THE FINISH LINE - St Pete Mad Dogs Triathlon Club

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
THE FINISH LINE
Roger Burke
Mad Dog #9
In Memoriam
Please see page 16
(Photo from Enee
Ableman)
Join Us For A Pass-­a-­Grill
Swim Every Wednesday Night
@ 6:00 starting March 16th
Like us on Facebook!
Training Calendar - Page 3
New Mad Dogs Page 4
Mad Dog News Page 5
Upcoming Races - Page 6
Race Results Page 7
Birthdays Page 8
Mad Dog Pix Pages 9 - 11
Articles & Reports - Pages 12 - 22
Advertisements Pages 23 - 27
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
Established on November 6, 1993, the St Pete
Mad Dogs Triathlon Club is a not for profit
organization designed to promote the sport of
triathlon. The club is comprised of fun loving
triathletes who train, race and howl together,
with members of all levels of experience and
expertise.
The Finish Line is a medium for communicating
the latest club news, as well as an informal
source for what’s happening in the sport of
triathlon as it affects us. Articles published in
The Finish Line may contain opinions of the
author, not necessarily the club.
ST. PETE MAD DOGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
[email protected]
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT/MEMBERSHIP
TREASURER
SECRETARY
EDITOR
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
AMBASSADOR
AMBASSADOR
TIM HUDSON
CAROLYN KIPER
DAVE PROFFITT
BOB MACDONALD
CHUCK LOHMAN
ALLEN JERNIGAN
PEPIR JERNIGAN
JIM CUNNINGHAM
GAIL LOHMAN
RUE MORGAN
KATHY MORGAN
Club Contact Information:
Website: www.stpetemaddogs.com E-mail:
[email protected]
EDITOR’S
Articles, or photos may be submitted to the Editor
@ [email protected]. Items should be
sent by the 15th of the month preceding the issue.
COLUMN
Advertising requests should be submitted to
Chuck Lohman @
[email protected]. For questions,
please e-mail him.
Advertising rates are as follows:
Space
1/2 page
Full Page
Width x Height
7 1/2” x 5”
7 1/2” x 10”
Cost per Issue
$30
$50
Advertising checks should be mailed to: St Pete
Mad Dog Triathlon Club, P.O. Box 635 St
Petersburg, FL 33731-0635. Please make check
payable to St Pete Mad Dogs.
Note: Payment is due on the 15th of the month
prior to publication. Payment for five
consecutive issues of advertising entitles the
advertiser to a FREE sixth month.
We attended a very touching Celebration
of the Life of Mad Dog Roger Burke this
month. Roger, Mad Dog #9, gave
unselfishly of his time and energy helping
new Mad Dogs to become more proficient
in the sport. In later years his physical
health declined, but he was always present
encouraging other club members in races
and during Wednesday night swims from
his bench at Pass-a-Grill Beach. Rosie
Ray is leading the effort to place a plaque
on that bench in his memory. Please see
her letter on page 21. I have collected
pictures and stories highlighting his
contributions to the sport and to the
community at pages 16-20. (cont on pg.4)
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
TRAINING CALENDAR
Upcoming Training Sessions (all show and go)
SWIMMING
Local Bike Shop Events
Every Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 - 8PM
Northshore Pool w/ Coach Joe Biondi $9 per session
Every Friday 8AM Group Swim at Sunset Beach.
Meet at Larry and JackieYost’s, 143 91st Ave S (727) 367-2504
Every Sunday 9AM Group Swim at Pass-a-Grill led
by Jack Shuten
From the Central Ave. Store (727) 345-5391 Every
Saturday 8AM Women only ride. 10-30 miles
Also: www.stpetemasters.org for Masters Swimming
BIKING
see www.stpetecycling.com for daily rides
Mon - Fri 8:00AM
Group Ride from USFSP crosswalk 16 miles at 20-21 MPH
Wed is official Mad Dog ride - wear your colors!
