Click on name to read bios on 1st inductees - BICYCLING: Dick Sonne, Margaret Thompson; CANOEING: Jan Whitaker, Roberta Shapiro; KAYAKING: Paul Olney, Ed Bieliejec; ROWING: Bill Sanford, Gerry Lacy.

CANOEING - Janet R. Whitaker, West Henrietta, New York
Education: State University of New York at Cortland, 1961-1965
Degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education - graduated cum laude in 1965 Graduate courses at State University of New York at Cortland, Ithaca College and Syracuse University
Professional Work and Volunteer Experience: June, 2003 Presenter, Disabled Sports USA, Summerfest 2003, Long Beach, California, "Cast Away in Outrigger Canoeing" 2003 Volunteer, New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association Chairman of Empire State Games Masters Division, Canoe and Kayak Races 2002 Volunteer Consultant for agencies/groups starting adaptive outrigger canoe programs: AccesSportAmerica in Massachusetts, Winning Wheels in Illinois, Hawaii State Hospital (Project Pure Light) in Hawaii, Challengers in Pennsylvania September, 2002 Volunteer, at Raquette Lake for SUNY, Cortland, provided outrigger canoeing for developmentally disabled campers August, 2002 Volunteer, race organizer for Hope Chest (Breast Cancer Survivor Group) Ribbon Regatta (Outrigger Canoe Sprint Races) Organizer, United States Canoe Association Demonstration Outrigger Canoe Races, Hanover, New Hampshire July, 2002 Guest Coach, Philadelphia Women's Dragon Boat Team November, 2001 Presenter, SUNY Cortland, N.Y. 51st Annual Recreation Conference, "Making Waves: Outrigger Canoeing for Individuals With and Without Physical Disabilities" October, 2001 Speaker, New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association, "Sports Psychology to Enhance Learning" Fall Banquet August, 2001 Assistant Presenter, Rehabilitation Institute of the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, "Making Waves: Outrigger Canoeing for People with Physical Disabilities" Organizer, United States Canoe Association Demonstration Outrigger Canoe Races, Gainesville, Georgia May, 2001 Guest Coach, Ohio Canoe Racing Association, 2 day clinic 2000 Volunteer, SUNY Cortland, Cortland, N.Y. presented adapted outrigger canoeing on campus to adapted physical education classes provided outrigger canoeing for Raquette Lake classes on May 6 and September 30 for adapted physical education students August, 2000 Volunteer, Girl Scouts, Fairport, N.Y. served as outrigger canoe instructor for small craft badge July, 2000 Volunteer, United Cerebral Palsy Association of the Rochester Area, Inc., Rochester, N.Y. served as side-walker in Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program March, 2000 Lecturer, Staffordshire University at Stoke-on-Trent, England lectured and presented "From Exclusion to Winner's Podium," an outrigger canoe program for people with physical disabilities. Demonstrator, Royal Canoe Club, London, England presented outrigger canoe demonstration for British Canoe Union Spring, 1999 Volunteer, United States Canoe Association served as contributing writer for USCA Instructor's Certification Manual, Teaching Techniques Section September, 1999 Volunteer, USA Canoe and Kayak and NYMCRA organized and served as direct support guide for Peter Crowley's solo outrigger canoe trip from Albany to NYC; first blind paddler to accomplish this adventure; covered on "Good Morning America" November, 1998 Co-Presenter, New York State Recreation & Park Society 13th Annual Therapeutic Recreation Forum served as presenter for "Making Waves: Outrigger Canoeing for Individuals with Physical Disabilities" 1995 to present Volunteer, New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association coached marathon canoeing for Rochester area adults and youth competing in Empire State Games and USCA National Championships 1997 to present Volunteer, Rochester River Challenge Outrigger Canoe Sprint Races, South Wedge Planning Committee serve as race director 1998 to present Volunteer, Rochester Rehabilitation Center, Rochester, N.Y. serve as outrigger canoe instructor wrote skills and vocabulary section of RRC's outrigger canoe instructor's manual 1997 to 2002 Program Director, Genesee Waterways Center, Rochester, N.Y. trained and assigned outrigger canoe steersmen serve as head instructor for summer youth program for Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA Camp Adventure, Rochester School for the Deaf, Society for the Protection and Care of Children, Settlement Houses, City of Rochester Neighborhood groups, Hillside Children's Center, etc. (238 youth in 1999) 1997 to 1999 Volunteer, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, N.Y. coached Concrete Canoe Team (Civil Engineering