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Herstory
Coaches
Community
Officers
Awards
Testimonials
Photo Album
1999 was an outstanding year for the Impalas! Thanks to the superb coaching of Mike Fanelli and Tim Fitzpatrick, we surpassed all previous goals at an unbelievable rate. The Impalas won the Open, Master and Senior divisions in the PAUSATF Grand Prix Series and Cross Country Series. The Impalas had record numbers in participation at track workouts and at races. Over 50 Impalas scored for the team this year.
The annual general meeting was held at Fort Baker, thanks to Major Sue Bozgoz. The Stockton Cup was awarded to Dawn Eggerts for her leadership on the Board, her commitment to the development of the team, and her talent as strong runner. Peggy Lavelle received the Lifetime Honorary Membership Award and Peggy Ryan and Cheryl Kruse Shwe received Special Recognition for Service Awards. Special socks awards, honoring Impalas who travel great distances to race and to attend Tuesday practice were given to Sarah Freites, Michelle Hannaford, Lou Walters, Jessie Stratton and Holly Hagerman.
It is difficult to summarize 1999 because it was a year of change, growth and awesome running.
CHANGE: At the end of 1999, both Tim and Mike announced that they would be moving on from their positions as coaches. Tim and Mike announced their news with some regrets, however, their commitment to what is important in life certainly gleamed through. As Peggy Lavelle kindly writes, “We will miss the synergy that Mike and Tim offered as coaches, both with commanding personalities, but never interfering with each other’s leadership.”
Nike and PowerBar joined Hoy’s Sports as team sponsors due to the hard work of VP Dawn Eggerts and Coach Fanelli. Dawn also worked with Nike to put together the first Impala/Nike centipede for the Bay to Breakers. With the pacing help of Coach Tim, the Impede raced an outstanding 12K for a close second place to the Reebok Aggies.
We have made an excellent start on our Breast Cancer Philanthropy by volunteering at the Peak Hike for Breast Cancer on Mt. Tam. Breast health education information is printed regularly in the newsletter, and the Impalas shared our financial success through a donation to Bay Area Breast Cancer Network.
We have established a website and have increased communication among team members through ‘Circles,’ virtual communities on the Web.
AWESOME RUNNING: Three Impalas qualified for the 2000 Olympic Marathon Trials in 1999, Diana Fitzpatrick, Holly Hagerman and Lisbet (Engberg) Sunshine. Lisbet and Diana will be running in their third Trials-an extraordinary achievement over eight years.
Impala Chris Lundy was honored at the 1999 PAUSATF banquet as Woman Runner of the Year. A few notable race performances during her 1999 season include her second place overall in the Dipsea (also fastest woman’s time), first place at Pacific Sun 10K, and first place in the PAUSATF Cross Country series.
While we are on the subject of Cross Country-what a crew! Carol Keller placed second in the open division Cross Country Series, Randi Lydum was seventh and Sara Freitas was eighth.
For the masters division we had three runners in the top ten. Sarah Frietas was first overall, with Diana Fitzpatrick placing seventh and Dale Pitman placing eighth. For the seniors, five out of the top ten were Impalas, and for the super seniors the Impalas had three in the top ten. Irene Herman was the first place finisher for the seniors cross-country series, with Louise Walters placing second. Eve Pell was fourth in the senior division, with both Carolyn Russell and Jesse Stratton tying for seventh. In the supersenior division, Eve Pell placed second overall, with Dina Kovash placing third and Louise Walters placing eighth.
Impalas continued with representation in multi-sport events. Tory Valentine and Michelle Deasy competed in several triathlons and tested their endurance (and patience) in ‘Adventure’ racing. Michelle went to Ironman Hawaii and had an awesome race placing first in the amateur division and twentieth female overall. Tory did not let her flat tires inhibit her from placing sixth overall in the X-Terra series.
Impalas threw themselves a fabulous 20th Anniversary party at the Metropolitan Club in San Francisco. Impalas turned out in glamorous garb to celebrate twenty years of outstanding women’s running and friendships. The atmosphere was elegant. After worthy recognition of many Impalas for their contribution to the team and the running community, party goers took to the dance floor until the wee hours of the evening with enthusiasm and endurance only athletes can display.
