Rockland Road Runners Awards
Every year, Rockland Road Runners recognizes members that rise above the rest. Our annual awards ceremony takes place at our January General Meeting.
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.
THE MARIE “GRANDMA” KILLEEN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The most prestigious Rockland Road Runners (RRR) award is given to a person who the RRR Board of Directors believe exemplifies the spirit of the RRR and who has made long-time and significant contributions to the success and functioning of the RRR. Further this award is intended to recognize an individual RRR member that has been a steadfast supporter of the RRR purpose in all aspects, including running, philanthropy, volunteering at RRR events, exhibiting leadership and representing a positive image of the RRR.
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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 Alison Luscher 2010 Jamie Kempton 2011 John Melican & Frank Dickinson 2012 Jesse Hackell 2013 Dave Goldwasser 2014 Bill Carpenter 2015 Jonathan Farrell 2016 Tony Maulucci 2017 Mike Seidenfrau
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Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
2017 Marie Killeen
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.
BERNIE CASSERLY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
This award is selected by a committee 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.
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George Wodicka Inspiration Award Winners
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 2013 Rich Fernandez 2014 Wojtek “VT” Cieszkowski 2015 Jamie Kempton 2016 Mike Seidenfrau 2017 Alyssa Holland
Gail Cirlin-Lazerus
Jamie Kempton
Jesse Hackell
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Bernie Casserly Volunteer of the Year Award Winners
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 Wolf 2013 Kathleen Daly 2014 Jamie Mitrani & Cliff Fromm 2015 Patty Ciardullo 2016 Tom Gannon 2017 Bernie Casserly
RRR RUNNERS OF THE YEAR
In 2008, the club added a new award, and presented it to two valuable members of Team RRR. These runners must take part in competitive NYRR races for Team RRR throughout the year and bring with them the team spirit, and competitive edge that makes them assets to our team.
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.
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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 2013 Female: Elizabeth Apicella Male: Russell Flax 2014 Female: Ayako Yamazaki Male: Bruce Yang 2015 Female: Patricia Kutner Fiume Male: Ed Brown 2016 Female: Gail Cirlin-Lazerus Male: Benny Kim 2017 Female: Barbara Paer Male: Clayton Combe
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RRCA National Volunteer Winners
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 2013 Bill Carpenter and Laura DiMarino