Department) 1995, 1996 Volunteer, Rush-Henrietta School District student served as physical education teacher for contract program for mute autistic student 1993-1995 Volunteer, Finger Lakes Council #391, Boy Scouts of America and Explorer Post 166 presented marathon canoe racing clinics 1993 Co-editor, New York Canoe Racing Association co-edited videotape, "Marathon Canoe Racing at Its Best" 1993, 1994 Volunteer, Adam Walsh Children's Center, Rochester, N.Y. 1993, 1994 served on Rochester Triathlon Race Committee Volunteer, Crestwood Children Center, Rochester, N.Y. served on marathon canoe race committee for Race the River for Crestwood's Children 1990 Volunteer, New York Canoe Racing Association assisted in filming of "Long Distance Canoe Racing, Training 1991 and Technique" an Instructional Presentation for Successful Canoe Racing 1989 to present Part-time canoe/kayak instructor, Pack, Paddle and Ski Corp., South Lima, NY 1985-1987 Production Coordinator, Continuing Developmental Services Sheltered Workshop, Fairport, N.Y. 1982-1985 Personal Adjustment Training Instructor, CDS 1982 Activities Instructor, CDS 1980's Altar Guild and Choir member, Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Fairport, N.Y. Spring 1982 Mental Hygiene Aide, Upjohn Health Care Services provided child care for children with special needs 1981 Adapted Physical Education Teacher at Union Springs Central School for middle school girls with physical disabilities 1972-1981 High School Physical Education Teacher at Union Springs Central School Varsity and Junior Varsity Field Hockey Coach Canoe Club Advisor and Coach, 1975-1981 Girls Sports Coordinator, 1972-1981 Awards Committee, 1977-1981 Committee to Select New Secondary School principal, 1981 Interscholastic Athletic Conference Executive Committee 1978-1980 Sectional Representative 1978 Field Hockey Chairman in 1972-1976 1978-1980 Girl Scout leader for Junior Scouts in Throop, New York 1971, 1972 Movement Education Workshop Leader Cayuga County School Superintendent's Day Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services, March 1972 Union Springs Elementary Schools, June 1971 Summer 1972 Movement Education Teacher Moravia Elementary School Summer Reading Program for grades 1-6 1970-1972 K-2 Elementary School Physical Education Teacher at Moravia Elementary School started district's first Movement Education Program while on maternity leave from Union Springs Central School Summer 1971 Movement Education Teacher Moravia Elementary School Summer Reading program for grades 1-6 1970-1973 Curriculum writer for the first Movement Education Program in the Moravia Central School District 1965-1969 Middle and Senior High School Physical Education Teacher, Union Springs Central School Coach for girls field hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball Cheerleading Advisor
Memberships and Offices: East Coast Outrigger Racing Association- 1997 to present member Finger Lakes Field Hockey Association 1961-1969 and 1970-1980 Secretary-treasurer in 1960's for two years Selection Committee for one year Genesee Waterways Center- 1994 to 2002, member, Board of Directors New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association past President past Membership Chairman past Public Relations/Education Director past Board of Directors, Member at Large New York State United Teachers, member until 1981 United States Canoe Association International Chairman 1993-1996 Youth Activities Chairman 1997-1999 Chairman of newly established Adapted Paddling Committee 2000-2003 New York Division delegate USA Canoe and Kayak- 1997 to present member
Achievements: August, 2002 USCA Women's C-2 50+ Special Recognition Award August, 2002 Empire State Games-Masters Division, Women's C-2 50-59 age group winner August, 2001 USCA Women's C-2 Masters National Marathon Champion USCA Women's C-2 Masters National Sprint Champion July, 2001 Empire State Games-Masters division, Women's C-2 50-59 age group winner; (first overall women's team) August, 2000 USCA Women's C-2 National Marathon Champion USCA Women's C-2 National Sprint Champion USCA Mixed Masters C-2 National Marathon Champion USCA Mixed Masters C-2 Sprint Champion July, 2000 Empire State Games- Masters Division, Women's C-2 50-59 age group winner; (first overall women's team) March, 2000 WHAM At-Large Sportswoman of 1999-2000, finalist March, 2000 USA Canoe and Kayak's Executive Director's Letter of commendation and support August, 1999 USCA Women's C-2 Masters National Marathon Champion USCA Women's C-2 Masters National Sprint Champion United States Canoe Association Canoe Instructor Certification 1999 Initiated concept of wheelchair athlete Classification Levels for World Rankings for Vermont Waterways