There’s a party in Ault Park, and all are invited to the 16th Annual Reggae Run in memory of a RB graduate who died tragically. This year’s race is on October 3 at 6 p.m. and will conclude with a bash, complete with refreshments and live reggae music.
The Reggae Run was started four months after Maria Olberding, 1985 RB graduate, died. “The race was a way to help us get past her death and remember the good she left behind,” Mrs. Irma Olberding said. “We always play Ava Maria before the race in honor of her.”
The Olberdings have given back to the Make-a-Wish Foundation since the start of the 5k. The starter is usually a child from the program. This foundation helps young children who are very ill, by making their last few years, their best.
Olberding, was a member the cross-country team, was murdered at the age of 27 as she was taking a training run for the Boston Marathon. The Xavier University graduate was a loved member of the RB community.
Mrs. Olberding can remember her daughter “as witty, smart and artistic.”
“She was the spark plug of our family,” Mrs. Olberding said.
Mrs. Chrissy Lipp, 1985 RB graduate mother of senior Zach Lipp and sophomore Cassie Lipp, was a best friend of Olberding. “I was with Maria the afternoon she was killed. I remember her saying ‘What have I done with my life?’ I now know that I should be a friend to all. To reach out and touch someone, even in small ways is a gift that gives even if you didn’t know it at the time.”
However, Mr. Dave Feitchner, a history teacher at Roger Bacon, coached Maria in cross-country, and can recall many good laughs with her. “Maria loved life. She loved to run, listen to her reggae music, and be with friends. She took her life seriously, but at the same time she had fun. We always had a good laugh with each other,” Feitchner said.
Along with Mr. Feitchner, Olberding’s English teacher, Mr. Jim Swedenburg, currently an American government teacher has fond memories of his former student. “She was quiet in class but she knew when to have fun and make others laugh. I was terribly sad when she passed away,” Swedenburg said.
Every year, Swedenburg volunteers at the Reggae Run.
Art teacher at Roger Bacon, Mr. Ed Dauterich, remembers Maria vividly in his art class. “She was very talented, hardworking and quiet. I worked with Maria’s sister Patti here and I was completely shocked when she called and said Maria had been killed,” Dauterich said.
Finally, long time coach and current physical education teacher, Mr. Dan Starkey can remember what it was like to have Maria in his class. “Maria was a beautiful, all around person. She was so loving and a great student. To this day, Maria is still a vital component of our school community. She is sorely missed.” Starkey said.
The Olberding family can always have Maria with them when they see a sunset, a rainbow or a red bird. They believe that it is Maria’s way that she is always with them. No matter where they are in the world, she is always with them.
THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Since Maria’s death, the Olberdings have not forgotten about the cross-country. They have established a full scholarship in her honor. The Olberdings pick one runner each year that they feel represents Maria’s spirit off and on the course.
This year’s winner is Senior Jon Mathis. Mathis is the captain of the boy’s team and led his team to the regional meet in Troy, Ohio last year. Mathis is also a miler and a two miler on the track team.
“I was shocked that the Olberdings selected me, but I am very thankful and honored,” Mathis said “Maria had such a passion for running and her friends, that I believe I embody her spirit everyday I live my life”
NEW WEEK! NEW RULES!
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The Spartan Sports Report 