Mohawk Valley Hill Striders Board

Joe Wilczynski - President
I have been running for over forty four years. I am still an avid runner and still enjoy to run. I am proud to say that my biggest accomplishment is being a Perennial Boilermaker Runner. My other running achievements include the New York City and Philadelphia marathons, numerous half marathons and many other races. Throughout the years, I have been with various running groups, including the Utica Pacemakers and Stueben Striders. Through my running experiences, I have made many great friendships including the MVHS board of directors, who continue to support me in my endeavor of creating an inclusive running group. My passion is training runners for numerous events, whether it is a 5k, Boilermaker, half marathon, or marathon. For the past twenty four years, I have also worked with WKTV on their Go The Distance Program training new runners to run the Boilermaker. I like to provide the runners a supportive environment to help them reach their individual goals. I owe much of my success to my biggest supporters, my family.

Kevin Shanley - Vice President
I am 57 years old and have run 7 Boilermakers and one marathon.

Michael Emmerich - Treasurer
I started running when I was 45 years old and did it because I wanted to fulfill my 30 year dream of completing just one Utica Boilermaker Road Race. The WKTV Go the Distance program helped me to achieve this in 2013. I could never have imagined the life changing decision that would be for me. I have found that running is very rewarding and it has allowed me to meet many new people who share a passion for running. I have made many great friendships through the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders and I continue to train for more events. In addition to running five Boilermakers, I have completed many 5K & 10K races, several half marathons and one marathon at the Wineglass Marathon. The Mohawk Valley Hill Striders provide different training runs for all level runners. My wife Lori and my three daughters are very supportive of my enjoyment of running. When I am not running I enjoy watching all types of sports and being active in my local Elks Lodge.

Katie McCauley - Race and Resource Coordinator
After years of watching the Boilermaker 15k with coffee and bagel in hand, I joined up with the Go the Distance group in 2012 to train for my first race. I'm an above-knee amputee, and have run a bunch of Boilermakers, half-marathons, and 5 marathons. When I am not running, I work as a librarian, eat cookies, and think about running.

Rebecca Walts - Communications Coordinator
I hated running for years, until I finally made the decision to give it a real shot. I ran my first Boilermaker 15K in 2013 and that summer changed my life for the better. I went on to run my first half marathon that fall, and I ran my first full marathon a couple years later in 2015. Since then I've run countless 5Ks, 10Ks, mud and obstacle runs, half marathons, and three full marathons. The health benefits (both physical and mental) and the friendships I've made through this running club have made such a big impact on my life, and even though life gets in the way sometimes, the days I'm able to lace up and run are still my favorite. When I'm not running, I also enjoy reading, writing, being a member of my local volunteer fire department, and spending time with my husband and three crazy dogs.

Rachel Olson - Secretary
I always dreamed of being a runner, but never thought it would be possible. In 2018, I applied for the Go the Distance program on a whim. When I was selected, I had my doubts about whether or not I would be able to run a full Boilermaker, never having successfully run so much as a 5K. I showed up to my first training run sure that I wouldn’t make it through my first mile. I quickly discovered though that running was a true passion; I fell in love with the sport, with the way it made me feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Guided by the support of the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders and especially Coach Joe, I completed the 2018 Boilermaker. However, I quickly discovered that a 15K wasn’t enough. I went on to run six marathons in a six-month period. After breaking my ankle just two weeks before the 2019 Boilermaker, I spent months in physical therapy to make my running comeback. Though I’m still on the road to recovery, at least I’m still hitting the road! I look forward to running my first marathon in the fall of 2020!

Patricia (Trish) Healy - Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
I started running in my 20s. Before that, running seemed like a chore. For several years I ran on and off, the farthest being a 5K. A few years ago a friend suggested I join the Hill Striders. I was hesitant because I wasn't very fast and had never run with a group. Since joining, I have realized how much I love running with a group, especially one as non-judgmental and supportive as this one. I have gone from running the occasional 5K to now running 5Ks, 10Ks, 2 Boilermakers and my first half marathon! I have also made several great friends through this group. When I'm not running, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family, friends and my two cats.