E-news Sept 6, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Sep 06, 2011 | 2935 views |  0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
She could be your new running partner!!!
She could be your new running partner!!!
slideshow

Hi runners! Ask and you shall receive...I BEGGED for race reports, and you guys came through!

1) RACE REPORTS
* from Brooke Nelson...
Congrats to all the Tri Team members who competed at Mountain Lakes on Saturday, August 13. Anniston Runners Tri Team had 43 members in attendance with most wearing our striking new tri suits! Everywhere we looked, we saw our logo.  You were awesome! We had the most number of members of any other team present, even the Vulcan Tri Club.
 
If you haven’t had a chance to yet, please go on Facebook and look at all the pictures posted from the event. It was so fun to see everyone walking up in their Tri Team attire. Very proud. I received lots of comments from the Team Magic people about our team. They were very impressed with the turnout, and hopefully, this will translate into some better discounts for their races next year.
 
DREAM TEAM takes podium at Mountain Lakes Triathlon
The Dream Team of Bob Couch (swimmer), Justin Bynum (cyclist) and Jay Lloyd (runner) reached their goal of winning the Male Team Relay at the 24th Annual Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville. Bob who swam for Alabam had to swim against one of his college teammates, Leo French, during the very competitive 600 yard battle when he edged French by 37 seconds with a time of 7:52. Justin Bynum’s bike portion was the 2nd faster overall bike time for the whole event, placing the team in excellent position to top the podium. The battle heated up though with Dewayne Minor on French’s team slapping down a 15 minute 3 mile run, but Jay Lloyd was able to hang onto to first by a mere 16 seconds, gutting it out for the win and capturing a personal record (PR on the 3 mile) at the same time. Same time next year – another epic battle will ensue.
 
FAMILY TEAMS and others excel at Mountain Lakes Tri, too!
The family teams of Team Moore (Lori swimming, John cycling, Jake running) and Team Angell (Pitts swimming, Clayton cycling, Cowan running) won second and third respectively in the Family Team Category. Dunaway Conner took third in a very competitive “Old Geezer” category. Megan Williams took first in her age group.
 
  *also from Brooke Nelson...
ROCKETMAN!
 
Rocketman Triathlon at the Redstone Arsenal on Sunday, August 28 proved to be a lot of fun with friends. A smaller tri than the sprint at Mountain Lakes, Rocketman is a longer course where competitors swim almost a mile in the Tennessee River, bike about 25 miles around the Redstone Arsenal on a completely closed course, and run a wonderful 6.2 mile route that winds along paths, boardwalks, pavement, and gravel roads before coming back to the finish on the banks of the river.
 
Anniston Runners Tri Team had 11 members in attendance, including my whole family. For us, it has become a family tradition as we have done this event for about 10 years watching it grow from a shorter-distance tri to its current Olympic distance status.

Other members included Sara Daum, Marinda and Daniel Salyers, Joe Epik, Trudy Berlin, and Chris Moon. Congrats to the podium winners, Sara Daum and Cole Nelson, who both took 3rd place in their respective age groups in highly competitive fields. Thanks to our special cheering/photographer sections: Jessie Young, Will and Bobbie Williams, Chris’ family, and John Daum.
 
Next up – Frantic Frog Triathlon on Saturday, September 10
 

*from Brian Mount...
I did Tupelo Marathon on Sunday Sept 4. This  is race that takes you  on backroads of Tupelo and starts at  5:00 am. The race has few rolling hills and ran in rain from mile 19 to finish. I did pr of 4:29:57 and this was my second marathon.  The race gives you a tie dye shirt and skull/crossbones medal. It  is fun low key race to do.   NOTE: I happen to know Brian wasn't the only ARC member in Tupelo...send in your reports!

Speaking of reporting, thanks to all the runners who logged their August miles for the 1200-Mile Club. Don't forget to check the website to make sure your miles are racking up accurately!

2) UPCOMING EVENTS

Golden Eagle 5K is this Saturday at the J'ville High School gym, 8:00am. Info can be found at coosavalleyrunning.8k.com/
goldeneagle5k

Also on the Coosa Valley Running calendar, Gamecock Gallop is coming up in October. Same great informative site, so check it out.

October 2nd is the Woodrow Wilson Bridge run, find info at wilsonbridgehalf.com.

October 8th is the Honda 5K, more info available at active.com (search under Honda 5K).


