Sal is perhaps most famous in NOLA running circles for being a member of relay teams that set World and American records in the 4 X 1 mile and 4 X 800 events for the 50-54 year old age group.

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In the 4 by one mile record run, Sal’s leg was 5:06, second only to Charlie Wimberley 4:59.  Their total time was 20:23.

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Sal was born in about 1936.  He ran track for Holy Cross in 1953, and after a long hiatus returned to running in about 1968.  From 1972 to the mid-80’s, Sal ran many NOTC events.  He laid out road race courses and occasionally served as race director.

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In his 40’s, Sal was consistently one of the area’s better masters runners.  For example, at age 44 he ran the Mardi Gras Marathon in 3:05.

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At age 46 , he did the 3mi Al Briede Gold Cup in 16:40.  He also ran a 39:30 10k that year.

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When he was in his late 40’s and early 50’s, Sal emerged as a competitor with such outstanding runners as Mike Witkin, Charlie Wimberley, and Larry Fuselier

Randy Schmidt, affectionately known in the running community as Guido, is the heart and soul behind GuidoSportif, "Home of the Average Athlete." A dedicated runner since his grammar school days, Randy excelled as a four-year letterman and two-time captain of the track team, and a three-year letterman in cross country at Jesuit High School.

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In 1981, Randy founded GuidoSportif to celebrate the spirit of New Orleans running. Known for sporting hilarious t-shirts, Randy often managed club logistics with a brown Manila folder in hand, containing over 300 names and addresses of club members. If you've ever chuckled at a race t-shirt stating, "I might be slow, but I'm ahead of you," you have Randy to thank for that wit.

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Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Randy orchestrated the "2 Mile Average" races, where the slowest runners started first, leading to thrilling finishes. His "Baby Stroller 5k" quickly became a cherished event for parents eager to introduce their young ones to the joy of running.

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GuidoSportif also became known for its social activities, such as the annual lip-sync contest and the eagerly anticipated Christmas party. The club's motto, "Tuesday nights—where tears turn into beers," perfectly captures the blend of hard work and camaraderie that Randy fostered—encouraging runners to push their limits on the track and then unwind together over a few beers.

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Randy's commitment extended to the New Orleans Track Club (NOTC), where he served as a board member for six years before taking on the role of race director from 2021 to 2022. Working often alongside his wife, Julie, the bookkeeper for NOTC, Randy played a pivotal role in strengthening the club's presence in the local running scene.

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Though Randy was a fast runner, his true legacy is his relentless enthusiasm for bringing people together through running. His leadership was never about financial gain but about fostering a community bound by friendship and a shared passion for running. As we celebrate his induction into the Hall of Fame, we honor not just a runner but a visionary who created a community filled with friendship, fun, and a shared love for every mile. And one thing is for sure, Randy may be slow, but he's ahead of you

Running is a defining feature of Meyer’s identity and serves as a common bond within his family, originally based in Franklin, La.  He was introduced to the sport as a young child by his mother Fillis, a recognizable face in Southern Louisiana running and at NOTC races for several decades, beginning in the late 1970s, by virtue of numerous top age group and overall performances.  Meyer won multiple individual cross country state titles in the small high school division while attending the Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA) in Cade, La.  Prior to running for Tulane University as a walk-on athlete starting in his junior year, he remained competitive by regularly participating in NOTC races, achieving a number of podium appearances.  However, Meyer’s most notable NOTC performances would accrue after he moved to Atlanta, Ga. for graduate school and turned his sights to the marathon.  In his first attempt, the Mardi Gras Marathon (MGM) in 2004, he was bested by inexperience. Leading the race from the start, he ultimately collapsed due to low blood glucose just outside the Superdome, where the finish line was located on the field.  Nevertheless, it was in that spectacular DNF, “falter[ing] with the title in his grasp,” as per the Times-Picayune, that his fascination with the marathon became engrained.  Over the course of the ensuing decade, Meyer would notch 6 titles at the MGM and its successor, the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans marathon.  One of his most memorable experiences was winning the MGM in 2007 while his sister Michelle claimed the women’s championship.  His notable NOTC results from that period include:

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Mardi Gras Marathon/ Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

• 2005 2:30:59 1st (age 25)

• 2007 2:27:37 1st

• 2008 2:25:52 1st

• 2009 2:24:32 1st

• 2010 2:25:18 2nd

• 2011 2:27:56 3rd

• 2012 2:27:02 1st

• 2013 2:28:43 1st (age 33)

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​Mardi Gras Half Marathon

• 2006 1:12:16 1st

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​Jackson Day Race (9K)

• 2004 30:08 1st

• 2006 29:18 1st

Willie Stamm served as two term Treasurer and then President of the NOTC in the 1980s. When he was elected Treasurer, the NOTC was in dire financial straits. Through his shrewd abilities gained as a CPA, Willie was able to right the financial ship and helped keep the club financially viable. He then was elected President of the club in a transitional time when NOTC  first began hiring a professional race director. He was instrumental in recognizing the need to make this a full time job.

While fulfilling all of his club officer responsibilities, Willie also asserted himself as one of the top runners in New Orleans. He was a founding member of the competitive Tchoupitoulas Social Aid and Athletic Club, recipient of the New Orleans Slack Track Club’s 1985 New Orleans Spirit of Running “ award, and was one of the top marathoners in our region in the 1980-1990 era. His time of 2:28:35 (corrected by start time) in the 1981 Boston Marathon still ranks as one of the top local times ever run in that historic marathon. He also ran an impressive array of other road races with the following Personal Bests:

• 3Miles: 15:04 (Al Breide 1982)

• 5K: 15:42

• 4Miles: 21:26 (Lake Terrace 4-miler 1981)

• 5Miles: 26:26 (Turkey Day 1981)

• 10 K: 31:40 (Cajun Cup Lafayette 1981)

• 15K: 49:47 (Gasparilla-Tampa Bay 1983)

• 10 Mi.: 55:50 (GNORA 10 miler- 1981)

• ½ Mar. : 1:12:29 (NOTC Half Marathon-1981)

• 25K: 1:29:35 (NOTC 25K-1981)

• 30K: 1:50:10 (Wall NOTC 30K-1980)

From the early 1980’s to the mid-1990’s Eugene Dedeaux was a constant presence in the New Orleans road racing community, and a winner at many events.  Eugene won the Terry Turner Award in 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1990.  He also won the NOTC Grand Prix Open division in 1989 and 1991.

