Female Triathlete of the Year – Presented to Signe Ulsamer by Annie Bowman

Good Evening!

It is an honor to present to you the 2024 Female Triathlete of Year.

If you have had the honor of meeting this recipient, you know that behind her humble and generous nature is a driven, hard working athlete, mother of 2, daughter, and Engineer.

Friends & Training Partners have many kind things to say about her. A few described her as:

• Relaxed and Easy going
• Unsuspecting
• A Beast like you would never expect.”
• And a testament to trying new adventures.

When she was young, she used running to supplement other sports like lacrosse and skiing.

She owned a landscape design business, and a few years back she helped run Dog Sled Adventures taking people on a journey through the Montana woods.

She started triathlon just a few years ago when she moved to Tallahassee, and in that short time has completed local running and triathlon event multiple times, plus she’s crushed numerous sprint, olympic, and 70.3IM distance Triathlons.

In 2023 she supported her fellow athletes on their longer IM training weekends, only to sign for IMFL a few weeks out from the race.

There are trail running events too;

• 50-mile trail run in Alabama
• 64K Trail race in Sicily, Italy, that climbed nearly 10,000 feet up Mount Etna-the highest active volcano in Europe.
• Into the Woods 50k 
• Antelope Canyon 50 Miler AZ
• Quest for the Crest 50k  NC
• Rebecca 50 miler AL

Her 2024 season peaked at humbly completing the Pinhoti 100 mile Endurance Trail Run that has over 14,000 ft of climbing and descent in Alabama while navigating over rocks, through creeks and across the beautiful ridges of the Talladega Nation Forest.  

A member of her support crew shared, “She conquered the Pinhoti 100 like a champion. She never complained, never voiced self doubt, she just kept placing one foot in front of the other.” 

 The 2024 Female Triathlete of the Year shared, “I try to be in the moment. It’s really hard to do, but you have a lot of time to practice when you’re out there. Commit to what you’re doing and don’t be distracted by other things that are going on, in the past or the future.”

This athlete is constantly teaching sportsmanship with her positive attitude and support of others while training and racing. She has served as the Treasurer of the TriClub since 2022 and has an ingrained sense of community. When the tornados ravaged Myers Park, she was right there helping her fellow tri family with a chain saw and a truck. If you think she never tires on a swim, bike or run, you should see her with a chain saw!

The 2024 Female Triathlete of the Year believes that, “Things don’t always go the way you planned and that sometimes life happens.” She encourages us, “to stick with things through hard times.”

Signe Ulsamer is the kind spirit that well deserves the 2024 Gulf Winds Female Triathlete of the Year award.

Male Triathlete of the Year – Presented to Mark Jeter by Jeff Bowman

Good evening. I’m here to present the 2024 Male Triathlete of the Year.

Our 2024 recipient played baseball and football in high school where he was a successful running back. During tryouts the coach noticed his bowed legs, pointed at him and said, ‘running back’. He ended up going to college on a baseball scholarship as a centerfielder.

His wife describes him as extremely caring, faith-filled, quiet & reflective, encouraging and supportive.

He began his endurance sports journey over a decade ago, running 5K’s with his wife. When she decided to do a half-marathon, he started training with her because he didn’t want her running alone. He completed his first half marathon 11 years ago at the Tallahassee Half.

Over the next few months, he became acquainted with the local triathlon community, making lifelong friends and training partners. 8 months later he completed his first Triathlon, at the local Tri the Rez Sprint Triathlon. He was hooked.

Less than 2 years later, life threw him a curveball. His daughter Kaylee was diagnosed with brain cancer, battling cancer through high school graduation onto full-time college. Her strength and faith kept reassuring her dad, that it was OK, God’s got me. She would spend the next 5 years inching through remission.

Our recipient completed his first half ironman in 2017, at Augusta. He noted it as an amazing journey with a fun group of friends. Over the next few years he completed 7 more half ironman races, with no real intention of ever doing the full ironman, until…

December of 2021, his daughter’s cancer came back with a vengeance – by May 2022 she was gone. The emotional toll was nearly unbearable. He found that by continuing to train and race, this was an effective and healthy means to channel the pain and grief from the loss of his daughter.  The support of the local triathlon community and friends was unwavering.

In 2023 he trained with and encouraged many local Gulf Winds triathletes in their journey at Ironman Florida. On race day, he cheered, hugged and congratulated each of them on their accomplishment. By the next day – he knew that was his next goal, Ironman Florida 2024.

With the help of friends, training partners and coaches, training went well, with the exception of severe swim anxiety that would surface from time to time. As you well know, in triathlon, you must complete the swim, and the swim at Ironman Florida was 2.4 miles in the Gulf of Mexico. His swim anxiety continued until he came across 2nd Timothy 1, verse 7, God has NOT given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. Never again did his anxiety resurface.

