Mad Dogs Annual "Hair of the Dog" New Years Day Triathlon on January 1, 2013 at 12 noon. See tab at left for details.

In Memoriam-                                                                                                        George “Buzz” Hoge
Mad Dog  #253
5/8/1934 - 7/17/2009

July 25th St. Pete Times article on Buzz Hoge

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long-time club member Buzz Hoge. Many from all over knew Buzz as the Mad Dog Ambassador and Greeter at the Wedsnesday night swims. Buzz was passionate about the Mad Dogs and you could always see him and his wife Rose helping and lending support at all Mad Dog events. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.  

Buzz joined the Mad Dogs shortly after the club began. He quickly established himself as the unofficial “Wednesday Night Greeter”, always welcoming new Mad Dogs, introducing them around and getting them oriented to the evening workout and social. He began triathlons after many years of successful road racing and became a member of Mad Dogs in addition to retaining membership in the Forerunners Running Club. The Mad Beach Triathlon was always his favorite race, from the days as a competitor to recent years as a volunteer. He was a true spokesperson for the sport of triathlon; encouraging, and  motivating many others to take up the sport. His influence quickly spread to his own kids, daughter, Jenee Lampasona, and son, Monte Hoge, along with his grandkids; Alexa and Nick Lampasona and Zach and Ryan Hoge, all of whom are now Mad Dog members competing in local triathlons and road races. Besides the many triathlons and duathlons Buzz competed in, he also completed six marathons including the 1996 100th Anniversary Boston Marathon with his wife, Rose Hoge. Buzz overcame many obstacles in his life to always bounce back and compete again. He received a kidney transplant in 1992, got back in shape, and then represented the USA in the World Transplant Games in track and cycling in Sydney, Australia. He also returned to running and competing in triathlons after having open heart surgery to have his aortic valve replaced. Most recently he had a pacemaker implanted.  He never let any of these or any other obstacles keep him down and out of competing.
     Buzz was currently active as a coordinator in Mad Dogs along with wife, Rose. He and Rose were always present at St. Anthony’s once a month to help assemble the club newsletter which usually ended up with a howl session at Tavern on the Green.  His life revolved around the Mad Dogs. Some of his favorite Mad Dog activities were the Wednesday night swim-run socials, the Mad Beach Triathlon, the Mad Dog Anniversary Party at Tavern on the Green, and training with his fellow Mad Dogs such as the Friday morning swims with the Yosts and Monday morning bike rides at Fort De Soto with Millie Hamilton, the Yosts and many others. Buzz will be remembered as a Mad Dog that truly loved to train and howl with the Mad Dogs.     

Link for Obituary from St. Pete Times

Mad Dogs Facebook Page

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A HUGE Thank You to the Mad Dogs and all who Volunteered or Participated in the 2010 Madeira Beach Mad Dog Triathlon!

The race was a great success this year, and the St. Pete Mad Dogs could not have executed such a large event without volunteers, race staff, and the triathletes who signed up early and sold it out! The 26th Annual Madeira Beach Mad Dog Triathlon is scheduled for May 20-22, 2011! Look for details & registeration in the upcoming months!