| CMS Men's Masters Win USATF National 10K, Again |
April, 1997
By Cliff Matthews
As 1996 National Masters 10K road racing champs, the decision to return to Plainview NY to defend in 1997 was an easy one. The trip this year was modeled on last year's success. The team gathered in New London to take the Long Island Ferry to Orient Point, where we proceeded to drive to the host hotel in Plainview. Wayne Jacob, Bob Hodge, Geary Daniels, Rich (Wrong Way) Ovian, Jerry (Dad) Learned and myself (Cliff Matthews) were joined by infidel Bob O’Hara from the TriValley Frontrunners. We made Bob an honorary member for the trip. Dave Reinhart who led CMS to its first national cross country title in 1992 with a third place finish was to meet the team in Plainview.
Circumstances for this years race were slightly different: there was no rain, constant 30 mph wind, or unusual fauna sightings the night before. Still, the event was not without excitement. Gathered at the start, team members wondered at the whereabouts of "Dad" Learned and "Wrong Way" Ovian. As the starter reached his last 10 seconds in the countdown, Jerry made it to the starting line. It became apparent however that Rich was not going to make it. He was on the wrong side of the line going the wrong way with 2,300 people bearing down on him. We never got a good explanation as to Rich’s tardy appearance, but current speculation is that after being united with his "prodigal" Reebok jacket that was lost on the December 10K trip to California, he spent too much time securing it, so that it wouldn’t become re-lost.
The race, run in perfect conditions of sunshine, 50 degrees and light wind proved to be successful for the team, as we placed 1st and 4th in the 40-44 age group and 1st and 4th in the 45-49 age group. First Master Wayne Jacobs led the team with his 10th overall finish in 32:15. Following were Geary 4th Master and 20th overall in 33:22, Jerry 7th Master 1st 45-49 and 30th overall in 34:07, Bob Hodge 8th Master 30th overall in 34:18, and myself 4th 45-49 (2 seconds out of 2nd) 11th Master, 36th overall in 34:26. Dave Reinhart, who turned 45 on race day and is running pain free for the first time in four years ran a very respectable 5th 45-49 12th Master 40th overall in 34:41. Rich "Wrong Way" Ovian recovered to run 37:10 and 71 overall. A good team effort resulted in another easy team victory.
The awards ceremony was dragging, so we rearranged Wayne’s trophy. This was not exciting enough for Geary Daniels. He had to get involved with the local TAC association score keeping and awards photography. Thankfully no harm was done, either with the results or to Geary. As usual, it was a pleasure representing our club successfully at a National event.
1 Kevin Krause 20-29M Miller Place, NY 31:17 2 Donald Di Donato 30-39M Hicksville, NJ 31:20 3 Hans Parrado 30-39M Weehawken, NJ 31:23 4 Chad Kurtz 20-29M New York, NY 31:28 5 Peter Hawkins 30-39M Malverne, NY 31:38 6 Patrick Petersen 30-39M Bay Shore, NY 31:40 7 Richard Burlew 20-29M E. Northport, NY 31:55 8 Alem Kahsay 20-29M New York, NY 32:07 9 Jim Stemm 30-39M New York, NY 32:08 10 Wayne Jacob -1m- 40-49M Mystic, CT 32:15 15 Paul Mascali -2m- 40-49M Manhasset, NY 32:39 17 Rob O'Hara -3m- 40-49M Boston, MA 32:50 20 Geary Daniels 40-49M Dudley, MA 33:22 30 Jerry Learned 40-49M Hopkinton, MA 34:07 33 Bob Hodge 40-49M Clinton, MA 34:18 36 Cliff Matthews 40-49M Bellingham, MA 34:26 40 Dave Reinhart 40-49M Wilbraham, MA 34:41 46 Regina Ronan -1f- 20-29F Northport, NY 35:17 71 Rich Ovian 40-49M Worcester, MA 37:10
