FOUNDATION AWARD
The Foundation Award is presented annually to a non-competing member(s) of Team NRGY to recognize tireless and selfless contributions to Team NRGY. Their support, energy and passion provides significant impact on Team NRGY and enables their loved one and all members of the team to excel and achieve their personal goals.
This year’s award goes to Michael and Kathleen Santarcangelo, my parents who have enabled me to excel and achieve my personal goals, and in turn have enabled this team to achieve its goals. These two individuals represent the foundation of Team NRGY. Their encouragement, support and unconditional love provided me with the inspiration to start Team NRGY. The very idea for Team NRGY took shape after completion of my second Ironman. While relaxing on the porch over looking mirror lake, they encouraged me to become a coach and to start a team so I could enable others to experience the same sense of fulfillment and accomplishment I felt and continue to feel competing as a triathlete. My dad selected the name and together they vetted the Team NRGY colors as they wanted to in their words “be able to see us coming a mile away” and of course, we know that Carolyn achieved that. Thank you, Carolyn. My parents edited the website and all of you know that they braved the torrential rains and cold temperatures to be there for our very first event as Team NRGY, the NJ Marathon and Long Beach Half. Mom donned the Team NRGY colors and ran a half marathon and Dad manned the tent or rather held down the tent so that the wind didn’t blow it away. Sure it was rainy and cold but they were right there by our side making sure we had everything we needed to be successful. Nothing can or will prevent Kathleen and Michael from always supporting each of us and ensuring this team’s success.
Their words of encouragement and their selfless acts have inspired many. The Lambert family who will be competing in the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February as a result of conversations with my parents after Ironman Lake Placid. As many of you now realize, we are gathered together this evening in celebration of the creation of Team NRGY. The Foundation of the our team is Kathleen and Michael. Again, I would like to extend a very special thank you to my parents for believing, caring and supporting my dreams and those of Team NRGY. I cannot personally thank you enough. Mom and Dad, it is my honor and privilege to award you both with the first Team NRGY Foundation Award for your tireless and selfless contributions enabling us to excel and achieve our personal goals.
INSPIRATION AWARD
The Ispiration Award is presented to a Team NRGY Member who demonstrates perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome challenge. Their actions encourage others and that they, too, can excel in multisport. Their leadership in the face of adversity and continued support of Team NRGY inspires each of us.
This year's award goes to Kenneth Schweighofer who has demonstrated perseverance, dedication and determination to over challenge. While competing in the 2008 Randolph Lake Sprint Triathlon, Kenneth had difficulty on the bike and run. Soon after crossing the line, he got sick. After visiting his doctor, Kenneth was diagnosed with Stage 1 cancer.
Kenneth was treated and through his perseverance, dedication and determination he regained his strength and completed the 2009 Randolph Lake Sprint Triathlon on, in his words, “his own terms.” But Kenneth didn’t stop there, just two weeks later he took the home the 1980 Winter Olympics to compete in Ironman Lake Placid and announce to the world that he could not be stopped. On July 26, 2009 - Kenneth came all the way back. As Kenneth completed the final steps of his journey, Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman shouted out, “Kenneth, you are an Ironman.”
One might think overcoming cancer would be one’s sole focus. Kenneth rarely mentions his personal challenges. Instead, in the face of adversity continued to be an amazing teammate. Kenneth has always offered advice on bikes, a place to stay and race support. While his countless acts are too many to count, I remember Kenneth helping to lug (and I mean lug) the Team NRGY tent across Lake Placid to set it up and one rainy morning, at 430am, he gathered up Tony and myself to head to Westchester and support our teammates who were racing. A gourmet cook Kenneth brought a meal over when I crashed. Kenneth is always putting others first.
Kenneth always strove to give 100% of what he had to give even though, as he will admit was not always a 100%. Kenneth you are back! Thank you, Kenneth for inspiring those around you. We look forward to helping you achieve your personal goals for next year. Kenneth, it is my honor to present to you the 1st Team NRGY Inspiration Award.
FORCE AWARD
The Force Award is given to a Team NRGY Member who personifies the Mission of Team NRGY and fosters a spirit of camaraderie among teammates with selfless and indispensable support.
This year’s award goes to Payton MacDonald for living the Team NRGY Mission Statement while fostering a spirit of camaraderie among teammates with selfless and indispensable support. The Team NRGY Mission is to provide a place open to everyone who is interested in participating in multisport activities, promoting healthy lifestyles, educating others, celebrating the achievements of others and fostering fellowship and healthy competition.
Payton came to Team NRGY one might call a true rookie interested in participating in multisport. He had completed a sprint triathlon on a beach cruiser but was ready for more. Armed with a new bike from the Bikery and an infectious “No one can tell me no” attitude Payton spent countless hours learning in the pool, riding the roads and lifting weights. Crowie as he loves to be called (yes, Crowie the 2x Reigning Ironman World Champion) is always a smiling face. And if you find find him smiling he is flexing. Not only has Payton improved to the top ¼ of those competing through his efforts, but he has also undertaken XTerra Triathlon Racing. He is the first member in Team NRGY colors to compete in an off-road triathlon.
Payton is is receiving the Force award because through his actions he has promoted a healthy lifetsyle, educated those around him, celebrated the achievements of his teammates and all competitors while fostering fellowship and healthy competition. Every time you see Payton he has a word of encouragement and a way to make you laugh. He is able to take the toughest of situations - like when he got a flat during his “A” race at the Steelman Olympic Triathlon - and make someone feel like a million dollars. Despite his difficulties changing a tire in the pouring rain Payton made sure to tell the race director about the kindness of a stranger who stopped and provided a CO2 cartridge so Payton could continue the race. The individual was recognized by the race director at the awards ceremony. Payton wrote in his race report “ From now on I will always carry three CO2 cartridges. One for me, and at least one or two for someone else who might need it.” Instead of being frustrated Payton turned a flat tire in the pouring rain into the opportunity to educate those around him, celebrate the achievements (and kindness) of others and promote healthy competition.
When Payton is not training for his next event or encouraging his teammates, he is a husband, father, professor at William Patterson and a percussionist with the world renowned contemporary musical group Alarm Will Sound. A true Renaissance Man. He has even started a blog appropriately entitled – “Soul of Triathlon: exploring the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of triathlon.” His energies are boundless. His energies are infectious. Team NRGY and those around him are better for having crossed paths with him. Payton, you embody the Team NRGY Mission. I am proud to present you the with the 1st Team NRGY Force Award. Thank you for all your efforts and we look forward to continuing to help you attain your personal goals in the upcoming season.