Impala Racing Team "Herstory"
Contributing Writers: Kathi Berman, Sue Johnston, Irene Herman, Eve Pell, and Nelda Williams

From an historical perspective, the Impala Racing Team will always be a work in progress. But after almost 20 years, the core objectives of competition and support remain constant. The following is an overview of the successes of a premier women's racing team.

2002 (Tony Coffey, Assistant Coach)

The year 2002 began with the Impalas setting forth as a goal recapturing the Pacific Association open road grand prix. With big wins in the final three road events of the season, the Impalas pulled away from the competition to grab the title. In fact, they made it a clean sweep of the open, masters, and seniors titles in both roads and cross-country. These weren't the only team honors this year either. The Impalas finished as 9th open women's team at the Boston Marathon in April. Several Impalas participated on the winning Red Hook Brewery centipede at Bay-to-Breakers in May. Meanwhile, in harrier action, the Impala open team took 3rd place medals at the Western Regional Cross-Country Championships in November and the Impala masters team took 2nd place honors at the Fall National Cross-Country Championships in December.
There were several individual Impalas who had standout years as well. Diana Fitzpatrick finished 2nd in both open long and masters road grand prix of the Pacific Association, highlighted by a masters-winning 2:50 at the California International Marathon. Impala president Carol Keller raced well and often, winning the masters cross-country grand prix for the third straight year and finishing 3rd on the roads. Carol also combined with Mo Bartley and Francine Nunley to capture the masters team title at the Carlsbad 5K. Sara Freitas defended her fall national masters cross-country title with a runner-up finish at this year's event, while finishing 3rd in the masters grand prix. Michelle Hannaford began the year finishing 9th in the Las Vegas Marathon in a PR 2:52 and closed the year with a 2nd place in the open cross-country grand prix, earning herself a trip to the Winter National Championships in Houston. Sara Gigliotti and Karen Ribble logged plenty of frequent flier miles, accepting invitations to Japan for the Osaka City Half Marathon and to New York for the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge National Championship, with a second place team finish at the latter. Kristen Koppes ran a PR 34:23 track 10K at the prestigious Stanford Invitational in March and had a tremendous cross-country season, highlighted by a 10th place finish at the Western Regional meet. Home-schooled teenager, Teresa McWalters, had a fabulous debut cross-country season with the Impalas, capped by a 6th place finish at the Western Regionals, believed to equal the highest finish ever by an Impala in that competition. But the youngsters didn't have all the fun, as several seniors impressed as well. New Impala, Melinda Morse, took the road grand prix title and was given an honorable mention by Running Times magazine as one of the top runners in the country in the 50-54 age group. Fellow seniors, Maggie Fillmore and Irene Herman, took 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the cross-country grand prix, while super-senior Suzanne Franco took 3rd in the road grand prix for that division.

The year was also one of transition for the Impalas. Two long-serving Impalas, Dawn Eggerts and outgoing-president Carol Keller, relocated to other cities in pursuit of new professional challenges. Their spirit and dedication will be missed. On the positive side, Carol's term as president was marked by a commitment to attracting talented young runners to the team. This indeed bore fruit in 2002, with the addition of promising Impalas like Tara Hillier, Ana Martinez, Leti Arroyo, Flora Lee, and several others. Other Impalas took time off to give birth during the year. Joining the ranks of Impala moms were Stephanie Magsanay, Stephanie Morris, Carla Silver, Kim Hunter, Kathi Berman and Chris Nooney. We look forward to their return to racing in 2003. Finally, the prestigious Stockton Cup was awarded to Carol Keller, in recognition for everything she has done for the Impalas…competing, leading, organizing, recruiting, and inspiring.
The Impalas continue to remain as active as ever in community service. At the annual survivor banquet for the Bay Area Breast Cancer Fund, the Impalas were honored with an "All Star" award for continued financial support to the organization. In July the Impalas maintained their tradition of maintaining the best-supported water station at the San Francisco Marathon. The year closed with the annual Impala Christmas party, organized by Eliza Harding and Jill Baker, at Timo's in San Francisco. The annual Silent Auction held at the party raised just under $2000, half of which is earmarked for breast cancer research. The evening marked the end of a highly successful year, with the promise of even greater achievement in the year ahead.