Eugene posted impressive times in his NOTC career, including a 1:11:52 half-marathon and a 2:39:22 marathon.

From a Footprints article in 1988:

 “One of the best distance runners in the New Orleans area, Eugene Dedeaux, four time winner of the NOTC Terry Turner award, was once told by a high school coach that he would never be a runner because he was too short.  Ironically, Eugene really has had the last laugh on that short-sighted individual. … Eugene’s record of accomplishments include a 1982 Mardi Gras Marathon Time of 2:36 and a 1987 Crescent City Classic 10K time of 31:52.”

Eugene was known not just for his running accomplishments, but for his support for other runners.  When reviewing old copies of Footprints, it is hard to find an issue without a picture of Eugene Dedeaux, wearing his trademark smile.

Brendan Minihan, Jr.  is a familiar sight at NOTC road races and has been since he was a child.  Brendan first attended races with his dad, NOTC Hall of Fame member Brendan Minihan, Sr.; but continued as he developed into an accomplished road racer in his own right.  Brendan ran cross country and track at Newman High School and Rhodes College in Memphis.

In the years between 1998 and 2022 (from the archive results on the NOTC website) Brendan recorded 54 1st place, 34 2nd place, and 18 3rd place finishes at races of all distances from 2 miles to the marathon.  Brendan’s proudest running moment is winning the 2006 Mardi Gras Marathon after Katrina.  He is also proud of winning The Spillway Classic seven times, as well as winning multiple titles at Larry Fuselier 25k and The Wall 30k (classic old races).

In addition to his running accomplishments, Brendan coached Metairie Park Country Day School to several state championships.  Brendan was the original chair of the NOTC Hall of Fame Committee, and did an excellent job in that role.  Since moving out of state a few years ago, Brendan is not as visible as he once was, but he still manages to come to New Orleans and run a couple of races a year.

Mario Lara served as President of the New Orleans Track Club for three years, but for fifteen years before and after that he has been a familiar face and devoted volunteer for the NOTC. Mario began running in 1983, and his wife Rose volunteered at the races he ran. It wasn't too long before Mario was volunteering as well, usually working water stops and race splits. He took over administration of the finish line, and did that until computerized scoring.

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Mario had a goal of uniting the running community, and to do this he became a regular volunteer at Southern Runner Race events. He appeared on the Spanish Radio Sports Show to promote the Mardi Gras Marathon and the NOTC. For the last 37 years, Mario has given his time to the promotion and growth of the NOTC, and has done community outreach to help the club stay vibrant and vital.

Valerie Andrews partnered with her husband, Mike Andrews in the Greater New Orleans Runners Association (GNORA). Valerie was the voice of GNORA. Valerie was everywhere at GNORA races. Making sure registrations went smoothly, covering the finish line and scoring, encouraging the participants. The races were always unique and fun, and Valerie had a way of making every race feel like an event. Valerie took the time to learn people's names and faces, and long before computer technology aided the recognition of finishers, Valerie was known for calling your name as you crossed the finish line. Valerie was the editor of Southern Runner magazine, a regional publication. The magazine was a treasure trove of regional race results, mixed in with human interest stories, and health and training tips. For many people in the greater New Orleans area, the Wednesday night races at Audubon Park were a fun introduction to competitive road racing. Valerie's love for running was not limited to race production and administration, she was also an avid runner, and completed 12 marathons, including The New York Marathon, The Honolulu Marathon, The Mardi Gras Marathon, and The Gulf Coast Marathon to name a few.

Ron Brinkman has been a driving force in the New Orleans running scene since the beginning of the running boom in the 1970's. He is a native and uniquely New Orleans figure who has had an almost spiritual influence on the New Orleans running community for close to 40 years. He and Kent McDonald were the unofficial "leaders" of the Tchoupitoulas Social Aid and Athletic Club which consisted of the top runners in New Orleans for many years. He is the founder and longtime Race Director of the only-in-New Orleans Barathon race which now has national recognition as a must-do race nationwide.

Ron holds the unique distinction of drinking the first two beers after the first Crescent City Classic in 1979 and he has not only run every CCC but finished in the top 500 for the first 20 years in a row. Ron has inspired and continues to inspire many of us runners and he represents a link to a past that is becoming forgotten but needs to be remembered and honored.

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• NOTC Board of Directors for two years (1983-1984)

• Race Director for Radiophone 4-miler for 5 years (1980-1984)

• Personal Records:

  • 2 mi 10:45

  • 5K 17:13

  • 4 mi 22:30 (Radiophone 4-miler)

  • 5 mi 28:30 (Turkey day)

  • 10K 35:30 (Azalea Trail 10K)

  • 1/2 Marathon 1:12:50

  • Marathon 2:53:45 (NY Marathon)

Pat has worked tirelessly making contributions to the NOTC that have been in direct support of the community of runners and walkers the NOTC serves as well as instituting efficiencies that have saved the organization thousands of dollars in race costs. Pat has been instrumental in organizing and reusing the left over d-tags used for electronic scoring at the races. These tags are very costly and reusing them saves the NOTC as much as several hundred dollars per race. Pat spends several hours each month at the NOTC office after races organizing unused, leftover d-tags as well as preparing bibs for the upcoming races by attaching d-tags, labels and organizing folders for packet pick-up. She has done this for every race for nearly four years.

