Columbia Track Club Celebrates Legacy of Leadership
Columbia, MO — As the Columbia Track Club (CTC) continues to inspire runners of all ages and abilities, it is essential to recognize the dedicated individuals who have served as presidents throughout its rich history. From its inception in the late 1960s to the present day, these leaders have shaped the club's vision and guided its growth.
Our Founder
Bill Clark was Director of Recreation for the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. He had promoted many running and race-walking events over the previous several years, mostly notably the Heart of America Marathon in 1960. In the fall of 1968 he placed a notice in the Columbia Daily Tribune, for which he was a columnist, announcing a meeting for those who were interested in forming a track club.
This meeting was held with ten interested people in attendance. It was decided to proceed with the formation of the club, emphasizing distance running and race-walking as a way to fitness for everyone. A meeting was held at the home of Joe Duncan and the club was formally organized with the decision to incorporate. The club was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, by-laws were created and a schedule set for races in 1969.
A Look Back at Our Presidents
The inaugural president, Joe Duncan, held the position from November 1968 to October 1987. Under his leadership, the CTC established itself as a community center for track and field enthusiasts, fostering a culture of competition and camaraderie.
Following Duncan, Tom Coon served from November 1987 to June 1989, bringing new energy and initiatives to the club. His tenure was marked by an expansion of events and outreach programs.
Joe Marks returned to the helm, leading from July 1989 to June 1991, and again from January 1993 to November 1995. His dual terms saw the club embrace greater participation and inclusivity.
Steve Stonecipher-Fisher stepped in next, first serving from July 1991 to December 1992, and later from May 2019 to October 2020.
Curt Kempf took charge from December 1995 to October 1997, followed by Dick Hessler, whose leadership spanned from November 1997 to November 2004. Hessler's era was characterized by an increase in the club’s profile, including more competitive events and collaborations with local schools.
In December 2004, Linda LaFontaine began her tenure, leading the club until December 2009. Her focus on youth engagement helped develop a new generation of runners, solidifying the club's future.
Bill Stolz served from January 2010 to December 2012, followed by a unique situation where Matt Dreier and Beth Luebbering both held the presidency in January 2012. Luebbering continued to lead until February 2018.
Tom May took the reins briefly in March 2018, followed by a period of vacancy until Steve Stonecipher-Fisher returned in May 2019. Nancy Rezabek then served from November 2020 to October 2021, followed by Nancy Taube, who led from November 2021 to October 2022.
Currently, Beth Kelly is at the forefront, having taken over in December 2022. She aims to build on the legacy of her predecessors while introducing new initiatives to keep the Columbia Track Club thriving.
As we celebrate these past leaders, the Columbia Track Club looks forward to its future, continuing to honor the contributions of those who came before while fostering a community united by a shared love for running.
Presidents of the Columbia Track Club by Year
Joe Duncan: Nov 1968 - Oct 1987
Tom Coon: Nov 1987 - June 1989
Joe Marks: July 1989 - June 1991
Steve Stonecipher-Fisher: July 1991 - Dec 1992
Joe Marks: Jan 1993 - Nov 1995
Curt Kempf: Dec 1995 - Oct 1997
Dick Hessler: Nov 1997 - Nov 2004
Linda LaFontaine: Dec 2004 - Dec 2009
Bill Stolz: Jan 2010 - Dec 2012
Matt Dreier: Jan 2012
Beth Luebbering: Jan 2012 - Feb 2018
Tom May: Mar 2018 - Sept 2018
Vacant: Oct 2018 - April 2019
Steve Stonecipher-Fisher: May 2019 - Oct 2020
Nancy Rezabek: Nov 2020 - Oct 2021
Nancy Taube: Nov 2021 - Oct 2022
Beth Kelly: Dec 2022 - Present