2009 Honorees

Gerard Chwazik

Gerard Chwazik was born and raised in Utica. Born in 1962, Gerard attended Holy Trinity Elementary School and Notre Dame High School. While at Notre Dame, Gerard ran cross country, where he was known to Proctor's runners as "Chwaz's brother", his brother being long-time Proctor coach, Ted Chwazik. Gerard graduated from Notre Dame 1980.

Upon graduation from Notre Dame, Gerard attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in 1984.

Gerard was hired by IBM in Endicott, NY, in June 1984 and continues to work there today. Gerard met his wife, Heather, in Endicott and they married in September 1986.

Gerard is a frequent volunteer at the Herrmann, including webmaster since 2005 and helping keep the finish chute area clear for the runners when family obligations allow him to work at the meet in person.

Mr & Mrs Chwazik have two daughters, Katherine and Emily.

Joe Gentile

Joe Gentile was born, raised, and educated in Utica, New York. Joe attended Mary Street School, then Wetmore School and was a 1973 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School.

Upon graduation from T.R. Proctor High School, Joe attended Herkimer County Community College, finishing his college education at Canisus College in Buffalo, New York.

Joe then became a substitute teacher at various schools in Buffalo and took on his first coaching job of a girls basketball team. Upon returning to Utica, New York, Joe began teaching at Utica Free Academy (UFA) and once again took to coaching, this time as head football coach.

Currently Joe is employed as the Department Head of Special Education at T.R. Proctor High School.

Joe has been involved with the E.J. Herrmann Invitational for over two decades and is responsible for the commemorative T-Shirts sold at the meet. Demand for the shirts continues to grow each year and they are frequently sold out before the end of the day. One of the first things the runners do when they arrive at the course is seek out this years T-Shirt. It's not uncommon to hear stories of coaches buying shirts and giving them away at the end of the Cross Country season as awards to thier best runners. Joe's T-Shirts have become as popular and as much of a tradition as the Herrmann Invitational itself.

Joe met his wife Cindy in Utica, New York and they were married in July 1981. They have two children: Joseph and Nicholas.

Past Honorees