3) NEWS
Finally, some bittersweet news. My family took in a stray a few weeks ago and we have been unable to locate her family. She was a very scrawny older puppy, but also very clean, with good teeth and nails, so we think she was someone's pet. She has a wonderful temperment and is now a lot less scrawny! If you would like to consider taking in a new running partner, contact me! To see a picture of this sweet hound/beagle-type dog, reply to this email. Sadly, we have a dog and this one will be going to the Animal Shelter by the end of the week. She'd love to run with you!


Stay dry!
MERCY

E-news August 30, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 30, 2011 | 1580 views |  0 comments | 24 24 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
I think this guy just won the Spooktacular 5K costume contest...
I think this guy just won the Spooktacular 5K costume contest...
slideshow

Good morning, runners! First of all, WHERE ARE MY RACE REPORTS? I know some of you have been out rock-starring it up lately! Jule Diener, Historic Lincoln, Mountain Lakes, Rocketman Triathlon? Hellooooo? :~)

1) RACE REPORT
*From Darrell Harden

I had the privilege of participating in Ragnar Relay - Great River (RRGR) this weekend. RRGR sent teams of 12 (well, there were also teams of 6, and one crazy team of 4) runners on a trek across 196 miles, from the start in Winona, MN, to the finish in Minneapolis. Along the way, each runner on our team hit the road three times, trekking along roads and paved trails, up and down massive hills, and all day and all night, until the team reunites just before the finish and crosses the finish line together.

Our team finished the race in 31:37:56. That was good for 232nd place overall out of 280 teams. I can't imagine that any team had more fun than we did, though. For my part, I logged 18.37 in 2:31:10. I think everyone on our team ran ahead of her/his anticipated pace. Forty-eight hours removed from my last run, I'm still tired, but it was such a great experience!

Hope everyone down south is doing well. I'm registered for the Ladiga Half Marathon, and I'm looking forward to heading south to run with the ARC!

Peace,

Darrell


2) UPCOMING EVENTS
*Golden Eagle 5K - Saturday, September 10th, 8:00am at Jacksonville HIgh School. This race is always a nice cooler weather run in a really scenic area, put on by ARC's own Frank Bouie. Here's the link for entry forms and information:

http://coosavalleyrunning.8k.com/goldeneagle5k/

*The YMCA of Calhoun County proudly presents the AOD Federal Credit Union SPOOKTACULAR 5K event on Oct 29th at 7AM in Oxford at AOD Federal Credit Union. The course starts in front of AOD and is an out and back course finishing at AOD.  We are guaranteeing long sleeve black tech shirts for the first 100 runners. We will have V neck for women and crew neck for men.  Price is $15 before Oct 15th and $20 after Oct 15th. (Flyer coming soon) $2.00 off for Anniston Runners Club. No discounts the day of race.

This will be a fun event, costumes and all. Please come in your wackiest costume for costume prizes, and if you are fast and have a good costume you can win a running award and costume award!!! We are giving top 10 male and female awards only. No age brackets. All kids who race will receive goodie bags. Call Ann Angell @ 256-832-9622 or email at annangell@cableone.net
 
 
Ann Angell
ProgramCenterManager
OxfordY for Now
1716 Al Hwy21 South
Oxford, Al 36203
256-832-9622
256-453-8333-cell
annangell@cableone.net



*Rock-and-Roll Savannah Marathon and Half are about to FILL UP! Click here TODAY! http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah


3) NEWS
*First, remember to let us know about your training runs. I know, I know, everybody in the world has Facebook. Well, actually, no they don't. I know, right'? Seriously, who doesn't have Facebook? Well, quite possibly your next great training partner! Let me know when you're running and I'll put it in the enews. Be sure to include your contact info so people can let you know they'll be there!

*If you haven't filled out your Woodstock 5K survey, WE NEED YOUR HELP! How in the world can the greatest race EVER get even better if you don't fill out your survey??? Check your email inbox, because the surveys were sent out with an email-specific code (I can't send you mine, for example). Tell us what you thought!

Go have an awesome run today!
MERCY

E-news August 22, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 22, 2011 | 1166 views |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
slideshow

Good morning, runners! It's bright and early, but knowing you guys half of you are out running! Enjoy, because we're still seeing highs in the 90s. Bring your water!

1) RACE REPORTS
Runners, remember that I need to hear from you! Let the entire Internet know how awesome you were at the last race you did! Here's one from this past Saturday's wonderful fHobson City 5K Walk and Run:

*HOBSON CITY 5K: We had fun!
Anniston Runners Club members were out in force at the 2nd Annual Hobson City Heritage 5K. It was fun, and they are looking for ways to improve their event. In fact, one of the race organizers, Johanna Martin, asked for ARC members to provide feedback.
 
