Our Mission

"To enhance our members enjoyment of the sport of running"

Saturday, January 18, 2014

NOVA 2013 Awards and Change of Command Ceremony

NOVA Running Club at the 2013 Awards and Change of Command Ceremony
photo- Betty Blank
The NOVA Running Club held its 2013 Awards and Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, 16 January 2014. The group gathered at host Samantha Kirby's house to celebrate the achievements of the previous year and recognize the transition of several NOVA Board Members. Great fun was had by all! Recap below. 

NOVA Running Club 2013 Awards

Men's 2013 MVP: Allen Denson 
NOVA 2013 Men's MVP Allen Denson
photo - Justin Buenaflor

Allen was a solid college 800 meter runner, but at the start of 2013 he was unsure of his 
ability to succeed in longer distances on the roads. By the end of the year, however, Allen 
established himself as a rising star with his huge PRs of 1:21:29 at the Navy Half Marathon and 2:58:29 at the Philadelphia Marathon. As Allen’s confidence grows, his performances will continue to improve in 2014 and beyond. Allen not only excelled as an athlete in 2013, he also excelled as a team leader. With Allen showing the way, NOVA developed a cadre of group 1 men who are competitive with any team in the area, as our team victory at the Navy Half Marathon demonstrates. As Allen continues to improve, the team will continue to improve with him.

NOVA 2013 Women's MVP Martha Merz
photo - Justin Buenaflor
Women’s 2013 MVP: Martha Merz

Martha had an excellent year in 2013, as she dominated her new age group. Among the many highlights were her 39:41 10k at Pikes Peak, 1:29:42 at the Navy Half Marathon, and 3:11:22 at Marine Corps. Martha’s importance to NOVA cannot be reflected in mere statistics, however. Rather, her presence is inspirational to all of our members. Martha has run at the highest level of the sport for more than 30 years--she was an All-American at Gettysburg College, was named to the conference all-century cross country team, and at age 45 she broke the 17-year old American Record for 10,000 meters for her age group on the track—and her confidence and desire to excel are contagious. Martha is not only a mentor to the younger runners, she is an example of what a motivated, talented athlete can do. 

NOVA 2013 Coach's Award: Larry Clark 

NOVA 2013 Coach's Award Winner Larry Clark (left)
photo - Justin Buenaflor
NOVA Coach Jerry Alexander says, "Larry is not the most talented runner I've coached, but he's most certainly one of the hardest working. I have all the respect in the world for Larry, because he gives it everything he's got every week, rain or shine, and that's all a coach can ever ask for." NOVA is fortunate to have Larry on our team. His consistent presence at the track - in rain or shine, cold or heat - his attendance at happy hours, trail cleanup events, and team races, and his ever-positive attitude and outlook, benefit the entire NOVA team and are an example for all to emulate. 


NOVA Change of Command Ceremony

NOVA wishes to recognize the efforts of our 2013 Board Members, and welcome the transition of several new members for 2014. 
NOVA 2014 Incoming President Erin Masterson
and Outgoing President Justin Buenaflor
photo - Erin Masterson
  • 2013 NOVA Running Club President Justin Buenaflor is stepping down after two years leading the Club to serve in the position of Vice President. 
  • 2013 NOVA Vice President Amanda Williams has decided to end her epic five-year run as NOVA VP and serve in the role of NOVA Member at Large. 
  • 2013 NOVA Social Media Director Erin Masterson is stepping up to serve in the role of NOVA President.
  • 2013 NOVA Treasurer Bob Koeppen will stay on in this role in 2014.
  • 2013 NOVA Membership Katie Tomlinson will stay on in this role in 2014.
  • In addition to Amanda Williams, NOVA welcomes the addition of three new Members at Large. Dan Wallace, Bob Weiner, and Bernie Flynn have agreed to serve in this capacity this year. 
We look forward to a great 2014! 

Host Samantha Kirby and Justin Buenaflor
photo - Betty Blank
Betty Blank and Erin Masterson
photo - Betty Blank