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Pat believes that everyone in our community should feel comfortable and motivated to join in our events. She believes that all should feel welcome at our events no matter what their abilities. Being a competitive race walker, she began the process of USATF official's certification in 2014 and met all requirements and passed the test for certification as USATF Association Level Racewalking Judge in 2016. Pat is also an RRCA Level 1 Certified Running Coach. Since that time she has officiated at many USATF Southern Association track meets, local races and other area events. She fosters walking in our community as a fitness alternative to running. She encourages walkers by promoting race walking as a walking goal to encourage walkers to be the best they can be. Pat hosts a minimum of two race walking clinics per year and regularly meets one on one with individuals who want race walking lessons or coaching.

Dr. Pat Hambrick was arguably the best Master runner in the history of the New Orleans Track Club. His times as a Master and Grand Master Runner are truly remarkable.

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• Personal Records:

  • 2 mile - 9:22 (1985)

  • 5k - 14:55 (1985)

  • 10k - 31:58 (1984)

  • Marathon - 2:33

• Masters Runner

  • 2 mi1e - 9:58 (50% cross country)

  • 5k - 15:17

  • 10K - Cajun Cup 1992 - 31:40 (age 43)

  • Half Marathon - 1:13:27

• Grand Masters Runner

  • 5k - 17:54

  • 10 miles - 1:10:23

  • 25k - 1:31:55

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In addition to his running accomplishments, Dr. Pat was also a dentist who provided dental care to the underserved low income population of New Orleans. He was known for giving his racing trophies to children who were patients in his care.

Juan Perez was one of the top Masters and Grand Masters runners in one of the toughest Masters and Grandmasters fields in the history of the club. As he and his competitors aged they made each new level the toughest age-group bracket in club races. He traded victories with such luminaries as Brendan Minihan Sr., Don Wright, Bill Leach, Tom Hopkins, Desmond O'Connor and more. Juan has always been a fierce competitor who loved winning and making his opponents suffer but he has always demonstrated good sportsmanship and respect for his opponents and carries himself with integrity. A construction worker and cement engineer by trade and kickboxer in recreation, Juan has never been afraid of hard work. That shows in his racing. Juan added depth to a field of Masters, Grandmasters and now Senior runners in the community that maintains racing and competition as one of the pillars of the track club. He has pushed his competitors and inspired younger generations to work hard and strive for speed and victory. In 1987 at age 45 he ran a 17:14 5K at the Gumbo Fest. In 2002 at age 58 he ran an 18:22 at Run through History. In 2017 at age 72 he ran a 23:54 at Al Briede. As well known for his black socks and awesome cars as for his racing speed, Juan is one of the most recognizable and admired runners in the area.

Pam Williams has had three running careers, with her best performances coming in her third career. Originally from Schenectady, N.Y., Williams ran track at Courtland University where she had personal bests of 2 minutes, 11 seconds in the half-mile and 57.7 in the quarter-mile. From 1982 to 1985 Williams often found herself in the winners circle. She bettered five minutes in the mile and ran five kilometers in 17 minutes. Pam came back to running at 38 and became one of the best female Master runners in the NOTC. Throughout her forties and fifties Pam dominated female Master running in the New Orleans area. Pam was named the best overall female runner in the 40th anniversary edition of Footprints.

In addition to her running achievements Pam started coaching while in graduate school at Cortland in New York. She became nationally track and field certified while studying for her Masters in reading and school administration. She coached the women's indoor team at Courtland in 77-79. Pam continued coaching after moving to Louisiana, coaching at Mandeville from 1997-2001. While coaching at St. Scholastica they placed third in state. Pam also coached Grace King boys' track and cross country 2004-2012. During her career at Grace King both the track and cross country teams won district multiple times.

Janet has been a runner for 37 years inspiring others and representing the spirit of running by contributing to the success of both NOTC, serving on the Board of Directors in 1985-1986; and as a founding member of the Chalmette Track Club (CTC) serving on the Board of Directors. Janet has been part of the continued success of these clubs and an inspiration to others through both her volunteerism and through her continued running successes today. CTC named an annual race "The Janet Earhart Cross Country Championship" after her for her service to the club. Janet was selected by the Tchoupitoulas Social Aid and Athletic Club to receive the "Spirit of Running" award presented by the Slack Track Club. Janet assisted with production of Mardi Gras Marathon that almost wasn't with the help of the Chalmette Track Club. Janet volunteered with registration, race results and handled sales of NOTC merchandise during her time on the NOTC Board of Directors. NOTC Open Women's Team Member, Louisiana Lightning Track Team 1983, and volunteer race director for a Series of Races. Janet's motto is "Runners become family and family becomes runners."

Since the early 1990's Bryan Smith has been one of the premier runners in the NOTC. He has run 50 marathons with an average time of 2:49:52. Bryan has won overall in 13 marathons, and has placed first, second or third in 39 of the 50. Bryan holds the record for the most Pelicanman duathlon wins (11) and Barathon wins (6). From the mid 1990's to the mid 2010's it is rare to find a race where Bryan didn't win overall or age group. Bryan's personal running accomplishments are impressive, but equally impressive is how he has always enthusiastically provided coaching and running advice to anyone who has an interest in running. Bryan's coaching, speed work, and discipline advanced the performance of such notable runners as Brandon Wingate and Brendan Minihan; labeled by some as "The Killer B's". He was also one of the organizers of the Catch 22 Racing Team. Bryan has been a member of the Guido Sportif since the early 80's and is currently helping in structuring the speed program for the club. A family anecdote that supports Bryan's amazing career involves Bryan being asked by a friend of his future father-in-law what his pedigree was. Bryan responded, "Well, I win marathons." Not only marathons but every distance from 5K to the marathon.

