Author: Bill Brown
Each year, the Howard County Striders proudly present the Dave Tripp Scholar-Athlete Award to recognize a high school senior who exemplifies the best of both athletic and academic achievement, as well as commitment to community. The award honors the lasting legacy of Dave Tripp, a Strider Hall-of-Famer whose impact on the local running scene and greater Columbia community has helped make the club what it is today.
The scholarship was established in 2004 in recognition of Dave’s 35 years of dedicated service to both his profession and his passion. Upon his retirement from the Rouse Company, where he served as Vice President and Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Chairman and CEO Anthony Deering contributed $20,000 to create the Dave Tripp Scholar-Athlete Award. As Dave humbly remarked at the time, “It sure beats a gold watch.”
Dave’s love for running led him to the Striders in 1977, when the club was still an informal group of local runners. A year later, he became president and began shaping the Striders into the respected organization it is today. Under his leadership, the Striders incorporated as a nonprofit, affiliated with the Road Runners Club of America, and launched signature programs such as the Junior Striders and weekly community races. Dave was instrumental in establishing hallmark events like Clyde’s 10k and the Women’s Distance Festival 5k. He served as both President and Treasurer, and even now is known for volunteering at local high school meets and helping organize major race finish lines.
The Dave Tripp Scholar-Athlete Award continues to inspire young runners to pursue excellence on the course, in the classroom, and in the community. It stands as a testament to a man who gave so much, and a community that continues to follow in his footprints.
If you would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund, please follow this link https://secure.
