Tom Neagli Named 2014 Kloster Honoree
Local Cycling Leader to be Honored at 11th Annual Conquer the Coast
(Corpus Christi, TX) – Organizers of Conquer the Coast announced today that local Corpus Christi cycling leader Tom Neagli has been named the 2014 Donny Kloster Memorial Award honoree. The recognition, started in 2012,is given to honor the former Corpus Christi cycling icon.
Neagli was among six finalists, including local cycling enthusiasts Glenn Goldapp, Gerardo Gomez and Peter Staneland, Corpus Christi city councilman Mark Scott,and long-time Conquer the Coast steering committee member Sean Murphy.
“We received several nominations that talked about Tom’s contributions to the community as well as cycling,” said event coordinator Matt Motl. “He is a kind hearted, wonderful person who is always promoting the safety and healthy aspects of cycling. He goes out of his way to help those in need of knowledge, and has been a great friend to Conquer the Coast over the years.”
In addition to being recognized before, during and after the ride, Neagli will lead Conquer the Coast from its starting location wearing a specially designed jersey.
Guidelines and criteria for selection included promotion of cycling locally, promotion of rider safety, promotion of open communication and collaboration between all cycling groups and being a kind and caring individual.
“When I was told that I was the honoree it shot shivers through my back and legs because of the honor of representing Donny Kloster,” Neagli said. “He led the way to promote cycling in all aspects in Corpus Christi and he encouraged everyone to get involved. Donny was a close friend and a cycling buddy. All I am doing is taking Donny’s lead in promoting cycling and safe riding while teaching new riders.”
Kloster, who rode from Anchorage, Alaska, to Corpus Christi in 1995, was a longtime president of South Texas Area Runners Riders and Swimmers. Known for his kindness and good nature, he constantly talked about safety to riders of all levels.
The 11th Annual Conquer the Coast takes place on Saturday, Sept. 20, and features three distinct rides from the 65-mile“long” ride around Corpus Christi Bay, to the 25-mile “intermediate” ride down scenic Shoreline and Ocean Drive and the shorter 10-mile H-E-B “family cruise” through downtown Corpus Christi and Shoreline Boulevard. For more information go to www.conquerthecoast.org
Check out Conquer the Coast on Facebook and Twitter.
*Regular registration pricing goes through August 31st, then prices increase for all three rides.