Paddling Ergometer Races; instituted in 1999 June, 1999 Proclamation from Mayor of Rochester, William A. Johnson, Jr. August, 1998 USCA Women's C-2 Masters National Marathon Champion USCA Mixed Masters C-2 National Sprint Champion 1998 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Genesee Valley Recreation and Parks Society, a chapter of the New York State Recreation and Parks Society 1998 In collaboration with Rochester Rehabilitation Center, started team outrigger canoe program for people with physical disabilities including wheelchair athletes August, 1997 USCA Women's C-2 Marathon National Champion USCA Women's C-2 Sprint National Champion September, 1996 Winning Non Koa Iron Masters Team in Queen Lili'uokalani Outrigger Race, world's largest outrigger canoe race (148 teams) August, 1996 USCA Women's C-2 Marathon National Champion USCA Mixed C-2 Sprint National Champion USCA Men's Open Marathon Championship- 3rd place August, 1995 USCA Women's Masters C-1 Sprint Champion USCA Mixed C-2 National Marathon Champion USCA Mixed C-2 National Sprint Champion August, 1994 USCA Mixed Masters C-2 National Sprint Champion USCA Women's Seniors C-1 National Marathon Champion 1994 United States Canoe Association Canoeist of the Year August, 1993 USCA Women's C-1 Masters National Sprint champion USCA Mixed Masters C-2 National Sprint Champion July, 1993 World Masters Games, Denmark Women's C-2 Champion Mixed C-2 Champion August, 1992 USCA Women's Masters C-1 National Sprint champion USCA Women's Masters C-2 National Sprint Champion August, 1991 USCA Women's Masters C-1 National Sprint Champion USCA Women's C-2 National Marathon Champion August, 1990 USCA Women's Masters C-1 National Sprint Champion USCA Women's C-1 Masters National Marathon Champion 1990, 1995 USCA Team Triathlon Championship, overall winner August, 1989 USCA Mixed Masters C-2 National Marathon Champion USCA Women's Masters C-1 National marathon Champion August, 1988 USCA Women's Masters C-1 National Marathon Champion August, 1985 USCA Mixed Aluminum C-2 National Marathon Champion August, 1984 USCA Mixed Aluminum C-2 National Marathon Champion 1989 World Masters Games, Canada Women's C-2 Marathon Canoe Champion 1992 United States Women's Swan Boat Team member to Thailand; first time women were invited to race in such a world championship competition 1971-1999 Member of 700 Club, earned by completing ten 70-mile General Clinton endurance canoe races; thirteen 70-milers completed to date 1986 New York State Team Triathlon Championship, first overall 1970 Mid- East United States Field Hockey Team II- played in USFHA Nationals, Glassboro, New Jersey 1964 Constance B. Applebee Field Hockey Scholarship from Finger Lakes Field Hockey Association
Publications: Challenge Magazine, a publication of Disabled Sports USA, "Please Be Seated in an Outrigger Canoe", Spring 2003 Canoe News, Dec 2002, "The Hope Chest Ribbon Regatta DC-8 Races a Successful Fun(d) Raiser" and "Challengers Debut at Inaugural Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival" Kanu Culture, Vol 6. "The Joy of Paddling for the Physically (Dis)Abled" (Spring 2000) - Batini Books Kanu Culture, Vol.5, "Outrigger Canoeing For The Physically Disabled" - Batini Books Canoe & Kayak Magazine, March 2000, "Blind Paddler's Outrigger River Challenge" Sports Illustrated for Women, July, August 2000- Women's Outrigger Team Photo appears in August Calendar Canoe & Kayak Racing News, September 1999, "Disabled paddlers make waves; Rochester River Challenge Provides Opportunities" Canoe News, Nov/Dec 1999 (USCA Publication), "Blind Paddler's OC-1 Hudson River Challenge" Canoe and Kayak Racing News, Nov/Dec 1999 (USA Canoe and Kayak Publication), "A Blind Man's Trek down the Hudson River" Canoe News, July/August 1998, "Outrigger Canoe Program for People with Physical Disabilities" The Racing Paddler (New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association Publication), Fall 1998, "Aloha New Outrigger Paddlers" and photo centerfold Canoe News, Nov/Dec 1998, "Aloha New Outrigger Paddlers" Canoe News, Nov/Dec 1996, "Successfully Coaching Young Canoeists" The Eagle, Publication of the United States Field Hockey Association, Inc, March 1973, "Hockey Is…" (Speech delivered at a Golden Jubilee celebration marking the 50th Year of the USFHA and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association) Movement Education, A Newsletter in Learning Through Movement, Vol. 8, No. 2, May, 1976, "Upside-Down" Movement Education, A Newsletter in Learning Through Movement, Vol.4 No. 4, December, 1972, "New Ways to Hopscotch" Movement Education, A Newsletter in Learning Through Movement, Vol 4, No. 3, September, 1972, "Young Drivers in Movement Education Class"