From the Palm Harbor Store (727) 786-6889
Every Saturday 8AM - 3 ability groups - about 40
miles
Every Saturday 8:30AM
Group Rides based on speed from Northshore Pool South
Parking Lot
Every Sunday 8:30AM
St Pete Library Advanced Training Ride 9th Ave N and 37th
RUNNING
Every Monday 6PM
Individual/Partnered Run (6 miles) Northshore Pool South
Parking Lot
1st and 3rd Thursday 7:30 AM
Running Drills at Field north of Northshore Pool (45-55
min) https://www.facebook.com/groups/254578011396466/ led by Ben Carlson
Every Wednesday 6PM
Fun run and social @ The Tavern at Bayboro
120 6th Avenue South St. Pete
From the Clearwater Store (727) 723-2453 Every
Friday - 5:30 AM 17 mile Clearwater Bridge Ride.
Group #1 at 20-22 MPH. Group #2 at 22-25 MPH.
Lights required.
From the Tampa Store (813) 831-1414 Tuesday and
Thursday - 5:00 AM Training Bike Ride about 90
minutes at 22-30 MPH. Lights required.
Saturday - 7:30 AM 20 mile no drop bike ride at
15-20 MPH depending on abilities. Some instruction
provided.
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
WELCOME NEW MAD DOGS!
#3697 - Joseph Szarko - Wesley Chapel, Florida
#3698 - Grace Szarko - Wesley Chapel, Florida
#3699 - Rachel Diny - Tampa, Florida
#3700 - Valerie Leggett - St. Petersburg, Florida
FROM THE EDITOR
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)
Speaking of Roger’s presence at the Wednesday night swims, I wanted to remind
everyone that they resume on Wednesday, the 16th of March. This is a good
chance to practice open water swimming and get to know your wetsuit again
(except for Clare Kelley, who is impervious to cold water). Escape from Ft. DeSoto
and St. Anthonys will be here before you know it!
Chuck Lohman, Editor
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
MAD DOG NEWS
— Congratulations to our own Tim Hudson, chosen as Tampa
Bay’s Chief Financial Officer of the Year for Tampa Bay!
— Bob MacDonald has put together the Mad Dog Grand Prix
Program for all age groups. All those interested in competing
please register on the Mad Dog website. See pages 13-15 for
details.
— Please note the Mad Dog sponsors who list ads in the
newsletter, and show them some love!
— It’s that time of the year again! Carolyn Kiper is leading the
Homestay Project looking for homes for visiting pro triathletes
during the St. Anthonys Triathlon festivities centered around the 24
April 16 race. The athletes will be delivered and picked up from
your residence. If you have room please contact Carolyn at
[email protected]. Additional details on page 12.
— "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work
and play." –Arnold J. Toynbee
— Congratulations to Clare Kelley who qualified for Boston
running her first marathon in Jacksonville. She also ran all four
races in the Gasparilla Ultra Challenge. Epic!
— The Mad Dogs, lead by Rosie Ray, are raising money for a
plaque on the bench at Pass-a-Grill where Roger Burke stationed
himself for the Wednesday night swims. Please see page 21.
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
UPCOMING RACES
6 Mar 16 - Lake Manatee Tri
Olympic Distance
Bradenton, FL
www.raceroster.com/events
12 Mar 16 - Wildman Tri Festival
Olympic/Sprint/Duathlon
Orlando, FL
www.epicsportsmarketing.com
19 Mar 16 - Florida Challenge
Sprint/Half/Aqua bike
Clermont, FL
www.sommersports.com
20 Mar 16 IM 70.3 Puerto Rico
Half Iron
San Juan, P.R.
