meeting mentioned above. Don and Alice Tordsen retained their positions as
Treasurers. Kathy Krebs and Kelly Martinez will remain as
Membership Officers and Statisticians (Grand Prix standings), Barbara Chavez is serving as
Club Secretary, and I was asked to serve as President.
At first I was reluctant, not because of the responsibility associated with the
position, but because I feel as if I am so junior in knowledge, experience and tenure
within the TMRC.
However, a jury of my peers convicted me…, I mean our fellow members convinced
me to assume the position, and so I am proud to join the ranks of those who served before. I’ll strive to be worthy.
Racing
News
Sue’s
One Hill Run-06 Jan 02
Long
time TMRC Runner Pat Delvecchio served as a first time Race Director for Sue’s One Hill Run. Our first race of each calendar year, normally
held in Huachuca Canyon, was Sue’s favorite
run. Moved to Carr Canyon in case the
security status on the Fort changed, saw as perfect a Winter’s Day as I have ever
seen for running. Sue’s daughter Lisa was on hand along with Dick to help with the event. Dozens of runners, some new to the race, others
grizzled veterans, took off on the two mile uphill (but it was still only one hill,
although that last .2 mile looked, and felt, like a wall to me) course praying for that
moment when they would hit the turnaround and make this a gravity assisted run. Roger
Bristow crushed the nearest competitor by almost two minutes to win in 24:24 (24 must
be Roger’s physiological age) and Fleur Keough, fresh from her recovery after the Eco Challenge New Zealand, captured the first
place for women in 28:45. Especially
noteworthy was 70+ competitor Richard Cooper completing
this run as well as rapidly improving junior runner Dan
O’Keefe, who took third overall for this race (as well the Jingle Bell Jog in Dec 01). Pat,
who was nervous about her first time efforts as director, did a fabulous job, along with
her gang of volunteers, and had printed a button for each participant with Sue’s picture on it to keep as a memento.
Males
Females
Overall Male-Roger Bristow 24:24 Overall
Female-Fleur Keough 28:45
14 and Under
14 and Under
Dan O’Keefe 27:23
Jami Perez 33:25
Stephen Bostwick 31:43
Nikki Herndon 38:42
Justin Austin 33:28
Anya Mesch 43:20
15-18
15-18
Mike Dickerson 30:45
19-29
19-29
Fleur Keough 28:45
Amy Ott 33:24
30-39
30-39
Bruce (Pip)
Zwiers 27:29
Kathy Krebs 34:39
Brian Bates 28:03
Cathy Owens 38:28
Dean Drawbangh 29:44
Denise De La Cruz
40-49
40-49
Roger Bristow
24:24
Denise Lundin 36:31
D. Charles Owen 26:17
Jocie
Riley 47:18
John MacCarty 31:45
Mona Ennenga 39:54
50-59
50-59
Don Dunno 36:40
Shirley Williams 42:48
Bob Benjamin 41:00
Connie Lopez 47:18
Bill Bates 44:05
Candace Benjamin 47:24
60-69
60-69
Jim Peller 28:23
Jeannie Cooper 45:45
Harold Hawes 29:44
Sue Smith 48:22
Don Branaman 30:51
70-79
Richard Cooper
42:32
The
New Year’s Luminary Run-29 Dec 01
This year’s
event, hosted once again by Kathy and Kelly, saw the largest turnout in the
race’s history! Sixty eight athletes completed the course, more
than half of them were 14 or younger. Sierra
Vista’s finest were on hand to help with traffic control, but may not be able to
commit to this year’s event (Dec 02)
which would require a change in venue. We’ll
keep you posted on events as they occur regarding race location.