Back to top

CANOEING -Roberta Shapiro: From Whitesboro, NY, Roberta's involvement with canoeing is extensive, especially in the area of paddling for breast cancer.
Profession/Education: RN at Faxton St. Lukes Healthcare; Attended Hofstra College; Graduated from MVCC School of Nursing.
Past Experiences: Member of Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 1972-1997; Board of Directors for 5 years; Advanced First Aid and CPR Instructor; Phlebotomist at St. Lukes Hospital 1980-1984; Bookkeeper for Tryco Business Systems 1984-2003; Chairperson of Erie Canal Canoe Classis 1989-2002; Board of Directors and Treasurer of New York Canoe Racing Association 1983-2001; Board of Directors and Treasurer of Erie Canal Rowing Club 2000-2002; Inducted into the Utica Sports Hall of Fame; Black Belt in Judo; Red Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Paddling: Started the Paddle Together program sponsored by the comprehensive Breast Care Center of Faxton-St. Luke's Health Care's Regional Cancer Center; Competitive Marathon Canoe Racer 1976-2003;
Related Canoeing Experiences / Titles: New York State Champion; New England State Champion; U.S.C.A. National Champion (mixed masters, women's masters); Canadian Nationals Champion (held in Ottawa and Peterboro); World Masters Games in Toronto; Empire State Games; General Clinton Canoe Regatta, 70 miles (20 times); Run of the Charles in Boston, MA.
Outrigger Races: Na Wahine O Ke Kai - Molokai to Oahu Canoe Race; Queen Lili Uokalani Long Distance Canoe Race in Kona, Hawaii; Catalina Channel Crossing; New York City Outrigger Race; Blackburn Challenge in Cape Anne, Massachusetts.

