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Paul Fratini Masters Another Hot One
Carolyn Stocker Sizzles for Third Win
Another hazy, hot (93
degrees for the high) and humid day in New England, so why not head
to the cool, tree shaded trails of Forest Park. It worked for
Harriers Paul Fratini and Carolyn Stocker who each ran similar races
with impressive times to notch victories at this week’s Summer
Sizzler.
Paul let the
inexperienced speedsters lead during the first kilometer, biding his
time along Bubbling Brook Canyon. After the early speed, heat and
humidity took their toll, Paul surged into the lead and cruised down
Dead Man’s Gulch, through the Pine Forest and across The Plains with
a comfortable lead, crossing the finish line in 18:57 for his first
win this season. He moves into a tie with Steve O’Neil for 10th
spot in the Summer Sizzler Hall of Fame with 12 ½ wins (ties count
for ½ a win). Fifteen year old Cameron Cook ran 20:09 for second
and top junior (under 20) while Wayne Stocker was the first senior
(over 50) in 22:47 and Charlie Towse in 27:50 captured the over 70
(Super Grand Veteran?) title.
Carolyn entered the
race undefeated in two previous outings on the 5K cross country
course. That’s undefeated against both men and women. Remarkably
she nearly pulled off the feat for a third time. The Westfield High
phenom began the race cautiously, content to run behind the early
leaders, both male and female. However as the race progressed she
steadily passed all but Paul and Cameron to finish 3rd
overall in 21:21 to win her 3rd women’s title this
season. Rollins College sophomore Justine Falcone, from Somers,
Connecticut, was a close 2nd in 22:09 for an impressive
debut on the challenging Harrier course. Harrier Rogina Modestow
took master’s honors with a 3rd place 24:39, teammate
Kathy McCarthy was the 1st senior in 26:14, and Carol
L’Esperance was again (12 in a row) 1st veteran with a
solid 26:43 clocking.
Despite the oppressive
weather conditions, a large number of first timers braved the
infamous Harrier cross country course. More then half the field was
female. Many of the times were exceptional. With apologies to
Andrew Beyer (Beyer speed ratings) the club has Pete’s speed
ratings. Today seven runners scored over 60. For the men, Paul was
67, Cameron 61, and Wayne 68. For the women, Justine was 61, Rogina
62 with Carolyn 86 and Carol 85!
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