SPACECOAST RUNNERS
GOLDEN SHOE AWARDS
1993 - Rhonda Butler & Marty Winkel
2004 - Marlene White & Ross Clarico
1. Origin of the Golden Shoe Award
The first annual Space Coast Runners Club "Golden Shoe” award was presented at the May 19, 1991 Awards Banquet. The idea for this award actually is a spin off from Runners world magazine, proposed by Marty Winkel.
The intent is to recognize an individual for the work they have done in support of the running community.
A tentative guideline was proposed for selecting future recipients of the award:
- An individual may only win the award one time
- Any member of the SCR may submit a candidate along with written rationale
- Previous recipients will sit in committee to review and select the winner
- A candidate does not need to be member of the SCR
Note: There is some information missing from our records. If
you have any missing information or would like to supply updates or pictures
please send it to any of our club officers.
2. 1991 - Gary Harbison
Approximately 5 years ago,
anytime you went to a race you would see 20 to 30 kids in pink Shirts. No one
really knew much about them or where they came from. It turns out they were the
Port
Four years ago the Port
I'm sure I have missed many of
the things he has done, but as you can see he has done quite a lot. Much of
what this individual has done could not have been done without the support of
his wife, Jean. The inscription on the plaque reads: Space Coast Runners Club
Golden Shoe Award is presented to Gary Harbison for your commitment and
dedication to the runners of the
Prepared by Marty Winkel
Additional Data
At this
year's banquet, Marty Winkel presented Gary Harbison with a special award for
what he's done for youth running in Brevard. Specifically,
Prepared by George Revels
3. 1992 - Harold Tucker
Harold Tucker
Additional Data
December 2, 1995
The Space Coast Runners Club would like to acknowledge and pay special tribute to one of our own:
HAROLD TUCKER
The editor of Ultra Running
Magazine states that Ultra Marathon "courses are acknowledged to be tough,
and are cherished and admired for their toughness." One amongst us, Harold
Tucker is very similar to an ultra. He is as tough as an Ultra and he is
cherished and admired by those that know him. It is difficult to state
everything Harold has done for the Space Coast Runners Club and for the runners
of the
At this time the Space Coast Runners Club would like to take this opportunity to announce the renaming of one of our races in Harold’s honor. A race very close to Harold, one he has directed and participated in. A race, a course and a man that is tough, cherished, admired and above all respected: the Space Coast Runners 50K Cross Country Beach Run will now be known as THE HAROLD TUCKER 50K CROSS COUNTRY BEACH RUN.
4. 1993 - Rhonda Butler & Marty Winkel
Marty Winkel & Rhonda Butler
The Golden Shoe award was more like the Golden Pair of Shoes award this year. The committee chose to present the award to Rhonda Butler in appreciation of the thousands of hours she has put in helping out, and working with, race directors before, during, and after almost every race in Brevard. Rhonda has been the most significant point of contact for not only Space Coast Runners, but the area running in general. Not a day goes by when she isn't called upon to help out a race director or runner. In addition, she does a lot of extra work helping out with the club's newsletter and the River's Edge Half Marathon and 5 Km. Her leadership and sense of responsibility has helped improve the quality of road racing in Brevard County making her an ideal recipient of this award.
There was a group of members (lead by Rhonda Butler) who felt that Marty Winkel should receive the Golden Shoe award. It was hoped that Marty could be chosen and awarded without his prior knowledge. This would prove difficult since Marty would be the one responsible for the logistics of this year's award. An attempt was made to have the trophy shop replace the award for Rhonda with the award for Marty. The result was that Marty arrived with an award for Rhonda and Rhonda arrived with an award for Marty. Both are deserving of the recognition.
Marty has made significant
contributions to running and racing in
5. 1994 - Bill Dillard
6. 1995 - George Revels
George Revels
It is difficult sometimes to get information on someone who you would like to commend. If you start asking too many questions people want to know what you are up to. You really can't get too much information from the person themselves. This was a problem we faced this year with our Golden Shoe recipient. Bottom line is this individual is very deserving of the Golden Shoe Award.
George Revels has been a member of the Space Coast Runners' Club for I don't know how many years. He has been on the board for over five years because he has been the Secretary for five years and I know he was on the board prior to this position.
Over the years George has become the unofficial club photographer. Many of the pictures you see in the monthly newsletters are taken by George. You could find him taking picture throughout the entire race and sometimes he will run the race and when he finishes, he starts taking pictures.
We are not sure how many races George has volunteered to work. He has coordinated many finish lines results/scoring including the Set The Pace for the last two years and the Downtown Melbourne 5K are two of the largest races in the county. He took over the Eye of The Dragon as the race director and made it one of the top races in the SCR Club.
As secretary of the club, George is literally the right-hand man of the president. He was invaluable to Rhonda Butler and myself over the past four years. Before I accepted the job of president for the next year I first confirmed that George would stay on as the Club secretary.
