[CCAC Newswire - 5 December 2002 11:38 PM]
T-60 hours and counting ...
We've just received 4 inches or so of snow as a fabulous kickoff to the 2002-2003 Winter Grand Prix Series. But all indications are that much of the snow will have melted off by starting time on Sunday. We hear that Harry's has been warned of our impending arrival and has duly prepared chili, chowder, and beer and called in extra staff to handle the early morning load. As of the last club meeting, all volunteers, course organizers, timers, and registrars have been culled and verified. All systems are go for the start of the CCAC Winter Grand Prix series.
We haven't seen Mike Sellars on the road in a while. Will Mike appear to take on Mike Parker? And what of Skip Michaelson? Will Barry Merrill be able to stay uninjured long enough to enjoy a few grand prix races? Will there be any competition at all in the under 30 age groups? Rich Gori ran virtually unopposed last year. Maybe he could bring along a few team members from Sandwich. With any luck, we'll see Matt Clark (Barnstable), Chris Cuff (D-Y), and Payton Preston (D-Y) up against him. To spice things up, add Mike and Shaun Merrill, Colby Monahan, and Jake Klim. New member Joe Navas will bring some heat into the 30-34 division up against Don Foss and Adam Polakowski. Adam's been on low volume for much of the summer and is looking for that speed to bounce back quickly. George Gomes just polished off a fantastic Ironman Florida and will be looking for points early. Will Bob Brewster be able to sneak out of the house long enough to run a few miles on a Sunday morning or two? Or will Maj be doing the sneaking? Cathy Klim, Mary Peabody, and Susan Lowry dominated their respective divisions last year but for Mary and Susan, challengers were always close behind, watching for any opportunity to gain a few extra points. Will Bill Lord show up to shake things up in his division ... and what division is Bill Riley really in this year? Sean Doherty has dominated the stroller division for the past few years running virtually unopposed (except for a tree or two) but newcomers Becky and Breyana Newton will be pushing for the wins. They'll be taking a bye for the first race and starting their bid in Yarmouthport on the 'flat' course of Eckerson and Creel.
In a few days, shoes will be laced and the 2002-2003 Grand Prix series will be underway. We'll see you on the roads!
The Grand Prix series continues every weekend (except 6 January) until the end of January at various locations across the Cape. Cost is $5 for all runners and walkers. All are invited to attend but only club members are eligible for points and awards to be presented at the annual club banquet in February. For more information, visit the CCAC at http://www.capecodathleticclub.org/.