The Western New York Running Hall of Fame has announced its 12th class, bringing the total number of inductees to 51. This year’s group includes:
• Heather Cappello ran for Starpoint High School and Providence College. While at Starpoint, she set school and league records for the 1500- (4:33) and 3000-meter (9:48). Her 3,000-meter time was also sectional record for more than a decade.
• Bob Kaminski began supporting races as a member of the National Guard more than 40 years ago. Since then, he has participated behind the scenes in several ways as a volunteer, coordinator, and committee member. He currently serves as traffic coordinator of the Buffalo Marathon.
• Diane Sardes competed in 12 Ironman triathlons, including the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. A Buffalo News Runner of The Year winner, she was also the first female president of Checkers Athletic Club. She has taken 100,000+ photographs, documenting our Western New York running history.
• Todd Witzleben paced Orchard Park High School to several Section VI championships in track and cross country and was the 1999 New York state champion in the 3,200 meters. At LaSalle University, he was a six-time A-10 Conference winner. In his 13 seasons as University of Buffalo’s men’s cross-country coach, 17 of his athletes have been all-MAC.
The inductees and members of their families will be on hand for the formal induction ceremonies following the Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K on Friday, August 30, at 6:30 p.m. on Bidwell Parkway in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village.
“The Western New York Running Hall of Fame was formed to recognize the outstanding achievements of area runners, coaches, and contributors,” Bill Donnelly, board of directors president and race director, said. “These inductees certainly fit the bill and we look forward to honoring them.”
The Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5k is named for the local running icon who also served as race director for prestigious events such as the Buffalo Marathon and Delaware YMCA Turkey Trot. He was instrumental in the founding of the Western New York Running Hall of Fame.
“Our race attracts an outstanding field each year, and we hope that all runners in the Niagara Region will come to take part in what should be a great night of running,” Bill Donnelly added. “The Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K is a race for the entire Western New York running community to enjoy. It’s a fast, flat, PR-friendly course, which has proven to be very attractive to our runners.”
For information about the Western New York Running Hall of Fame and its 5K event, visit wnyrunninghof.com.
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