Back to top

BICYCLING - Dick Sonne: From Inlet, NY, DOB.1-21-25, (born at St. Luke's Hospital), graduated from U.F.A. in 1943, enlisted in the Army the same year, (10th. ski and mountain division, spent most of the time in the Italian mountains.) He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Metal. Honorable discharge in 1946. Married 56 years to Ruth Krohn with 4 children and 4 grandchildren. He resides part of the year in Highland Beach, Fla., and the rest of the year in Inlet, N.Y. In the spring and summer months, if you are up early enough , you will catch sight of him riding his bike from Inlet to Blue Mountain and back.
Cycling: Dick road his bicycle everywhere as a kid and teen. He just loved the sense of freedom his bicycle gave him. After returning home from WW II, (he was in the 10th. Mountain Division), he went to work at his father's place of business....Sonne Brothers Jewelers. He would walk to work each day as he liked the exercise. One day he noticed that Playworld had a bicycle in its storefront window. For $29.95 he was off riding to work each day on a coaster bike. He liked the way riding made him feel. He had been through much as a young adult and riding made him feel strong again. It changed his life as he felt better about himself....healthy! (Over the next decade he traded up from his coaster bike to a 3 speed to a 10 speed.....purchased from Endre's...the first one in the city).
Employment: It was at that point in his life he decided to go into business selling bicycles.....he wanted to get the word out that bicycles are for everyone, every age, male and female. He wanted everyone to know that regular exercise was the key to feeling good...not pills or alcohol. He started Dick Sonne's Bikes in 1962 on Burrstone Road. In 1968 he moved the store to Commercial Drive. The store gave him the platform and opportunity to tell other adults,(as they purchased a bike for their child), the effect bicycling would have on them if they would just give it a try. He was way ahead of his time! Anyone who has been around Dick for any period of time will tell you that every conversation will include the question, what are you doing for exercise?
Currently: he still is riding strong at 78. Although he was never much involved with racing himself, (he preferred to compete against himself), he encouraged his son Steve to race and to become involved with cycling events in the community. In the seventies, Steve was involved with the planning of bicycle paths throughout Oneida County. Steve also ran many races both road and mountain in the early eighties. In the early nineties Steve help start the first police bicycle patrol by donating bikes to the New Hartford Police Dept., Kirtland Police Dept., Whitesboro, Yorkville, Town of Webb, Oriskany, Utica Police Depts., and to other depts. he sells the equipment to them for cost.
Today he is very much involved with the Ride for Missing Children, donating bikes and time. Now his grandson, Richard, age 18, in association with the Oneida County Youth Bureau, has for two years been going to our area's different summer youth programs promoting bicycle moto-cross racing as a drug free, safe sport. He also races BMX. All of us are aware of all the possibilities because of Dick Sonne. I have been told by not one, but many, many people over the years that Dick Sonne is bicycles. Dick Sonne saw early on that exercise and good health go hand-n-hand. It was his mission to let every one know, and his quest is continuing on via his son and grandson.

Back to top

BICYCLING - Margaret Thompson: From Clinton, NY. DOB 01/06/1954
Cycling Racing Career Highlights: 1994 inductee into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame 5 time National Champion 1994 - Master Individual Time Trial 1997 - Master Tandem Time Trial 1998 - Master Tandem Time Trial 2002 - Master Mountain Bike Racing 2003 - Elite Tandem Time Trial 12 Medals from USCF Master Road, Tandem and Cyclocross Nationals 14 NORBA Master National Series Medals in Mountain Bike Racing 28 Empire State Games medals for cycling, both Open and Master, from 1989 thru 2003 Fourth place finish in 2002 Master World Mountain Bike Championships 9 time winner of the Mohawk Valley Bicycling Club's MVBC Cup, from 1990 thru 2002
Additional Cycling Contributions: Team manager and Sponsor of Risley Cold Springs Women's Race Team 1993-1998 Officer in Mohawk Valley Bicycling Club 1985 to present Co-promoter for cycling races for the 2001 Empire State Games Participant in the Ride for Missing Children - 2002 and 2003 Margaret has been involved with cycling since the middle eighties. She has won numerous races and holds many titles, for both road and mountain bicycles. She is the treasurer for the Mohawk Valley Cycling Club.