2001(Brian McGuire, Coach)
The year 2001 was yet another successful and interesting odyssey for team Impala.
The year was highlighted by the masters women winning both team and top individual honors at the USATF fall cross country championships in Mobile, Alabama, with Sara Freitas and Carol Keller placing first and second to lead the Impala charge.
The Impalas earned a complete team sweep of the Pacific Association USATF cross country grand prix in all three divisions; and Pacific Association road grand prix titles in both the masters and senior divisions, with the open squad placing second to Adidas Transports after a close, season-long battle.
Individually, Michelle Hannaford finished second in the Pacific Association cross country standings, Carol Keller repeated as masters grand prix champion, with 1999 champ Sara Freitas third, and Mo Bartley fourth. In the senior division, Sharlet Gilbert, recently returned to Impaladom, won the grand prix. In the super seniors division, Eve Pell finished third and Mary Walsh fourth.
Out on the roads, Diana Fitzpatrick came on strong at the end of the year to nail down second in the open long-course grand prix of the Pacific Association road series, while Michelle Hannaford took eighth in the long-course grand prix and sixth in the short-course. Diana won the masters road grand prix, with Carol Keller third and Sara Freitas seventh. In the seniors division, Jessie Stratton took second, with Irene Herman sixth in the PA grand prix. Louise Walters finished sixth in the super senior division of the PA road circuit.
Of course, 2001 was much more than a list of results. As usual, Impalas were busy putting on fund-raisers, doing volunteer work for charity drives, throwing team parties, and embarking on road trips. Special kudos to Jill Gisvold, for organizing the annual garage sale, held at Irene Herman’s house; Sara Gigliotti for spearheading the Avon 3-day walk for breast cancer volunteer efforts; Marie Appel for organizing the Impala aid station at the SF marathon; Francine Nunley for captaining the cross country team, which included organizing the team picnic after the Golden Gate Park Open, and teaming up with Carol to organize the road trip to New Orleans; Eliza Harding, for putting together the highly-successful silent-bid auction at the Impala Holiday party.
Six Impalas made the journey to Boston for the 2001 Boston marathon: Michelle Duron, Angie Akers, Lou Walters, Dana Farber, Sue Franco, and Carla Silver. Michelle led the charge, finishing in 3:13:43. A few weeks later, a large group of Impalas teamed up with some of the other top runners in the Bay Area, united under the banner of Red Hook (thanks to Pete O’Reilly for the sponsorship) for the Bay to Breakers centipede competition. In a close and spirited competition, the Red Hook squad bested the Reebok Aggies to win the competition.
Versatility has always been an Impala trademark, witness the events of June 10, 2001. On that Sunday, seven Impalas competed in the 91st Annual Dipsea in Mill Valley, while six more Impalas were braving the icy waters of the SF bay in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Diana Fitzpatrick, Eve Pell, Cheryl Shwe, Jennifer Maxwell, Tia Rosen, Michelle Hannaford, and Charlotte Ito were the Dipsea competitors, with Diana taking seventh overall, and Michelle winning the non-seeded division. In the Escape, Rachel Sears, Ashley Joy, Shelagh Sayers, Michelle Dodd, Mary Gleason, and Nelda Williams all participated, with Rachel finishing in 2:37, first in her age group, and Ashley finishing in 2:38, second in her age-group.
