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Olympic Torch
Sunday, January 20, 2002
Meet the people from Thurston County who will be carrying the flame
THE OLYMPIAN Originally published Sunday, January 20, 2002
The Olympic torchbearers are selected in a variety of ways and by different sponsoring organizations, and some torchbearers are still to be selected or announced.
Here are the torchbearers from Thurston County who had been selected and notified as of Friday:
Todd Baker
- Occupation: Project manager for the state Department of Labor and Industries
- Age: 33
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Lynn Baker, wife
- Bio: Though childhood asthma limited his ability to run and a severely broken leg in college kept him off his feet, Baker has rebounded and is "pretty well hooked" on running. When he turned 30, Baker decided to run a marathon, and he has finished the 26.2-mile distance at events in Seattle and Portland. Originally from Juneau, Alaska, Baker attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and came to Olympia in 1991.
- Quotable: "I'm really honored, and the more I've heard of the stories of some of the others who have been chosen, I feel like maybe a mistake has been made. ... It's just a privilege to be part of such a group of people."
Larry Bennett
- Occupation: Systems analyst
- Age: 40
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Debbie Bennett, wife
- Bio: In the past 15 years, Bennett has been through 11 surgeries, including a 1995 kidney transplant necessary because of a condition called von Hippel-Lindau, which causes tumors throughout his body. Bennett runs his own business, a computer consulting company, and he enjoys skiing, basketball and racquetball as well as spending time with his family. The Bennetts have three children, Nicole, Jordan and Andrew.
- Quotable: "I think the reason I was chosen was not because of my athletic prowess but for the enduring spirit."
Steve Boone
- Occupation: Owner of Northwest Harley-Davidson
- Age: 56
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Jamie Will, friend and co-board member at Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County
- Bio: Boone is a fourth-generation Thurston County resident whose name should be familiar to South Sound residents. He owned the Boone Ford auto dealership from 1961, when he bought it from his father, until he sold it two years ago. Boone has been married 33 years and has two daughters and two granddaughters. He is president of the board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County, and he enjoys skiing and spending time with his granddaughters.
- Quotable: "It is a thrilling honor, just a big rush to be part of the Olympics torch run, and I just feel fortunate to be asked to do that."
Rob Cline
- Occupation: U.S. Army major, combat engineer
- Age: 39
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Suzanne Cline, wife
- Bio: Grew up in California and came to the Northwest in 1980 to attend Oregon State University, where he met his wife. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and has since been around the world, serving in Germany, Guyana and Africa.
- Quotable: "This is probably the biggest honor in my life away from anything related to family. I look at it in a way as serving the country. The closer it gets, I'm getting more than a little nervous -- it's like waiting in a long line for a roller coaster."
John and Vicki Creighton
- Occupation: John worked as a plumber before retiring; Vicki, his daughter, works for the state Department of Health
- Ages: John 79, Vicki 50
- Nominator: Vicki
- Bios: This will be the second torch run for John Creighton, who participated in the 1996 relay for the Atlanta Games. This time he will take the torch from a familiar face -- his daughter Vicki, who nominated him in 1996 and 2002 and who was asked by the committee to run this time. John spent 31/2 years as a prisoner of war in the Philippines during World War II and in 1995 was awarded the Bronze Star for military service. Each year, the Rotary Club awards two scholarships to Olympia High School students in his name, the John G. Creighton Citizenship award.
- Quotable: John -- "I think it's very much an honor to do this, and like I did last time, I'd like to dedicate this to the memory of the Bataan death march." Vicki -- "I was totally shocked when I got the e-mail back that I was selected, too. I'm just very honored to pass the torch off to him."
Madeline Donaldson
- Occupation: Medical specialist in the military
- Age: 50
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Her daughter, Stephanie
- Bio: Came to South Sound 13 years ago when she was stationed at Fort Lewis. She is a disabled veteran and cancer survivor who cares for her elderly mother and does volunteer work. Volunteer projects include work with the Washington Special Olympics and with Tacoma-based Washington Women's Education and Employment.
