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Webmaster Penny Beeston writes:

"The Strider of the Year and other Big-L Awards"       December 6th, 2008

 

 

STRIDER OF THE YEAR This year our Strider of the Year award went to Tom K. Please read Doug W's letter that so eloquently articulated why Tom is such a worth recipient of this year's award.

 

Doug White wrote on December 6th:

Thanks for the update on Tom. Susan and I are always eager for news about him.

I should also thank you for asking me to provide some relevant background on Tom's running adventures and accomplishments. I am honored that you would think of me for this assignment. I am also humbled. No man is up to the task of telling Tom's story of running.

It strikes me that it would be easy enough for any of us who know Tom to rattle off endless lists of his running accomplishments and to wax poetic about his contributions to the sport. His enthusiasm for running, especially for helping others achieve their goals, is the stuff of legend.

Tom has completed scores of long distance runs at almost every distance. My guess is that he's probably forgotten about more races than many of us will ever dream to finish. Of course, he's done the Western States 100. But as we all know, not even that great event--or any other event for that matter--can define a man's running achievements. Any runner knows that it is not the distance of the course or the fame of a given race that defines the human accomplishment in finishing it. What really matters are the heart and soul that the runner applies. And by this measure, Tom Kaisersatt has easily accomplished more than any runner I know, hands down.

So many accomplishments and so much enjoyment... Alas, that's the small stuff. The thing about Tom that makes him such a singular man in the sport of running is the way he dedicates himself to the better good of others. Not only is it not all about him, it is almost never about him. Tom seems to derive his greatest rewards from mentoring others and making people feel accepted no matter what their level of ability. He is truly an altruistic leader in that sense. Runners who run with Tom are lucky indeed. For they will experience a character of caring and motivation that is both inspiring and uncommon.

I recall my first day running with the Stevens Creek Striders very well. It was a cool December morning in 1996. When Susan and I arrived at the Parking Lot, this tall, cheerful man strode toward us with a big smile on his face and a warm hand extended to welcome us. That was Tom. He made a personal effort to welcome us to the group and talk to us so we would feel like old friends. When Tom had cajoled me to become a Board member some years later, I recall the first Board meeting I had with him and how his number one topic was about how we, as members of the Board, should make more of an effort to greet newcomers and make them feel welcome. This was something that Tom has always cared deeply about--the comfort and confidence of others. That's the way Tom is today. Little has changed with that guy.

Tom, of course, was one of the Charter members of the DURT Gang, and he and I led countless adventures into the trails surrounding the Bay Area. Tom was always the guy who looked after people to make sure they didn't get lost. That was a good thing, for if it were up to me, we'd still be out there hoping to be found.

As I mentioned before, Tom did a lot of official races, but the ones that I remember him doing so well are runs that I never did myself. He was the most avid runner of the American River 50 Miler that I knew and the only person I know who seemed to look forward to the Jed Smith 50 Miler. Who does Jed Smith anyway? I became convinced that Tom was insane for doing that run. I simply couldn't get it into my head that anyone could love to run in circles in the rain for 50 miles on flat streets like Tom did.

Again, it's not about the races, and what I recall as more significant are the contributions he made by planning special club runs. How many folks know that Tom is the person who really invented The Clambake? He recruited me for help one year when he did this with a few friends, and it grew every year thereafter due to Tom's passion and energy to make it a perennial classic. Of course there was the annual New Years Run through Castle Rock State Park, and many others.

Perhaps his most significant contribution to running is his long term dedication to the San Jose Fit program. Everyone knows what a legend he has become in that capacity, and there is little I could add to that story. The guy is like a Rock Star in that community, and he earned it.

To sum it up, Tom has done a lot for running, but he's done more for other runners than for himself. I admire him more than he may know, and I count myself among the many fortunate people whom he has befriended. Again, for Tom, it's always been about the rest of us. We would all do well to be Tom Kaisersatt copycats!

Tom, if you're out there tonight, please know that we think of you every day, and we wish we could be there to congratulate you for your eminently deserved recognition. You really ARE "The Man"!

Sincerely,

Doug White

 

 

Other Big L awards went to Lina McCain for 'Athletic Achievement', Christina Brownson for 'Most Improved Athlete' and Peggy Alfred for 'Volunteer of the Year'. Other worthy nominations were received for received for Bill Dodson, Dennis Connor and Robin Mills.