2026 Planning Committee
Co-founded by Carbondale community members Marian Morris and Kathy Jones in 2017
Marian Morris, Co-Director
​Marian was recruited by the late SIUC Women's Head Track Coach Don DeNoon in 1997 as a 400-meter specialist, a role she filled on the team for five years before concluding her time as a Saluki sprinter. A child of God, she is an avid track and field fan who enjoys sharing her love of the sport with others. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences from SIUC and taught at its Center for English as a Second Language department for a time after earning her Master of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics, also at SIUC. She worked as a group fitness instructor under Lynne Thompson-Cundiff at the Student Recreation Center and is a certified personal trainer through the National Association of Sports Medicine. She loves to grow and challenge herself through new endeavors and competed successfully in the Alpha Phi Alpha Miss Eboness and Miss Black and Gold pageants, as well as in local and regional natural bodybuilding competitions. She and her Belletones fellow musicians enjoyed making music with children at the Carbondale Public Library and Christmas caroling and singing doo-wop classics for local nursing home residents. She counts being a wife and mother among her greatest blessings and is thrilled to help host this event annually to bring people of all ages and abilities in the Carbondale community and beyond together to celebrate the gifts of life, health, and unity that the CFFR aims to support!
Kathy Jones, Co-Director
Kathy retired as Senior Associate Athletic Director in December 2017 after 18 years of service in Saluki Athletics. She supervised all of the Olympic sports at one time or another and was the department’s point person for monitoring student-athlete well-being. She oversaw compliance and the student services areas, including academic advising, athletic training, and strength and conditioning. Jones headed up departmental efforts on diversity, gender equity issues, and departmental strategic planning. She was heavily involved on the SIU campus and nationally during her tenure, serving on numerous committees, including the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Staff Council from 2011 to 2015, chairing the Council for three years. Kathy has a long history of involvement on campus in student-centered issues. She received the SIU Women’s Professional Advancement Mentorship Award in 2015. Kathy served on the Steering Committee that planned the inaugural SIU campus service project called
The Big Event that launched in 2017. She was part of a team of SIU staff members from Wellness, Health Education and Saluki Athletics that wrote and received a three- year NCAA CHOICES grant for an alcohol harm reduction program for SIU students beginning in fall 2015. Kathy also served on the Chancellor/Mayoral Sexual Assault Task Force (later renamed Sexual Assault Response Team) from 2002 to 2015.
Nationally, Kathy represented the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) for six years on the NCAA Division I Leadership Council and the NCAA Management Council. She served as an adjunct SIU faculty member, teaching courses in the Department of Kinesiology and the School of Law. She is a Saluki alum, graduating with a Master's in Higher Education – College Student Personnel from SIU in 1977 and from William Mitchell College of Law in 1984.
Since retiring, Kathy has continued to be involved in the Community Fun & Fitness Relays and the SIU Network Empowering Women (formerly the Women’s Task Force), participating in the planning of the annual SIU Conference on Women.
Sara Kaiser grew up in suburban Chicago and first moved to Carbondale in 2003 to attend SIU with her two sisters. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition – Dietetics in 2007 then lived briefly in Chicago and Maryland before moving back to call Carbondale home in 2009. She earned her Master of Science in Nutrition in 2011 from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science then completed a dietetic internship through Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau in 2013. She became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and gained years of experience supporting individuals of a broad range of age and health before growing into her current role as Clinical Operations Manager for Population Health at Southern Illinois Healthcare.
Sara is most proud of cheering on her two amazing kids, Amelia and Ansel, and her niece and nephew, Elden and Anika. She feels grateful to have access to the beauty of Southern Illinois and the opportunity to explore her active hobbies when able, including running, hiking, aerial silks, rock climbing, and yoga. Sara and her family loved participating in the CFFR last year, and she is excited to join the planning committee and help support their mission to bring the community together for fun, fitness, and giving back to great organizations.
Clinette “Clair” Hayes, great-granddaughter of Eurma C. Hayes, is a native of Carbondale, Illinois. She is currently the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Carbondale and has been a city employee for roughly 18 years. Clair received her Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education & Development specializing in Administrative Services and Master of Science degree in Kinesiology focusing on Sport Administration, both from SIUC. Clair is a proud alumna and avid sports fan. She can be spotted in the crowds at almost all Saluki basketball and football home games. She is also very active at Bethel A.M.E. Church, her home church, where she serves as the Church Treasurer and a member of the Steward Board. Her other hobbies include singing, traveling, fitness, and anything basketball-related. Clair is very excited to serve on the CFFR Committee as it benefits a program that is important in her community and hopes this event will be a positive impact on all communities in Carbondale.
Kathy Hollister was employed for 33 years at SIU. She was Assistant Director of Recreational Sports and Services. She was responsible for Special Populations, which included People with Disabilities, Wheelchair Sports, Youth and Families, and International Students. For 10 years, Kathy served on the Illinois State Board for Special Olympics. She was also a Carbondale Park District Commissioner, 6 years. She is the official scorekeeper for the SIU Women's Basketball Team and Clerk of Course with SIU Track and Field. Kathy graduated from Central Michigan University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education in 1986 from SIU. An avid fitness buff herself, she enjoys working track meets and looks forward to offering her expertise.
Brittany Lalicker recently started a new position in the City of Carbondale working as a Parks and Recreation Aide for the newly developed Parks and Recreation Department. She is also continuing her education in Urban Forestry at SIUC. She loves staying active and exploring the outdoors. She has been a resident of Carbondale for 15 years and believes Southern Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor recreation in our country. She is pleased to be a part of this group as well as help the community come together in the name of unity and health.
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