Rachel, one of many multi-sport standouts competing for the Impalas went overseas in September to win the gold medal for women aged 25-29 at the ITU Rimini (Italy) Duathlon World Championships. It was the last amateur competition for Rachel, who earned her professional cards for triathlons and duathlons before leaving for Italy.
In October, Kate Sweetman went to Kona to compete in the grandmother of all triathlons, the Ironman Hawaii. There, Kate overcame tough weather conditions (high winds) to finish 13th in her age-group, in a time of 11:48:54. A few weeks later, Irene Herman traveled to New York for the NYC marathon, which had special poignancy given the events of Sept. 11th. Irene struggled over the last few miles in Central Park, but was buoyed by the cheering of teammate Kathi Berman and was able to hold on until an emotional finish at the end of the 26.2 miles.
The Impalas finished 2001 in a flurry of excitement.
At the PA cross country championships on a warm November morning, the usual large number of Impalas swelled the women’s field to 156 runners, including top runners from Southern California and the Nike Farm Team. Michelle Hannaford was the top Impala finisher, doubling back only a week after Clarksburg to finish 13th in the loaded field. Kristen Koppes, ailing with an infection, held on for 20th place, just ahead of Sophie Hartshorn. Sara Freitas finished second in the masters division, just ahead of Carol Keller, who finished third.
A few weeks later, Impalas were spread all over the map, literally and figuratively.
While eleven Impalas boarded planes to head to Mobile for the USATF cross country championships, an equally large number bunkered down in Sacramento for the California International Marathon. While the Mobile crew had to survive Hurricane conditions (wink, wink) on New Orleans’ Bourbon street, the marathon crew overcame Monsoon conditions to post numerous impressive performances at CIM.
The Impalas wrapped up the competitive season with a victory at the Christmas Relays, with the quartet of Janet Bowie, Louise Tench, Michelle Hannaford, and Sophie Hartshorn taking first in a combined time of 1:49:31. Impalas also took first in the masters division with a team comprised of Suzanne Cordes, Sara Freitas, Eileen Brennan-Erler and Carol Keller.
2001 was a year that showed off the Impalas renowned depth, with a changing cast of characters stepping up throughout the year to carry the team effort. 2001 was a great year for new additions to the Impala fold. Kristen Koppes, Sophie Hartshorn, Chris Nooney, Marisa Daniel, Brandi Page, Mo Bartley, and Sharlet Gilbert were all vital additions to the team, helping to keep alive that special Impala energy.
Not to mention the weekly synergy produced at the Tuesday night Kezar track workouts and Saturday workouts in Golden Gate Park.
The 2001 Stockton Cup was awarded to Michelle Hannaford. Michelle’s unbounded energy and enthusiasm, the quality of her racing, her willingness to travel great distances from her home in Redding to don the Impala blue, were all factors in her receiving this prestigious award.
Impalas came and went in the year 2001. Some went to Washington D.C., some went to Europe, some went to Asia. Some Impalas stepped off the track to give birth, others returned from childbirth, several celebrated weddings. Throughout the carousel of changing events there was always the constant: the support of friendship, the challenge of fierce competition, the laughter, joy, and well-earned sweat that are all part of the Impala experience.

