Blazeman Spirit Award

Cris Miller was nominated by his wife, Tammy. Her nomination read - "Cris always has been an 'all or nothing' person. He has participated in several marathons, so when he told me that he was going to start training for a triathlon, I wasn't surprised. He wanted to puch himself harder. Cris in not your normal triathlete, he is built more like a linebacker. Anytime someone hears that he has participated in triathlon, it's always the same question - you? His response is why not me.

In the spring of 2006, Cris competed in Ironman Florida. He was pleased with his finish, but a phone call changed his life and out family's forever. Several years ago, there had been a bone marrow drive for people to become donors. Cris without telling anyone went to the drive. Not too long after Ironman Florida, Cris received a call from the National Bone Marrow program. He was a perfect match for an individual who would die without Cris' marrow. He didn't think twice, just asked when and where. He has selflessness about him when others need help, he wants to help. He had to be hospitalized and the harvest was a very painful procedure. He had to take a week off to recover from the procedure but then started training for Ironman Florida in November.

Anyone who is involved with someone training for a triathlon knows how much time it takes from your everyday schedule. Even when Cris is training, he makes time for his children. He coaches out children's sport teams. He assists with out son's Boy Scout troop. He volunteers at loacal races and charities.

Cris becoming a triathlete has become a family event. Our children are his swim-bike-run partners. Since his first triathlon we have traveled to Florida, Kentucky and West Virginia. In West Virginia, he took first place for his class the Clydesdales. His next stop is Maryland."

Mike Lahey was nominated by his friend, Jay DeBerardinis. His nomination reads - "Mike Lahey is a five feet six inch tall 100mph ball of positive 'yes you can' attitude. Being built like a wrestler just means to him that 650cm wheels were invented for his small framed tri bike.

For several years now, Mike has been channeling his energy and enthusiasm for triathlon in Team in Training. Mike is not only a talented and competitive triathlete, he also coaches the Eastern Shore Triathlon Team to very successful fundraising and athletic achievement. His sparkling personality and contaigous excitement have drawn people to the sport of triathlon and the LLS who may never have dared to venture into the world of multi-sport.

In conjunction with his work with TNT, Mike has been a central organizer for golf tournaments, cycling time trials, and just this past May, the Inaugural Nanticoke River Swim and Triathlon to benefit 5 charities. Two hundred and twenty athletes participated in an incredible event inspired by friend and YMCA Masters swimmer Nancy Sterling, who has been battling ALS for two years. Mike brought the energy and 'yes you can' to a group of volunteers from 5 non-profits to pull off a fantastic event. Mike was the glue to focus a diverse group of volunteers. He's great with the details but greater is his gift for getting others to step out and go places they would not normally go alone.

Mike eptiomizes the Braveheart quote about titles and courage. He could care less about rank and status. Rather, he gets satisifaction from watching his friends pull off a successful golf tournament or triathlon for charity that few thought was possible. He'll crack a beer with you to celebrate when it's over, just don't toast him because he wants everyone else to get the credit.

 As Jon Blais said, appreciate all the little things in life...it's the underdo who overcomes obstacles...and is still doing it. Mike teaches us to regard challenges and obstacles as just stuff in the way of the finish line. No big deal, just suck it up and block them out of the way. He drives people to raise money for important charities that save lives...he shows people how to believe in themselves, he trains to achieve his own personal best and he's even better at showing others how to do it."

Andrew Urion was nominated by his wife, Alexis. Her nomination reads - When we met in 2001, all Andrew talked about was completing a triathlon.  He had a solid running background but didn’t own a bike and couldn’t swim.   In 2002 he completed his first sprint triathlon.  A mere two years later, he finished Ironman Florida and was hooked.

Almost exactly two months after completing that first Ironman, Andrew suffered a stroke and was hospitalized for four days.  MRIs showed scar tissue on his brain indicative of two prior strokes that he had no knowledge of suffering.  Test after test was performed to determine how someone so young and healthy could suffer three strokes, but all tests were inconclusive.  We still do not know why it happened… or if it could happen again.

Although I hated running with a passion, I signed up immediately for the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon through Train To End Stroke.  Throughout 3.5 months of training, Andrew was my biggest cheerleader.  Two days before the race, Andrew surprised me by showing me his registration confirmation; he had registered for the marathon without telling me – and without training – and ran by my side the whole 26.2 miles.

A week later, he completed his second consecutive Eagleman race, again without training.  Missing Eagleman that year simply was not an option.

Andrew’s profession is personal trainer, and he recently completed a triathlon coaching certification.  He is dedicated to the sport and to his clients, encouraging each of them to be their very best. 

He is my hero.