If you want to send it to me, I'll combine it all together and send it to her. For instance, I'm going to mention about having someone handing out cups of water instead of bottled water. Don't get me wrong, ice-cold bottles of water are awesome, but most runners don't want to lug it around during the race. We love it at the end!
 
Please send me what you feel they did well and what they need to work on: brookenelson@amcvets.com
Or message me on FB. Thanks!
 
Congrats to our own Derrick Carver and Joe Jankoski who placed 2nd and 3rd overall!
 

Brooke Nelson


*I know more than a few runners competed in some triathlons lately, so don't forget that we want the scoop on how you did!



2) UPCOMING EVENTS
*I've just received the first email with information on the upcoming Gamecock Gallop. Remember that a lot of the area events, especially ones that have been staged for a few years now, list their information on our club website at annistonrunners.com. Spend some time on the website planning out your fall race season, thinking dreamy thoughts about how great it's going to be to race in cooler temperatures!


*Runners we are just outside 4 weeks away from the XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series!  For complete series info please go to: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/trail.php?series=2
 
XTERRA Alabama Cheaha State Park 10K Trail Run, September 17th, 2011 / Complete Info: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/tr_races.php?trraceid=2&trpageid=4 
XTERRA Alabama Monte Sano State Park 15K/5K Trail Run, October 22nd, 2011 / Complete Info: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/tr_races.php?trraceid=2&trpageid=5 
XTERRA Alabama Oak Mountain State Park 21K/10K/5K Trail Run, November 13th, 2011 / Complete Info: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/tr_races.php?trraceid=2&trpageid=6 
 
Really appreciate it!  Look forward to seeing you all soon!
 
Thanks!
 

Tim


*Rock-and-Roll Savannah will take place on November 5th, but the sell out date is approaching. Check out the website for the entire Rock and Roll series (also sponsors of the Country Music series) www.runrocknroll.competitor.com.


Have a great start to your week!
MERCY

Anniston Runners Club E-News - August 16, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 16, 2011 | 1345 views |  0 comments | 14 14 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

Good morning, runners! I mean, runners AND triathletes! The ARC Tri Team kicked asphalt at the Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville last Saturday! Here's the race report:

1) RACE REPORT
Anniston Runners TRI TEAM totally rocked the Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville on Saturday, August 13. At least 13 athletes made the podium in Team Magic’s 900-participant race, three team category wins and several individual ones.  We had 43 tri team members in attendance – quite a presence at the event. Congrats to all! Check out the Tri Team Facebook page for pictures and comments about the popular race.

Brooke Nelson

There are more than a few pictures on Facebook of our members smoking the Historic Lincoln 5K. Send some this way and we'll post them asap!

2) UPCOMING EVENTS
It would be great if our members could lend their support to a local event that is intended to highlight some of the communities in the county. We want to be a presence at Hobson City's Heritage Walk/Run on Saturday, August 20. The race starts at 8 a.m., but you can check in and register starting at 7 a.m. Race starts at First Baptist Church Downtown on Oak Street, Oxford. For more info: www.hobsoncityheritagewalk.com

3)NEWS
Don't forget, the ARC E-news is now a blog on the Anniston Star website! Your chance for fame and glory is finally here! Send me your race reports, photos, and other bragging-rights-quality news and we'll tell the world!

Have a great week!
MERCY

Good Luck, ARC Members!
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 12, 2011 | 1131 views |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

A record number of ARC's Tri Team members will be competing tomorrow at the Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville, AL. The scenic event includes a 600 yard open water swim, 16 mile bike leg, and a 3 mile run. Part of the Team Magic series, this event draws numbers sometimes well over 1,000 participants, and in years past this event has been the USAT Sprint Distance National Championship. It is often a qualifier event for larger USAT races and brings a strong field of competitive athletes.

 

Good luck to everyone participating!!!

