2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1994
1993
1990 - 1992
1985 - 1989
1980 - 1984
printer-friendly version
Herstory
Coaches
Community
Officers
Awards
Testimonials
Photo Album
This was a year of continued growth and success for the Team, and many personal challenges and changes for Team members as well. In 1993, Karen Cox, one of our founding members, moved to Nevada City and wrote a wonderful recollection of the "old" days, and how our Team has grown. Luckily, Karen continues to visit us occasionally, and supports us in the Tahoe Relays as well.
The racing scene was very dynamic in 1993, starting with the Big Sur 5k. Pat English and Shirley Matson were first in their age divisions and Chris Boyd and Carol Keller were second and third in the open division. Shirley also set a new age record in the fifty-plus Stanford 8k in 29:36, and also came in first in the infamous Dipsea Race, making headlines in the Sports section of the Chronicle. Impalas also took to the track in competition, with 12 members participating in all-comers meets. For the first time in history, Impalas placed first in the Open track division-- in addition to our successes on the roads. Vicki Bigelow, in the Seniors division, set a new age record at the Los Gatos Master Championship in the 800 meter in 2:41:06.
Diana Fitzpatrick had an amazing race at the Humboldt Half Marathon, reclaiming the course record, after giving birth to her first child, Katie, in 1992. She had originally set the course record in 1991, had it taken away in 1992, but came back to reclaim the record on one of the Impala's favorite courses.
Impalas also made their mark in triathlon competition. Peggy Lavelle competed at the Ironman in Hawaii and won her age group in the Northern California Duathlon Series. Kate Sweetman placed first in the Northern California Duathlon Series, placed 6th at Ironman Japan and most impressively placed 5th in her age group at Ironman Hawaii. In addition, seven Impalas competed at the Danskin Triathlon in San Jose, and other triathlons and open water swims in Northern California.
Impalas once again "flexed their muscle" nationally when the Cross Country Team went to Missoula, Montana for Nationals, competing hard against the Aggies and other nationally ranked teams. We also had a very strong showing locally at the Race for the Cure 5k, where Sandy Patterson ran an incredible 2nd place, Jeannie Sapienza was 3rd, and Sue Johnston, Irene Herman, and Pat Falsone were among the age group winners. This year’s race was especially meaningful to us, since one of our long-time members was running as a "survivor" after her treatments for breast cancer.
For our Christmas present, Moving Comfort responded positively to Irene Herman’s letter requesting sponsorship for the Team. Since then, Impalas have received free racing uniforms and discounts on additional athletic apparel year-around.
1993 was Coach Fanelli's 3rd and last year as our coach, and we gave him a sendoff suitable of the large mark he made on our Team. The Fanelli Finale was well attended, with many humorous memories relived. The cake inscribed "Thanks for the Second Best Times of Our Lives" seemed to sum it all up. Mike moved to Arizona, but we still strongly feel the ties between our Team and this inspirational coach.
