Summer Sizzler #5 - 5K
May 12th, 2010

Carolyn Stocker Topples Age Record With 2^nd Sizzler Win

            Carolyn Stocker’s second tour over the legendary Harrier cross country course was remarkable indeed.  The Westfield High junior not only won her second consecutive Summer Sizzler 5K outright, she toppled the 20:45 record for 17 year old women set by Harrier teammate Heather Wenninger nine years ago.  Remarkably, Carolyn remains undefeated in Summer Sizzler competition, that’s including men and women.

The recent rains created a soggy 1^st kilometer along the picturesque Forest Park creek, with Carolyn chasing Empire One’s Spencer Beaver and GSHer Dan McNair.  By the time the runners reached Dead Man’s Gulch, Carolyn had gained the lead and despite having to stop to retie a loose shoelace (the inventor of the round shoelace should have to eat at least a dozen of them) she steadily increased her lead through the Pine Forest and the Plains.  Charging up the final hill, she crossed the finish line in 20:37, over a minute faster then her previous effort and eight seconds under the age record.  Mr. Beaver held on to second in 21:35 while dad Wayne Stocker won masters (over 40) and senior (over 50) honors with a third place 22:07.  EORC’s Bob Massaro was the first veteran (over 60) as he just slipped under the thirty minute standard with a 29:54 clocking.

           Among the women were several newcomers who ran well.  Julie Lemanski placed second in 24:49 with 11 year old Hailey Moseman taking third with an impressive 24:52 debut on the course.  Cheryl Strauss was the first master in 33:07 and Sandy Lemanski won senior honors in 33:14.