The Shining Tiger Award for Dedication to Triathlon Announcement

 The award is intended to recognize an inspiring person in the triathlon community who has demonstrated strength of character, enthusiasm, empathy and courage. This individual will be honored for their significant contributions to triathlon through authentic acts motivated out of an inner passion and dedication for the sport.

The three winners, like tigers in the wild each have their own unique stripes but they are all shining tigers with their individual gifts to the community.  In alphabetical order by last name,  please join me in congratulating…the 2014 Shining Tigers!

Jon Cencich

Jon Cencich does not want this award. I’m 100% certain he has not been dreaming of the coveted trophy and dusting off a place on his mantle in hopes that the honor will be bestowed upon him. He might even ask to give it back but “SORRY, your name is on the trophy already. Surprise! FAQ Shining Tigers do not want the award

Jon is receiving this honor because he is a true example of life balance, candor and heart in the sport. He has an inclusive nature despite a wise guy demeanor. Jon is likely going to be humbled and he might even be aggravated with me for a minute or so for pointing out how inspiring and encouraging his influence has been to those athletes around him. Jon will race his heart out and rise to the challenge of even the most challenging race venues. He is bold and an independent thinker.

Jon has inspired members of both the triathlon and the single sport marathon community over the years. His MTT (marathon training team) friends marvel about his progress calling him a “serious training beast now,” encouraging me to “look up his results” to see the remarkable progress he’s made year over year. Jon loves triathlon but will not boast about it. You can see the passion in that gleam in his eyes right before a race or big training session. He’s fun to be around and his authentic nature & high standards for a low stress balance in the sport makes us better athletes. Jon is a constant reminder to keep it fun and relaxed but to embrace the lifestyle to its fullest. He’s about going hard & giving focus when it is time. He can for example be found drinking beers at Cask (a great pub in Richmond) and then turn around the next AM to bust out some serious wattage in a 6am group trainer session on a regular basis.

He does this all while elevating others around him in a blend of jeering yet encouraging delivery. If you’re whining about an upcoming session, worried your Vo2 max score is too low or being overly competitive at a practice, Jon will set you straight and you’ll want to thank him for it later..but he will not let you. Years ago, I was running in a half marathon and in the final stretch I was fading and playing with my watch. He ran to pass me (smoked me, too) & mustered energy to say, “suck it up buttercup, let’s go.” I picked it up and had a better race because of him. Jon holds high standards for himself and for other athletes. He wants us to give our best but also makes sure those in his wide circle never take themselves too seriously in the sport. He is brazen enough to speak up to make sure you live up to that. You can count on Jon to “call you out” but always with a positive intent. Warning: do not draft off him up a steep hill. : )

Jon is the person who can and will chime into Tri forums to tell you exactly how to fix your Garmin or GPS watch issues while playfully encouraging you to learn this stuff yourself when you are puzzled. Now that you know this, he may charge you. My thoughts? “I want commission, buddy!” Jon Cenchic is a maverick among green box obsessed, split memorizing, data crunching serious long course triathletes.

He will probably be mad at me for presenting him with the prestigious Shining Tiger Award for Triathlon Dedication, but I’d be pressed to find one who knows him that can argue that he does not embody the high ideals of independence, courage and toughness represented by the Shining Tiger.

Marv is a family man of strong principles who generously extends his time and energy to make the triathlon community a better place.   He does this by always supporting other athletes with utmost sportsmanship, standing up boldly for what is right and ideal in any situation, and racing with courage despite any obstacle.  He may be humbled by this and try to resist the recognition but he deserves the trophy for all he gives. 

Marv & his wife, Sandy

Marv loves triathlon but he will tell you he is semi-retired from the sport as he switched his focus to family priorities after tackling his first ironman.  The community however, does not accept this “tri-retirement” and respects Marv so much that he really cannot escape Richmond tri-world.   He’s constantly being asked to race on “relay” teams with other athletes who know that he is dependable and fun.  He graciously accepts nearly every request as he is a team player, always willing to help another.  He brings fun and values to the triathlon table in a very genuine manner.  He also gives back to the community through volunteer efforts at races and through dedicated service on the Board of Directors for the widely popular, Richmond Tri Club.  Marv raises the high standards of integrity in the sport through his actions and his encouragement.  I hear he has a fairly new, all black tri bike that should be incentive to jolt him out of the pause and back into the racing scene soon.  Stay tuned…

When he is racing and training he is disciplined and focused but always makes time for his true priorities in life and keeps a very level head.  He will however, always put in the work and his determination to succeed is remarkable.  Regardless of the challenges before him, he will overcome all in order to meet his goal.  The hard work and dedication he gives is inspiring.  I watched him go through many ups and downs as he trained for Ironman Florida and I was impressed by the perseverance.

From the early years of the Winter Rider Group

Marv will actively seek to make improvements in the triathlon community so that we can enjoy it all the more.  He is a responsible action oriented man that takes strides to ensure inclusive opportunities for athletes to enjoy the sport in a friendly and open environment.  Marv cares about engaging athletes in the sport to lead a healthy lifestyle.  As a Midwestern transplant to Virginia, cold weather doesn’t phase him even in the winter elements on two wheels.  Marv went above and beyond 3 years ago to create the “Winter Rider Group,” an informal but well attended all are welcome weekly group ride followed by coffee and hot chocolate.  You will find newbies to elite, triathletes to roadie and everyone in between from every team in town under his leadership at this ride.  He wrote a popular article about winter riding gear and is always willing to answer questions for cyclists newer to riding in colder conditions.  The series lasts all winter and the forum on social media is 24/7 365 days of motivation.  We actually look forward to these off season adventures freezing with Marv. He takes great pride in creating fun and interesting routes and is a complete leader who will make sure no one is left behind, lost or having a hard time.  He’s the guy who will always take the time to help you change a flat tire.  If conditions become too intense, he and his wife Sandy will invite athletes to their home for a GTS (garage trainer series) adventure in his remarkable bike trainer studio/garage he personally designed and put hard work into creating last year.

“Everyone knows Marv” is the case in Richmond triathlon and he’s highly regarded by other athletes.  Last year at the Richmond Endurance Symposium in our city, there was a “Marv’s Friend” game by one of the vendor sponsored, which amused us all. 

I’m very proud to recognize Marv Cline with the Shining Tiger Award for Dedication to Triathlon.