www.ironman.com
2-3 Apr 16 - HITS Ocala
Sprint to Full
Ocala, FL
www.hitstriathlonseries.com
16 April - Escape from Ft. DeSoto
Sprint
Ft. DeSoto
www.escapetriathlon.racehawk.com
23 April - Meek and Mighty
Kids Sprint
Northshore Pool
St. Petersburg, FL
[email protected]
24 April - St. Anthonys Tri
Olympic and Sprint
St. Petersburg, FL
[email protected]
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
Race Results
CHILLY WILLY DUATHLON - 7 FEB
1st Place Linsay Bell
Karen Hasque
Richard Jansik
Roger Little
Bob Ranta
2nd Place Celia Dubey (OA)
3rd Place Yova Carlson (OA)
Gary Bonacorsi
Owen Deckinga
4th Place Tom Bell
John Davis
Art Singleton
GASPARILLA CLASSIC - 19-21 FEB
8K
1st Place Jackie Yost
Larry Yost
3rd Place - Annette Frisch
15k
2nd Place Christina Noordstar
3rd Place Brittany Pierce
4th Place Patricia Junqueira
5th Place Reva Moeller
Wendy Tocha
Half Marathon
1st Place Gail Norman
4th Place Christina Noordstar
5th Place Claudia Junqueira
Clare Kelley
Ultra Challenge (all four events)
Finishers John Atkins
Mary Cunningham
Carolyn Kiper
Keith Nelson
Laura Segrera
Steve Swift
5k
1st Place Yova Carlson
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Billy Anderson
Rik Hanley
Amanda Skillman
Philip
Lahaye
Sam Wagoner
Debbie
Yost
Kathi Patton
Ann Marie Cunningham
Caroline Meers
Carrie
Cleveland
Dennis
Houseman
Danice
Street
David
Weismantel
Sarah
Grosch
Jackie
Yost
Gail Lohman
Casey
Smith
Monica
Unger
Peggy
Lucey
Paul Talewsky
ReneVallant
Ian Ray
Andrea
Risi
Lara Butler
Monte A. Hoge
Daniel
Bode
Kathleen Kaye
KerrySutton
Michael Forster
Dennis
Peterson
Rhonda Scott
Ben Wagoner
2nd
3rd
3rd
4th
5th
7th
9th
10th
12th
13th
15th
17th
17th
19th
19th
23rd
23rd
23rd
24th
24th
24th
25th
26th
28th
28th
30th
30th
30th
31st
31st
31st
31st
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
MAD DOG PICTURES
David Goff (I think)
Kip Koelsch @ Everglades
100 (Battle on the Gravel)
Tim Hudson and Roger Burke
Fred Rzymek circa 1984
Keith Nelson
@ Gasparilla
Celia Dubey (L) and Yova
Carlson (R) @ Chilly Willy
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
MAD DOG PICTURES
Wendy Tocha and
Sean Gallagher
Jenn Olvedy in Key West
for Ragnar
Kent Rodahaver
Pewag training in the Canary Islands. Wrong
turn on the bike course?
Stephanie Mischke, Aaron Freedman
and Miss J
Claudia Junqueira
and her men.
10
Lohmans, Jernigans and Dave Proffitt on first
San Antonio attack of 2016. Shut up legs!
VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
MAD DOG PICTURES
No comment
Mary and Jim Cunningham
Mad Dog Dave Orlowski emerging from swim @
inaugural Ironman in Hawaii.
San Antonio rest stop john on cinder
blocks?? BYOTP!
Christina Noordstar & Family
Patricia Junqueira and
Mary Cunningham at
Gasparilla
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
Some the professional triathletes who have
participated in the homestay program.
MAR - 2016
Host a Pro Triathlete
St. Anthony’s Triathlon will take place on Sunday, April 24
and will feature professional triathletes from around the
world. St. Anthony’s has one of the best-known homestay
programs in the world! This program is designed to
match the professional triathlete with an individual or
family in the local area willing to host the triathlete during
their stay.
Most of the triathletes arrive on Friday and depart on
Sunday after the race or some time on Monday. However,
we do have some triathletes looking for a longer stay (2
weeks) in order to continue training and then go to
another nearby race.
Above: Craig Alexander and Julie Dibens
Below: Mirinda Carfrae and Rene Vallant
We are currently looking for anyone interested in hosting
a professional triathlete.
This is your opportunity to make new friends, even life
long friends! I, myself, have been hosting these athletes
for over 15 years and many of them are now like family!
