IN MEMORIUM:

Brian Dodge

The hearts of the membership of the East Utica Optimist Club, Race Committee, Directors, and Volunteers of the E.J. Herrmann Interscholastic Cross-Country Invitational are saddened. We were informed that Brian Dodge unexpectedly passed away on 29 January 2012. He was 58 years old.

He is Survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol A. Dodge; daughter, Breann Dodge; faithful companion, Sammy. He is predeceased by his father, Howard Dodge. He is also survived by his mother, Stella Dodge of Utica; two sisters, Marcia (Dr. George) Schilling of New Hartford, Lisa Dodge of Utica; sisters-in-law, Sandra (Pete) Cataldo of Rome, Bernice Mrzlikar of Utica, Kathryn (Glenn) Palmer of Georgia; several nieces and nephews.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Carol, Breann, and the entire family.

Brian was an outstanding track and cross-country athlete at Thomas R. Proctor High School. His excellence in distant running events continued on the collegiate level; and, Brian was a four-time All-American while attending Alleghany Community College and SUNY-Plattsburg. His coaching career included periods at Notre Dame High School, Utica, and at G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, where he endeavored to instill his passion for running to his adolescent charges. Brian taught health education at Fulton's high school for 32 years.

He competed on many different running teams for nearly a half-century. In his youth he participated for The Utica Pacemakers, and most recently contributed his running skills to The Genesee Valley Harriers Premier Running Club. He was named to the USA Track and Field Veteran National Championship teams on several occasions.

The former Proctor Cross-Country Invitational, Utica Developmental Runs, the Utica Boilermaker are only some local events in which Brian competed. Brian participated in the E. J. Herrmann as a coach, patron, and volunteer. The Herrmann's Junior Varsity Boys Event is named to honor Brian for his dedication to the sport.

Brian was the essence of a class act. We will always remember his spirit and competitiveness.