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White Plains golfer wins playoff at Cedar Ridge
by Al Muskewitz
Jun 17, 2013 | 415 views |  0 comments | 14 14 recommendations | email to a friend | print
OXFORD — If the overriding focus of the oldest age division in the Future Champions Junior Golf Tour is learning to compete for the steeper road ahead, it was mission accomplished Monday. There is no keener taskmaster for that than a sudden-death playoff, and it taught both Pediatrics Plus Invitational combatants a thing or two about competing. Dustin Travis, who won the playoff over Caleb McKinney with a bogey on the second extra hole, learned the importance of sticking to a plan even if things don’t go so well initially. McKinney learned the value of emotional balance in the heat of competition. Both players shot 4-over-par 76 in regulation at Cider Ridge and were sent out to the par-5 18th to settle the score. Travis, a rising junior at White Plains, played his back nine in even par, and McKinney chipped in off the flagstick from 30 yards for birdie on his 18th hole to force the playoff. They parred it the first time, then Travis won for the second week in a row with a five-foot bogey putt. That came after Travis hit his second shot into the right woods, took a drop and then hit it long and left. “I’ve played in a playoff before, but only one in my entire life,” Travis said. “I lost that playoff, so coming into this one it was like I wanted to get back what I lost. It gave me a lot of experience. My nerves were reckless when I got up to that first tee. Hitting it right, hitting it left … I just had to stick with it and keep my composure. I just held it together better.” For McKinney, a rising senior at Faith Christian, the nerves of his first playoff were evident. After driving it consistently all day, he drove it way right on the deciding hole, took a drop and then hit next shot into the right hazard. He tried to hit out of the ground cover but advanced the ball only a few feet, then lost his next shot into the left water hazard. He took another drop and then bladed that shot over the green, from which he conceded. “Dustin’s a great competitor. He’s very consistent,” McKinney said. “When you go into a playoff you just have to be ready. I wasn’t ready.” The Future Champions Tour is the county’s newest incarnation into junior golf development, joining the likes of the Jerry Pate and ERA/King Realty tours that developed those generations of future county standouts. It has 51 boys and girls registered from all reaches of the county, and each of its first two events has drawn 38 players. The top three finishers in each age division receive an award. If you don’t think that’s a big deal, you don’t know how competitive these kids are. “You want to be able to play in the top three and get a plaque,” said 15-year-old Madilyn Turner, a rising sophomore on Pleasant Valley’s girls team. “You’re trying to win. You’re trying to beat the other competitors. You want to be friends and everything, but you really want to win and try your best, like it was the sectionals or sub-state. To have competition like this and play different courses, it really helps so you’re not nervous when your (high school) season gets back.” While the older division is geared toward future levels of competition, the focus for the 10-and-unders is developing an interest in the game. For the 11-14s, it’s the fundamentals and rules of golf. “We’re trying to teach these kids to have fun and the rules of golf and golf etiquette. We’re definitely accomplishing that,” tour director Marcus Harrell said. “There’s no doubt they’re learning to compete. And not only are they learning, they’re having a blast at the same time. We haven’t had one person really complain about anything that’s going on. Everybody’s calling and saying it’s one of the most fun things they’ve ever done.” Added 13-year-old Jacob Lecroy: “It is real fun, definitely.” Lewis Lecroy never picked up the game until he was 41, but he’s appreciative Jacob has such a program to develop his game. Jacob, who has been playing since he was 6, won his age division Monday by more than 20 shots after posting an 81 and is considering asking to play with the older boys. He shot the lowest 18-hole score in last week’s inaugural event at The Lion Golf Club in Bremen, Ga. “This is super,” the elder Lecroy said. “I think Marcus has a good thing going, and all it’s going to do is get better. It’s big because they’re out here playing. If they werent out here playing there not going to get any better. Golf is something you have to play three to seven days a week to get any better at all. If you come out here one time a week, you’re not going to get any better. They didn’t have these opportunities (when he was younger). Now they’ve got the opportunity to be out here playing.” Al Muskewitz covers golf for The Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3577.
All-Calhoun County boys soccer: McDonald’s demand yielded results for Oxford soccer
by Brandon Miller
Jun 17, 2013 | 260 views |  0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print
