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2010 - Barbra Katz (as presented by Payton MacDonald)
Imagine that you're in the middle of a taper run and a pack of coyotes approaches you. Then imagine that a few days later you meet up with another coyote while driving. And on a bike ride you encounter a large black bear. What kind of person would attract some of the world's most elegant animals, some of the world's most ferocious hunters?Now imagine how difficult it must be to to balance life as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Hermes, a major company that specializes in luxury apparal and accessories, commuting in and out of NYC every day, while successfully raising two children. Think for a moment about how difficult it must be to keep that schedule while training for a 70.3. The endless hours in the pool, the bike, running, stretching, strength training, most of them at 5:00 a.m. or late at night; sacrifices that paid off with successful races at Mooseman 70.3 and Silverman 70.3. Silverman! A tough course, with some tough hills. What kind of person would sign up for a course with some tough hills if that person didn't like hills that much? Still, when her coach encouraged her to work on her climbing, she swallowed her pride and attacked Francisco two times in a row. And Mooseman 2010! An epic race! Torrential downpour all day, lightning, delayed start, cold, wet, uncomfortable racing conditions. But she preservered, even though mechanicals and muscle cramps, tears in her eyes from pain and frustration, still finishing the race in time.
This person is a leader. Organizing runs, driving folks to and from Split Rock reservoir at 5:00 a.m. (before putting in a 10-hour day at work in NYC, before the commute), organizing trainer sessions at her home in the dead of winter. She's been lost on many bike rides, but still leads the pack in enthusiasm and positive energy, applauding the efforts of others. She asks questions, listens to the answers, and makes the changes she needs to make to be a better triathlete. And she's a human being; warm, funny, and with an extensive purse collection. This person is Barbra Katz, and she is the 2010 Team NRGY Force Award winner. 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. We are honored to have her on the team, and it is with much respect that I ask her to come forward to claim her award. |
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2012 - Jessica Hagenbuch (as presented by Jason Santarcangelo)
This year’s recipient is a founding member of Team NRGY whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the last four years. This year’s award goes to Jessica Hagenbuch who embodies the Mission of Team NRGY while fostering a spirit of camaraderie among us. Specifically, Jessica exemplifies the Mission – she is passionate, she is a good friend, she is a supportive training buddy, she is a competitive racer and she has fun.We would be here all night if you allowed me to offer every instance when Jessica acted to support us while pursuing her multisport goals. Jessica has personally been a training buddy over the last few months making sure I got back on track. Jessica is always waiting for me to come out the door in the dark hours of the morning. She will tell me I help her, but I know in reality she is making sure someone else is getting out the door. If making sure I get out the door is not enough – she spent the spring and summer training for Ironman Lake Placid with Scott Lewis, Stephen Grossman, Rose and a host of others. I know time and again, Jessica led rides, offered course advice and sometimes sacrificed her training to help others. These are the little things that often go unnoticed. Thank you Jessica.
Jessica also has a tremendous sense of humor. She is one of the few people on the team that can match wits with Stephen Grossman and Scott Lewis. Her ability to keep the long arduous training hours light is a gift. One we are lucky that she shares this gift with us. Jessica is competitive. She is one of the few people I know who has put down a negative spilt marathon in an Ironman. Jessica ran Boston this past year in sweltering heat and stayed the plan and continued to “move up the standings” as others withered in the heat. Her determination and dedication is something we can all learn from. Jessica is also well known on the Team for baking ability. I am sure we have all benefited from her talents as a pastry chef. When Jessica is not training or baking she is probably lending a hand as a graphic designer. Less than 36 hours before Ironman, Jessica opened her condo in Lake Placid to host a gathering for all of Team NRGY when it might have been easier to put her feet up and rest. No matter where any of us turn, Jessica is probably there. Jessica is a rare individual who motivates and supports those around her before tending to her need. Jessica has enriched our lives. I am honored to present the 4th Team NRGY Force Award to Jessica Hagenbuch. |
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2014 - Lori Carlo (as presented by Jason Santarcangelo)
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.
Team NRGY mission - Team NRGY is an ever-growing community of passionate multi-sport athletes of all abilities who are good friends, supportive training buddies and competitive racers who share a common goal – to have fun The past winners of the Force Award are the individuals who are always there for you with a word of encouragement, a spare tube or a hug. Tonight is an anniversary for this year’s winner – she came to Team NRGY one year ago. Its not like Lori Carlo came off the street but she took a leap of faith, signed up for Ironman Lake Placid, joined our family, came to dinner and has played an instrumental role in many team events. One might that training for an Ironman would take all of your time and focus. Admittedly Ironman training is demanding. Yet, Lori always seems to find a way to lend a hand. Lori organized the Princeton tailgate, the Princeton Pre-Race Dinner, the Princeton Training Ride Tailgate, and was instrumental in making tonight’s awards dinner a reality. Lori logs the hours behind the scenes making it possible for us all to succeed. Lori is the Director of Human Resources at Universal McCann (UM). Although a short commute from Hoboken, Lori is up at the crack of dawn to complete her training and log it. |