Leonard Vergunst has logged over 1100 races, both running and multisport, over a 30 plus year career, winning over 200 of them. Leonard has finished 70 Marathons with 65 under 3 hours. He ran 2:36:23 at Boston in 1998 at age 42 and won his age group at the Marine Corp Marathon at ages 55 & 60. Other personal bests include 33:09 CCC 10K and 1:14:55 Mahatma Half Marathon at age 40. Leonard finished 2nd at Mardi Gras Marathon twice, in 1998 & 2005, (2:40:46 at age 49). In addition to a tremendous athletic career where he has remained at the very top of his age group continuing into his 60's, it can be argued that his service to the running community and his local community eclipses this. An NOTC member going back nearly 25 years and after joining the Gulf Coast Running Club in 1988, he became the GCRC race director in 1993 and has served in that role for 25 years. GCRC is an all volunteer, non-profit organization producing 25 to 30 events a year including some multisport races. As Race Director for the GCRC's signature event, the Stennis Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, 20 years ago, he was responsible for moving that race to its current iconic, nearly traffic free location at the Stennis Space Center. Leonard certifies all the GCRC courses as well as certifying courses for other organizations.

In addition to his service to the running community he is a Bible leader at his church.

Phil Gioia is recognized in the NOTC community as the driving force behind the Chalmette Track Club. Many young, developing Chalmette area runners benefited from Phil's promotion of running in St. Bernard Parish. Phil was one of the primary people keeping the Chalmette Track Club alive after the devastation suffered by that area from Hurricane Katrina. Phil is an avid runner, and has completed the last thirty-four Mardi Gras/Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathons in a row. The old record was twenty-six. Phil is recognized annually as one of very few men who have completed all the Spillway Classic Races.

Brendan Minihan Sr. ran track and cross country on scholarship at Louisiana Tech University for legendary Coach Jim Mize between 1964 and 1968. After graduation, he moved to New Orleans and eventually became part of the local "running boom" that our club's founders started in the 1970s. Brendan continued running NOTC events into the 1980's and 1990's, running a 16:40 for the 5K and a 34:08 for the 10K, as a Master’s competitor. Brendan served on the NOTC Board as Treasurer.

Ruby Chaney has been an inspiration to multiple generations of racewalkers in the New Orleans Track Club. In the 1990's Ruby was regularly winning the racewalker division in her age category, winning the Grand Prix Master's Division Racewalker in 1991 and Grand Prix Grandmaster's Racewalker title in 1997 and 1998. Ruby then turned her attention to volunteering and judging the racewalk category in both NOTC and other events. As a USATF Master's level certified official, the highest level of official certification, she judges racewalking events for youth, open and masters track events as well as area track club races nationally and officiates for International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) meets and events. Among her national acclaim, Ruby was in charge of the racewalk officials for the 1992 Olympic Trials, judged multiple national AAU Jr. Olympic Games, and still judges for the Louisiana Governor's Games. Ruby's admirers claim her greatest achievement has been inspiring, coaching and mentoring race walkers and promoting the sport of racewalking in New Orleans for decades.

Kent McDonald's running achievements rank among the best of the greatest runners in New Orleans and NOTC history. From 1976 to 1989, when the Exxon-Mobil merger moved him out of town, Kent won 35 of 41 races, setting course records in several marquee club races over the years from 5k to marathon. He holds the co-record for the Jackson Day race, one of the oldest races in the South, and was one of the top Americans in the Crescent City Classic in 1982. As a collegiate runner, he set the steeple chase record at Kansas University and represented the USA as an All-American in track meets in the Soviet Union. Later in his career, he competed in three Ironman events in Hawaii and represented USA in triathlons in Switzerland and Sweden.

Always an outstanding age-group road racer, Charlie moved to the track in the 1980's and up to the present day has been a national and even world class age group runner. Charlie's track records and outstanding performances are too numerous to list here. He has been National Master's Indoor Track and Outdoor Track champion in multiple events from age 48 to 80. He was a member of the national championship 10k team in 1991 and set American age-group records in the mile, two-mile and as a member on indoor 4 x 200m relay team. Inducted into the Louisiana Senior Hall of Fame in 1996, he was at one time Nike's oldest sponsored runner. Charlie also has been very helpful to aspiring young athletes, mentoring and coaching a variety of athletes, young and old, and even hosting track meets for runners to help them gain experience in competing on the oval. Charlie has helped grow the sport of track and field in Louisiana and has been an integral part of the NOTC's success in promoting running and racing for decades.

Charlene was not going to let her husband Don have all the fun. Of course, not only did Charlene have fun, first as a runner at NOTC events throughout the 1980s, but she turned into one of the hardest working volunteers and board members the club has known. Or, as she would tell you today, she became NOTC family. After volunteering for a decade, she was appointed to the board in 1995 as the race results coordinator. As an elected board member in the many years to follow, she served in roles such as race day registration, Footprints editor, team coordinator, nomination committee chair, secretary, vice president and served as president in 2002 through 2004. She currently serves as Volunteer and Membership Coordinator, not only making runners and walkers feel a part of our community, but she has organized the volunteer system to function seamlessly. Her efforts have led to the largest pool of dedicated volunteers in club history. Today, that NOTC family atmosphere is thriving because of Charlene.