Males
Females
Overall Male-Roger
Bristow 19:18
Overall Female- Jamie Perez
14 and Under
14 and Under
Dan O’Keefe 21:44
Jamie
Perez 24:07
John Mercer 23:22
Maria Bowman 25:24
Stephen Bostwick
23:55
Nikki Hernadan 29:19
Justin Austin
25:08 Amaya
Mesch 31:19
Kara Mesch 33:45
Sarah Herndon 33:46
15-18
15-18
Brennick Maxwell
19:47
Brianna Scheider 30:47
David Dawson
19:53
Mike Dickerson
21:36
19-29
Thomas Robidoux
20:38
30-39
30-39
Brian Bates 19:32
Kelly Martinez 28:34
Paul Sadorf 23:52
Marylou Herrera 29:09
Lance Platt 25:29
Cathy Owen 29:48
40-49
40-49
Roger Bristow
19:18
Ceciyl O’Keefe 31:46
D. Charles Owen
20:36
Karyl O’Lamb 35:53
Chuck Collins
21:03
50-59
50-59
Bill Bates 32:18
Shirley Williams 32:37
Bob Benjamin
32:41
Candy Benjamin 34:42
Joe Mesch 38:35 Sue
Mesch 39:14
60-69
60-69
Jim Peller 22:00 Pat
Delvecchio 33:17
Chris Noble 23:22 Sue
Smith 34:06
Don Branaman
23:24
Clydesdale
Don Tordson 28:20 Kathy
Holland 55:39
Joe Farmer 28:24 Mary
Ann Herndon 55:40
Ed O’Keefe
31:46
ACAP 10K & 5K - 15
DEC 01
The ACAP 10K & 5K, originally scheduled for 15 Sep 01, was rescheduled due to the national
tragedy. Held in cold and windy conditions,
36 bold competitors toed the start line, many of whom, like Tom Meyer,
had run the Tucson Marathon less than a
week earlier. New TMRC Member Thomas Robidoux won the 5K and I won the 10K, only because Roger, Brian or Paul weren’t present. Michelle
Kimsey, director for the Thunder Mountain
Marathon and Relay, did a fantastic job
along with the staff of ACAP despite the
conditions.
TUSCON Marathon –
9 Dec 01
For a full report
on this event, which is a major metropolitan marathon with the fun and comraderie of a
local race, please hit the links page shown on our website. Race Director Pam Reid, who has won the past two
Thunder Mountain Marathons for females (and who ran a sub three marathon elsewhere this
year, personally greets many of the competitors and performs most of the tasks herself. Too many local athletes to list competed in
this event. Noteworthy though was Roger
Bristow placing 20th overall (he was disappointed with this but it was a
fantastic achievement) for the half marathon. Local triathlete Mark Becque assembled and sponsored a relay team,
but had to undergo knee surgery (we wish you a speedy recovery Mark). Brian
Bates, Paul Sadorf, Pedro Santanliano, and Paul Valentine asked me to fill in, and with
Paul V’s wife Tracy and children
lending much support, captured the 1st Place Relay Team award. Thanx
to Paul and Family as well as Mark Becque and Team.
Jingle Bell Jog 5K and
Fun Run– 08 Dec 01
The 4th annual Jingle Bell Jog, sponsored by the 309th MI Bn, saw over 100 competitors
helping to raise funds for the Holiday Giving Tree Program and Local Food Banks. This was the first race Thomas Robidoux did within the local area, where
he captured 1st place.
Pearl Harbor Handicap
5K Run – 02 Dec 01
This event, held by
former Mule Mountain Marathon Winner (and a former
TMRC President), Dr. Don Simpson, saw an actual veteran of the day which will live in
infamy (I am remiss in not noting this fine gentleman’s name) starting the event. The concept was fuzzy to me since I had never done
it before, but involved some of the faster competitors starting after the other runners
based on the differences between estimated 5K Times.
This concept proved valid as the majority of competitors finished within a minute
of one another. Coupled with the privilege of
competing with a member of our finest generation (those from the WWII era), the primarily
x-country course and complimentary dental supplies made this an outstanding event.
San Pedro River 5K and
Fun Run– 22 Nov 01
Held at the San
Pedro House, this fun and flat 5K was officiated in part by Dick Haines, along with Harry and Sharon. Chris Noble, race director, changed the
course slightly making it an actual 5K. This
run included 115 runners, and also saw the return (from their home in Alaska) of the Luch family, who were featured in an issue of ‘Runners’ World’ last Summer. These amazing children, along with the recent
showings from many of our local X-country team members, might help herald a “second
coming” (if you will) of young talent within Southern Arizona. Many of you remember that some of our notable
athletes STILL HOLD age group records from times when they were children. Perhaps these youngsters will challenge the
accomplishments of our finest junior athletes from times past. We’ll see. Congratulations to Chris on a fine
race, which featured gift certificates to the San Pedro House for some of the winners.
