The 2023 Super Athlete Awards Party

 

Silver online presents 

 

The 2023 Super Athlete Awards Party

by Jerry Dietrich

Bruce Fisher – Photos
Nanci Larsen – Presentations

Tacoma – 2/17/24

At 12:05 p.m., I welcomed those present to the Silver Strider Super Athlete Awards Party.

Since we had only 10 Super Athletes for 2023, I expected attendance to be about 25 persons. Imagine my excitement as 51 runners, friends and families jammed the room which had a capacity for 57.

I welcomed everyone and asked for a moment of silence for our departed Silver Striders, Betty Dietrich, Jim Dollar and Steve Ramsdell.

I adjourned for a lunch break promising the presentations would begin at about 1:00 p.m.

Resuming the program at about 1:10, I opened with a couple of jokes.

A guy came home and told his wife he thought he need a home improvement loan.
She said, “I agree. I’ll loan you $1000 to move out.”

A guy took a trip to Africa and shot an elephant in his pajamas. Where the elephant bought his jammies, nobody knew.

My Doctor told me I should start smoking if I wanted to quit chewing gum

On our second date, I told Betty I wanted to go steady. She told me to try prune juice.

Before starting the main order of business, I presented some belated awards.
I presented $50 gift certificates to Mr. and Ms. Grand Prix for 2023.
Mr. Grand Prix for 2023 was Steve Husko. Steve finished 17 out of a possible 19 series races.
Ms. Grand Prix for 2023 was Judy Fisher. Judy did them all. She finished all 19 races.

Next, I moved on to our main order of business, the Super Athlete awards.

I was really excited about the five changes we were making in the Super Athlete program.
I introduced our Super Athlete sponsor, John Phillips. The first two changes taking place in 2024 were suggested by John.

First change. Some of the athletes thought it would be nice if they could wear their ring for certain occaisions. So, for the first time we offered ring sizing. In the past the rings have been designed for display only. This year, all the athletes were contacted and offered the option of sizing. Also for the first time an optional walnut base was offered for a small fee for those wishing to have an optimal display for their trophy case.

Second change. Any athlete who can attain the #1 ranking at all distances will receive their ring in gold rather than silver. It’s a subtle difference, but a nice distinction for an incredible accomplishment.

Next, I announced the three changes that were my ideas.

First, we will change the appearance of the rings each year. In the past we have had the script in white letters on a black background. Starting with the 2023 ring, we will have a different color background each year. This year (2023) the background was red. Next year the background will be blue. That way each year will have a distinct appearance of it’s own.

Second, I tried on one of the rings from last year and thought it looks a little bit feminine. Since the rings came in square or oval, I decided to order the square model for the men for a more masculine appearance should it be worn.

Third, was the blockbuster change. Starting in 2024, the Super Athlete requirement for runners over 65 to do a marathon is discontinued. I don’t want anyone endangering their health and well being for a Super Athlete ring. For those 65 or older, the Marathon is no longer a requirement for Super Athlete recognition.
I felt there were many runners over 65 who aren’t doing marathons any more and therefore don’t try for Super Athlete status. This change will make the competition more fierce than ever in the upper age groups. As of Feb 17th and we already had three SA contenders and one qualifier.

It was time for the ring presentations. Our Super Athlete Chairman, Karl Johnson was sick. Nanci Larsen stepped in and presented the rings for Karl.

I outlined the procedure. This year, the presentation order would start with those receiving their first ring and proceed on that basis until we arrived at the person receiving their 6th ring.

Our first Super Athlete, getting his first ring today was supposed to be David Phillips. He was absent.

Our second Super Athlete, also receiving her first ring, was Kimmer Muenz. Kimmer said,that with the marathon requirement dropped, she would go for a second ring in 2024.

Our next Super Athlete had also earned his first ring. Steve Husko. Steve improved his running in remarkable fashion. Steve credited part of his success to moving into a new age group.

Our next Super Athlete was Jahna Prine. Jahna earned her first ring last year and was getting her 2nd. Jahna, is one of my neighbors and I see how hard she trains. She is planning to try for another ring in 2024.

The next Super Athlete getting his 2nd ring was Michael Magnussen. Michael was the fastest runner in the room. Michael will be in the second year of his age group (M55-59) in 2024 and should make Super Athlete again.

Our next Super Athlete receiving his 3rd ring was John Phillips. John dominated his age division in 2023. He finished ranked 1st for 5k, 1st for 10k, 1st for half marathon and 2nd in the marathon. Almost got his ring in gold.

Our next super Athlete is receiving his 4th ring. He has attained the distinction of finishing first at all four distances. And so, Keith Lerew received a gold ring. His performances were remarkable. Number one at 5k, 10k, half marathon, and Marathon, Keith dominated his age group. He is also dominating his age group in the current Grand Prix Series having a perfect score of 30 points after three races.

Our next SA is well known to us having won almost every award we have offered over the years. David Crawford, received his 5th ring. David has now won nearly every Silver Strider award offered including the Boomer Championship for Men 65-69.

Next is a regular winner for the last 6 years in a row. Getting his 6th ring was Bob Hoekman. Bob had the distinction of scoring the all-time best record for the Marathon Men 80-84. His time of 4:03 topped the previous all-time record held by Keith Wood of 4:18:00.

Our final ring recipient today has not only earned a ring all six years that we’ve offered them but she was also Female runner of the Year the 3 years prior to the Super Athlete program. In addition to her ring I made a special presentation.

Here were my words to Judy. “Judy since you are the prime example of what can be accomplished participating in our Silver Strider programs, we have a special award for you.
In recognition of your continued achievements in Runner of the year and Super Athlete programs, I would like you to accept this special award for your unparalleled success. Congratulations!

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That concluded the program We moved to the breezeway for a group photo by Bruce Fisher.