ALL STAR VOLUNTEERS - Judy Melchor

We would like to spotlight Judy Melchor this month. Thank you Judy for all of your time and amazing energy! You add so much to each and every High Five Event!

How long have you been involved in triathlon as a volunteer and as an athlete?
Started racing triathlons and volunteering at races since '99.

Why do you volunteer?
When I am racing, volunteers make my race day so much better. In either rain or shine they cheer, provide water/gator and everyone can feed of their energy to get through the race. What a better way to give back to the sport! By volunteering I can pay it forward and help make someone else race a success.

What is your favorite High Five Volunteer Perk?
Besides volunteering with amazing friends who I have raced with a time or two. The volunteer party!! It is so much fun to see everyone and just laugh and have a good time

What is the most memorable volunteer moment you've experienced at an event?
It was very late in the day and only the family of the last athlete left and I were at the finish line. We saw her coming around the corner walking in and we just busted out cheering her in, encouraging her to finish strong and run in the last few yards. The huge smile on her face as she saw us and started to run to the finish. She crossed the finish line with the biggest smile on her face and thanking us all for getting her there and for staying around to see her finish. Seeing how her family celebrated with her was well worth the wait. As I was cleaning up she returned, still with a big grin on her face, and thanked me for staying around to make sure she finished and for volunteering. That alone made my day!

Of all things you've seen as a volunteer, what is one suggestion you would make to athletes to help their day?
Enjoy the day and smile through out the race! You have worked so hard in training why not enjoy your success in achieving your goal. Enjoy the moment!!

Which is your favorite High Five Event and why?
Love Couples Tri! It is a lot of fun and it is always great to see the groups that race! Not to mention the team names, you just have to love the creativity!!

What do you like to do when you're not volunteering/racing?
Spending time with family and friends. May it be a BBQ, camping, day at the park or catching up with drinks and a movie.

Which is your favorite High Five Volunteer Shirt?
I can't remember what race this was from but has been my favorite so far. All it said in the front was "Volunteer".

What is your favorite Volunteer Assignment and why?
Definitely finish line! Love to see athletes cross the finish line with big smiles knowing they achieved their goal.

Do you listen to music when you train? If so, what are some of your favorite tunes?
To many to list! Anything from Salsa to Top Hits! If its music you can dance to and has a great beat then it is on my play list to train with. What a better way to motivate you when you train than some very upbeat music!

August 2010 Featured Volunteer

Dan Kirkley

Thank you to all the volunteers who help make High Five Events' events a success! From the packet stuffing a few days before, to bodymarking on event morning, to post-event clean-up (and all the many other ways!) -- we could not do it without you.

If you know someone interested in getting started with triathlon, volunteering is a great way to see the "ins-and-outs" of the sport and can often be just the thing to get inspired to try it out for the first time!

Every month we like to highlight a special volunteer. Up this month, one of the most inspiring people on the course: Dan Kirkley!

How many years have you volunteered with High Five Events? This is year #4. My son Matt and I have been finishers since the (Texas Tri) series began.

What is your favorite part of volunteering at High Five Event races? My very favorite part is doing things with my family (my children). I also really enjoy helping people and encouraging them to excel.

Why do you volunteer? I volunteer because it lightens the load for others and because it gives me the opportunity to rub shoulders with athletes and people like Jack, Dan, Michelle, Nick and others who"know the business."

What's the craziest thing you've witnessed while volunteering? The number of athletes who think their bikes are "stolen" before we find them for them in transition. Also, the number of swimmers who've not ever practiced in open water and are unable to complete the swim.

What's your favorite part of the course to work? Transition or swim

Favorite sport besides triathlon? Fishing

What is the earliest you've woken up to volunteer? 3:00 AM to drive from Belton to help with parking.

Favorite volunteer perk? Finishers Banquet. The food, visiting, crazy awards and finisher award. (Matt and I are looking forward to being five year finishers next year).

Best/Worst volunteer t-shirt color? My favorite t-shirt, if I can remember correctly, was the 2008 "Austin" which was a moisture wicking white with the colorful Austin Tri emblem. The sky blue "Rookie" this year was pretty good also. My least favorite are the yellows.

Thanks Dan!

Sign-up to volunteer at the upcoming AVIA Austin Triathlon!