The 2013 GSTC Awards Banquet
On January 18, from 4-7pm, the Garden State Track Club will host its third annual GSTC Award Banquet. This year, it will be held at Neilson Dining Hall's "Triangular Room" at Rutgers University. The cost is $20 per person for dinner and dessert, and all GSTC members may bring one guest. There is only room for 250 attendees, so be sure to reserve your seats soon!
World Class Athletes Highlight Guest Speakers
The banquet will have five guest speakers. Unlike a traditional "Keynote Speaker" model where just one person speaks for an extended period, we will have five honorable speakers who will talk for a few minutes before presenting an award.
California native Nicole Teter, the USA 800m indoor record holder, four-time US 800m champ and two-time Olympian, highlights the group. Ashley Higginson, an alum of Colts Neck HS and Princeton University who competed in the 2013 World Championships, will also speak and hand out the club's MVP Award. Her teammate Kate Grace, a seven-time 800m Hep Champ and three-time All-American who finished 4th in the 2013 USA Championships, will also speak and present the Most Improved awards. Jeff Benjamin, a College of Staten Island Hall of Fame inductee and American Track and Field Magazine writer, will make opening remarks. An Adidas Ambassador, to be announced, will also be in attendance and present an award.
2013 GSTC Highlight Video
In years past, the GSTC Highlight Video has always been sent out in the weekly email closest to the turn of the year; however, the 2013 video will be unraveled at the banquet!
In case you missed it, here is the 2012 GSTC Highlight Video, and here is the 2011 GSTC Highlight Video.
2013 Award Presenters
Every year, we rotate award presenters, often between new members. If you're interested, please send us an email, as we will publish the final draft of the awards schedule in next weekend's weekly email. In addition, next week you will also be sent a link to vote on most of the awards below. Don't know everyone? Don't feel qualified to vote? We will give you short blurbs on people to help inform all voting members. Oh, and...see a mistake below? Are we missing someone? Should we include another award? Email us. We want it to be perfect, so we appreciate any feedback or input to make it so. Thanks to the Awards Banquet Committee for all their help here.
Also note that, once again, there will be a "Best Dressed of the Evening" Award that we will vote on within the first hour. Last year, Kyle Price and Sara Douma won....so dress to impress!
2013 GSTC Awards Banquet Schedule: Draft 1.0
4:00 Dinner & Mingling
4:55 Welcome & Enclave Awards: Guest Speaker #1, Jeff Benjamin
Most Dedicated, North Enclave: Danielle Czohla, Erin Higgins, Tiff Schwartz, Nicole Callaghan-Gronbeck, Brian Harris
Most Dedicated, Jersey City Enclave: Shanna Beairsto, Will Appman, Adam Gruchacz, Norbert Kuter
Most Dedicated, Beach Enclave: Chelsea Callan, Chris Whitehead, Zak Kudlak, Sean Donohue
Most Dedicated, Central Enclave: Dan Teichmann, Ryan DeGregorio, Steve Mennitt, Edsel Flores
5:05 Enclave Awards: Guest Speaker #2, Nicole Teter
Most Dedicated, South Enclave: Joe Zeoli, Adin Mickle, Angela Dunn, Robyn Evangelist, Paul Matuszak
Most Dedicated, Morristown Enclave: Brian Harris, Heather McDermott, James Lothian, Sam Harris, Allie Dublinski
Most Dedicated, Princeton Enclave: Katie Chaput, Jeff Blough, Greta Sieve, Ashwin Anantharaman, Peter Bolgert
**** Presenter #1:__________________
Newcomer of the Year, North Enclave: Bryan McDonnell, Joan Darnsteadt, Jon Lindenauer, Sandi Kaspszyk, Ewelina Marut
Newcomer of the Year, Beach Enclave: Sean Donohue, Chris Behre, Jarret Kunze, Dennie Waite
Newcomer of the Year, Jersey City Enclave: Diana Stavrou, Will Appman, Shanna Beairsto, Adam Gruchacz
Newcomer of the Year, Central: Ezra Chefitz, Kristen Prazenica, Rob Marczydlo, Keith Gruchacz, Christina Chafos, Jonathan Campanaro
