2026 Hall of Fame Finalists
The NOTC Hall of Fame was established in 2013. The purposes of establishing a Hall of Fame include:​
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Recognizing present and past members of the NOTC for their contributions to developing and improving running activities in the New Orleans area.
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Recognizing present and past members for their athletic achievements in club racing as members of the NOTC.
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Familiarizing area runners with the contributions and achievements of those who have come before.
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To provide feedback on 2026 Hall of Fame finalists, please email hall-of-fame@nolatrackclub.org.​​​
​The 2026 class of inductees will be recognized at the 59th Al Briede Gold Cup X 63rd Anniversary Race on September 13th. The 2026 NOTC Hall of Fame finalists are:
Betty Boppart
Betty Boppart was one of the dominant women in NOTC races in the 1980’s. In 1984, Betty posted the fastest 35-39 age group times in the mile, three mile, 10K, half-marathon and 25K. But Betty’s local accomplishments are just a small part of her story. Betty is a significant figure in the history of American female distance racing. She wanted to run the South Pacific Games marathon, which was a male only race at the time. Betty was finally allowed to run the race, but she had to start two hours before the men, and drop out if any many passed her. She started in the dark at five am and completed her solo run of 26.2 miles in 2:59. In those same games she won the 3000 meter championship race, confirming her place as the queen of Pacific distance runners.
Bill Burke
Bill Burke has committed himself to the world of endurance sports for decades, launching his path as a race director with the first Crescent City Classic in 1979. In 1993, he established Premier Event Management (PEM), an organization that has orchestrated more than 1,000 competitions throughout North America, specializing in the disciplines of cycling, triathlon, and distance running. Bill has been a dependable supporter of the NOTC since the 1980’s. He continues to provide material, equipment and expertise to the NOTC board, helping to maintain a high standard of quality racing events for NOTC members. Among his notable personal records are a 4:56 mile and a 10:05 two-mile, both achieved at the Great St. Charles Road Race. He also clocked an impressive 33:04 at the 1982 Peachtree 10K. In the Schlitz Lite Half Marathon, he crossed the finish line in 1:17:10. His endurance is further highlighted by a 2:52:12 performance at the Baton Rouge Marathon.
Rosemary Gioia
Rosemary Gioia has worked just about every Chalmette Track Club race since the club’s inception sometime in the 1980’s. This includes not only day-of-race work, but also pre-race preparation. She’s handled registration, done the awards scoring, cooked post-race food, etc., etc. Her value to the New Orleans area running community has been substantial and rarely
Matched. Rosemary had a career as an educator, and that included coaching for decades at Andrew Jackson and Chalmette High Schools. She has been a mentor to hundreds of cross country and track athletes. Rosemary has also assisted her daughter Jennifer in her coaching responsibility.
Ross Shales
From 1998 through 2001 Ross Shales was one of the top runners in the NOTC. Shales won 23 NOTC races, the most notable being the 1999 Jackson Day Race with a time of 29:21. Other notable local performances were a second local finish in the 1999 Crescent City Classic in 32:57, Fathers' Day two mile race in 1999 in 9:57, and at age 49 in 2013 the Mardi Gras Marathon, in a time of 2:53:05. Ross served in the Louisiana Army National Guard and ran for the National Team from 1998 - 2005. He ran his marathon personal record in the National Guard Trials at the Lincoln Marathon in 1999 with a time of 2:36:46. Shales coached cross country with the St Dominic Elementary School. He also helped coach Archbishop Shaw and Westbank runners during the summer as part of the Watermelon Club training. Ross also served on the NOTC Board for 2 years.
Sarah Skotty Powell
Sarah dominated women’s running in New Orleans from 2010-2013 placing first in every race she ran. Her debut marathon was in 2011 at the Toyota Atkinson BCS Marathon and was first female in a time of 2:47:30. In 2012 she was second female in the Rock n Roll Mardi Gras Marathon and 1st American finisher in 2012. Sarah not only ran all the major local area races but head coached at Louise McGehee School 2008-2020 serving as role model to young
girls. She served as resident counsellor at several running camps in the area as well as marathon coach for Brooks, Lululemon and Southern Runner. Sarah also was a Brooks Inspire Daily Program Athlete and coach 2010-2012. Personal best times include a 9:51 3K, 10:52 two mile, 17:18 5K, 28:16 5 mile, 35:39 10K, 1:17:00 half marathon, and 2:24:44 marathon.
Larry Schlueter
Larry Schlueter set the Jefferson Parish record in the 660-yard dash during his tenure at Metairie Junior High. Following this early success, he took a significant hiatus from competitive racing, only returning to the scene at age 39 for the Crescent City Classic. Larry is perhaps most renowned for his annual birthday runs; from the age of 49 through 60, he celebrated each birthday by running a mile for every year of his life. While his marathon personal best is a respectable 3:11, Larry’s true strength lies in his remarkable capacity for endurance. He has successfully completed numerous ultramarathons, including the Arkansas Traveler 100-miler in 29 hours, and has competed in ultra-distance events across Florida, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, California, and Arkansas. His local accolades include winning his age group at the Mardi Gras Marathon and securing the first grand masters title at the Mississippi Marathon. A true Uptown running legend, Larry once completed five races in a single weekend within the local area. He has likely logged more miles in Audubon Park than any other individual and is known for his willingness to run with anyone, regardless of their pace or the distance. This spirit of community and mentorship, as much as his athletic feats, defines his candidacy for the Hall of Fame.
Sherri Lein Thompson
Sherri Lein Thompson first established herself as a standout collegiate athlete at St. Mary's University from 1995 to 1999, where she competed in cross country and track for four years. Her talent led her to qualify for the NCAA III national cross country meet in 1997, and her dedication earned her Academic All-American honors in both 1997 and 1998, alongside All-Conference recognition in the MIAC. After relocating to New Orleans, Sherri intensified her training with a focus on competitive victories. She was a pioneering member of the Power Milers, serving as one of the group's first three female runners. Her competitive resume includes victories in several NOTC events, such as the Turkey Day Race, Jackson Day Race, Greek Fest, Spillway Classic, and Ole Man River. Sherri was also the top female Louisiana finisher at the Crescent City Classic for two consecutive years. Beyond her personal achievements, Sherri dedicated many years to coaching high school cross country and track at Dominican, McGehee, and Archbishop Chapelle. A highlight of her coaching tenure was leading Dominican to its first-ever State Cross Country title in 2011. Sherri remains deeply involved in the sport through coaching at the grammar school level. She currently serves as the Athletic Director at St. Angela Merici as well as the head cross country coach.