NeveHarms Mark Olson came to Peoria in 1963, and because of his most successful background in hockey in Michigan, he immediately involved himself in the promotion and development of hockey in the Peoria area. He became player-coach of the Pekin Stars from 1964-68, and then in 1971 he provided a leadership role in cooperation with Pete Bardezbanian, his sons, Mike, Rick and Joe, and other volunteers to form the Peoria Blades hockey team. At the same time, Mark gave liberally of his time and talents to further youth hockey in the Peoria area.
Mark was in the front line, associated with other people, to organize, nurture and develop the Continental Hockey League, and then enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing the Peoria Blades win the League championship five times.
Along with other volunteers who worked hard to promote hockey, Mark felt his dream was realized when the professional hockey team, the Peoria Prancers, began play in the Civic Center Arena.
Because of the persistence, interest and unselfish work of Mark and other persons, the Peoria area now has ice rink facilities and talented skaters, so that some day in the future, a figure skating champion or a National Hockey League player could be developed.
Mark places no limit on the application of his volunteer time. He has been active in Little League baseball, the Peoria Pacers, CIC League team and has been president and treasurer of the Independent Sports Club.
Some years ago, Mark and his eight brothers and six sons played as a team against the Peoria Stars for a March of Dimes promotion.
Mark is a graduate of Michigan Tech in engineering and received his Master's Degree in Engineering Administration from Bradley University.
| Jerry & Elaine Reibling For four decades Jerry and Elaine have volunteered their time and effort to benefit the runners competing in events within the Tri-County. Just prior to Jerry’s induction into the Steamboat Classic Hall of Fame in 2015, the race’s co-founder, Steve Shostrom said, “Jerry and Elaine are treasures in the running community. They have made substantial, lasting contributions to the Steamboat Classic and the Illinois Valley Striders over the years. They have worked tirelessly at countless local races through heat, rain, ice, snow and wind to get quick, accurate results for runners of all ages and abilities." Jerry was involved with the Steamboat Classic for 35 years and Elaine has been a part of the Race for the Cure for about 30 years. Married over 50 years, the Rieblings helped pioneer the transformation from hand timing to computerized timing for the major running events in the Tri-County area. In addition to the Steamboat Classic and Race for the Cure, they have served at the following events over their decades of service: the IHSA State Cross Country Meet; Illinois Valley Striders events; countless high school invitationals including the Richard Spring Memorial Invitational (Peoria Notre Dame) and the Peoria High Invitational at Detweiler Park; and Bradley University and the University of Illinois cross country meets and invitationals. Jerry has also raised funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in the Memphis to Peoria Run and running the satellite event from Canton to Peoria. The dedication and passion of Jerry and Elaine for these events has enabled thousands of others to experience achievement and enjoyment while competing in running events. |  |