Newcomer of the Year, Morristown: Kay Berka, Merit O'Hare, Ted Doyle, Zack Mower, Claire Browne, Mark Minervini, Tom Lee
Newcomer of the Year, South Enclave: Michelle Branagan, Eric DuBois, Robyn Evangelist, Joe Zeoli, Brittany McCann
Newcomer of the Year, Princeton Enclave: Matt Eder, Steve Jackson, Stephanie Donatone, Greta Sieve, Henry Mattingly
**** Presenter #2:___________________
Life of the Enclave, North Enclave: Karen Auteri, Ruscel Kirkland, Erin Higgins, Kelly Polisin, Rob DeCarlo
Life of the Enclave, Beach: Zak Kudlak, Jim Greer, Will Alston, Ken Walsh, Sean Donohue
Life of Enclave, Central: Josh Neyhart, Aysha Mirza, Mo El Hedi Bahri, Dan Siegel, Nick Waclawski, Kyle Price, Kyle Flyer
Life of the Enclave, South Enclave: Bill Zeoli, Adin Mickle, Robyn Evangelist, Paul Matuszak, Joe Zeoli, Brittany McCann
Life of the Enclave, Morristown Enclave: Karen Auteri, Allison Dublinski, Heather McDermott, James Lothian,
Life of the Enclave, Princeton Enclave: Peter Bolgert, Jeff Blough, Ashwin Anantharaman, Mike Fonder, Dave Hamilton
Life of the Enclave, Jersey City Enclave: Jeff Perrella, Corey Smith, Will Appman, Norbert Kuter
****Presenter #3: TIM MORGAN
Tim Morgan Award: Steve Mennitt, Josh Neyhart, Zak Martins, Tim Morgan
Steady Strider Award: Karen Kushner, Phoebe Law, Margarita Ravera Romero, Sakina Namazi, Portia Brown
5:30 Most Improved and Rookies of the Year: Guest Speaker #3, Kate Grace
Most Improved Male: Mike Anis, David Fett, Woody Kongsamut, Mark Parisen
Most Improved Female: Erin LaCosta, Erika Meling, Angela Dunn, Karen Auteri
Rookie of the Year, Male: Chris Croff, Chris Johnson, Eric DuBois, Dennie Waite, Jon Lindenauer, Bryan McDonnell, Will Griffin, Ted Doyle
Rookie of the Year, Female: Sarah Schillaci, Robyn Evangelist, Tiff Schwartz, Christina Chafos, Allyson Guib, Allie Dublinski, Michele Branagan
Presenter #4:_________________
2014, Her GSTC Breakout Season: Nicole Salge, Nastaran Whitson, Victoria Pontecorvo, Jena Peacock, Ana Jasmin
2014, His GSTC Breakout Season: Timmy Terrific Paziora, Andy Gallagher, Chris Weiss, Andrew Golato, Attila Sabahoglu, Shaun McGeever
2014, The Masters Breakout: Gavin Sloane, Sheera Siegel, Matt Baker, Lee Mooney, James Cecchi
Quotes of the Year: TBA Next Weekend (Chelsea Callan, Adin Mickle, Josh Neyhart, Peter Bolgert, Steve Bonica, and five more)
Selfie of the Year: Courtney Stanton, Aysha Mirza, Danielle Stanton, Danielle Czohla, Liz Licorish
Cutest Club Couple: Dave dos Santos/Karen Auteri, Ken Goglas/Cheyenne Ogletree, Rob/Meghan DeCarlo, Jill/TJ Zablocki
Recruiter of the Year: Karen Auteri, Heather McDermott, Mike Anis, Peter Bolgert, Marty Doherty, Angela Dunn, Chelsea Callan
Rutgers Athlete of the Year: Rob Klink, David Fett, Erin LaCosta, Alexis Mbakwe, Carson Keers-Flood, Courtney Connelly, Kyle Flyer, Rob Marczydlo
Jeff Perrella Excellence in Injury Award: Nicole Callaghan-Gronbeck, Rob Nihen, Dave dos Santos, Courtney Stanton, Brittany McCann
5:55 Moment of Silence: Andrew Capizzi
6:00 2013 GSTC Highlight Video
6:15 Track Awards: Adidas Ambassador (TBA)
Half Miler Award: Jaris Rousseau, Darnell Armstrong, Mike Saparito, Ricky Garcia, Norbert Kuter, Tony Harris,
Miler Award: Dennie Waite, Alyssa Douma, Chris Heibell, Tony Harris, Chelsea Callan, Cheyenne Ogletree, Kyle Price, Peter Bolgert
Steeplechase Award: Peter Bolgert, Jena Peacock, Kyle Price, Danielle Czohla, Ken Goglas, Mike Anis
****Presenter #5:_______________
Best Dressed, Female: TBA
Best Dressed, Male: TBA
Behind the Curtains Award (unsung hero): Brianne Teichmann, Cathy Stutzman, Amy Denholtz, David Fett, Ken Walsh
Most Likely to be at a GSTC Event: Edsel Flores, Karen Auteri, Ken Goglas, Cathy Stutzman, Woody Kongsamut
6:40 Most Valuable Performers: Guest Speaker #3, Ashley Higginson
Most Valuable Performer, Male Masters: Brian Harris, Marty Doherty, Andrew Tschesnok, Jeremy Stratton, Massoud Messkoub, Peter Auteri, Francis Beideman
