More than 100 members of Gulf Winds Triathletes turned out for the annual holiday and awards party to celebrate the season and honor Grand Prix award winners on December 15, 2014, at Andrew’s Downtown in Tallahassee. 2014 Club President Kathy McDaris announced the winners, and incoming 2015 president, Jeff Bowman, congratulated the winners with the tradtional award, an etched pint glass, this year including the soaring seagull and sun logo.       

Eight Club members were recognized for special achievements.  The criteria for each award and presentation comments by McDaris follow:

Male and Female Master Triathlete of the Year
This award is given to both a male and female over-40 triathlete, active in the club, whose love of triathlon is demonstrated not only in competition, but also in commitment, service, & inspiration.

Kelli Dillon (F40-44) – While this person did not do an Ironman this year, set a record, she did inspire many of us with her perseverance in the face of adversity providing inspiration and support for anyone who knows.  While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she continued training for and completing Ironman Augusta 70.3.

Ron Morrell (M65-60) – This person has been one of the longest supporters of the Gulf Winds Triathletes, both in competition and volunteerism.  After completing an Ironman, he developed a heart condition and over the next several years would undergo a number of cardiac procedures, several of which hospitalized him over many days.  He never stopped supporting the club by volunteering, giving tirelessly to the local races.  After finally getting his medical status resolved, he went after another Ironman, completing this year’s crazy Ironman Florida.  He sought nutritional and coaching assistance, lost a significant amount of weight and completed his IM finishing 10th in his age group.

Male and Female Rookie of the Year
This award is given to both a male and female member of Gulf Winds Triathletes, active in the club, with less than 3 years in the sport, who has shined brightly this year. 

Michelle Dahnke (F30-34) –  I can say first-hand that 2 years ago this person is probably the least likely person I would have picked to finish an Ironman.  There were several tears shed on some of those early bike rides, but she stayed upright, nailed a few half-Ironmans, finished third in her age group in the Grand Prix competition, and finished Ironman Florida this year . . . all while working on her Ph,D. 

Richard Oberlin (M35-39) – Wow !  Most of you don’t know this quiet unassuming athlete.  New to triathlon, this person hammered Augusta 70.3 in 4:45, right behind Jon Nash, and finished 4th overall in the Grand Prix.  If you do not already know who he is, I’m sure you will soon!

Most Improved – Male and Female Triathlete
This award is given to both a male and female Gulf Winds Triathlete, active in the club, who has shown a great deal of improvement during this calendar year.  For this award, we compared improvements in time of several races as well as taking into account their placing in more challenging events.

Jen Barton (F30-34) – This athlete went from a severe crash, afraid to ride near anyone or off the St Marks trail, to leading group rides, drafting like a pro…maybe sometimes a little more than she should, completing Gulf Coast and Augusta 70.3,  winning her Age group in the  Grand Prix and completing her first Ironman. (Jen is pictured above with Master Female Triathlete of the Year, Kelli Dillon.)

Jon Nash (M35-39)- From dabbling in triathlon to crushing Ironman Florida 2014, finishing 35th out of 352 athletes, this athlete took the turn to serious competitor this year.

Service Award
This award is given to the individual Gulf Winds Triathlete, active in the club who has contributed hours of time assisting club activities and providing the most to the Tallahassee triathlon community this year.

Ann Bowman (F45-49) – This person has dedicated herself to volunteering for triathlon this year in lieu of racing many events.  At the beginning of the year, one of the membership’s requests was to provide more training opportunities for Club members. This athlete put together a very large Club open water swim prior to Red Hills and then acted as the volunteer coordinator. She worked the Tri the Rez events, all the YTS races and YTS clinics.  She started the Tuesday Night Hill Repeats and the Thursday Night Ladies ride. She is the GWTC Wednesdays interval coordinator.  She organized an open run form clinic in conjunction with Capital City Runners.  She is a Rev Tri volunteer coach and a Red Eye cycling parent volunteer.  If you need help getting something done, this is your go-to volunteer. She gives herself tirelessly to helping others and still managed to pull off a 14th place finish in her age group at Ironman Florida in her spare time this year.

Youth Award
This award will be given to a Gulf Winds Triathlete, active in the club, who is under the age of 18.

Max Eastman – Max is an excellent triathlete as well as competitive swimmer, runner, and cyclist.  He has completed some YTS event(s) and this year and several adult events Grand Prix events.

Congratulations to these outstanding members of Gulf Winds Triathletes.

And congratulations, too, to all the Age Group award winners.