One of only two living "lifetime members" of the NOTC and the GNORA (Greater New Orleans Running Association), George has been a cornerstone of the New Orleans running community for five decades. He served as Treasurer of the NOTC in 1974, 1975 and again in 1978, served as President in 1976 and was Marathon Chairman for the club in 1977. A New Orleans native who enjoyed sports in high school, George left a career in banking to open Southern Runner on Magazine Street in 1982, where he has been instrumental in helping the city grow as a running community. Whether he is fitting runners young and old with the right shoe or sharing his vast mental library of running lore with them, George's passion for the sport and encouragement of all runners is obvious.

The inaugural Hall of Fame inductees were announced at the 50th NOTC Anniversary Race held Saturday, August 17, 2013 in City Park. The inductees were all charter members of the NOTC: Al Briede, III; Dan Fuselier; Joe Fuselier; Larry Fuselier; Cy Quinn; C.J. Mouton; John Morvant; Dan Calamari; Ed Dufour; John McMahon; Emile Dreuil; John Linehan; Dick Cochran; Richard Newcomb; Dr. Sam McNeely; Peter Salatich; Terry Turner; Dave Meister; J.D. "Sarge" Schaffer; Henry Calamari; Jerry Schoen; and Chuck Zatarain.

Dale Merceron began running in 1975 primarily to better his health. Soon after that he completed his first race, the Al Briede Gold Cup, and also joined the NOTC - then it had about 100 members!

A sample of Dale’s race times:

• 1976 MGM 3:27:08

• 1978 Crowley Marathon 3:02:58

• 1979 Thibodaux 10K 38:35

• 1979 Bayou Classic 15 mi 6:17 pace

• 1979 Fall marathon 2:55:37 5 th overall

• 1980 Sugar Bowl 10K 3 rd 40-49

• 1980 Wall 30K 1:58:03

• Cajun Cup 10K 33:48

• Gobblers’Grind 5 mi 28:36

• Aug 1981 17:06 5K

• Jan 1982 33:56 10k

• Jan 1982 The Wall 1:56:26 1 st 40-44

• Feb 1982 MGM 2:38:18

• Apr 1982 CCC 34:16 79 th

• Apr 1982 4mi 22:04

• May 1982 5K 16:50

• Jun 1982 track AAAC Masters age group 2 nd 3200, 3 rd 800

• Aug 1982 Azalea Trail 10K 34:18

• Aug 1982 5K 16:39

• Nov 1982 Andouille 5 mi 27:56

• Feb 1983 34:46 10K

• Feb 1983 5K 16:53

• May 1983 Briede 3 mi 16:18

• Apr 1984 River Road 10K 35:15

• 1983 Spirit of Running Award from Slack Track Club

• 1983 OMR Half 1:19:53 age 45

Ken Vicknair is a familiar face to many NOTC members, having worked the NOTC finish line for many years and coordinating the volunteers for it.  Ken was on the NOTC Board for ten years, serving 2 years as Vice-President, and introduced color photography to the NOTC magazine, Footprints.

Ken served as President of the NOTC from 2004-2006, leading the club through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Ken helped negotiate the Sugar Bowl contract for sponsorship of the Mardi Gras Marathon, and traveled to various marathon expos to promote the Mardi Gras Marathon.  It was Ken’s hard work promoting the Mardi Gras Marathon that helped build participation numbers up to 7500 in 2009, which enabled the club to partner with Rock and Roll Marathons.

Ken secured various sponsorships including Subway sandwiches for the Mardi Gras Marathon.  Ken also served as a Crescent City Classic board member and volunteer.  Ken also was always available to help repair NOTC club equipment when it broke down.

Kathy Hardy dominated women’s masters running in New Orleans in the late 1980’s. Prior to turning forty, Kathy posted great times and wins in the open category, but her dominance was as a master runner. Kathy’s visibility and contribution were so significant that Footprints announced in the August 1989 issue that she had gotten a job in Florida and would be leaving New Orleans and the NOTC.  Kathy’s proudest New Orleans running moment was her personal best performance in the 1987 Crescent City Classic with a time of 37:22.

In the early and mid-nineties, John Wall served as a member at-large for two years and Vice President/Photographer and Editor of Footprints for two years. As member at-large, he assisted then executive director, Chuck George, with whatever small fires needed attending to. This ranged from picking up fruit the day before a race, helping set up and tear down start-finish area, assist with water stops, or setting mile markers on the course. Once the race started, the photography job began and continued through the awards ceremony. John never requested compensation for film or development charges (this, long before the digital scene took over).
He had made agreements with local fast food restaurants to provide ice for the races. Long after his terms ended, one could spot him helping out: tearing down finish area, breaking down tables, loading the equipment van, or just picking up trash – although he was a paid participant in the race, his volunteerism couldn’t be stopped. He joined the NOTC in the eighties, while living in Opelousas, LA. It was once he returned to New Orleans that he was more able to assist in these numerous capacities. In 1990, he was president of the Chalmette Track Club and spearheaded the origin of the (now well-known and well-enjoyed) Pelicanman Duathlon.

Although a self-admitted “slightly better than average” runner, he was seldom seen on the award podium, he did finish in the Top 500 in the CCC. He was better known in the running community for his marathon travels. On July 25, 2000, John became the first person in the New Orleans metro area (the first person in Louisiana for that matter) to finish a marathon in all 50 States + D.C. Five years later, on February 25, 2005, after completing the Antarctica marathon, He was the first person in Louisiana to finish a marathon on all 7 continents. Unknown to most, he arranged to carry with him, during his marathon trips, Mardi Gras marathon entry forms and
handed them out at the races’ expos and afterwards, at the finish. This was before one could Google on the internet, he felt he should try whatever he could do to help promote NOTC events. He was quite often surprised when other runners would tell him they didn’t even know there was a marathon in New Orleans.

