Jerry (right) with former national chair George Matthews at 2008 Reno annual meeting.
, national masters throws coordinator, has been named 2015 winner of the David Pain Distinguished Service Award. The USATF Masters Awards Committee (of which we are both members) made the selection in the past week or so. Jerry’s response: “I am humbled. Thank you all.” The honor was originally called Administrator of the Year Award, and that fits Jerry. But he’s also
an active athlete who goes way beyond the call of duty by knowing all there is to know about the implements, specs and rules. And he shares his wisdom via his
Throwers Circle column in National Masters News, where he tells the truth. No matter how it pains some. He once
kept a blog, too. In his former day job (he retired in July), Jerry did
higher-ed study-abroad stuff. He’s a
Mideast expert. Y’all can fill in the many blanks of what he does for masters. Mazel tov to Jerry, who says he’s a candidate for USATF Masters T&F vice chairman in 2016.
13 Responses
This selection was on point and well-deserved. The award is for Distinguished Service, and that description fits the job Jerry has done for Masters Track & Field. His maturity, demeanor, poise under fire, fairness, and intelligent and thoughtful approach to his work for both the sport and its athletes can and should serve as a template for administrative excellence.
I am fortunate to have known Jerry since day one of my Masters career almost 20 years ago. At the time he was a superb Shot/Discus thrower who also threw well enough in the other events to be a world-class Throws Pentathlete. Twenty years of training and throwing as well as a devastating back injury have served to rob him of his distances, but his presence in the sport has only flourished. His guidance, advice and behind-the-scenes work with Meet Co-Directors Jim Burgoyne and me made the 2014 USA Masters Throws Championship meet a unanimous success despite having only a short time frame with which to work.
I fully support his election as Masters T&F Vice Chairman, and would encourage others to do the same. Our sport needs people like Jerry Bookin-Weiner in order to help move it in the right direction.
Congratulations to you, sir.
Congrads. Thank you for all that you have been doing.
Ditto!!!!
Jerry gives the USATF Masters Throws events a high level of respectability. He befits the old saying..
“you can not lead where you will not go”.. Jerry is there and has been there! thanks for your leadership Jerry !
Congratulations, Jerry, for a well deserved award.
I wanted to wish Jerry congratulations – He is truly one of the “Steel Pillars” in the throws community, and has been instrumental in helping promote, and improve, the throws. I really enjoy his Throwers Circle column, as well as the meets he puts on in Columbia MD. Thanks for all you do Jerry!
When I had a “meltdown” at the 2010 Outdoor Nationals in Sacramento, and was feeling devastated, Jerry told me precisely what I had done wrong in my 3 foul attempts in the hammer throw. Sound advise I should have figured out for myself during the competition, but we have all had those “hindsight” situations, and you learn.
Jerry has given a lot of help and organizational expertise to the throwing events and competitions over the years, so this award is well deserved, and I hope he continues.
Congrats to Jerry – it would hard to find someone as dedicated and passionate about Masters Field events. I consider it an honor to know him and compete in the same age group.
THROW FAR!
I too, feel that this is well deserved. Thank
you so much, Jerry.
All the best,
Charlie Roll
Congratulations Jerry!!! This is so long overdue. We are extremely grateful for all you do for us. Thank you so much.
Well deserved. Congrats Jerry. A great assets to MTF
Congratulations Jerry!
I am in agreement with John Seto, this is so long overdue. Your passion, dedication and support of the Masters throwers is so much appreciated. Thanks for all you do. You’re the best.
Neni
Jerry, I want you to know that I share the sentiments already expressed by my fellow throwers. I can’t quite imagine what the Masters throwing world would be without your many contributions. I have been especially impressed over the years with your tough-love approach to promoting safety during competition.
Best wishes for many more years of participation in our great sport.
Lee
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