The Events of the NWFTC in the 90's

Run, Chris, Run (91): Chris Wilson, Niceville class of 1990 and a freshman at Florida, placed 70th in the NCAA cross-country championships in Knoxville, Tenn. Only one other frosh finished higher. Chris placed 15th in both the SEC championships and Southern Region. As they say in Boggy, he done good.

First Nurpin Fitness Championship (91) Colorado Springs, Colorado: Club member and cross training instructor Raudel Barba won the first Nuprin fitness Championship. His motto is: Strive to survive.

National U.S. Association of Blind Athletes Training Camp(91): Don Henderson, NWFTC member and track coach at Fort Walton Beach High, traveled to Lake Placid, New York, in early June to coach blind runners in preparation for the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Armed Forces Track and Field Championship (91): Lori Chandler, NWFTC member stationed at Hurlburt, represented the Air Force at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in California. Lori won the women’s 5000 meter in 18:04 and the 3000 in 10:24. She represented the Air Force as they went on to capture the Gold medal. Note: Lori also was the overall female winner of the Billy Bowlegs that year.

Women’s Distance Festival: The Women’s Distance festival 5k was held on July 13th. Lori Chandler was the overall winner with time of 18:44. Kim & Sarah Walker were the first Mother/Daughter team.

Voice Mailbox (91): The club became proud owners of their own Voice Mailbox.

Orville Maki’s first Marathon (91) - Paavo Nurmi Marathon in Hurley, Wisconsin .... by Ted Lawson. Maki described his outing at the September general membership meeting. Mac says he didn’t get his best start in the race. He happened to be in a portable john taking care of other matters when the starting gun fired. He reacted quickly as possible, hitching up his shorts and bolting for the starting line at the same time. Things went smoothly after that and he ran well for the first eighteen miles. At about that point Mac says his energy was drained and he was reduced to a slower pace with walking breaks. But he was determined to finish and finish he did. ... By the way, Mac is pushing 72!

Triathlon - McSheehy is World Champion (92): McSheehy swam, pedaled and ran his way to a first place finish in his age group( 60-64) in the World Triathlon Championship in Huntsville, Ontario. One of the goals I had was to win the National Championship after finishing second a couple of times, said McSheehy. The 60-year old McSheehy, a triathlete since 1983, swam a mile in 61-degree water ( and an air temperature of 40 ) in 15:12, completing the 40K bicycle leg in 1:18 and ran the 10K in 45:50. His overall time of 2:30:22, including transition time, was slightly more than six minutes faster than the second-place finisher, a man from Great Britain - a country that dominated the men’s division. The met attracted a field of more than 2,000 competitors, including what McSheehy estimated to be 30-40 in his age division.

Holey Moley 5K (92): 44 runners participated in its debut on Sept 28.

Northwest Florida Track Club (92): The club becomes an independent organization (No longer associated with YMCA) and is surviving and growing.

Dedication of May/June newsletter (92): This issue is dedicated in memory of Paul McGhee, a long standing club member who passed away on March 29, 1992. Here’s to you, Paul !!!

Elementary cross-country Meet (92): The NWFTC held the 20th annual Elementary cross-country Meet Saturday 8 March at the Viking Field.

FUD-2-FUD Run/Walk (92): The NWFTC held the 1st annual FUD-2-FUD 10 Mile / 3 Mile Run and 3 Mile Race Walk from FUD’s in Destin to FUD’s on Okaloosa Island.

Navajo Indian Running Shirt Project (92): Tony Bordogna thanked NWFTC club members and the management of Playground YMCA for their contributions and assistance in making the project a great success. It was a tremendous increase over last year.

Focus on the Female 5K Run / Walk (92): 5K Run Sarah Kramer was the winner of this first event. Ann Norris won the Masters division, Sally Davis won the Grandmasters. 5K Walk Anda Berzins was the overall winner, Meg Cussen took the Masters; June Dahlman took the Grandmaster.

Ironman Triathlon, Hawaii (92) - 2.4 swim - 112 mile bike - 26.2 mile run: Jack Powless - 9:52:18, Scott Eweing - 10:19:00, Jim Lefebvre - 10:32:17.

ApplebeeRace for Time (92): The first Race For Time was held on April 11th at Applebees at the Santa Rosa Mall. Hats off to NWFTC member and race director Raudel Barba for a great race and fantastic time.

ULTRAmate Experience (93): Mary Adamo-Price completes the John F. Kennedy 50 Mile Hike/Run. Time: 11 hours, 26 minutes and 56 seconds.