Many of you may have met Rene Vallant, who first came
through our homestay program in 2003. He had such a
great experience and loves our triathlon community - so
much that he has been here every year for 13 years!
If you are interested in hosting an athlete, please contact
me - Carolyn Kiper. You can send me an email at
[email protected] or give me a call at 727-459-8064.
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
MAD DOG GRAND PRIX PROCEDURES
Several months ago we mentioned the 2016 Mad Dog Grand Prix
spearheaded by Bob MacDonald. All those who would like to participate
need to do two things:
1) Go to the Mad Dog website and register yourself.
2) After each event, simply fill out the attached form and e-mail it to Bob
Mad Dog Member Name:________________________________________
SPMDTC#________________
Name of Event:_______________________________________ Date: _________________
Distance (Check One): ___ Sprint ___ Olympic ___ Half ___ Full
Race Category (Check One): ___ Elite ___ Age Group (Age Group that you participated in ____)
Results:
Place at finish: _____
Time at finish: _____
DNF: ____
Point System:
Grand Prix Scoring System:
Entry Points—Sprint, 10 pts, Olympic, 15 pts, Half, 25 pts, Full, 50 pts
Finish in Top 3 of Mad Dog members entered in AG or Elite competition:
Sprint: 1) 20 pts. 2) 15 pts. 3) 10 pts.
Olympic: 1) 50 pts. 2) 40 pts. 3) 30 pts.
Half: 1) 100 pts. 2) 80 pts. 3) 60 pts
Full: 1) 200 pts. 2) 150 pts. 3) 125 pts.
Bonus Points:
Awarded for finishing in top three of all competitors in AG or Elite competition:
Sprint: 1) 25 pts. 2) 20 pts. 3) 15 pts.
Olympic: 1) 75 pts. 2) 60 pts. 3) 50 pts.
Half: 1) 150 pts. 2) 125 pts. 3) 100 pts. (continued next page)
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
Full: 1) 300 pts. 2) 275 pts. 3) 250 pts.
Overall, Masters or Grand Masters winner:
Sprint: 50 points
Olympic: 100 points
Following are the races which are counted:
Date
Event
GP Competition
Location
Jan
HITS
S,O,H, F
Naples, FL
Feb
HITS
S,O
Ocala, FL
Mar
Florida Challenge
H
Clermont, FL
Apr
Escape Ft. DeSoto
S
Tierra Verde, FL
Apr
Ironman 70.3 FL
H
Haines City, FL
Apr
St. Anthony’s
S,O
St. Pete, FL
May
Gulf Coast
H
Panama City, FL
May
Mad Beach
S
Madeira Bch, FL
June
Heartland
S,O
Sebring, FL
June
Siesta Beach
O
Sarasota, FL
July
Englewood
S
Englewood, FL
July
Top Gun
S
Tierra Verde, FL
Aug
Ft. DeSoto
O
Tierra Verde, FL
Sept
Crystal River
S
Crystal River, FL
Sept
Tarpon Springs
S
Tarpon Spgs, FL
Sept
Ironman Augusta
H
Augusta, GA
Oct
Longboat Key
O
Longboat Key, FL
Oct
Great Floridian
F
Clermont, FL
Oct
Ironman Worlds
F
Kona, HI
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
Oct
Lycra and Lace
S
Tierra Verde, FL
Nov
Tri Rock
S,O
Clearwater, FL
Nov
Challenge FL
O,H
Venice, FL
Nov
Ironman FL
F
Panama City, FL
Please note that Mad Dogs have the option of adding an additional sanctioned race
and forwarding the results to Bob.
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
IN MEMORIAM - ROGER BURKE MD #9
Hi. So sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. I knew him from Long Island. He
was always such a happy, friendly fellow. I know that the greatly enjoyed his time
with the Mad Dogs and that he contributed much to the organization (of which I
am proud to be a member, if from afar).