Back to top

ROWING - Bill Sanford: From Liverpool, NY.
Personal: Date of Birth: 12/29/38 Married 40 years; 3 grown children Education: Syracuse University B.A. Liberal Arts, 1973 M.A. Education 1970
Areas of Knowledge and Expertise: Member of New York State Assembly (Elected February 2002 ) Government Operations Committee, Ranking Minority Member Higher Education Committee, Member Transporation Committee, Member Established Women's Advisory Council, June 2002 C.N.Y. Chair, Onondaga County Legislature (1988 to March 2002) Managed diversified groups of people, including 24 members of the full Legislature that oversees a County workforce of 4,500 employees. Guided the Legislature in its budgetary scrutiny process of an annual $700 million budget. Employed sound fiscal management philosophy and policies that have resulted in Onondaga County maintaining one of the highest credit ratings among all Counties in New York State.
Political: Party of the Republican Team for 23 years. Have co-authored campaign handbook, held candidate schools, and educated candidate on current and important issues. Proactive in searching for potential candidates. Achieved highly successful fund-raisers. Supported other high-ranking candidates in all areas of campaigns, including financial support. Immense networking capabilities with various groups of statewide communities such as educators, rail enthusiasts, special interest groups, religious groups, volunteer firemen, Neighborhood Watch, veterans, economic development groups, Special Olympics, Young Republicans, senior citizens, and the banking and financial community.
Transporation: Created Empire Corridor Rail Task Force and have been successful in bringing together freight and passenger rail entities, economic development groups, technical advisers from 15 counties across the corridor with bi-partisan support of the NYS Senate and Assembly and County Legislature Chairs in working toward achieving the common goal of enhancing rail service in New York State. Served as member of the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council and Chair of its PolicyCommittee. Appointed to the Governor's Passenger Rail Advisory Council. Current member of Hancock International Airport study team.
Planning and Economic Development: Proactive in bringing together community economic development groups to work closer together to insure a quality and unified end product. Created the Onondaga County Economic Development Conventions and Tourism Commission to examine and make recommendations to the County Legislature that promotes economic development and conventions and tourism opportunities for Onondaga County. Created the Onondaga County Infrastructure Commission made up of many different community organizations to deal with an orderly expansion and preservation of community infrastructure such as highways, utilities, drainage, sewage systems, community buildings, etc. to insure maintenance of quality of life for the residents of Onondaga County. Co-initiated community-wide visioning process and implemented "Best Small Towns and Neighborhood in America" conference series, resulting in the creation of a regional land use steering committee and the Onondaga County Settlement Plan. Established two committees to study and make recommendations on the Carousel Mall Expansion design and PILOT Agreement proposal. Guided Legislature through this process and ultimate adoption of the expansion proposal.
Education: Assisted in achieving the Institute for Human Performance, SUNY Health Science Center locating at the Syracuse site, 39 years experience at Syracuse University as Coach of Rowing and interacting with students, faculty administration. Guided Legislature in implementation of Onondaga Community College Applied Technology Center and oversee the Onondaga Community College annual budget. Served as Chair of Education and Libraries Committee that built a new central library in Onondaga County.
Consolidation efforts: Helped to lead the initiative to consolidate County and the City of Syracuse Crime labs. As a member of the Intermunicipal Consortium, work toward consolidation at the City and County level to eliminate duplications and high administrative costs. Work with Community Groups: Active community involvement caused development of strong communication skills to deal with large number of issues concerning groups such as senior citizens, veterans, Neighborhood Watch, and special interest groups.