Every single day, every single training run, ride and swim he carries a small stone that his daughter Kaylee gave to him, with one word, Grace, engraved in it. He focuses on being his best and strongest to honor Kaylee.

Race morning arrived, to pass the time, scrolling through Facebook, he came across his pastor’s reference detailing 2nd Timothy 1 verse 7. No longer did he have any fear or nervousness. For him the entire day was peaceful and enjoyable. He had one of his best swims ever, straight as an arrow, the strongest 112-mile bike ride he could have imagined, bringing it home with 26.2 miles of running joy.

Referencing a quote Mark wrote to Kaylee after the event – You were with me the whole 140.6 miles sweetheart! Miss you every day but know you are in a much better place than we are! Love and miss you…

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, fellow triathlete and Ironman, your 2024 Male Triathlete of the Year, Mark Jeter!

Community Award – Presented to Mike Rupp, RAGZ, by Tom Perkins

The Community Award is given to an organization or individual who over a period of years, through financial or other contributions, has supported running in the community at large.

This year’s recipient of the Community Award has supported the running community in many ways. He has collaborated with race directors on T-shirt designs for local race participants for over 40 years. He has an affinity for Youth Running and has provided a sizable discount on t-shirts for the 8-week Summer Track Series, Miller Landing Madness, and other local races. He has donated awards for races, refusing to accept payment of any kind. His business has been setting the standard for high quality, innovative and personalized services since 1972.

Many people don’t realize that he started Tallahassee’s first T-shirt printing company in a plywood storage shed as a side business while in college at FSU. Through hard work and dedication, the business grew to include collegiate apparel for schools all over the country, products for Disney, ESPN, The Gap, and hundreds of other companies.

Gulf Winds and local runners have been fortunate to benefit from the kindness and generosity of this man and his business known as RAGZ.

Please join me in congratulating this year’s recipient of the Community Award, Mr. Mike Rupp.

Cleveland Caldwell Advancement of the Sport – Presented to Mickey Moore by David Knauf

The Cleveland-Cadwell Advancement of the Sport Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing running through research, education, or other expertise. This year’s recipient, Mickey Moore, embodies the very essence of this award.

Mickey’s impact on the local running community spans more than a decade, with contributions that have inspired countless runners and supported numerous causes. He founded two local races and has raised thousands of dollars for organizations like Special Olympics, the Rodeo Youth Club, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Pace Center for Girls. In 2017, Mickey ran every day for 365 days, using his dedication to running as a platform to raise funds for the Pace Center.

His influence extends beyond fundraising. Mickey originated the Striders program while at TMH, encouraging others to embrace running and fitness. Volunteering has become a family affair for him, as he’s inspired his loved ones to join him in giving back to the running community.

A five-time Boston Marathoner and now an Ironman triathlete, Mickey’s personal achievements are impressive, but it’s his love for the sport and his ability to inspire others that truly set him apart. From supporting local races to motivating others to be active, Mickey’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Gulf Winds Track Club.

Congratulations to Mickey Moore, the well-deserved recipient of the 2024 Cleveland-Cadwell Advancement of the Sport Award!

Bill Lott Volunteer of the Year – Presented to David Landis by Bill Hillison

The Bill Lott Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes individuals whose dedication and selflessness have made an extraordinary impact on Gulf Winds Track Club, and this year’s honoree, David Landis, exemplifies these qualities.

David’s contributions to GWTC began with a successful running career, during which he completed over 100 races in 15 years, including sub-20-minute 5Ks and half marathons just over 1 hour and 30 minutes. He finished in the top five of the GWTC Grand Prix several times, competing in a highly competitive age group.

However, this award is not about his running achievements—it’s about his tireless volunteer efforts. Even during his running years, David regularly gave his time to support races, volunteering for water stops, registration, road guard duties, and more. After an injury ended his running career, David fully embraced volunteering, becoming a vital part of almost every GWTC race.

Two years ago, David joined the chip timing team, taking on one of the club’s most demanding roles. With over $80,000 in timing equipment and a rigorous learning curve, many volunteers found the task overwhelming. But David persevered, mastering the new timing system and stepping up to lead races like the Tannenbaum 6K, where he impressed USATF officials with his precision and professionalism.

David’s dedication, hard work, and willingness to take on challenging roles have been invaluable to GWTC. Congratulations to David Landis, the 2024 Bill Lott Volunteer of the Year!

Race Director of the Year – Presented to Bill Lott by Lisa Unger and Jeanne O’Kon

JEANNE:  The Race Director of the Year award is given in recognition of a GWTC member who has taken a major responsibility in production of quality events, especially those favored by GWTC runners, by initiation or direction of the event or by coordination of a major aspect of such an event.

Lisa and I have worked with Summer Track and other races for many years, and we know how difficult it is to organize events with a large number of participants.

