Long before the social benefits of running came into play, Don ran to compete. While attending Geneva High School, Don participated on both the cross-country and track team, where he ran the 880 (now the 800 meters.) As a freshman at Syracuse University, Don continued to run competitively. However, when lab work and the rigors of college life began to take on a more prominent role, his running fell by the wayside. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry in 1968, Don still had little time for running. It was a turbulent era in history, and most young men were being called into active duty. Rather than wait to be drafted, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served four years.

Marriage, family and career followed after leaving the service. Although he would occasionally get out for a recreational run, they were few and far in between. Then, in 1996 after a long leave of absence from daily running, he became reacquainted with the sport that was such a large part of his teenage years. Deciding it was time to get in shape and lose some weight, Don began running regularly on his own, starting small and in time, building up his mileage. When his daughter joined the Liverpool cross-country team in 1997, Don’s running really took off. He ran with the team a few times, helped out at the meets (and continues to even after his daughter has graduated from Liverpool High School), taking great pleasure in being around all the people involved in running.

In 1998, Don competed in his first road race, the Swamp Rat 5K. Since then, he has entered innumerable races from 100m dash to the marathon, with the half-marathon being his favorite. Per Don, "the half-marathon doesn’t beat you up and you do not have to rest as long afterwards as you do with a marathon." He did his pr in the half in Ottawa in a time of 1:48. No matter what the distance or course, Don always looks forward to the social bond he experiences with the other runners. Being able to chat with such a diverse group of people from varied backgrounds and ability levels is a wonderful experience. He enjoys the many friendships he has made and looks forward to each race to catch up with his fellow runners.

Don’s training is fairly unregimented. He runs about 20-25 miles per week and tries to fit in a long run and tempo runs, but mostly runs for enjoyment. He also finds running an excellent way to reflect and think about life. He runs a lot of his miles at Onondaga Lake Park, where bumping into other Chargers such as Mickey Piscitelli, Fred Miller, Linda Glowacki and many others, is a common occurrence, and one of the reasons he enjoys both running and the park.

A proud member and volunteer of the Syracuse Chargers, Don serves on the board and offers his assistance at many events. He belongs to the club and volunteers his time as he likes what the organization has to offer, which is something for everyone. He points out the many summer fun runs, indoor track meets, camps and races sponsored by the SCTC. According to Don, "no matter what the level of ability, everyone can join in." That is why he has been volunteering for many years at the Festival of Races, where people of all abilities come together. To be part of such a renowned event where world-class runners participate side-by-side with local runners, and families getting together for a group activity, is so incredible and he enjoys being part of it.

Don and his wife Val, who also participates in many races, reside in Liverpool. They are the parents of three children, Matthew, Becky and Linda. Recently retired after 28 years as the Forestry Superintendent for the City of Syracuse, Don has been able to do things that he could not previously, such as run with the Noontime Running Club as well as doing the traditional weekend long run, midweek. He enjoys being outdoors, gardening and caring for his home. Devoted to his alma mater, Don follows all the Syracuse teams and in particular, S.U. lacrosse.

July, 2002