Parks & Recreation: Knowledgeable of parks system and programs to provide recreational opportunities for citizens of community. Involved with Onondaga Lake clean up, watershed issues, and infrastructure needs to maintain and sustain parks at highest level possible for citizens of Onondaga County, Sainte Marie Among the Iraqi Living History Site, and the Onondaga Lake Park and Trial development. Co-founded (1972) the highly successful Syracuse Chargers program (swim, track and crew) that had become a national model for success. By identifying and using local resources (City, County parks facilities, pools, and tracks; University and College resources, etc.) thousands of families have been able to take part in a quality physical recreational program. Onondaga Lake: Authored the County of Onondaga Lake Policy document that passed the Legislature and was used as a guide to reach an agreement of an acceptable Municipal Compliance Plan.
Other Involvement/Achievements: Onondaga County Empire Zone Administrative Board Onondaga County/City of Oswego Agreement for Lake Ontario Water Intake Onondaga County Justice Center Facility Onondaga County Corrections Facility Onondaga County Settlement Plan Carousel Mall Expansion Convention Hotel Initiative, Downtown Syracuse Center for Forensic Sciences Facility Court Facility Improvement Institute For Human Performance, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse Member - Free and accepted Masonic Liverpool Lodge Past Board Member - Liverpool Methodist Church
Community Involvement: Syracuse Chargers (Co-founder), 1972; Current President Economic Growth Council, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce AAA Board of Directors NYS Summer Special Olympic Games (Former Chair) F.O.C.U.S., Greater Syracuse Core Group CNY Chapter of National Kidney Foundation City/County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Rotary (Inactive) Volunteer Center (Past Board Member) Orange Pack, Syracuse University Central New York Neighborhood Watch Advisor
Employment: Syracuse University, Coach of Rowing (1963 to July 2002 New York State Assembly - elected February 2002 Onondaga County Legislator - elected 1980 -March 2002 Onondaga County Legislator Chairman - elected 1988 - 3,2002
Military Services:U.S. Army, Active Duty (1957 - 1959); Active Reserves (1959-1963) Honorable Discharge
Awards: 2002 Recipient of Central New York Chapter of the Arthritis Tribute to Excellence Leadership Award 1998 Recipient of Syracuse University School of Education Alumnus of the Year Award 1998 Recipient of Empire State Passengers Association Presidents Award 1978 and 1981 National Champion, Rowing, Syracuse University 1995 Letter Winner of Distinction, Syracuse University Additional rowing related information. 1959 Joined Syracuse University Freshman Rowing team 1960 Rowed in Olympic trials representing Syracuse University in Four w/cox event 1960 joined Syracuse University Varsity Rowing team 1961 Lone sophomore to make Varsity boat, Syracuse University 1962 Voted outstanding junior rower, Syracuse University 1963 Voted Captain of team, senior year. Syracuse University 1963 Hired as Freshman Coach, Syracuse University 1967 Hired as Head Coach, Syracuse University 1970's Board of directors, National Asso. Amature Oarsman USA 1970's Director of junior rowing NAAO USA 1972 Co-founded Syracuse Chargers athletic program 1975 Team Manager Junior National Team in Montreal Canada 1976 Freshman National Champions, Syr. University 1977 Freshman National Champions, Syracuse University 1978 Freshman National Champions, Syracuse University 1978 Varsity National Champions, Syracuse University 1979 2nd, Pan American trials, USA 1981 Varsity 4/with cox, National Champions, Syracuse University 1990 Undefeated regular collegiate season, 3rd National collegiate Championships 2002 Retired after 39 years coaching ,Syracuse University Additional: Guided Syracuse University to international prominence by competing in Royal Henley Regatta, England on 9 separate occassions.