Dickie Longo has been a member of the NOTC for 20+ years. He has run over 1100 miles each year for 60 years. Dickie started running sanctioned races when he turned 60, and has run races from Power Mile to Marathon. He has won 376 races in 60+ to 80+ age groups. Dickie has a world ranking in top 30% and USA in top 20% for 5k.  Dickie always wears an NOTC shirt to promote the club at out of town races.

Dickie has recorded the best time for the mile, 5k, and 10k in Louisiana for the 80+ age group. He has been featured in newspaper articles for his achievements.  Dickie has been a  volunteer at NOTC races. Since turning 80 he has won 97 straight races in various states.  Dickie created the Longo Scholarship Fund. It helps pay entry fees, provides running shoes and running gear, and donates funds to homeless Veterans. 

Excerpt from Dickie’s book, “How Running Saves Lives: The Story of Dickie Longo":

“Dickie has many acts of kindness to his name, and this book will no doubt only touch on a few examples, while many others will remain a secret to just Dickie and those who received them - for despite Dickie’s openness about his kindness to others, he is at heart extremely humble.  But each act of kindness that we do know about highlights Dickie’s sense of social justice and his desire to help those in need, and each one is an inspiration to others.  His acts of kindness have no doubt also encouraged the receiver in ways we may never know.”

Mike was one of the top Masters runners in the New Orleans area for many years. Mike entered his first race at the age of 40 in 1979. He has run 575 races since then. He was a  member of the NOTC from 1979 until 2005 when he moved to Davidson, NC. He was the Master Age runner for the NOTC Racing Team for several years. He has also passed along his love of running and competing to his daughters Karen and Debbie who have both been members of the NOTC, and he and Karen have competed together as a team in the NOTC Fathers' Day Race a number of times. As a physician, his healthy lifestyle is an example for his patients. At age 83, he consistently runs three to four miles every morning with Kadie, his faithful Brittany dog. She is one of the seven Brittanys that have been companion runners for him. He also has had an outstanding record as a Masters track performer. NOTC Grand Prix series first place finishes - 12 firsts between 1989 and 2004: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004.  Mike won a La State Grand Prix for his age in 1985.

Oliver Marshall is nominated for the New Orleans Track Club Hall of Fame in recognition of his racing performance in the 1980's. He was only beaten by the very best local runners for almost a decade, racing almost every week:

• National Masters 5K In New Orleans, 1981, 1 st 30-34 age group, 15:15

• Ole Man River winner, 1983 1:10:07

• Jackson Day winner, 1983, 27:45

• Multiple wins in Bar-A-Thon, early and mid-80’s

• Beeper 4 mile winner, 1983, 19:21

• Papillon-Slack 6 miler, 1980, 31:12

• Turkey Day, 1980, 25:03

• Baton Rouge 10K, 1980, 31:58

• 2 miler, 1981, 9:36

• 5K, 1981, 15:38

• The Wall 30K, 1982, 3 rd 1:49:18,

• CP 10K, 1982, 32:20, beat Todd Jennings

• Pat Gillnen 2 miler, 1982, winner 9:32

• GNO Marathon, 1983, 2:30:40, 5 th overall

• CCC, 1983, 52 nd , 31:55, just behind Joan Benoit

• Race of the Century 5K, 1983, 2 nd , 15:05

• Won Father’s Day in the morning, Shadows of Dome in evening, 1983

• NOTC 10 miler, 1983, winner 53:47

• 15:05 5K, 1984

• 2:34 marathon 1984

• PB for 10K by 1984 30:26

• MGM, 1985, 2:40:59

• First local in CCC, 1984

• CCC 1987 86 th place 32+

• CCC 1989 82 nd place 33:42

Diane Weiss has been an NOTC member for over 25 years who extended the New Orleans running community to the north shore. Although she only started running at 30 years old, she became an avid runner, earning Masters and Grandmasters awards, including the NOTC Grand Prix series, finishing first in 50-59 in 2015 and first in 60-69 in 2019, but her influence on the running community was greater from an organizational, promotional and leadership perspective.

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Diane is the cofounder of the 15th Street Flyers ('99) based in Covington and also includes the Mandeville area, which hosts training groups for runners and walker of all backgrounds, as well as hosts community events and road races. She has worked with numerous organizations to promote their cause and charity since 2002, including the Four on the Fourth race, which she cofounded 21 years ago. Diane has coached middle school cross country, assisted coaching cross country at St. Paul's, where she helps coordinate their annual fun run, and works/volunteers at local cross country meets and camps for youth. She volunteers for many local road races, including the CCC, NOTC MG Marathon and now Rock'n'Roll. She also promotes the NOTC summer series and other races to runners on the north shore. In addition to her road race and run group management, she has also served on the Mayor's (Covington) Council for Healthy Lifestyles, promoting running as a healthy lifestyle. She continues to support runners and walkers throughout this region using years of experience not only running but also through volunteering and race event management.

Mike has devoted his life to running, coaching and race directing. He served on the NOTC Board of Directors as a high school student in 1968-1969 and has been an NOTC member since that time. Mike became involved with the Mardi Gras Marathon overseeing and participating in every aspect of the race for many years, including Race Director. Mike has been coaching runners, both in high school and college for more than five decades. Mike served as meet director and administrator for various NCAA track and field conference championships, as well as many high school and masters' competetions throughout the South. Mike's contributions as Board Member and organizer of races was a catalyst for the early success of the NOTC. He was the founder and director of The Jazz Half Marathon for Children's Hospital for three years. In 2018, Mike received Louisiana High School Track & Field Coach's Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

As a member of the NOTC for over forty years, Don Garvey has supported the club as an active race participant, club treasurer, and very generous sponsor. Don started the Radiofone Beeper Run because he wanted to give something back to the running community. The Beeper Run was one of NOTC's most popular races, and was an important event on the running calendar for many years. Even though the Beeper Run has gone away, Don's generosity to the running community and the NOTC has not, as he continues to support the NOTC through his charitable contributions. As a proponent of the running community Don has encouraged most of his family to become runners, and many are still running.