- Quotable: "I'm just flabbergasted. It's an honor, even though I was notified in, what was it, July? I'm still in disbelief."
Holly Gadbaw
- Occupation: Land use planner; served 19 years on Olympia City Council
- Age: 56
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Olympia Mayor Stan Biles
- Bio: Gadbaw got her start in politics as president of the Thurston County chapter of the League of Women Voters, and also led a group called Olympians for Council Manager, which helped bring about a fundamental restructuring of Olympia's city government. She also is a runner who has completed several half-marathons. Gadbaw lived in Turkey from 1970 to 1972, which she said was a life-changing experience that gave her a chance to travel in the Middle East.
- Quotable: "This is as close to participating in the Olympics as I will probably get. I like the aspect of peace and bringing people around the world together in a sporting event."
Tim Gonzales
- Occupation: U.S. Army, sergeant in infantry
- Age: 26
- Home: Yuma, Ariz., currently stationed at Fort Lewis
- Nominator: Gina Gonzales, wife
- Bio: Grew up in Arizona. Joined the Army in 1996 after graduating from Washington State University. He describes himself as "an ordinary guy who likes ordinary stuff." His wife, Gina, said she nominated him for his service and thought it would be an excellent way for him to represent his country.
- Quotable: "I defend my country every day, and this is a chance to participate in something that not many people get to do."
Bryan Hoddle
- Occupation: Teacher at Chinook Middle School, assistant track coach at River Ridge High School
- Age: 43
- Home: Tumwater
- Nominator: Sherri Hoddle, wife
- Bio: Came to South Sound in 1968 and has been a force on the track and field scene since high school, when he was state champion in the 400 meters for North Thurston High School. He has been a teacher for 21 years as well as a coach. He is heavily involved in work with amputees as a member of the U.S. Paralympic high performance team. He's coached two top paralympian sprinters, Tony Volpentest and Marlon Shirley, and currently works with Issaquah's Jeff Skiba. Hoddle will anchor the torch relay in Olympia, lighting the cauldron at the Farmers Market and speaking on behalf of participants.
- Quotable: "Just to be able to represent the city of Olympia and the North Thurston schools is a tremendous honor. When I go out there and run, I'm really representing everyone."
Megan Lolley
- Student: Freshman at River Ridge High School
- Age: 14
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Seth Lolley III, father
- Bio: Lolley has been involved in gymnastics since she was 5 years old and constantly amazes her parents with her drive, dedication and work ethic. The work is already showing dividends: She has received state and regional honors and in 2000 was national all-around age-group champion for Level 7 gymnasts after winning a meet in Florida.
- Quotable: "It's really exciting. I never thought I'd be able to carry the torch. ... It's a wonderful experience."
Dave and Lisbeth Naber
- Occupation: Both are retired; Lisbeth worked as a computer systems analyst, and Dave was an engineer for a U.S. Navy research lab.
- Ages: David 71; Lisbeth 73
- Home: Lacey
- Nominator: Lisbeth was nominated by her husband. The committee asked both to run.
- Bio: The Nabers are an active couple who have called Panorama City home for seven years. Lisbeth's volunteer resume includes working with hospice and establishing a depression recovery group. She also was instrumental in creating the Washington State Senior Olympics and Olympia Senior Olympics. The Nabers enjoy dancing, both as teachers and performers, and they volunteer at Bread & Roses Community Kitchen.
- Quotable: Lisbeth -- "It feels great, we didn't expect all this to happen."
Armand Osterberg
- Occupation: Retired from United Airlines
- Age: 74
- Home: Olympia
- Nominators: Two of his friends
- Bio: Track and cross-country athlete in high school and college, running distance races of up to 10,000 meters. Advanced to the 1948 Olympic trials for the London games. He remains active, riding his bicycle even after hip replacement and heart bypass surgery. Moved to South Sound in 1991 from New Jersey.
