The 2009 John Blaufuss Run/Walk
The 4th annual John Blaufuss Memorial Run/Walk was
held Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Sauder Alumni Center.
The running and walking courses ran through and around the ESU campus area, including a 2-mile walk and a 5k run. Participants young and old walked the long circuit around the ESU campus, talking and smiling; a few on the walking path pushed strollers. Crowds of volunteers cheered in the final stretch, shouting encouragements.
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166 participants joined the event. Finishes for the 5k run were clocked, and Mark Kucza (18:33), Jacob Kucza (18:34), and Will Rowland (19:08) were recognized as the fastest times in the male runner category. Audrey Sherman (24:04), Beth Rowland (24:17), and Chelsea Blaufuss (24:32), were recognized as the fastest runners in the women’s category.
Blake Davis, associate director of annual programs and event coordinator, recognized the top three male and female finishers at the reception, presenting their medals. Dorothy Blaufuss, spouse of the late John Blaufuss and an alumna as well, spoke on the memory of her husband and his commitment to raising support for ESU students. All $10,000 of this year’s proceeds are dedicated to the ESU General Scholarship Fund.
In 2009, champion sponsor Barnhart Builders, of Olpe, Kan., were joined as sponsors for the event by Bobby D’s Merchant Street BBQ, Emporia Fitness, Sodexo, and Walburn’s Fitness and Wellness, as well as the Blaufuss family and several other area businesses in support of the scholarship drive.
John Blaufuss, a beloved figure at Emporia State University, was killed while jogging in December 2005. The ESU controller served ESU for more than 30 years. A firm believer in supporting ESU, he contributed to numerous scholarship funds for students. At the first Blaufuss Run/Walk in 2006, in honor of Blaufuss, ESU dedicated a statue of Corky the Hornet.
Gallery
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The starting line for the runners' path, outside the Alumni Center. |
At the sound of the gun, the runners launch |
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Runners drive through campus |
The reception following the event at the Sauder Alumni Center |
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The brothers Kucza, who took the leading times at the event |
The 2009 John Blaufuss Run/Walk, sponsored by Barnhart Builders and twenty other area businesses and individuals, dedicated to student aid. |
Video
Coming soon!
Last Updated May 14, 2009