All the best to all, Dr. Steve Jonas, Stony Brook University
Tim Hudson and Roger Burke
Roger with Rene Vallant
Roger's voice will last with me forever "Hey CJ, you think you're tough, but are you tough enough?" He would
add his laugh and continue to challenge me.
First memories was in the 90's with our weekday bike rides and Roger with his whistle rapidly riding back and
forth outside the pace line, keeping the group moving, advising some to fill the gap, remind us of courtesy and
etiquette and others to hustle. He was always encouraging yet challenging the group the riders.
Among one of my favorite stories was when Kip told me he was going swimming at North Shore pool because
Roger invited him. I was shocked because Kip does not enjoy swimming, and especially that I was not included.
What a challenge this became for us. Shortly after I did join the swim group, using fins to keep up. Roger used
my story many times to encourage others. It took me what seemed forever to finally go from fins to actually
swimming improving dramatically, thanks to Coach #9.
So many treasured memories of Roger showing up at a variety of runs or tri's encouraging, taking pictures and
telling us competitors, how we was doing. Same thing on Wednesday night swims. I will forever see him sitting
on the bench at Pass-a-grill beach waiting for us to emerge from the water, cheering us on or asking what took so
long.
Roger, Coach #9, you will be with me forever with your laugh, smiles, encouragement, special answering phone
messages, and most of all the love you gave to me and so many others. You may be gone from my sight, but your
spirit will always remain with me.
Carol Jean Vosburgh SPMD #213
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
Although I have been a Mad Dog for almost 20 years and have seen Roger at so
many triathlon events over the years, I knew him most through my Mad Dog
parents, Buzz and Rose Hoge. Together, Roger, Barb, and my parents worked
tirelessly for the entire weekend at packet pick-up for the Madeira Beach
Triathlon. It was so nice to come in town for that race and see their smiling faces
at registration or packet pick up eager to help all the participants. When my kids
were young, competing in the Mad Beach beginner race, it was Roger that led
the group out to the water and gave them the positive reinforcement that the
beginners of any age needed to start the race.
After my mom died, Roger rallied fellow Mad Dog friends together for donations
to add a plaque with her name alongside the plaque with my dad’s name on the
bench at the Mad Dog swim. Roger was everywhere; doing so many things to
help out his friends, his fellow triathletes, and the entire Mad Dog family. He will
be truly missed and always remembered as an inspirational figure at local races
and events.
Rest in peace, Roger Burke.
Jenee’ Hoge Lampasona
It is hard to imagine the Mad Dogs
without Roger and he will be
definitely be missed! i hope he is
hanging out with Katie and Ralph
Perry and other Mad Dogs who
went before him. My thoughts and
prayers are with Barbara - what a
great love story they have!
Linda Musante
Unfortunately the email for the newsletter wasn't working but I still wanted to send In my words
in honor of Roger Burke. I became a mad dog at 8 years old currently I'm 16. I remember the
first Wednesday night swim I ever went to my coach Darren Harris introduced me to Roger. He
welcomed me with open arms and asked how far I was thinking about swimming, with no
thought (at 8 years old) I told him I was gonna swim the mile. He was surprised and said well
tonight your swimming with the big dogs. The parade of people started walking but Roger
stood right by me talking to Darren about triathlons. Darren then told me Roger had done
Kona before. I was so amazed I started asking so many questions, that is my biggest goal to
compete in the Ironman Kona. He looked at me a started to laugh he leaned over and grabbed
his necklace around his neck and asked me if I new what it was, I just shrugged and stared.
Roger looked at me and said I got this after my first Kona and told me the year, "always follow
your dream and one day you will earn yours" he said. I will never forget and at every race I'd
see him in his beach chair or standing on the sidelines but every time after a race he'd come
say hi and tell me that Kona was still waiting. He was a great man and so inspirational!
~Kaeleigh Morehouse~
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
Roger
Barbara and Roger Burke
Bryan Brinkley, Nicholas Godbey
and Roger
A very special #TBT today in honor of the recent passing a great man Roger Burke. This
picture is from the 2003 Ironman World Championship, moments before the start of the Kona
Parade of Nations. Both Roger and I were competing on the Big Island for the very first time.