For these reasons and reasons not mentioned here, we would like to take this time to commend and recognize one of the hardest working and devoted members of the Space Coast Runners' Club. Congratulations and thanks to GEORGE REVELS the 1995 recipient of the Golden Shoe Award.
Prepared by Marty Winkel
7. 1996 – Henry Campbell
Rose & Henry Campbell
Rose & Henry Campbell, Marty Winkel - 1996
HENRY- THE EARLY YEARS AS PRESIDENT
Fortunately for the running
community, a 45 pound overweight, and out of shape engineer was run into the
ground within a half mile by his 16 year old daughter. After- or maybe during-
the run, Henry thought he was going to die. Instead, he continued to run and
became President of the Space Coast Runner's Club. Bob Lawton, Tom and Dot
Pifer founded the SCR in 1978. Not to take anything away from the early
presidents of the SCR, but the club drifted along until Henry (and Rosie) took over
the presidency of the club in 1980, an office he held for three years.
According to Harold Tucker, "Henry devoted three years of his life to the
running club". It was during his tenure as president that the club evolved
close to what it is today. He took the club from 70 members to over 300 members
and with the help of Robin Weaver started the Space Coast Runners of the Year
Series. Henry also wrote a monthly "President's Column" for the
newsletter .A piece of scrap plywood lying in the road or in a trash pile was
rescued and soon became a mile marker or an arrow. Most of the wooden signs you
see at many of our local races today were made by Henry and donated to the
club. It was during Henry's presidency when the club purchased its first
measuring wheel. The 5 and 10 mile "Nick Gailey" courses in
HENRY- AFTER THE PRESIDENCY
Henry did not sit idly by after he left office. For a couple of years he maintained the SCR race calendar, in 1986 he was the membership secretary and remained a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for a number of years. As he did when he was president, Henry continued to devote many hours as race director and fun run director. He was the New Years Eve 5k race director for 15 years, marathon race director and race director at countless other races. I am not sure how many times he did this but I know it was at least once, that Henry measured the marathon and half marathon courses and then painted a red lie along the marathon course and a blue line along the half marathon course so the runners would not get lost. I'm not sure if anyone, including Henry, knows how many races he worked as a volunteer .Henry is still supporting races with his finish line system and attends many of our club meetings.
HENRY THE ENGINEER
Henry's most notable and recognizable running engineering success is his unpatented finish line scoring system. I don't think we need to go into detail on how it works, but we can all testify to how good it works. On the other side of the spectrum is Henry's not so notable, but effective "Keep your head up so you can breathe properly-Roach Clip". This is a device that Henry uses to keep his head up during races. The theory is that when you drop your head your air passageway is restricted. By clipping this "roach clip" to his shirt collar and his hair, when his head drops his hair will pull and this should remind Henry to pick his head up. By the way, he still uses this at times. I have no idea why Henry doesn't patent this and advertise it in the national running magazines.
HENRY- THE INSPIRATION
Henry has been noted to stop in a race to help a struggling young runner who is walking. Henry will talk and encourage the runner to just run along with him, proving to himself that he can do a little better with a little more effort. Henry doesn't mind helping slower runners and doesn't mind being beat by the same runner he just helped. But he draws the line when turtles pass him in a race. This happened a few years ago during a .marathon. When a turtle tried to pass him in a marathon, Henry stopped running, picked the turtle up and escorted it off the course.
To those of you who do not really know Henry, as a suggestion, do yourself a favor. When you have a couple of hours to spare, talk to Henry about his experiences. It will be well worth your time. Henry is a unique individual.
HENRY -THANK YOU
For the efforts stated above and for the many things not mentioned above, we would like to take this time to express our appreciation and gratitude to Henry and present him with the 1996 GOLDEN SHOE AWARD.
Additional Data
I would like to add my voice to the
congratulations to Henry Campbell on his Golden Shoe Award.
Once upon a time, in May of 1979, I was running
in my first race ever, a 10K in
Over the years since, our paths have crossed
many times, both at runs and at work (back when Henry was employed). He
encouraged me to keep running before and after the birth of my two kids, worked
his butt off on innumerable races, and was (and is) always a great friend to
talk to about just about anything. I just can't say enough good things about
Henry (and Rosie, about whom he tells some remarkable stories!), and I was
terrifically pleased to see him win some recognition for it.
Congratulations, Henry!
Marilyn
Hoey Howard
8. 1997 - Terry Hayden
Terry Hayden
Most or probably all our past Golden Shoe Award recipients were or are high visibility people, you knew they were there, they took charge and to some degree fairly vocal. This year’s recipient of the Golden Shoe Award is more laid back. Except for his running successes you seldom hear his name or know that he is involved. However, he is and has been very involved in our running community.
