Joe Wilczynski - President
I have been running for many 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. I also work with the WKTV 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. |
Katie McCauley - Vice President
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. |
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. |
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. |
Naomi Gray
I am 60 years young, a mother of three, grandmother of five. Nursing is the profession I love. Flower gardening, baking, sewing have been life long hobbies and being an outdoor enthusiast , running being added in 2017. Never having been an athlete, running the Boilermaker was a Bucket List item which I thought was not attainable. My son , a runner himself, encouraged me. I took a step out of my comfort zone, submitted an application for WKTV's 2017 Go the Distance for the 2017 Boilermaker. My first run with the MVHS's, with Joe Wilczynski at my side, guiding me, sharing insights along the way. I did two miles‼️At the end of the run, Joe said," you got this". I was hooked‼️ Since that first run , I have made many new friends, gained a confidence and determination in myself I didn't know I had. Since 2017 Boilermaker , each consecutive Boilermaker, several 5k's, Half Marathons and my first Marathon "Philly 2017" at 58 yrs old , I realize... I Am An Athlete |
Amy Rizzuto
I started running at the age of 40. For years, I would stand as a spectator watching all of the Boilermaker runners going by. I remember saying “ I could never do that.” Now, I have been running for almost 6 years and can’t imagine life without it! I began my love of running after being accepted in the 2015 Go the Distance program. That was a life changing event for me. It was then, that my love of running began. Since then, with the encouragement, support and advice from Coach Joe, I have completed 6 Boilermakers, several half marathons and 2 full marathons, as well as many races. As an unathletic child, I’m amazed at the potential locked inside all of us. Some like me, finding it later in life. It was during the Go the Distance training that I joined the Hillstrider family. I’ve met so many wonderful friends and I’m proud to serve on the board of such a wonderful running group. When I’m not running (which isn’t very often), I enjoy spending time with my two boys, reading, eating (that’s why I run), shopping and teaching kindergarten.
I started running at the age of 40. For years, I would stand as a spectator watching all of the Boilermaker runners going by. I remember saying “ I could never do that.” Now, I have been running for almost 6 years and can’t imagine life without it! I began my love of running after being accepted in the 2015 Go the Distance program. That was a life changing event for me. It was then, that my love of running began. Since then, with the encouragement, support and advice from Coach Joe, I have completed 6 Boilermakers, several half marathons and 2 full marathons, as well as many races. As an unathletic child, I’m amazed at the potential locked inside all of us. Some like me, finding it later in life. It was during the Go the Distance training that I joined the Hillstrider family. I’ve met so many wonderful friends and I’m proud to serve on the board of such a wonderful running group. When I’m not running (which isn’t very often), I enjoy spending time with my two boys, reading, eating (that’s why I run), shopping and teaching kindergarten.