In the 40th Anniversary Edition of Footprints Junius was chosen as the best overall male runner in the life of the NOTC. The listing designation was based on consistent quality running over a minimum period of 10 years. Junius began running in the early 1970's and his best times as an open division runner include a 15:15 5K, a 32:16 10K, and 1:08:00 for the half-marathon.

As a masters division runner his best times include a 16:10 for the 5K and 34:00 for the 10K. An article in Footprints in 2001 refers to Junius as a true NOTC hall of fame athlete, even though the club did not have a Hall of Fame until 2013. For those NOTC members who remember the 1980's, 1990's and the early 2000's, Junius is a familiar name and face, as he was always among the winners at multiple events each year.

Pete Soutullo began running and training with the NOTC while a high school sophomore at West Jefferson, taking the ferry across the river to train with club members who met at the Tulane field house. He went on to become a very good distance runner both in NOTC races and as a prep and collegiate runner. His college racing career was spent at Southeastern. Pete occupies a historically important position in the history of the NOTC, being among that first group of young runners who were trained and inspired by the likes of John Morvant, C. J. Mouton, the Fuselier brothers, etc. Pete was often listed in the paper as "Pizza Tula." The name was occasionally and intentionally spelled this way in the Picayune newspaper race results to avoid conflict with school rules.

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As mentioned above, Pete's historic importance to the club stands out in his qualifications for induction. His running achievements are documented below.

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• Joined NOTC 1964

• Ran the inaugural MGM as a 16 year old West Jeff student in 4:05

• 1964 NORRC 15 miles 1:58:30

• 1965 NORRC 3 miles 18:19

• 1965 NORRC 5 miles 33:50

• May, 1966 West Jeff 4:42 mile

• Owned WJ school record for the mile (4:36)

• 1966 State track 5th in mile

• 1968 SLC 4:28 mile

• Had school records 4:17 mile and 9:27 two mile at Southeastern

• 1978-Boston Marathon 2:28:31

• 1st place, First 50 K run in New Orleans City Park and Lakefront (late 70's)

• 1st place, First Fall marathon in City Park the lakefront

• Early 70's— Member of winning 10-man 24 hour 1 mile relay team held on old Tulane track. (Louisiana Record )

Yvonne Lee Thomas has been one of the most outstanding Woman Masters Runners in the NOTC. During the mid 1980's Yvonne posted masters times of 20:09 for the 5K, 43:27 for the 10K, and 1:35:45 for the half-marathon. Moving into Grandmasters her times stay strong, with a 20:25 for the 5K, 43:44 for the 10K, and 1:38:38 for the half-marathon. Yvonne's age group dominance followed her into her 60's with a 5K time of 23:52, a 10K at 47:50, and a half-marathon at 1:50:13. In addition to her running achievements she served as the Louisiana State Representative to the RRCA for many years and was named the State Representative of the Year in 1993. Yvonne was the first woman president of Club South Runners in Baton Rouge in 1988. Yvonne was the first overall woman 3 times, including the Wall 10K in 2004, at age 60. The other first place finishes were the Baton Rouge 1/2 marathon, and The Wall 30K. Yvonne has always been an advocate of our sport and her cheerful and encouraging presence has enriched the NOTC running community for more than thirty years.

Bobby Sahuque was a pioneer of distance running in the greater New Orleans area. Bobby was a charter member of the New Orleans Track Club. In 1968 as a junior at Redemptorist Sahuque won the handicap championship of the Jackson Day race. That May he finished third in the AAA (highest classification) mile at the state track meet, running a record for a New Orleans area prep runner (4:20.1). An article in the Times-Picayune mentions that he had been doing a program of two-a-day workouts for nine months, dropping his time from 4:50. In June, 1968, he ran a 4:20 mile at the Southeastern Junior championships in Atlanta. In September, Bobby finished second in an NOTC 5 mile race in 25:48, losing to Billy Wick (24:52), who was perhaps the best area runner at that time. In the December 29 Sugar Bowl track meet, McKinnon of Fair Park nipped him in the high school mile race. Bobby ran 4:19.6. He ran Jackson Day in 28:03. March 9, 1969, Bobby finally beats McKinnon with a 4:13.5, the fastest outdoor mile in the United States by a high school athlete that year, and the third fastest time in Louisiana prep history. On May 9, 1969, Bobby ran a 4:08.4 mile, the first runner from the South to break 4:10 for the mile. He won the 880 and the mile in meet record times a week later at the Meet of Champions (1:55/4:17). The events were 33 minutes apart. Later in May, Bobby won the SAAU mile in 4:20. Dillard's Zach Winnfield was second in 4:31. A Louisiana State Champion, he was invited to the Golden West Invitational where he would race with the legendary Steve Prefontaine. Sahuque finished third in the Golden West meet and was named high school all-American by Scholastic Magazine. (Was nursing a sore Achilles after Meet of Champions.) Named NOLA area amateur athlete of the year for 1969 by NOAC. Bobby went on to a collegiate career at Tulane. He ran 4:07.24 for the mile in 1973, his best collegiate time.