Terry has been a member of SCR
club since moving to
Terry also, in the background,
has been the assistant race director for the Indian River Festival 8K for the
last several years. He has recently accepted to be the race director for the
20th annual Indian River Festival 8K next year. If he does as well as race
director as he has as treasurer the Indian River Festival should be the premier
race in the county. Terry has also spent many hours volunteering at the
Terry is also a role model to
many of the
For the reasons stated above and for the many things not mentioned, we would like to take this time to express our appreciation and gratitude to Terry Hayden and present him with the 1997 GOLDEN SHOE AWARD.
9. 1998 - Dave Farrall
According to a reliable source, Dave Farrall started running in 1982 after his wife Lisa teased him about getting "secretary spread" .He started running around the block and then two blocks and then, well anyway he recently completed his 17th marathon and his first ultra, the Harold Tucker SOK Beach Ultra Marathon. But backing up to 1986, fellow Space Coast Runner Club member, Don Dore, met our 8th recipient of the Golden Shoe Award at local race and encou1'aged him to join the Space Coast Runners Club.
Much to our advantage, Dave did
join the club and three years later became a board member. Fortunately for us,
Dave races often, has a truck and has the attitude that he is willing to help,
So, about three years ago when we were having problems finding a volunteer to
bring the race equipment to races, Dave started to volunteer and eventually
assumed the responsibilities for the SCR Equipment Manager and an Officer' of
the SCR Club. You now see Dave at practically every race along the
According to Lisa, "it is not unusual for me to come home from work to find freshly painted mile markers, arrows and finish line signs drying on our front lawn. Then I find a large ticking clock in the spare bedroom." Some of you may have noticed that we have had several problems with our overhead clock and some of our hand held timing clocks. Several times over the last couple of years Dave has had to send these clocks off for repair, "so large boxes appear on our front porch (courtesy of Fed Ex)" says Lisa. After several club members attempts at repairing the "swing set' (the legs were corroding, weakening and bent), Dave not only fixed the legs but was able to lengthen the legs, thereby raising the clock allowing taller runners to come through with, less chance of hitting their heads.
The next time you see Dave tell him how much you appreciate his efforts. I know, we as a club, appreciate his hard work, but individual thanks means a lot also. So, for the reasons stated above and for the many things not mentioned, we would like to take this time to express our appreciation and gratitude to DAVID FARRELL and present him with the 1998 GOLDEN SHOE AWARD.
Prepared by Marty Winkel
10. 1999 - Ken Winn
11. 2000 - John Chioma
John Chioma
12. 2001 - Linda Thompson
Linda
Thompson
Our
eleventh year recipient of The Golden Shoe Award started running in high
school. Linda Novelli Thompson would get class passes to go the track and run
for an hour verses sitting in class. It's a mystery to us why she never joined
the high school track team. May be with a little coaxing she may tell us why.
While attending college in
Wherever
the Thompson's moved, Linda found a running club to join. She joined the Space
Coast Runners Club in July 1989 and ran her first race in July, the
Being
the mother of two young girls is Linda's number one job. Her number 2 job is
volunteering. Although Linda is not being recognized for her work outside of
the SCR Club, it is note worthy that, in addition to her SCR work, Linda is and
has been a volunteer and board member for several other organizations in
I
would like to make two points in closing. First, Linda, who considers her
hobbies running, sewing and reading, often asks the rhetorical question,
"Do you notice any team sports in my hobbies?” Well, I hate to burst her bubble, but yes,
thankfully we do see a team sport in her hobbies and it is called Volunteering.
Second, some credit has to go to Linda's husband Craig. It doesn't matter what,
when or where Linda volunteers, but when she does, you get two for the price of
one. Craig is always there supporting Linda. It doesn't matter if it is support
of a remote marathon such as
Linda has and continues to do a lot for the Space Coast Runners Club and community. If for some reason Linda were to quit supporting us, we would need two or three of us to replace her. I know, we as a club, appreciate her hard work, but individual thanks means a lot also. So, the next time you see Linda please tell her how much you appreciate her efforts. For the reasons stated above and for the many things not mentioned, we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Linda Thompson and present her with the 2001 GOLDEN SHOE AWARD.
Prepared by Marty Winkel
13. 2002 - None
14. 2003 - Barry Jones
Barry Jones
He's smart, he's sassy and he's allot of fun. The guy is also one heckuva runner and tri-stud. This year's Golden Shoe recipient is the infamous Barry Jones, or 's.b.' as his friends call him. (His wife, Brenda, can tell you what the letters stand for.)
Barry has done allot this past year to bring SCR into the new century. He developed and maintains the SCR website which is becoming well known for up-to-date running and racing information. More than 23,000 folks have logged on in the last year and we are now getting close to 1000 hits a week.