Roger and his wife Barbara were a fixture in the St. Petersburg triathlon community as part of
the St. Pete Mad Dogs Triathlon club. When you saw Roger you could always count on seeing
a smile and hearing positive words of encouragement. When out riding you always knew it
was him when you saw the American flag proudly waving behind his seat post.
In our lifetime there are people who influence you and the path you go down. Roger was one
such person and I credit him (and Cyle Sage also pictured) with igniting a passion to work with
youth and junior triathletes. Roger was in the very first wave of USAT Certified Coaches and
he loved sharing his knowledge and helping the kids (and big kids at heart.
Roger was a positive influence on so many and I know I am not alone in saying....... Roger,
you will be missed. Jennifer Hutchinson
From Enee Abelman
Roger and Jennifer Hutchinson
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
From Enee Abelman
Roger was in Clermont Florida on Sugar Loaf
Mountain Road and snapped a picture of me.
He was waiting up there to cheer everyone
on as they climbed that massive hill. He
knew I was worried about that hill and I
remember him screaming, “You got this”. He
had a huge smile on his face and later gave
me the picture which I will cherish the rest of
my life. He was there cheering me at St.
Anthony's and was always there at the end of
the swims. I will miss his smiling face, his
positive attitude, and his cheering. RIP
Roger, my awesome friend. You inspired us
all.
Lisa Pesta
From Jan Pehrson
Roger was a ray of sunshine
every time we met!!
Live Aloha & Celebrate Your Life
Vigo,
Robert Drew Vigorito,
Roger was actually the person that first got me actively involved with The Mad Dogs as I
know he did many others too. Attending the first USAT coaching certification clinic that they
ever had I believe (Roger actually used his certification. I never did….) I ended up sitting
next to Roger (with his Mad Dog shirt on of course..). He talked to me about The Mad Dogs
(which I belonged, but had never went to any functions at the time) and all the training and
events that they had going on and encouraging me to go. Just a few weeks later I went to
my first Mad Dog Wednesday night swim and I think Roger was the first to greet me. Of
course then I kind of jumped in with both feet. Roger was always the first to call me up with
his thoughts and advice after a Mad Dog event and meeting for many years, not always
entirely agreeing but always giving his words of wisdom. He was always positive and
supportive to me no matter the issue and seemed like always the first one to step forward to
help those in need in the club and tri community. Roger ( Mad Dog #9 !) was a great guy and
a true mentor to many and those in the triathlon community and will be missed by all of us
that knew him.
Tim Hudson
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
Pay It Forward
Rarely are we fortunate enough to cross paths with a person as altruistic as Roger
Burke. I knew Roger for about 25 years. Our friendship evolved over time from a fellow
triathlete, coach, and friend, to a special father figure. He always encouraged,
supported, and went out of his way to be there and help in any way he could.
I’m sure there is a theme for most of us writing about Roger, and that theme would be
how he gave. Whether it was teaching someone to swim, delivering a rose when
someone was sick, giving encouragement during a race, or helping my husband build
our patio roof, Roger was there. Roger made many others feel that they were special to
him, and that he would do anything for them
Pay It Forward
Rarely are we fortunate enough to cross paths with a person as altruistic as Roger
Burke. I knew Roger for about 25 years. Our friendship evolved over time from a fellow
triathlete, coach, and friend, to a special father figure. He always encouraged,
supported, and went out of his way to be there and help in any way he could.
I’m sure there is a theme for most of us writing about Roger, and that theme would be
how he gave. Whether it was teaching someone to swim, delivering a rose when
someone was sick, giving encouragement during a race, or helping my husband build
our patio roof, Roger was there. Roger made many others feel that they were special to
him, and that he would do anything for them. Hearing so many stories from his family
and friends at his funeral is it any wonder that Roger couldn’t live to be 100? Roger
meant so much to so many, he must have been worn out! He seemed to do this without
letting anyone down, and rarely taking any help for himself.
