Mindemoya Classic turned 16!
The 16th annual Mindemoya Classic started off with scary black skies and then a cold and heavy rain. As others rolled over and went back to sleep with the threatening forecasts, 51 hearty souls went to the government dock on Lake Mindemoya to compete in the run, paddle and pedal triathlon.
I hope I don’t insult Alex Anstice’s relay partner from last year, but Alex, actually beat that already, terrific time by two minutes to finish as the overall winner, all on his own! If you want to record the winning time for the 5.5km run, 3km paddle and 13km bike course you would think that a little help might be advantageous. Although even with this year’s downpour for the run and an absolute mud-bog through the trail, Alex made history as the first solo competitor, with the best overall time. In second in the solo division was Guy Rocheleau in 1:23 and Mike Banks just ten seconds behind!
The next fastest division was the family category where the Thomas’s Tomatothons (Steve Redmond, Zoe Redmond, Matthew Redmond and Peter Ford) zipped through the course in 1:16. The Maple Grovers (Lindsay Moreau-Verlan, Hillary Byck, Tim Verlan and Logan Williams) were close behind as were the Waterview Otters (Xavier, Chris and Xavier Mara and Margit Alberti).
The Cruisin Canucks (James Scott and Ben Quackenbush) led the Pairs Relay division (1:17) with Girls Just Wanna Have Run in second (Shannon McGale and Sarah Quackenbush).
In the relay 4’s El Pascado Loco (Brian Doan, Heather Thomson, Dave Caine and Ray Corbiere) were first in a time of 1:25 and the Flightless Birds (Jon, Annie, Mya and Jonah Balfe) were second and will surely be swooping to the podium in the near future as the current grade 2, 3 and 5 kids get older!
In the Endurance Pairs’ section Annie and Paulie (Annie Nanowski and Paul Guenette) won in only 1:28 while the Cream Puffs (Greg Bond and Denise Brady) took the silver and the bronze went to Your Pace or Mine (Chantal Paquet and Paul Norman).
The winning teams from all the divisions were all remarkable accomplishments, but some of the best stories are often not amongst the fastest teams. Take for example the family that divided into two, three person and unranked teams just for the fun of completing the race. The Farone/Lowe family competed as the Great Green Gobs of Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts and the Pedal Pushers with young kids but were all six were determined to finish under their own power. While some teams had an hour and a half to relax, dry out and/or nurse their wounds the Guts and Pushers soldiered on to the finish the challenge.
This event would not have stuck around for its 16 years if it were not for many volunteers. Chi Meegwetch to Verna and Peter Tallman, Dayne Tipper, Murray Haner, David Johnson, Larry and Corinne Leblanc, Hailey and Liam Leblanc. Manitoulin Pet Rescue would also like to thank all those who contributed to their fundraising barbeque as they made $378 for their great cause!
Canada Day Colour Run
Congratulations to all the 86 participants in Gore Bay’s Colour Run. There were some very competitive runners and very close finishes, both in the men’s and women’s division, but it was mostly about fun and participation. The runners were showered with different colours every km, as well as the start and finish line.
Winners in the divisions were as follows. Under 13: 1st – Amber Wiwchar – 23:21, 2nd – Brandon Radey – 24:36, 3rd – Mason Leighton – 25:23. Women: 1st – Jessica Turner – 23:24, 2nd – Beth Wiwchar – 24:02, 3rd -Megan Wismer – 24:05. Men: 1st – Mike Banks – 19:36, 2nd – Austin Featherstone – 19:42, 3rd – Reece Jones – 20:09.
Harbour Days Run!
Coming soon, also to Gore Bay as part of their Harbour Days on July 22 is the annual Firefighter 5 and 8km fun runs. Registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 down at the harbour front and the race starts at 10:00.
Summer Hockey Update!
Zaagaasge Toulouse, Kohyn Eshkawkogan and Kalli Jones were members of a RHP 3on3 ‘B’ Division Championship team while playing for the Syracuse Bulldogs in the Spring 3 on 3 league in Sudbury.
Kohyn had an excellent “AAA” Spring Season with the Toronto based Pro Hockey Development Group and was recruited to play with a Pro Hockey Development Elite AAA team that plays in the ‘Brick Series’. The ‘Brick Series” of tournaments occur all over North America and prepare players for the Brick Tournament held in Edmonton in July every year. The Brick tournament hosts teams made up of most of North America’s Elite 9 and 10 year old players. Kohyn will be playing with Pro Hockey Development in Las Vegas at the ‘Kings of Vegas’ tournament on July 11-14. He will also be playing with the Syracuse Bulldogs Novice team in a 3 on 3 Tournament at RHP on July 15-16. Zaagaasge, Kohyn, Kalli and Saraya Eshkawkogan will all be playing with the Syracuse Bulldogs Atom team in a 3 on 3 Tournament at RHP on July 22-23 in Sudbury.
Panther Points!
Manitoulin Atom Panthers are off to an enthusiastic start to their 2017-18 season with players opting in to an optional summer conditioning program that will have them fully ready to compete in the NDMHL in the fall. The newest and youngest Atom Panthers, along with the more experienced Atom Panthers are working hard to have a good showing this coming season with the goal to be a championship caliber team.
If you are planning your late summer vacations you might want to consider these dates. As of press time here are the following bookings. The Novice go from 6:30 – 8:00 and the Midget are slated at 8:00 – 9:30. The Panther organization is also putting out tenders for Novice and Midget Head Coaches. Applications are now being accepted, so check out www.manitouinpanthers.com.
A good sport is good for sports.
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