2000 (Sue Johnston, President)
January 2000 got of to a quick and successful start with our annual meeting held at Fort?, where Dawn Eggerts was awarded the much coveted Stockton Cup for her outstanding all around Impala participation as former race director, vice president, Nike rep for our team and excellent racer. Other events in January included the USATF Banquet at which the Impalas were rewarded with a clean sweep fo the Grand Prix Circuit-Open, Masters, Seniors, and Super Seniors, roads and Cross Country!!! We needed a truck to take home all of the hardware.
At the end of the month we were saddened to lose our super Co-Coach Tim Fitzpatrick who assisted Mike so successfully over the last two years.
Since 2000 was an Olympic year, we were proud to send Diana Fitzpatrick, Lisbet Sunshine and Holly Hagerman to the Olympic Marathon Trials in Sough Carolina in February. In spite of unprecedented heat, they persevered and ran excellent races under the Impala blue. A star of another kind emerged by the name of Donna Davis, who underwent serious surgery to donate a kidney to her twin brother.
The end of the first quarter saw the departure of head coach Mike Fanelli, who had coached us so successfully over much of the last decade. We were sad to see him go but our coaching committee, led by Kathi Berman brought us two new coaches to fill the void: Brian McGuire and Jason Karp. Their experience and sound recommendations made for a seamless transition and we were soon training hard with Big Sur in mind. Seventeen Impalas led the charge in Carmel and came home with honors.
In May we again fielded two centipedes for Bay to Breakers and once again narrowly missed beating the dreaded Aggies. Meanwhile some of our triathletes started the season in style competing in the Wildflower and Escape from Alcatraz Triís- Michelle Deasy, Tory Valentine, Kate Sweetman, Ashley Joy, Rachel Sears, Shelagh Sayers, Maggie Fillmore, and Mary Gleason. Seniors, Eve Pell and Jane Coleman proved that age is mostly a state of mind. Eve was inducted into the Dipsea Hall of Fame for her years of outstanding competition, and Jane ran the incomparable Comrades Marathon (87.3 km) in South Africa.
July and August were building months as we worked hard to prepare for the fall season. It was also a month of volunteering beginning with the water station at the SF Marathon, chaired by Marie Appel, and ending with a volunteer day at the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk, chaired by Peggy Lavelle and her right hand lady, Kate Sweetman.
We continued to do volunteer work at the Peak Hike for Breast Cancer on Mt. Tam in September. We also took some time for fun at a Labor Day Picnic in Marin. This event followed the annual Pac Sun 10k which was chaired by new member, Pam Hayes. It was also the kick off of the Cross Country season and Tia Rosen, organizer, put together a fast and feisty group who led the season opener in winning style. Assistant Coach, Jason Karp bid his farewells to the Impalas in September due to an educational and career opportunity that he could not pass. Although we were sad to have Jason leave sooner than anyone had planned, we were excited about the pool of candidates we had at our fingertips from our recent efforts in hire coaches. The board worked closely with Head Coach Brian McGuire and we excitedly invited Tony Coffey to assist Brian with the Impala force.
By October, our racing efforts indicated that the Impalas were leading the Grand Prix Series in roads and cross country at the Open, Masters and Seniors levels. Highlights of the month were the annual retreat to Humboldt to run the half marathon and a visit ot the team by local Olympic track star, Regina Jacobs.
Winding up the year in November and December found Tory Valentine a Mt. Bike star and Xterra Champion, and Rachel Sears with a trip to France to compete in the Duathelon International Championships. Senior Jessie Stratton ran a marathon a month to celebrate the millennium.
In addition to all the outstanding racing and volunteering this year, pro-active Impalas led the city in efforts to get better lighting and protection of women runners in Golden Gate Park and began work on a project to bring the Olympics to San Francisco in 2012, numerous Impalas helped train new runners to run their first marathon for charities such as breast cancer, and arthritis.
During the year several new women put on the Impala blue; Sara Gigliotti, Pam Hayes, Stephanie Morris, Karen Ribble, and Kathy Collins have been excellent new additions to our team.
Besides all of the above, several Impala women gave birth, bringing new baby Impalas to our great family; Terry Quan, Peggy Lavelle, Cheryl Kruse-Shwe, and Jen O'Reilly proved that Impala women have it all.
Let it not be said that the beginning of a new century caught the Impalas napping