I hope we can all learn from this wonderful selfless man and give to others. Take time
to help someone struggling with a flat tire, encourage a child to be successful, help pass
along some special skill or knowledge that you have.
The poem below describes Roger Burke more than any person that I have ever known.
I learned a lot from him, and I will try and Pay It Forward.
Sue Massanari MD # 271
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?
Anonymous
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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
MAR - 2016
!
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
2/11/2016
St. Pete Mad Dog Triathlon Club - Membership & Friends
Rose Marie Ray, Chair, SPMD Charities.
Burke Beach Bench Fundraiser
Dear Members and Friends,
The St. Pete Mad Dog Charities, a not-for-profit, 501C-3, and St. Pete Mad Dog Triathlon Club
thank all of the members and friends who participated in the very successful “Gift of Time”
fundraiser for Roger Burke. Roger worked very hard in rehab and got back to walking, talking,
and using his arms. He made it to one of his favorite functions: The Hair of the Dog on New
Years Day and home for two days in late January. He went into congestive heart failure, was
hospitalized, and died peacefully on January 27. He was laid to rest on February 3.
Roger Burke, SPMD #9, a founding member of the club, was secretary of the Charities since it
began and worked diligently over the past 13 years for causes included: getting our 501(C )3
legally established; writing the by-laws of the club with his committee of six; and raising the
funds for the injured 20 cyclists in 2003 when he spent many hours at bedsides of injured Mad
Dogs. He was the ambassador to the pools in our community when he delivered each of the
defibrillators that were placed there to save lives.
He was tireless in all he did. He was a coach for many of us, an Ironman, and a SPMD good will
ambassador and volunteer for many triathlons from here to Hawaii--even after he stopped
competing. He generously supported the SPMD club and events to help children and adults
become triathletes--especially for the Meek and Mighty race at St. Anthony’s. With love and
patience, he shared his time and experience and taught us how to swim, bike, and run and win
races—or at least have a lot of fun with the Mad Dogs. He loved working with the kids in the
“Tri if you Dare” program in Seminole and leading the young children and first-time competitors
down to the water at Mad Beach with his proudly-held U.S.A. flag flying high. 21
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We are starting another fundraiser to put a bench memorial on Pass-a-Grille beach where Roger
sat and watched us come out of the water and had a word or two to say to all when he no longer
could swim with us. On the bench will be a plaque with a dedication that will remind us of
Coach Roger Burke and his big smile, happy disposition, great heart, and St Pete Mad Dog spirit.
If you missed a chance to donate to the “Gift of Time,” please consider that this drive is for
something that will last a lifetime. Any amount is welcomed. Donations—big or small- will go
through the St. Pete Mad Dog Charities, Inc. as a donation to the St. Pete Beach, “Bench
Donation” program. All donations over the required amount will go into the Charities for any
future needs of financial help in our community. When it is done, we will have a dedication
ceremony with the installation of the bench at Pass-a-Grille.
Donation checks should be written out to “St. Pete Mad Dog Charities” and sent to me (address
below). Please include your email, address, phone number. Individual letters will be emailed to
each donor from the Charities.
Sincere thanks to all St. Pete Mad Dogs and our friends for your support for this wonderful
fundraiser.
St. Pete Mad Dog Charities
Rose Marie Ray, President, On behalf of the Board of Directors
St. Pete Mad Dog Triathlon Club
Tim Hudson, President, On behalf of the Board of Directors
St. Pete Mad Dog Charities, Inc. A 501(c)3 Florida Corporation
Raymond James Financial: Acct.: 11382253
Rose Marie Ray 7170 128th St. Seminole, FL 33776
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SPECIAL MAD DOG DISCOUNT CODE
MADDOGSAVES (EXPIRES 3/2/2016)
Final Base Price
Sprint $120
Olympic $200
Half
$300
Full
$600
Mad Dog Price
$60
$100
$150
$300
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1700 1st Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 502-0044
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