Carleton Smith is a well known and easily recognized member of the NOTC, often manning the microphone at NOTC events. Carleton started running late in life at age 31 in 1983. He ran The Great New Orleans Marathon, his first, at the age of 38, and finished with a time of 2:37 placing him 3rd in his age division and 9th overall in a field of 1500 runners. That same year he ran Azalea Trail in a time of 32:14 placing second in his age division, Bill Rodgers placed 1st. In 2007 at age 62 he ran the Mardi Gras Marathon in 3:15, winning his age division and qualifying him for the Boston Marathon. That same year, he ran Boston in a time of 3:20 placing him 8th in his age division in a field of 800 men. In 2010 at age 65 he ran the Mardi Gras Marathon in a time of 3:22, winning his age division. Carleton was also a volunteer deputy sheriff with Jefferson Parish for 17 years in the motorcycle division, while working for Entergy and still keeping up with his running. He was an assistant cross country coach at Dominican High School for 6 years, in his last year winning state. He served on the NOTC Board of Directors in 1985 thru 1987 and was a board member in 1987-1988. He also served as Race Director for the Mardi Gras Marathon with Mo Emory when it was held in Chalmette. He is currently a coach/counselor with the Gulf States Cross Country running camp in Covington, Louisiana, this being his 13th year as a coach.

Some of Carleton's times: Marathon, 2:37; Half-Marathon, 1:14; 10 Mile, 53:40; 10K, 32:14; and 5K, 15:28.

J. Roger Brown Jr. is a staple and fixture in our running community. He is someone that our members and the local runners in the area truly respect and look up to not only because of his consistent and high-level performance as an athlete over the years, but also his good-hearted and genuine nature as a person.

Mark Marley competed in NOTC races from 1965 to 2000. At distances from two miles to 50k he won or placed well. At Jesuit High, he won district championships in the 880 and the mile and set the school record in the mile. At Tulane he ran track and cross country and received the Forest T. Oakes Award (Most Inspirational). From 1970 to 2000 he ran over thirty marathons, two of which he won. For twenty-three years he coached middle school track and cross country. Several of his boys and girls went on to outstanding high school careers.

Jenni Peters is one of the greatest runners to perform, win and set records in road and track races in New Orleans history. She parlayed a successful elite running career into a business and marketing professional career that led to the opening of Varsity Sports, Baton Rouge in 2000. She has since opened Varsity Sports stores in Mandeville in 2007, New Orleans in 2010 and Metairie in 2017. If her personal running career was not inspiration enough to a generation of runners, her professional commitment to running in south Louisiana has aided in the popularity and explosion of a modern running boom.

Rick Lusky was a three-term president and five term board member who modernized the track club with computer scoring and results reporting. He helped create the Road Runner of the Year competition, which evolved into the Grand Prix Series, and his leadership helped start Celebration in Oaks, the Greek Fest 5k and the Spillway Classic.

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Rick's experience with computers and his work in financial management brought the club financial security and sustainability. Thanks to Rick's management, the club's membership more than doubled during his presidency. During his tenure, the New Orleans Race Walkers organization merged with the NOTC, and race walkers were given a voice as a member of the board of directors.

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Rick remained a supporter and volunteer for the club for many years, even as he put together the Crescent City Fitness Foundation that purchased the Crescent City Classic. He directed the race until his untimely death in 2012. As director of one of the premier 10k road races in America, he saw to it that the NOTC had a visible place at the event.

J.J. has been of invaluable service to the club for decades. Whether in charge of equipment maintenance, running the timing/scoring system, or as Spillway Classic race director and sponsor, he has selflessly contributed a tremendous amount of time and talent to the NOTC. He has served as Vice President, elected board member for multiple years, Footprints editor, and, known as a competitive duathlete, he has also had a successful running career with the club. Under his guidance, the club transitioned to computerized results and chip timing. He continues to this day to be one of our most hardworking and loyal NOTC members, and his character displays nothing but respect, friendship and camaraderie for fellow runners and club members.

An NOTC member since the mid-1970s, Elisabeth achieved racing acclaim as a Senior runner, dominating the 60-69 age group and, over a ten year period, outpacing even younger runners in the 50-59 division. She won multiple titles, including a USATF National Championship in the outdoor 5k at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. As a 65 year-old, she won the Louisiana Master 5k Championship in 23:37, besting the top time in the nation by almost a full minute. The list of running accomplishments is long, but even it is overshadowed by her personality and selfless commitment to the club. Her contemporaries remember that she showed up early to every race, helped with registration and stayed late to help with race results and post-race clean up, setting the gold standard of dedicated volunteers the club enjoys today.

In his fourth decade of service to the NOTC, Don has served as board member, president, volunteer, chairman of numerous committees, race director and one of the best promoters the club has ever had. After joining the club in 1983, he elevated his participation as a volunteer in 1985 and then was elected to the board in 1986, serving the next fifteen years, including a term as President in 1991-1992. His committee initiated the "Road Runner of the Year Series," which later became the Grand Prix Series, and he created and directed the Metairie Runners' Beer-A-Thon in 1987. Don continues to volunteer at NOTC races and contributes his wisdom and passion for the club at board meetings and race committee meetings. He is always happy to shake hands and talk before and after NOTC races.

The other living "lifetime member" of NOTC and GNORA, Mo Emory has served critical roles for the club through its 51 years and counting. Mo has served as president, vice-president, treasurer, and elected and appointed board member, and he was the chairman for the Mardi Gras Marathon and race director for numerous races, including the club's 50k race in 1978 and the Sugar Bowl 10k in 1979. He helped produce the club's big events early on, including the Bayou Classic 10k, the Schlitz Lite 10k, and the 20th Anniversary Run. He has been supporting the Turkey Day since the club began producing it and has been integral in the success of longer races such as the Larry Fuselier 25k. Mo even created hand-made awards for races in his wood shop. A marathoner with a 3:02 personal best, Mo could be found regularly running with the Metairie Runners, leading group runs around Metry (Pontiff) Playground or City Park from the old tennis club. Those who became close with Mo were rewarded with his homemade treats, including fudge, pepper-jelly, hot sauce and spicy bread-and-butter pickles. Even more so, the club and its members have been rewarded with his dedication to the club in tough times and good.