1999 20th Anniversary Year (Sue Johnston, President)
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, ì We will miss the synergy that Mike and Tim offered as coaches, both with commanding personalities, but never interfering with each otherís leadership.
Nike and PowerBar joined Hoyís 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 firs Impala/Nike centipede for the Bay to Breakers. With the pacing help of Coach Tim, the Impede raced an outstanding 12K for a very 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 ìeCircles,î 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 womanís time), first place at Pacific Sun 10K, and first place in the PAUSATF Cross Country series.
While we are on the subject of Cross CountryÖwhat 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 ìAdventureî 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 womenís 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.

1998 (Sue Johnston, President)
The annual general meeting was held at Janine's restaurant, Mercedes, with both Mike and Tim giving members inspirational pep talks, and then conferencing to pinpoint individual goals. The Stockton Cup was awarded to Carol Keller for her leadership during cross country and on the Board, as well as her fine ability as a runner.
The Grand Prix circuit began again at the Stockton 10-miler. Impalas took a more restful approach to that race; following Mike's admonition, that this was merely a warm-up to the season and to take it as a training run. Impalas were encouraged to move into the standings with the attitude of negative splits; finishing fast and first for the year, but focusing on individual goals as well. Two new events were important to the team this year: The Race for the Cure 5k and the Avon 10k. Both were held in Sacramento in the spring. Many awards went to Impalas in both events.
As a sign of a healthy and ever-growing membership, the team took on an assistant coach: Peter Goldmacher, who helped round out the coaching staff. Membership soared to 120 and the number at the track on Tuesday nights was upward of 50-- all ably managed by our outstanding coaches.
Cross country co-captains were Louise Tench and Jody Littlehales, under the tutelage of Carol Keller. Throughout the year Board members worked toward creating a brochure that reflects the Impala spirit and provides information for prospective members. They also worked on a new Impala handbook-- all you ever wanted to know about Imps - to be presented to members at the 1999 annual general meeting.

1997 (Sue Johnston, President)
1997 was an exciting year for the Impalas. The annual general meeting was held at Agnes Livingston's home in January following the annual two mile time trial. A large group attended and coach Fanelli gave an inspirational talk which, by the results at years end, everyone present took to heart. New officers were elected and sworn in. They were: Lisa Travaglini (Race Director), Cheryl Kruse (Treasurer), Peggy Ryan (Secretary), Kathi Berman (Vice President), Sue Johnston (President). At Large members were Marie Appel, Dawn Eggerts, Agnes Livingston, and Carol Stubbs. The Stockton Cup was awarded to Marie Appel for her outstanding efforts in 96.
The Grand Prix season got off to a great start at the Stockton 10 in January. Open, Masters, and Senior Teams scored in 1st place positions. Throughout the year, all three divisions maintained high standards with the open team battling the Aggies for 1st place. In the Senior division, Eve Pell turned 60 and proceeded to set new records locally and nationally at almost every distance. The cross country season was a huge success captained by Carol Stubbs. All three divisions led the association, with a memorable battle between Imps and Aggies at the Regionals held in our very own GG Park. Imp Open runners left the Aggies stunned and breathless as they cruised to victory.
In September, Tim Fitzpatrick came on board as co-coach to Mike Fanelli-- creating a very dynamic duo. And coincidentally, for most of the remainder of the year, we battled rain pour after rain pour at the track on Tuesdays; dubbing our newest coaching addition Tim "El Nino" Fitzpatrick.
At the years end Pacific Association Awards Banquet, the Impala Open, Master, and Senior LDR teams finished 1st in the Grand Prix. Master and Senior divisions were first in the cross country circuit, with the open team missing first by a scant two points behind the Aggies. The Impala Racing Team was named Team of the Year for their outstanding performance and community service. Lou Walters was named senior of the year for excellence in both LDR and cross country events. In celebration yet again, we appropriately ended our racing year with an exciting weekend of partying at Agnes for the annual holiday party, and a speedy Christmas Relays the next day (again in a torrential downpour-- Tim?).

