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))