Hall of Fame
When the Hall of Fame Committee received the nomination for Annette Isom Ahern, it was clear that she was someone special. Annette’s passion was running when she arrived on campus. However, Saint Mary’s did not support a varsity track and field program so she ran cross-country and track for the combined Notre Dame/Saint Mary’s College Track Club Team during her first and second years. Saint Mary’s added varsity track during her junior year. During that first varsity year, she qualified for the State Championship in five events; 1500 meter, 3000 meter, 800 medley Relay, 3200 meter Relay, and the 1600 meter Relay. Annette and her teammates set a new State Record in the 3200 meter relay in that inaugural year. At the end of her senior year she was named as one of the finalist for the prestigious Edward W. “Moose” Krause award, which honors the top female athlete between Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s. On the track she tied the Saint Mary’s records for the 3200 and 5000 meter races and broke the record for the 10,000 meters run. In 1983, Annette’s 10,000 meter time was the second best in the entire nation in the NAIA; it was the first time she ever ran the 10,000. Annette qualified to compete at the NAIA National Track and Field Championships in four individual events; the 1500, 3000, 5000 and the 10,000 meter races. At Nationals, Annette was Saint Mary’s first NAIA All-American in her sport as she achieved All-American status for her outstanding performance in the 10,000 meter race.
Annette majored in economics with minors in mathematics and computer science. She was a teacher’s assistant in the mathematics department and in the computer lab. She was a lifeguard and volunteered at other sporting events. Annette served on the Holy Cross Hall Student Broad. She also found time to complete an internship with Ford Motor Company in Detroit and with a local Ford dealer in South Bend, IN. While Annette was interning for Ford, she ran with the Ford Corporate Club Team. While attending Saint Mary’s, she ran with the Athletic Annex sports store team in South Bend. Annette competed in several amateur competitions in Chicago and Pao Alto, IL with the Ford Club and the Athletic Annex team. She continued to participate in the Ford Corporate Relays after graduation. She had the honor of carrying the 1984 Olympic Torch in Los Angeles. Annette was a member of the Orange County Track Club and participated in many Southern California road and track events including team triathlons. She also shared her running talents with many young track stars when she was a volunteer coach at Saint Petroville School from 2000- 2004.