Most Valuable Performer, Female Masters: Sarah Hersey, Prudence Jones, Sue Goglas, Jennifer Briganti, Sandi Kaspszyk, Michele Brangan
Most Valuable Sprinter, Male: Mike Brito, Ricky Garcia, Tony Harris, Julius Frederick
Most Valuable Sprinter, Female: Alexis Mbakwe, Erin LaCosta, Quanisha Booker, Haleigh Simon
Most Valuable Field Athlete, Male: Stephen Mozia, Matt Tholis, Isaiah Harris, Montez Blair, Eric Masington, Lutalo Boyce
Most Valuable Field Athlete, Female: Erin LaCosta, Shene Davis, Shauntierah Douglas, Haleigh Simon
Most Valuable Performer, Male: Mike Fonder, Ken Goglas, Steve Mennitt, Paul Matuszak, Mike Brito, Chris Heibell
Most Valuable Performer, Female: Alyssa Douma, Danielle Czohla, Cheyenne Ogletree, Katie Chaput, Erika Meling,
6:55 Closing & Thank You: Chuck Schneekloth
The final schedule will be published in next week's email
**********************************************************
Intro
The GSTC Weekly Email is a collaborative effort to bring club membership an accurate and entertaining update on all team events, runs, results, workouts, quotes, and even mishaps every Sunday night. It is also often referred to as "The Email" or, by more prominent members of the running community, "error-fraught spam." If you'd like to submit anything that would contribute to any of these sections, please email us!
Team Runs
None: Final week of our two-week break!
President's Award
Big thanks to Erika Meling, Mo El Hadi Bahri, Ricky Garcia, Mark Parisen, Joe Ambrosio, and Matt Eder for helping shovel the track
TEAM STUFF
Saturday Night, 1/18: GSTC Banquet @ Rutgers University
Sunday Morning, 2/23: Road Relays www.roadrelays.org
Buy team gear here-------> http://phenetix.com/lab2/#top
Team website---------------> www.gardenstatetc.org
Team Facebook Fan Page----> https://www.facebook.com/groups/159501487397707/
Team Blog---------------> http://gardenstatetc.blogspot.com/
Team YouTube Channel---> http://www.youtube.com/user/GardenStateTC
Quotes of the Week
"I officially registered for the team online. Any team that will run in the street on a freezing night is great in my book." -Ivan Cartagena, via email, the newest sprint group member
"And finally, the last gorilla was returned to the zoo." -Mike Anis, the final GSTC member to return from Oregon, just days ago. He stayed a bit longer to sightsee.
"Ken Goglas is still boss." -Steve Bonica, via text, when reflecting on the 32 year old's top 100 finish, outrunning numerous teammates and opponents ten years younger.
"NJ is the second largest USATF association in the country. Lots of competition for your spot. This accomplishment is impressive. You will no doubt achieve even higher accolades in the future. And I'm not just talking about the TMA." -Randy Miller, congratulating Mark Minerveni via Facebook, on his 2nd place (and $150) in his 16-34 age group in the USATF Grand Prix.
"When I was younger, I was always told going into this sport I would not have a normal life." -sprinter Tiana Davis, via FB post
"I always use a brown bag when drinking a 40. That's Dirty Jersey." -masters star Kenny Huryk, to Steve Bonica, in a FB discussion about Jersey bars
"Since Erika left early to make gingerbread houses with Stephanie, our final post-run dinner was less than optimal." -Princeton Enclave member Jeff Blough, via FB, lamenting about having to eat a candlelight dinner with Mike Fonder, as all the ladies left them after the enclave run
"Thanks for your race reports. I enjoyed reading all of them. I liked the way you each described a portion of the experience, instead of submitting a bunch of separate reports that all said, "My experience in Bend was truly memorable." Congratulations on your fortitude in making the difficult trip out there, taking on that formidable course, and competing against some of the nation's best runners!