Back to top

ROWING - Gerry Lacy: From Rome, NY, Gerry started the Erie Canal Rowing Club, and today is not only heavily involved with all the activities of the Club but also serves on the Board. Name: Gerry Lacy of Rome, NY. Married to Phyllis, Children: A daughter Dawn
Professional Work: Self-employed watch & clock maker; Rowing Coach; Regatta Director: New York State Collegiate Rowing Assc.; New York State Collegiate Rowing Associations. Project Development Director for "The Erie Canal World Rowing Park" in Schuyler, NY; Operations Director for the Erie Canal Rowing Club, Rome, NY.
Rowing Background: Member of the Cazenovia Rowing Club from 1990 to 1995. Served on their board of Dir. for 3 yrs. Was asst. regatta dir. for the NY State Collegiate Rowing Championships from 1993 to 1995. Became Regatta Dir. for the NY State Collegiate Rowing Championships from 1996 to the present. Became a rowing coach in 1996. Founded the Erie Canal Rowing Club in 1996. Past President, past director of rowing, and is presently the Director of Operations for the Erie Canal Rowing Club. Co-chairman of the Erie Canal Canoe Classic held at Lock 20 in Marcy NY. Regatta director for the "Head of The Erie" regatta held in Rome. NY by the Erie Canal Rowing Club. Started the Erie Canal World Rowing Park race course project which is currently being developed by the Town of Schulyer and the New York State Collegiate Rowing Assc.

Back to top

KAYAKING - Paul Olney: From Westernville, NY, Paul is well known in the field of kayaking.He recently competed in flatwater kayaking at the Empire State Games in the 200-meter two-man kayak. DOB: 2/28/63.
Background: Paul started canoe racing in 1979 with his father. He started kayaking in 1987, and continues to do both marathon canoe races and sprint kayak races.
Kayak Races:
U. S. National Spring Kayak Team 1989-1991; 1990
U. S. National Championships Kayak 4-man 10000 meter - 1st place, K-4 500m - 3rd place, K2 1000m - 3rd place, K-1 10000m - 3rd place.
U. S. Olympic Festival 1989, 1990, 1993: K-4 1000m - 3rd place.
2002 Adirondack Canoe Classic 90 mile race: Kayak 2 man - 1st place. Set a course record of 12 hours .01 minutes.
Empire State Games 2002 K-1 500m - 1st place; K-1 200m - 1st place; K-2 500m - 3rd place.
Empire State Games 2003 K-1 500m - 1st place; K-2 500m 2nd place; kK-2 200m 2nd place; K-4 500m - 2nd place.

Back to top

KAYAKING - Ed Bieliejec: From Barneveld, NY, Ed, a slalom racer for many years, pioneered whitewater in the Adirondacks and was the first serious paddler to pioneer this region. DOB: 12/8/42.
Personal: Ed was educated in Little Falls School System; graduated from Utica College with a B.S. in Biology; served 4 years in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces "Green Beret", serving one year in Viet Nam. Married - he and wife Diane have 3 children. Ed taught in the Clinton School system for 8 years. He started retail sales of Kayaks and canoes at Mountain Sports in 1971.
Canoeing/Kayaking: Ed got his first canoe at the age of 11, and did his first solo trip of 3 days down the West Canada Creek and the Mohawk River back to Little Falls at the age of 12. Ed has over 25 years of teaching kayaking and canoeing to hundred's of enthusiasts. From the pool at MVCC, to local rivers, to hundred's of trips to whitewater rivers in the northeast, south, and western states.
Wilderness Trips: Many wilderness trips followed, including 1964 - three months Canadian traverse; 1968 - Circumnavigated Cape Breten; 1969 - Alaskan Coast from Ketichan to Yahatat; 1970 - Two month Alaskan Penisula trip; 1971 - Albany River to James Bay; 1980-1990 - Five month long trips to explore the drainages into Ungava Bay, including the Whale, Swampy Bay, George, and Kanipisakan; 1992 - Thirty day Alaskan Penisula Trip; 1993-2003 - approximately 50 days each year paddling the Maine and Cape Cod coasts.Currently preparing to leave for a one month solo trip in the fall of 2003 of the Alaskan Penisula.

Back to top