Summer Sizzler #1 - 5K
April 19, 2001

          After an inspiration speech from Everett Barney himself, the Harriers opened the 22^nd season of Summer Sizzlers with the Everett Barney Day Race, traditionally held on April 19th. This year's race traversed the historic 5K cross country course in Forest Park, the city park created by the foresight and generosity of the 19th century industrialist. 
          The race developed into a battle between the generations as 16 year old Mike DeFilippi sprinted to an early lead with 47 year old Celio Hernandez giving chase, both distancing themselves from the pack. Youth was served however as the Agawam high schooler captured his first Summer Sizzler victory with a solid 18:48 effort. Celio held form for second in 19:08 while ultra distance ace Seth Roberts scampered across the finish line in 20:16 for third, as GSHers claimed the top seven spots.
          Harrier Bobbi Smith swept all division titles for women with her first place 27:35 effort followed by master GSHer Betty Matthews in 28:36. At the awards ceremony all talk centered on the answer to the Fast Feet Quiz, ie., who holds the oldest age record on the 5K cross country course. The answer: Sue Counos  who set the record for 13 year old girls on June 23, 1981, almost twenty years ago, and two months before Ed Sandifer and Carol O'Connor set their long standing records. Although he didn't have the correct answer, Gary Crowley won the raffle draw among contest entrants and thus a new pair of running shoes from Fast Feet.
          Speaking of Ed Sandifer, many thanks for his taking the part of Everett Hosmer Barney at the race. His 4th place finish in 21:09 is impressive enough for any 173 year old, even more so for one who three days before completed his 29th consecutive Boston Marathon. Equally astounding, Ed has not missed a day of running since 1972. 
          Finally, kudos to Steve O'Neil and the Springfield Journal, who together with the Springfield Parks and Recreation Department, have made noticeable improvements on the course through their ongoing "Restore the Forest Park Trails Project". Proceeds from the Barney Day Race are donated by the Harriers to this project.
          Remember next week we return to the normal Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Summer Sizzler schedule with the first 8K road race of the season....