Also, congratulations on a great year in the USATF-NJ Grand Prix. You guys and gals truly inspire me." -Frank Russo, USATF-NJ LDR Open Men's Chairmen, via email
Tim Morgan Award
While we applaud his willingness to come help us shovel snow off the track, Matt Eder claims a classic TMA for his first nomination into the infamous TMA section. He drives a half hour to Highland Park after his work, starts to chop ice with his shovel, and within three minutes…breaks his shovel. Stiv Mennitt gets another one for not coming to pick up the clothes he forgot in Oregon last week.
Gold Star
By Ashwin Anantharaman
Victoria Pontecorvo
Victoria joined the GSTC after the Big Chill race. She joined because she graduated in May and wants to pursue her running post-collegiately after competing for Rutgers in cross country and track for four years. She did road racing but always went just with her family. She enjoyed it, but she likes having teammates and the camaraderie of a team.
Her PRs are 1827 (5k), 2:15 (800m), 4:37 (1500), and 10:23 (3000), and she hopes to break 4:50 with the GSTC in the mile. Before runs, she makes sure she doesn't eat anything too complex that may upset her stomach since she tends to get acid reflux. Other than that she tries to smile, crack jokes, and have fun. Hobbies outside of running include hanging out and going out with friends, boyfriend, and family. She loves fashion and shopping. She also likes to act. She was a child actress and voiced the character of blue in the spin off series of blues clues called blues room (Fun fact). She also likes to cook and bake!
Matt Baker
Matt joined the club few weeks ago because he wanted to be a part of an organization that would support his running goals. He is looking forward to learning, improving and participating in team events.
For a big race, he starts modifying his schedule roughly three weeks before the gun and focus on speed and strength. He tries to drop about three pounds of weight during this period. With one week to go, he focuses on energy accumulation and lots of sleep (maybe 9 hours a night). He stops all quality runs 3 or 4 days before and tries to stay loose. 2 days before, he begins his mental preparation and focus on the pain levels he wants at each stage of the race. On the morning of the race, he eats exactly three hours before, usually an egg sandwich.
His two relevant PRs are 5:21 mile at age 49 in College Ave Mile and 18:31 at age 50 for the USATF XC Nationals. His goal for 2014 is to break 5 minutes in the mile. Outside of running, he owns a racing sailboat named RELIANT that he campaigns up and down the East Coast. He would like to run well at the GSTC Road Relay and has started training for this event.
Pre-Game 4 Miler (hosted by GSTC's Heather McDermott)
On Sunday February 2nd, the 3rd annual Pre-Game 4 Miler (formerly known as the Super Sunday 4 Miler) will be taking place in Morristown.
Superhero Events is offering GSTC members a 15% discount. Just use coupon code GSTC when you sign up online at www.superheroracing.com.
Obviously, early February isn't prime racing season, but the race is a ton of fun and a great opportunity to score lots of USATF grand prix points early in the year. Here are a few more reasons to run:
• Long-sleeved technical shirts to the first 1,500 registrants!
• Prizes for age group and overall winners!
• SPECIAL Polar Bear prize for runner wearing the least amount of clothing! (last year GSTC's Chris Croft was a finalist)
• Post race party at a local bar with great drink specials to warm you up!
If you have any questions, please email Heather at superheroracing@hotmail.com
This Week in Training
This is the second and final down week of our "between-seasons" break.
Unsure why you should stop running for a bit and just relax? Check out this article here, which outlines the importance of having some downtime after an intense training block. If the best runners don't run 365 days a year, then we shouldn't either! "Most professional athletes – from the up-and-comers to the seasoned veterans – use a few weeks to do everything they don't during the season: not worry about their diet, their schedule, or their training. They catch up on errands, spend a lot of time on the couch, and pig out a little."
Here is another informative article about the value of taking a "resting season" after a "racing season" from Lauren Fleshmen. Yes, she says, it's good to get outta shape a bit, gain a few pounds, and recover from a long season to best prepare for the next one!
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