You may have also seen Barry at some of the SCR races catching the action with his digital camera. His photos have added a lot of life to this otherwise dull newsletter. His post-race galleries are on display on the website. He completely captures the spirit of each race.
If you haven't seen Barry at the races, maybe you've noticed an old, beat-up, white pickup truck full of equipment. Barry often lugs coolers, food, timing systems, trophies, tables and anything else that race directors need to make sure the race is safe and successful.
So, if you're out and about and see some tanned guy with wild hair, tell him 'hello' and 'thanks'.
Prepared by Patti Sponsler
15. 2004 - Marlene White & Ross Clarico
Marlene White
16. 2005 – Gene Ramba
Gene Ramba
17. 2006 - Patti Sponsler
Patti Sponsler
When Mary called me last month and asked me to write something to commemorate Patti's receiving the Golden Shoe, it marked both an end and a new beginning.
After all, it was Mary who I
called in 2002, inquiring if she knew of anyone in the Central part of the
county, specifically
Now, here we are in 2006 celebrating the accomplishments of Patti Sponsler and at the same time wondering just what heights a writer of her talent and verve and curiosity is capable of.
To say Patti has developed into one of our most accomplished and creative and dependable and readable contributors is an understatement.
I have seen her talent, which was obvious in the superb job she did on one of her first pieces, the aborted Ironman Utah, flourish through a lot of hard work and dedication and just a dash of stubbornness and willingness to stand up for what she believed in. This talent, otherwise known as ego among those who abuse it, is necessary and good in a writer.
And Patti, is above all, a writer. Her curiosity is endless as is her sense of wonder and respect for the accomplishments of the people she covers. She also is willing to explore the depths of the human spirit which is something all athletes are all too familiar with. And when she does plumb those depths she has a unique talent in brining the human side to the fore to the benefit of all.
All that being said, it has been and will continue to be my pleasure to be her editor and to be able to assist in telling her story of success.
Good work Patti.
Submitted by Mark DeCotis
18. 2007 Loran Serwin
This month marks the completion of my first year as President of Space Coast Runners. I could not have accomplished this without the hard work and dedication of the Officers and the Board of Directors. However, one person stands out when I think of all the help I have been given. This person has not been a member for a great many years, and actually has only been a competitive runner for less than 5 years. He has competed in the Track Shack Race Series, the Space Coast Runners Race Series, the Titusville Race Series, and the Running Zone Race Series, placing in all of them!
I remember the first SCR meeting in July 2004 that he attended and I noticed he readily offered his assistance. In fact, this individual became a Board Member at the very next meeting. Before we knew it, he had taken on the responsibilities of the ROY Series. He updated a hand written system into an electronic format and spends a great deal of time constantly fine tuning and updating his system for accuracy.
In April of 2006, he took over as Membership Chair, keeping record of membership expirations, reporting new members monthly to Patti Sponsler for the newsletter, and developing a new membership brochure. This year, he also took on the Titusville Race Series age graded computations for Marty Winkel.
This person helps maintain our Race Equipment and storage shed. When our old one fell apart this year, he took on the challenge of building a new finish line system. He helps with timing and equipment set up at many races. He often leads the children at our Youth Series Runs, after he has run his own race.
He has served on many committees, including the SC Marathon Committee, ROY Awards (selection and ordering all the awards), Hall of Fame, RD Seminar Committee, and more. He has not missed a single Board meeting all year.
All these things he does for SCR. But, for me, he has been my right hand. He is my sounding board for all SCR issues, big and small. He proofreads my columns. He is my delivery person. He encourages me and assures me when I am not sure I am doing the right things for the club. And the really great thing is, I never have to ask. For these and many other reasons, I am proud to award the 2007 Golden Shoe to Mr. Loran Serwin.
Submitted by Carol Ball
19. 2008 Barbara Linton
This candidate for the Golden Shoe Award is known by many but her contributions to the running community are often behind-the-scenes, so less well-known. Barbara Linton has contributed countless hours and resources to local races for many years.
Barbara is most recognized for managing the Candlelighters’ Run for the Light. She has managed this race for years. Passionate about the cause the race benefits, she has continued to manage it year after year, in spite of the hundreds of hours required to manage a good race.
As if one race wasn’t enough, when a new race director for the Cocoa Beach Art Festival Turkey Trot was needed, Barbara stepped up to the task. Twice as large as the Run for the Light and having to work with a committee of non-runners, this race provides its own challenges.
Not only does she give back to the running community by
directing her own races, but assists countless others.
Barbara’s race management skills go beyond supporting runners directly and have reached into the high schools. She has mentored her own two children in managing races for their community service projects. She is now pursuing plans to do the same with high school students from Cocoa Beach High to help them with their projects in conjunction with the Turkey Trot. She has a wealth of experience to share with these young people.
Barbara is always there to lend a hand – before, during, and after a race.