A Zoom Full of Tributes

GDS running coach Anthony Belber shared the following report on the eighth annual Spike Classic 5K, which honors the legacy of Sam “Spike” Freeling ’10.

When Sam "Spike" Freeling '10 ran for the GDS track and cross-country teams, he was an inspiring athlete, a great competitor, and a charismatic leader. His passing in 2013 was a devastating blow to our community, but his legacy has lived on through the annual Spike Classic 5K run held every year over Thanksgiving Break.

This year marked the eighth annual running of the event, and while held virtually, it was a tremendous success. Scores of runners from the broader GDS community laced up their shoes in locations all around the country and ran their own 5Ks with Sam and his family on their minds. More than $17,000 was raised to support Active Minds, an organization which provides mental health services on college campuses. This year's earnings are going specifically to honor Sam's mother Sue Cimbricz, who founded the race and worked tirelessly on behalf of Active Minds until she lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.

A number of race participants joined Sam's brother Zack '13 and race organizer Sally Marx '10 to kick off the day with a Zoom call full of tributes, and current and former GDS community members were, as usual, inspired by the strength of the Freeling-Cimbricz family to make a positive impact.