2nd Annual Fud-2-Fud (93): Conditions couldn't have been worse for a ten- mile road race, or for a three-miler for that matter. But that didn't stop the nearly 800 hardy competitors who crowded the line for the second annual run. Tony Gasbarro said that he enjoyed running in the rain because it kept him from getting too warm. The only problem was that the water soaked the glue out of his six year old Nikes and the soles almost came off ( He has since re-glued the vintage Mariah’s and says they are good to go for the next race ).

Summer Wedding (Apr 93): Club members Kirk Herzog and Suzanne Rapisarda announce their engagement.

10K Run For Hope 6 Mar 93: The first Annual 10K Run For Hope was held by the Horizons Foundations. The run started on Beal Parkway in front of the White Sands bowling alley. The course continued north on Beal, east on Race Track, south on Eglin Parkway across Yacht Club Drive, and north on Beal to the finish line at Temple Beth Shalom. Fifty-five runners entered this first time event. Over $1100.00 was raised by the runners. The money will be used to run programs for the developmentally disabled clients that Horizons of Okaloosa County, Inc. serves. An appreciation letter was sent to the club from the Horizons Chairman of the Board.

Grand Masters Awards (Feb 93): Calvin Ziegler captures three Grand masters Awards while spending the holidays in Monroe, New York. Calvin captured the awards in a four, five and ten mile run. Calvin stated, "It is a challenge to run in Central Park" as compared to his normal running regiment in Florida. In addition, Calvin had the opportunity to spend time with Fred Lebow, author of the Complete Book of Running and organizer of the New York City Marathon.

Valentine’s 8k Kiss’em to the finish Road Race (94): Inaugural run 12 Feb 94 in Destin near Grand Isle Grill.

Billy Bowlegs Midnight Run and Sundown Run: This was the first year that the Midnight Run and Sundown Run were put on strictly under the control of the NWFTC versus a joint event with the YMCA. The management/responsibility of both these runs now falls solely on the track club.

Signed Agreements (93): In September of 1993, the board of directors decided to have signed agreements with any agency in which we conducted a joint event. In the agreement clear areas of responsibilities would be set forth for each party.

Madi Gras Run/Walk (94): The first annual Mardi Gras Run /Walk was held on 19 Feb at the Fort Walton Square on Eglin Parkway. Nearly 300 runners participated, helping the Junior League and track club raise $7,100 in gross profits. The proceeds will benefit children in our community through various projects of the Junior League. In addition, funding will go to support both the Junior League and the NWFTC scholarship programs. A letter of thanks was received from the Junior League.

Clothing donations - Navajo Nation (94): Sr. Marquerite McGranahan, RSM send another letter to the club thanking members for their donations of clothing.

Marathon Runners (1994): Blaine Holman finished Rocket City with an amazing 2:58, his first real marathon. Kirk and Suzanne Herzog ran their first marathon at Disney=s inaugural run on Jan 16th. Kirk finished with a 3:24. Suzanne=s time wasn=t available. Kirk blasted through a PR at Jacksonville in Dec with a 3:14. Jim Bautch set the stage for him with a great 3:05. Bill Everett not only had a great run taking time off his PR (Not listed) but also qualified for Boston. Hats off to Ron Landen for c' ! Billy Bowlegs Midnight Run 3-mile course change (95): Start and finish for the Bowlegs was moved to Fort Walton Beach High .

Billy Bowlegs Midnight Run length change (95): Course length changed from three miles to a 5K. Midnight Run also changes to an “Almost Midnight Run” in 1998 when starting time is moved back to ten-thirty.

Monetary Gift to Playground Area YMCA (95): A letter of appreciation was received from Chuck Shoff, Chairman, Friends of the Y, Board of Managers-Playground Area YMCA for the track clubs gift of $2,000.00. Mr. Shoff stated that the gift will help build a promising future through programs and services for the young and the young at heart.

Cross-Country Championships (95): The club recognized the Nicevilles' 1995 X-Country girls team with the presentation of a plaque to Coach Don Foy for their 1st place state championship

Scholarships (95): The club general membership approved the awarding of six scholarships for graduating Okaloosa County seniors. Two $1,000 scholarships were approved for the top male and female applicants as well as four $500 scholarships for the next four applicants without regard to gender. Eligible students needed to be graduating from an Okaloosa County high school in 1995, have participated in varsity track or cross-country for two or more years, maintained at least a A/B average, and be recommended by one track or cross-county coach and one non-Coaching faculty member or principal. A committee established evaluation criteria that would give first priority to the total number of years lettering in combined track and cross-county. Second, the students G.P.A.’s would be ranked. The rest of the criteria, in order of importance, would include extra-curricular activities, community service, and membership in the NWFTC. The result were as follows: Top Female - Christa Rayford, NHS, $1,000. Top Male - Austin White, FWB H.S., $1,000. $500 Winners: Lillian Lizana , Shannon Gummers, Geralyn Antoniotti and Timothy Ritchie, all of Niceville. The club gave $4000 to the Okaloosa County School System so far this year.

