Meet the Bridal Party: Ron (Groomsman)

Eric says:
It’s hard to believe that Ron Polcawich and I were only in school together for one short year after I started as a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. Ron was a senior and leader of both the cross country and track teams. He ran hard in practice and raced as one of the top guys on our team, but wasn’t above a good snowball or mud fight during a long run. Of course, I liked him immediately. He gained my respect as fast as anyone ever has, and we quickly became friends. Since then we’ve trained and done countless races together. We’ve also maintained a healthy level of shenanagans, usually to the disdain of his wife, also a Margaret. I guess Ron and I have more than a few things in common.

I credit Ron with getting me hooked on the steeplechase, a grueling 3000 meter track event that involves hurdling a total of 28 barriers including 7 water jumps. This event requires a great deal of coordination, skill, and grace. None of which Ron had. Nor did I. So I figured if he could get by on sheer stubbornness and determination, then so could I. I never was able to eclipse Ron’s best time in this event, but I do recall beating him the last two times in an infrequent grudge match race we have aptly deemed the Miracle Mile. Although I’m sure Ron will attribute these fluke losses to nagging injuries (usually at the hands of attacking curbs and uneven sidewalks).

Competitions aside I will always value my friendship with Ron (and Margaret) Polcawich, probably even more than they realize. They live in Maryland, and when I lived alone in Washington DC for two years I thought of them as my surrogate family. Living out west, I have missed seeing them as often. But I always know than when I do see Ron again, he will be the first one to join me in wearing his tie as headband. And both Margarets will be there to look on disapprovingly.

Eric and Ron at Ingram's wedding dancing like its 1999.
Margaret (Ron's wife) looking on disapprovingly.

Ron says:
I met Eric on his move-in day of his freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University. As president of the Sigma Nu fraternity, my entire fraternity house was outside of the dorms assisting in the freshman move-in. Being a member of the cross-country team, it seemed a natural fit that I met Eric and his parents on his first day because Eric and I would also be team mates for my senior year. Even as a freshman, Eric seemed to make an impression on the cross-country squad and fit right in with team. Whether it was mud runs through Frick park, soap battles in the locker room, or riding the “hot wheel”, we had a lot of fun even after I graduated. After graduating, I continued to return to CMU over the next few years to visit with my then girlfriend, now wife, Margaret (different Margaret) and visit with the CC and track teams. One of my intensions during visits was to make sure that Mr. Egenolf was not going to pass me on the CMU steeplechase record board. Thankfully, my name still remains above his after his graduation several years later.

Now, my wife, swears that I met Eric’s Margaret during a runner house BBQ. I don’t recall this at all but I do vividly remember one of our first meetings. It was during the 2nd year of the 4th of July BBQ. The morning started with a 5K in Brentwood as all good days start. There was a nice BBQ in the Southside followed by the quintessential evening event, The Midnight Mile. Let’s just say, I was clearly in the lead and on my way to victory (Yes, Brian and Eric, I definitely have more speed than either of you) when the race was abruptly ended…..

Eric, Margaret, Margaret, and I all kept in touch over the years especially when Eric and Margaret were in the DC area. We continued to run competitively (at least for a few years) and would root on those Pittsburgh Steelers (especially when they played those Philly Eagles). After Margaret moved to San Diego, Margaret and I along with our 2 all-american mutts (now 3) would keep Eric company and well fed with frequent training runs and weekend gatherings.

Although Margaret and I (and the pups) miss you both living close by, we are excited for this next step in your lives, and wish you both all the best as you officially start your lives together.