LISA:  Many runners don’t know what goes into being a race director.  There’s planning the event, measuring the course, designing a t-shirt, recruiting volunteers, ordering awards, setting up registration, organizing packet pickup, picking up the equipment, handling race day registration, directing the race, and collecting all of the equipment like cones, the timing clock, mats, and many other items. 

JEANNE:  Like Mary Jean Yon has said many times, “It takes a Village” to put on a successful event.

The race director being honored tonight has done all of those things and more.  They have served as a race director for multiple races each year for many years.

LISA:  They also volunteer with other race directors to make sure that their races go smoothly.  In fact, this person has done an incredible amount of work for club races and club events, and we owe this race director a huge “Thank You” for those many efforts.

BOTH:  Please join us in congratulating the 2024 Race Director of the Year:         Mr. Bill Lott!

Female Runner of the Year – Presented to Stephanie Liles-Weyant by Judy Alexander

The 2024 Female Runner of the Year Award goes to someone whose dedication, positivity, and athletic achievements have made her a standout in the Gulf Winds Track Club community. This year, that honor belongs to Stephanie Liles-Weyant, a runner who exemplifies what it means to be committed, supportive, and relentlessly positive.

Stephanie’s coaches, Gary Droze and Abigail Crow, speak highly of her dedication and openness to new challenges. “Nobody exemplifies a ‘big yes’ attitude more than Stephanie,” noted Gary. “She is relentlessly positive, utterly open to suggestions, and supremely coachable.” Abigail echoed these sentiments, praising Stephanie’s hard work, nutrition, and recovery practices, describing her as “an athlete in every sense of the word.”

Her training partners are equally inspired by her kindness and support. Whether she’s offering words of encouragement, helping others believe in themselves, or simply being a great friend, Stephanie makes those around her better. “She never misses an opportunity to encourage or lift up a fellow runner,” said one partner. “She’s a shining example of what makes Tallahassee the greatest running community around.”

Stephanie’s race results are equally impressive. She claimed top finishes in 11 GWTC races in 2024, from the mile to the marathon, and qualified for the Boston Marathon at the Tallahassee Marathon. She’s one of only three women to win both Runner of the Year and Triathlete of the Year.

Congratulations to Stephanie Liles-Weyant, the 2024 Female Runner of the Year!

Male Runner of the Year – Presented to Carlos Zapata by David Mayfield

The GWTC 2024 Male Runner of the Year has been running in Tallahassee (and many other places) for many years.  At an age when most men are looking for the nearest rocking chair or recliner, he is heading to the nearest trail for a long run.

In 2024 he completed over 30 races, and we aren’t just talking about 5Ks here.  Although he did complete over ten 5Ks and two 6Ks, he also knocked out at least two 10Ks, two 15Ks the Pine Run 20K, the St. Marks Duathlon, the Swamp Forest Half Marathon, Tails and Trails Half Marathon, three Summer Trail Seres races which feature technical trails in the grueling heat, the full Tallahassee Marathon and also the Birmingham Marathon.

He regularly returns to Birmingham and Pelham, AL where he used to live and compete in very challenging races.  He raced the Statue to Statue 15K in Birmingham, as well as the Vulcan 10K where he defeated his old rivals and won his age group.  He did at least two races in Pelham, AL at the famed Oak Mountain. 

He ran in the Ridge to Blazing Ridge 10-Miler in the summer.  Then in December, a group of us from GWTC went to Pelham and ran the Blood Rock race.  He did the 55K on extremely treacherous technical trail and mountainsides.  That race featured over 6,000 feet of elevation and actual mountain climbing.  He started in the morning and finished in total darkness.  To top it off he ran the Tallahassee Ultra 50K at Wakulla Springs the very next weekend and then still had enough left for the final race of the year – the Tannenbaum 6K – where he became the State champion for his age group in the 6K distance.  It was the perfect way to cap off a phenomenal year. 

To sum it up, he isn’t slowing down.  He races often, tackles any distance on any terrain in any weather.  He is the only one we are aware of in his age group in our area still regularly running the technical trail races. 

He is also extremely encouraging to other runners of all ages.  He has a great rapport with his peer group as well as many others.  He is very complimentary to young runners as well.

We would be remiss if we failed to mention that he regularly wins or places high in his age group He is a great asset and ambassador for GWTC. 

I have known this runner fir 18 years now.  For the first 16, I knew him only as a great doctor that I had the pleasure of working with, but for the last two years I have gotten to know him as a great runner and a great friend.  My wife used to watch me and our daughter race, but it was him who talked her off the sidelines and into racing as well.  He has been a huge encourager to our daughter in her running career.  For me personally, he has talked me into challenging myself with tough races that I would not have considered otherwise.  In fact, it was in the final lap of the Tallahassee Ultra 50K that I felt like I wanted to punch him for talking me into it. 