1995 to 1996 (Nelda Williams, President)
At one time or another, the Impalas seem to bring out that goal-oriented part of our member's natures. If you had a shred of goal-oriented nature and even the vaguest desire to run a marathon, chances are, it happened in 1995 and 1996. Why? The 100th Boston Marathon and the 1996 Olympic Trials.
First came the motivation. Qualifying standards were relaxed a bit for the 100th Boston. Adding 5-10min to the time for each age group opened possibilities many had never before dared to dream. Similarly, though at a different level, a "B" standard was introduced for the Olympic Trials. Instead of one 2:45 standard, all expenses would be paid if a qualifier ran 2:42 or better, but you could still toe the line if you made the "B" standard of 2:50.
Next came the coaching. Mike McManus led the team throughout these years and Mike was into marathons! With his guidance, skill, patience and inspiration, 25 Impalas made the trip to Boston in April '96, making us the largest represented all-women team. In addition to the travelers, many others made the times but didn't make the trip.
While the marathon was the dominating focus during these years, Impalas have never been exclusively anything, not even marathoners. A cross country squad dedicated their fall to the PA series each year and completed the season with strong finishes in the national championships in 1995 and 1996. Marathon training proved good for our team performance on the LDR Grand Prix circuit as well. Impalas dominated age-group competition, winning series titles for open, masters, and seniors.
And of course, high social standards were maintained during this period. Christmas parties became dressier. Impala picnics added fun triathlons and great raffle prizes. Potlucks continued their key role as carbohydrate replacement therapy and jolly good fun. And our water station at Hoy's became THE reason to run the San Francisco Marathon in July.
In April of 1996, Coach McManus announced his departure from the Team for business and competing/racing purposes. Throughout the Summer, Chris Luckin, team member, filled in as Coach doing an excellent training job especially in the cross country area. In September, it was our good fortune to welcome Mike Fanelli back as Head Coach once again-- turns out the "Fanelli Finale" in 1993 wasn't really a "FINALE"!
As a team over these two years, we all got an extra dose of learning about what it means to be a teammate, what it means to compete and what it means to lose the ultimate race. Late in the spring of 1995, one of our top masters runners, Pat Falsone, started slowing down. Those who even noticed-- Pat included-- initially wrote it off to age and over-training catching up. What we all learned early that summer however, was that Pat was engaged in a battle for her life against that arbitrary killer, cancer. Pat's strength, poise, and compassion as she struggled with, accepted, and eventually was consumed by this disease, are something those who knew her will long remember. Her memory eventually became a permanent part of the Impala and San Francisco landscape when a bench was dedicated to her in Golden Gate Park near our Saturday meeting place at Stow Lake. Stop by and stretch sometime.

1994 (Irene Herman, President)
We began this year under the leadership of a young and talented coach, Mike McManus. Mike was well known in the running community, a former employee of Hoy's Sports, Dipsea hero, an elite athlete, high school and college coach, and coach for the SF Triathlon Club. In March, April Powers, our co-coach, began to feel the call of competition again, and decided to get herself back into racing shape. We recognized April at a picnic at McNear's Beach where Impalas swam, ran, and kayaked. During the remainder of the year, we struggled with big changes marked by major shifts in membership.
Luckily, Mike's leadership and enthusiasm coupled with Kevin Cruikshank's ongoing assistance, kept the boat steady, and the Team managed to compete very favorably in the Pacific Association's Grand Prix events in all three age divisions. The Seniors Team traveled to the Lilac Bloomsday 12k for a Nationally recognized competition, where Eve Pell set a new age record for 56 year olds. Other outstanding Seniors were added to our roster in 1994, including Lou Walters, Barbara Brady, and Jane Colman, as well as outstanding Masters runner, Beckie Simmie-Kesecker. 1994 again marked a strong Impala Cross Country Team showing, with Carol Keller leading the way at the Championships in Portland, Oregon.

1993 (Irene Herman, President)
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.