Males
Females
Overall Male-David
Dawson 18:02 Overall
Female-Delia Luch 21:40
14 and Under
14 and Under
John Cahin 21:14
Delia Luch 21:40
Stephen Bostwick
21:17 Marcelyn
Luch 21:44
Breht Luch 21:22
Siouxsie Owen 21:50
Letitia Luch 22:29
15-18
15-18
David Dawson
18:02
Mara Mackinnon 25:13
Brenick Maxwell
18:52
Talan Redman
19:24
Lorenzo Garcia
19:42
19-29
19-29
Matt Berberian
22:02
Jake Winslow
23:43
30-39
30-39
Brian Bates 18:25 Sheryl
Magarge 22:50
Paul Valentine
19:17 Faye
Nugent 26:12
Paul Sadorf 21:37
Kathy Krebs 26:18
Marc Meyle 22:18 Cathy
Own 26:38
40-49
40-49
Roger Bristow
18:17
Denise Lundin 26:05
D. Charles Owen
19:12 Diane
Bourke 26:24
Neil Barett 19:52
Mariann Bacley 34:55
Andy Bourke 20:50 Elizabeth
Bernstein 51:54
50-59
50-59
Ed Mraz 20:16 Alice
Tordsen 35:07
John Mackinnon
20:58 Susan
Mesch 37:03
Don Tordsen 26:01
Bruce Heran 28:04
60-69
60-69
Harald Hawes
22:18
Pat
Del Vecchio 34:42
Joe Cary 25:22
Thom Hapgood
31:50
911 15K and Fun Run
– 17 Nov 01
The annual 911 Run was once again held at the Fry
Fire Station on Yaqui Street, but was changed to a 15K event (9.3 miles). Randy
Bostwick and Eric Krebs served as race directors with mucho assistance from friends
and family. Forty three runners participated
in this event. The overall male finisher was Roger Bristow, who pulled off a scorching win in
53:09. Jami Perez also pulled in yet
another win with a finishing time of 1:15:00.
The top three finishers in the age categories are
Males 14 and Under: Stehpen Bostwick, Justin
Austin, and Marcus Guerrero. Males 15-19:
Brennick Maxwell, Chris Farmer, and Charles Virgo. Males
20-29: Robert Fields. Males 30-39:
Brian Bates, Patrick Besselman, and Thomas Moyer.
Males 40-49: Roger Bristow, Andy
Bourke, and Don Dunno. Males 50-59: John McKinnon, Steve Havens, and Don Tordsen. Males 60 and over:
Jim Pelles and Harold Hawes.
For Females we had 14 and Under: Jami Perez and Nikki Herndon. Females 20-29:
Shannon Helberg, Micaela Hurley, and Sara Meeker.
Females 30-39: Claudia Cross, Katahy
Krebs, and Kelly Martinez. Females 50-59: Connie Lopez.
The Two Mile Fun Run included female finishers Brittany Austin, Julia Taylor, and
Kimberly McElroy and male finishers Quention Gunn, Riley Oliver, and a tie with Ron York
and Joshua Meeker.
Congratulations to
all who completed this event. The Race Directors and TMRC also wish to thank their sponsors, who
provided trophies and medals for the top finishers as well as fruit for all participants.
New
Members
The Club is
growing! We’re happy to introduce the
following new members to our organization:
Kim, Pamela, and LTC
David McElroy
Maryann, Nikki, Sarah,
Sabrina, Joseph, and Stan Herndon
Barry, Mary, Justin, and
Brittany Austin
Jocelyn, Brent, Delia,
Letitia, and Marcelyn Luch
Joe and Candice Beam
Jeff, Karen, Quentin, and
Ian Gunn
Ashley and Anthony Silva
Brennick Maxwell
Thomas Robidoux
Matthew Berberian
Edward O’Keefe
William Molyneaux
Bob and Cindy Benjamin
Thank you for
becoming part of us. Please tell a friend. They need not be competitive to join. Athletes of all abilities are welcome and
we’re always looking for enthusiastic supporters/volunteers.
That’s all for now. Enjoy the Website.
We look forward to seeing you at the next event as well as the awards
banquet.
Train Hard-Race Hard.
