ASA Spotlight: Mark Knetzer
ASA Wingman
WINGMAN SPOTLIGHT
Join us each month as we interview and feature members of the ASA Community! This month, we’re shining the spotlight on ASA Wingman Mark Knetzer!
1. Tell us more about yourself. What would you like readers to know?
I am 67 years old, originally from East Alton, IL. I moved to the Baltimore area with my wife, Kathleen, and daughter Sarah in 2005. In 2008, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and thanks to the nurses and doctors at St. Joseph’s in Towson, I beat it! I had run cross-country in high school, but quit after graduation. In 2016, I started eating better and exercising more to lose weight. By the Spring of 2017, I had lost 100 pounds! During the summer of 2018, I added running to my routine, entering the Hop Dash at Troegs’ Brewery in Hershey, PA. I came in 3rd and received and medal- I have been running ever since.
2. What drew you to ASA? When did you start?
I saw ASA at runs in the area and admired the runners participating. In December 2022, my friend Jill Young ran the Holiday Hustle 5K and joined ASA as a Wingman in January 2023. I talked to her about it during Harford County Running Club events and decided to join! My first run with ASA was the 5K at RunFest in Hunt Valley.
3. What do you love most about ASA?
The most satisfying thing about ASA is the joy the Athletes have, and that makes me feel good.
4. Tell us more about the people you've connected with through ASA.
I have formed a special bond with Alexis. After a Harford County group run, she came over to Duane Diegel and I, and requested that I push her in all races and group runs.
5. What is your favorite part of a group run?
The group runs give me an opportunity to get to know the other Wingmen and Captains.
6. What is your favorite part of race day?
On race day it is all about the Athlete and making sure they get the most out of the experience. My favorite part of race day is all the encouragement the other runners and spectators give the ASA Teams.
7. What is your best ASA story to date?
At the Moonlight 5K, I came down a hill too fast and took out some traffic cones making the turn to the finish line. I was embarrassed, but Alexis loved it- the other Team members and Duane remind me of it often. Recently, I have added Craig the WingYoda to our Harford County group. He’s named after Craig Virgin, the only American man to win the World Cross Championship. Hopefully, on some of the harder courses, he will use the Force to help us finish strong!
