Mary
Janiszewski began running at her middle school. In high school track she ran the
220, 440, and 880. She was one of the top runners on her team. Unfortunately,
her college did not have any running programs. After college she joined the Syracuse
Chargers Track Club. In the 10K, 1000 meters and 1500 meters, she won many events
for the club. She is still a member and occasionally runs a masters race for them.
After moving to Rhode Island she began running the local races and has done well
in many of them. For example, she has been the overall winner at the Lawrence
Memorial 3.5 for three consecutive times; the Elks 5K twice; the Clamdigger, Kelley's
Pace 3.5 and St. Pius races each once.
Mary's
coaching career began in Westerly in1994. Her teams have been to the state championship
meets every year and have been the runner-up team over the past few years. She
has had outstanding runners who have advanced to college teams. These girls have
natural talent but a good high school coach makes a big difference- and Mary is
that coach.
She
has also had many other good runners who enjoyed being on her team. If she sees
one of her former runners at a local race, she is happy to know that they have
continued this healthy lifestyle. Mary has also helped out some older girls with
training sessions.
Mary
has two children. She does not push them into her sport, but lets them run as
they wish and enjoy themselves.
The
Westerly area has been blessed with a very good runner, an excellent coach and
a wonderful mother.
(written
by Buddy Grills (June 23, 2005))