Boston Marathon Master’s Women’s 1st place team (95): NWFTC team members were Mary Hanlon,Tampa (2:58), Chris Aufderheide, FWB (3:23) and Susan Goodspeed, Orlando (3:27)

Disney Marathon Mixed Masters 1st place team (95): NWFTC team members were Dave Miller (3:17), Jon Prohaska (3:24), Basil Fossum (3:25) Chris Aufderheide (3:27), and Ritchie Thomas (3:33).They managed to take first place even if Richie Thomas did run as Mickey Mouse.

Club Triathlete Defends Services Crown (96): Jack Powless successfully defended his Armed Services title with a time of 9 hrs, 51 mins, 15 seconds.

Club Prez Trey Horton’s New Year resolution’s (97): 1. Resolves to wear heart monitor on at least half of runs and not shut it off when it says to slow down. 2. Promise to eat at least one piece of fruit everyday. When you work in a seafood restaurant it’s not always easy. 3. Not to run in worn out shoes. 4. Do speed on a consistent basis. 5. Cross-train more often than once or twice a month. 6. Incorporate a complete stretching program. Goals are to log 1200 miles in 97, finish 2 marathons, and PR at two different distances.

St. Mary's Spring Fling Run (97). Great Quote from Maggie Holmes that appeared in the Northwest Florida Daily news on Sunday April 27th on rainy conditions for 1997 St. Mary's Spring Fling Run. When asked about holding the 5k during the rainy conditions that had washed out the midway and outdoor booths, Maggie replied, "Runners are wet after they run a mile anyway".

Santa Rosa Mall Walkers (97): A belated presentation was made at the January membership meeting to the Santa Rosa Mall Walkers for their volunteer efforts during the 1996 Midnight 5K Run. The track club greatly appreciates their assistance during the past three years with the Midnight Run. The Mall Walkers have been involved in preparing the fruit and distributing soft drinks at the post-race party, working water stops, helping monitor traffic, assisting with packet pick-up and other ways.

Valentine Race (97): The race was a great success. There was over 200 participants. Over $400 was donated to the American Heart Association. The Heart Association was behind all the free publicity from radio, television, and newspaper. They also supported the race by manning water-stops during the race.

Max Bruner JR. Invitational Meet (97): The Niceville boys track team win the overall championship. Niceville Coach Foy, now in his 24th year, stated that to his knowledge this is the first time that they have won the event. Franklin Bevel won the 400- meters (50.61 seconds), Viny Antoniotti won the 800-meter run (2:05.8) a PR. Steven Cornelious won the 3200-meters (10:02). The Eagles relay team of Cornelious, Phillip Laird, and twins Mark and Danny Ledford took top honors at 8:26. Hoser’s Station to Station 5K run (97): This inaugural event features a great post race party, a unique tshirt, and a purpose. Proceeds from the race go toward MDA. The race starts at the Okaloosa Island Fire Dept. and ends at Hoser’s

Running Group (97): The Emerald Coasts newest running group is meeting every Monday at 6:00 P.M. at McQuire’s Irish Pub of Destin. Future plans include a Name our Group contest; a quarterly Newsletter; an annual Party and Team competition in area races.

Running Track (97): Destin has a new running track located at Destin Elementary. It was officially christened on July 8th by the Mayor of Destin the first track meet was also held on July 8th and was coordinated by NWFTC member Joe Corderman.

Destin Track Meet (97): Destin’s first track meet was held on July 8th at the track nest to the Destin Elementary School. The meet consists of three events for all ages. Events: 1 Mile run, 880 and 440 meter race. Cost is $5.00 for all three events or $2.00 per event. Registration fee goes towards the Wal-mart Matching Grant Program. This grant will provide benches, trees and tables for the facility.

McQuire’s Sunset 10k (97): Inaugural McQuire Sunset 10k has been added to the club’s Grand Prix Calendar.

Money Maker (97): Georgette White is now the biggest money maker of the year from selling t-shirts.