2007 GERWC Banquet leaves us Speechless!
By Lou Slaces, running reporter 

            Over 100 GERWC club members and guests gathered at SWIRCA on the evening of February 3 to celebrate the way ambulation makes all of our lives better-- and to celebrate as well  the enhancement that is brought to our ambulating when we can do it together with friends.  Starting with a social hour where—courtesy of Bob Head-- beverages and snacks were plentiful, we got a chance to visit.  From our youngest member—Craig Halsey’s 11 year old daughter Alaina-- to octogenarian  Harold Carey, there was something everyone could  talk to each other about.  Dinner, catered by Dan Dilegge, was accomplished without nearly the problems you might anticipate when a room full of runners and walkers is told to “go” to the buffet line.

The night is a recognition of some of the people who have run particularly well this year.  The Castle Girls and Central Boys Cross Country teams were introduced as the local high school squads finishing highest at the state level.  Ryan Witters of Evansville Memorial and Emile Alvey of Castle were recognized as the outstanding individual high school runners during the past cross country season. 

Recognition of our club members also took place, and from a crowded field of deserving nominees and with close balloting all around, Mark Jones and Aimee Nichols were named outstanding runners, Angie Wooten and Bill Noll were named outstanding masters runners, and Roy Stutsman and Suzanne Wells were named outstanding walkers.

REACT – a group of individuals without whom traffic control at our races does not exist was honored as the club “volunteers of the year” for their many  many hours of help in all the local races.  Club President Gordon Benfield presented them with a check for Two Hundred Dollars as a token of the club’s appreciation.

Bob Lauderdale concluded the awards portion of the evening with our Ray Rayl Award and Scholarships.  Ray Rayl was a founding member of the club and its early driving force.  Held in high esteem for his running talent and high personal standards, it is the Club’s highest honor to receive an award for service to the club and to receive a scholarship bearing his name.  Don Nichols was the recipient of our Ray Rayl Award this year—nominated for the fact that several years ago, when others who had taken the lead for the club became unable to do so, Don stepped in and kept the club going at a time when it might have fallen away.  His hours at a tough time have kept us going and our current resurgence would never have happened without him.  All concede he is a most worthy recipient.  From a large number of highly credentialed young people, Cale O’Brien of North High school and Kim Spahn of Mater Dei each received $500.00 awards as Ray Rayl Scholarship Recipients.

The night was scheduled to have Lisa Bell – the Evansville Courier Fitness Columnist and Personal Fitness Trainer --address the club.  But a bout with laryngitis took out her vocal chords starting Saturday morning – leaving her unable to talk.  Luckily, she was able to talk enough to convince Dr. Louis Cady to give us a presentation on diet concerns for runners.  The good Doctor gave us a power point presentation focusing on nutrition – particularly the anti-oxidant levels that runners need to be aware of as they complete their workouts.  Club members were then measured for those levels – a test that would cost many dollars if done in the private setting.

So with special thanks to Bob Head for all of his work with drinks and refreshments, Bob Lauderdale for his work with the awards and nominations, and Kristin and all the folks at SWIRCA for their extra time, the banquet was a great success.  Remember to put the first Saturday in February on your 2008 calendar.  See you on the road and at the buffet line then, too.