- Quotable: "I just had a terrible day (at the 1948 trials), but at this point now, 50 years later, I'm making up for it and being part of an Olympics at least."
Sean Pugh
- Occupation: Volunteer
- Age: 24
- Home: Lacey
- Nominator: Kathi Pugh, mother
- Bio: A lifelong resident of Lacey, Pugh is no stranger to carrying a torch. In 1991 he carried the torch for the regional Special Olympics softball game in Chehalis. He is involved in basketball, team handball, softball and bowling. In 1999, he and his softball team traveled to North Carolina and finished fourth at the world summer Games. Pugh also helps with boys and girls basketball teams at North Thurston High School.
- Quotable: "I don't think it'll feel too different (from 1991), but it'll be a big event."
Diane Rae
- Occupation: Teacher at Capital High School
- Age: 61
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Annor Benson, teacher at Capital
- Bio: A soccer devotee, Rae plays in recreational leagues and is among the oldest soccer players in the area. She was in attendance when the United States won the Women's World Cup in 1999 over China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Originally from Iowa, Rae has taught for 22 years. The torch relay will be extra-special for Rae because the date also is her grandson Patrick's second birthday.
- Quotable: "I think what I like to feel that I'm doing is carrying the torch for all of us women athletes that wanted opportunities prior to Title IX. Society didn't really back that when I was growing up, so this is special to me."
Brandy Ranger
- Student: Sophomore at Yelm High School
- Age: 15
- Home: Yelm
- Nominators: Becky Jackson, mother; Belinda Baker, aunt
- Bio: A stroke at birth left Ranger with an impaired range of motion along her right side, but that has not kept her from playing first base on Yelm High School's fastpitch team -- she catches and throws with the same hand. Her daughter's resilience is a constant inspiration, said her mother, Becky Jackson.
- Quotable: "I feel so honored. I was shocked when I heard. There's going to be a huge turnout, I think, and it's going to be really nerve-racking, but it's going to be great."
Edith Russell and Angie Skov
- Occupation: Russell is a retired jewelry store manager; her daughter, Skov, is office manager in library administration at The Evergreen State College.
- Ages: Russell 76; Skov 47
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Skov
- Bio: Born in Germany, Russell danced in the opening ceremonies of the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin at age 11. She married an American serviceman and became a U.S. citizen in 1951. Skov, who will run with her mother in the relay, is one of five children. Russell worked for 24 years as manager at Kluh's Jewelers in Olympia. Skov was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and is a graduate of Olympia High School and The Evergreen State College.
- Quotable: Russell -- "When I think of the Olympics, I get shivers down my spine." Skov -- "Well, I'm stunned. I wrote the essay nominating my mom on behalf of all my family, and I never expected to be included -- I tried to turn it down. It's such an honor."
Jeff Thummel
- Occupation: Teacher at Parkside Elementary in Tenino
- Age: 30
- Home: Chehalis
- Nominators: Third-grader Connor Reeves, a former student; and his mother, Michelle Reeves
- Bio: A longtime Chehalis resident, Thummel is a physical education teacher and head wrestling coach at Tenino High School. Believing that sports and physical activity are lifetime pursuits, he has started running programs at Parkside including "Run for Fun," a daily lunchtime jogging program for students. Also heads the annual jogathon to raise money for the school.
- Quotable: "Right now it's a little bit overwhelming because of all the attention. But it's a great honor, and the closer it gets the more excited I get. Now that it's coming to crunch time, it's really exciting. I'll probably be pretty nervous."
Jill Wilmovsky
- Student: Senior at Pacific Lutheran University, studying special and elementary education
- Age: 21
- Home: Olympia
- Nominator: Unavailable
- Bio: After a near-fatal car crash when she was 16, she was not expected to be able to return to school for a year, let alone play basketball or run track. She went back to school in the fall and picked up where she left off in sports. Now she is a sprinter on PLU's track team. Wilmovsky also is planning her August wedding.
- Quotable: "I'm excited. It's pretty cool and an experience that not a lot of people get to have."
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