1990 to 1992 (Eileen Brennan-Erler, President 1990 & Irene Herman, President 1991-92)
In 1990, we had the good fortune to hire Mike Fanelli to coach our rapidly growing team. The workouts returned to San Francisco and became more diversified by focusing as much on track distances and cross country as on road races. We also expanded the team to include triathletes who taught some of us the value of cross training to balance our running. During this time, we also found a generous sponsor in Hoy's Sports and secured Kezar Stadium as our new training home. The coaching staff was rounded out with the addition of Kevin Cruikshank as an assistant coach and physical fitness consultant, and April Powers as our co-coach.
In 1992, the depth of the Impala talent was evident when the third Olympic Marathon Trials were attended by five Impalas-- out of only 120 qualifiers nationwide! These five included Lynn Nelson, Diana Nelson-Fitzpatrick, Lisbet Engberg, Laurie Binder, and Janine Aiello. In addition, the Impala Team experienced an Olympic first by sending our first qualifier for a distance other than the marathon, with Carol Keller running in the 3000 meter trials.
During the same year, our coach Mike Fanelli was selected to coach the Eikeden Relays in Japan, and our own Jen Thatcher O'Reilly represented the Impalas in that important, selective international event. We also sent a team to the National Cross Country Finals in Kenosha, Wisconsin and placed 8th among very strong national level competition. Shirley Matson and Nadine O'Connor finished 1st and 2nd at the National Masters Track & Field Events in the 400 meters. Liz Spurr illustrated the diversity of the Impalas by competing in the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. Kate Sweetman and Liz qualified and competed in the National Triathlon Championships. We also had two members participating in Ultra Events; Suzanne Williams and Dina Kovash. By the end of 1992, the Impalas had our historical best showing in the Pacific TAC Standings, placing 1st in the Open Division, 1st in the Senior Division, and 2nd in the Masters Division. Meanwhile, the size of the Team grew exponentially to a roster of 80 members.

1985 to 1989 (Sue Johnston, President 1985-88 & Eileen Brennan-Erler, President 1989-90)
In 1985, we had a change in coaches, and with it a change in location. With our move to the College of Alameda track, we had our first experience with interval workouts on the track under the direction of our new coach Chris Walsh. When Chris left in 1987, we hired the powerful duo of Jamie Maslach and Patty Grey to coach us. The physical health of the team was further ensured when Tommy Donovan took the Impalas "in hand" and became our permanent, full-time sports massage therapist.
During that time, the Impalas adopted the Mills College Track and Cross Country Teams (who were coached by Patty Grey) under a "Little Sisters" program. In the second Olympic Marathon Trials, both Janine Aiello and Laurie Binder added to the prestige of the Impalas by qualifying for this event.

1980 to 1984 (Sue Johnston, President)
For the first five years, we trained in Golden Gate Park under the dedicated supervision of Jim Scannell. Our membership surged to 30 women, with 15-20 participating in workouts on Kennedy Drive, rain or shine, dark or daylight. Early members and stars on the team included Eileen Brennan-Erler, Peggy Lavelle, Agnes Lourdes Livingston, Marty Mattox, and Nelda Williams We enjoyed early successes, always placing several Impalas in the top 10 at local races, and frequently winning them. Both Karen and I, as Masters, achieved our goals and were recognized by National Masters Newsletter, Runner Magazine, and Runner's World. Karen was first on the National charts in 1982, holding 6 different National Road Records at one time, and I was ranked 4th nationally, in 1983. By the first Women's Olympic Marathon Trials in 1984, the Impalas very proudly had a qualifier to represent our team, Jeanne Lavin.
Throughout the early years and up to 1987, the Impalas always entered a competitive, costumed centipede in the Bay to Breakers, winning every year with an average time of 51 minutes. Spirit and togetherness were cornerstones of the early membership, and this was immediately recognized when we showed up in large groups at local and out of town races. One outstanding example of the power of Impala blue was at the annual Tahoe Relays. While most teams were hard pressed to put together a single team, the Impalas managed two, along with a large support crew.

A Team is Born, 1979: by Sue Johnston
When Karen Cox and I met in 1979, our interest was primarily in supporting one another in our efforts to run faster races and make a mark on the Bay Area racing community. We had no idea what would result. We began training together twice, sometimes three times a week, along with a couple of other women and with the help of a coach, Jim Scannell. The first goal was to run a sub-three hour marathon at the first Oakland Marathon. We both met that goal comfortably, finishing 3rd and 4th among women in 2:57:/:58.
At that point, we decided the time was right to make regular coached training available to other women with similar goals. Coaching of this type was not easy to come by in the early 80's! We decided on an all women's team-- unique at that time-- wanting to focus on the competitive side of running more than the social.
Karen chose the name Impala because it symbolized sleek, graceful speed-- a statement of what we wanted to become as a group. The Impalas became an official PA-AAU (now USATF) team in January of 1980 and has been a force in Northern California ever since.