Finally, we would just like to note what an inspiration it is to the rest of us watching him do what he does and what he loves to do.  He continues to show us all what is possible.

Without further ado, the GWTC 2024 Mle Runner of the Year Award goes to – Dr. Carlos Zapata!!

Hall of Fame Inductee – Presented to Jack McDermott by Gary Griffin

Individuals who have brought respect to the GWTC through their contributions, activities, and running accomplishments, and who have played a major role in shaping the ideals of the club are recognized when inducted into our Hall of Fame.

We’re fortunate in Gulf Winds to have a a few runners who have an array of distances down to a science.  For example, if I was asked who to speak with in regards to running an 800-meter race, I would point them to Bill McGuire, who in the days of his youth and beyond excelled at that distance. In the same way, I would refer anyone wanting to know how to run the mile to David Yon, having watched him train relentlessly for the Breakfast on the Track Mile.  David had the mile down to a science. What about the 5K? To me, not a bit of a doubt: Mike Martinez, whose wisdom I sought after not running a 5k for ten 10 years or so. His great line, “In the last 1/10 of a mile you want to be near death,” will be forever etched in my mind.

These three distances have one thing in common, if the runner goes into the race with a specific goal: the clock is always ticking in your head.

What about the marathon? Which local runner could help you know how to run 26.2 miles, a distance that I feel is the ultimate running test (not just because of the distance, but the many variables that come into play that can go horribly wrong).  All the while the clock is ticking in your head for another two, three or four hours over and above what it would be for the shorter distances. 

If asked, I would immediately tell you that our 2024 GWTC Hall of Fame inductee would be the one.

Why, you ask? How about this? Our inductee has run:

265 Marathons, approximately 50 of them with finishing times under 3 hours.

Among those 265 marathons there have been …

• 23 Boston Marathon finishes – 7 sub- 3 hours
• 20 Mobile Marathon finishes – 8 sub- 3 hours
• 17 Tallahassee Marathon finishes – 7 – sub 3 hours
• In 43 States plus DC, one of which was his PR of 2:50:15 in Newport, OR – his home state, by the way – which may mean he has marathon running in his DNA and, at least partly explains our inductee’s tremendous marathon success.

International Marathons

1. United States
2. Netherlands
3. Australia —Gold Coast
4. Belgium, France
5. Torhout, Belgium
6. Barcelona, Spain
7. Italy — Rome & Vatican City
8. Prague, Czech Republic
9. Canada — Montreal & Niagara Falls
10. United Kingdom — Wales
11. Tromso, Norway
12. Curaçao — Caribbean Dutch
13. Aruba — Caribbean Dutch

That’s all good, but there are two things that really separate our HOF inductee from any other marathoner I’ve ever met:

• He’s the only person I’ve ever seen who regularly runs in a Boston Marathon shirt. Bill Hillison ran Boston ten times, and I ran with Bill for 30 years and NEVER saw a single one of his Bosotn shirts! We must be afraid of puking on them, or getting blood on them, or heaven forbid, sweating in them! But I guess when you have 23 of them like this year’s inductee, you don’t worry about that kind of thing.
• In spite of running all these marathons, he has never once asked the age-old question, “Why couldn’t Phidippedes have died at mile 20?”

This year’s HOF selection is more than a marathoner. He’s run 27 ultramarathons, usually finishing in the top five overall. Among those finishes are nine finishes in the GWTC Tallahassee Distance Classic (four 1^st places, four 2^nd places and one 3^rd place), and an outstanding time of 17:02 at the Pistol 100-mile run in Alcoa, TN at the age of 50! Trust me: a 17:02 100M is a killer of a time at any age, but at age 50 …!!!

To be in the GWTC Hall of Fame, one needs to do more than just run …

• Our 2025 HOF inductee co-directed the Tallahassee Marathon with Toma Wilkerson in 2005, taking over from a pair of flunkies (Gary and Peg Griffin who had a whopping 75 finishers in 2004 — the 1st place finisher being him, of course). He served as the sole RD in 2006, taking the marathon marketing into the 21^st century for the first time … a Marathon that this year will have near 400 marathon entrants and over 2,000 overall.
• Since then, he’s very often part of the course-marking team (under the tutelage of Mr. McGuire, I might add …) the Saturday before the race that he will run the next day …
• And, as if the marathon directing experience wasn’t enough, in 2022 he and his wife assumed directorship of the Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic – from a historic standpoint, one of America’s greatest ultramarathons.

After having said all of this, perhaps our honoree’s most important contribution to GWTC has been his continual willingness to share his time and wisdom with other runners, encouraging them and often sacrificing his own races for their benefit.

Need I say more? 

It is my pleasure to introduce the 2024 GWTC Hall of Fame inductee, the one we all know as “Marathon Jack” – Jack McDermott.