OXFORD — Heading into his second year as Oxford’s boys soccer coach, Dwight McDonald wanted a commitment from within the program. After the Yellow Jackets finished the 2012 season with an 11-12 record, McDonald started conditioning workouts in November, rather than the standard protocol of beginning in January. The plan was for the Yellow Jackets to build a better bond. “We had the skill, but we didn’t have the endurance,” said McDonald, The Anniston Star's Calhoun County boys soccer coach of the year. “Plus, we were more individuals last year than we were this year.” As Oxford found out months later, this made for a successful plan. Not only did Oxford make the state playoffs for the first time in 13 years, the Yellow Jackets won the Class 6A, Area 12 title and posted a 13-5-2 record. They did it behind the play of Filiberto Ruedas, Luis Gomex, Andrew Sheltzer, Matthew Lin and Bryant Luis. “The highlight of the season was our area game against Gadsden City. It was the game that put us in first place in the area,” McDonald said. “Our goalkeeper, Andrew Seltzer, stopped a penalty kick with four minutes left that could have tied the game. It came down to us winning the area and coming in second.” Although McDonald lost six starters to graduation, he is confident his system will help the program continue to succeed. “The great thing about this season was I was able to play a lot of young players. I have some eighth-graders that had game-time experience that was really good,” McDonald said. “I look at it like Alabama football in that you never start over, you just reload. I think that’s what we’ll do next year.” Brandon Miller covers prep sports for The Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3575 or follow him on Twitter @bmiller_star
All-Calhoun County boys soccer team
by Brandon Miller
Jun 17, 2013 | 308 views |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend | print
FIRST TEAM Filiberto Ruedas 5-5, Sr., MF • Oxford Noteworthy: Ruedas led the team with 19 goals and eight assists, earning the Yellow Jackets’ co-Offensive MVP award for the second straight season. Mason Tompkins 5-10, Jr, D • Jacksonville Noteworthy: Tompkins was the glue of the Golden Eagles this past season, serving as the team captain and starting every game. The junior scored 14 goals and contributed eight assists, while also playing excellent defense. Mitchell Baker 5-6, 8th, F • Donoho Notewothy: Baker was the leader of the team despite being only an eighth-grader. He led the Falcons with 24 goals for the season. Baker started the year scoring Donoho’s first 18 goals. Schuylar Bucker 5-6, So., MF • Donoho Noteworthy: Buckner was the workhouse for the Falcons last season while playing center midfielder. The sophomore scored one goal for the season. Adan Escareno 5-8, Sr., F • Anniston Noteworthy: Escareno led Anniston’s offense in every way this past season. The senior led the team with 13 goals and six assists to finish his high school career. Josiah McDaniel 5-11, So., MF • Faith Christian Noteworthy: McDaniel played a large role for the Lions as a sophomore, scoring 14 goals and recording seven assists. Bryan Manuel 6-0, Sr., GK • Jacksonville Noteworthy: Manuel kept the Golden Eagles in numerous games this past season. The senior recorded eight shutouts and also scored two goals as an offensive player. Stephen Emerson 5-11, Sr., F • Faith Christian Noteworthy: Emerson led the Lions with 16 goals and also recorded five assists during his senior season at Faith Christian. Luis Gomez 4-8, Jr., F • Oxford Noteworthy: Gomez played a large role for the Yellow Jackets, finishing second on the team with 16 goals and five assists. He was awarded the co-MVP award for Oxford. Andrew Seltzer 6-1, Jr., D • Oxford Noteworthy: Seltzer earned the Yellow Jackets’ Defensive MVP award after helping Oxford reach the playoffs. The junior started one game as the goalkeeper, a 1-0 win against Gadsden City. Bryant Lewis 5-11, Sr., D • Oxford Noteworthy: Lewis played offense and defense for the Yellow Jackets and scored five goals and had three assists on the season. The senior also earned Oxford’s Leadership Award. Second TEAM Oxford — Matthew Lin, Gustavo Rios, Johnathan Becerra; Faith Christian — Tyler Johnson, Sydney Nordan, Parker Moore; Jacksonville — Brian Pryor, Andrew Staples, Austin Martin, Tyler Pass; Donoho — Wilson Landers.
Hobson City Town Council plans for the future
by Eddie Burkhalter
eburkhalter@annistonstar.com
Jun 17, 2013 | 229 views |  0 comments | 19 19 recommendations | email to a friend | print
HOBSON CITY – Among the individual goals Town Council members discussed in a Monday workshop, infrastructure improvements remained at the top of nearly everyone’s list. The combined list is varied, and it will take many sources of money – from grants to local funds – to pay for it all, the council and Mayor explained as they discussed each item during a workshop. Susie Jones, chair of the town’s Parks and Recreation Committee, asked for installation of Plexiglas windows and exterior doors at the field house at the youth sports football field, and for repair of the restrooms there. Chair of the Water and Sewer Committee, Joe Cunningham plans to change numerous leaking water meters throughout town. About 60 water meters were replaced in previous years, and there may be a grant available to pay for replacement of more, Hobson City Mayor Alberta McCrory said. The town’s water tower needs to be refurbished, McCrory said, and an old estimate on that work will have to be redone. Additionally, regular maintenance needs to be done on the water pump next to the tower, she said. An arch welcoming people to Hobson City is something Councilwoman Deneva Barnes, chair of the Streets Committee, said she’d like to see built in the coming months. A beatification board could help in that effort, Barnes said. She’d like to start such a board, and said it could help raise money to build the arch. O’Mildred Ball, chair of the Sanitation and License Committee, would like the town to consider buying a new, or slightly used, garbage truck to replace its aging one. Ball also asked about the possibility of increasing the town’s business license fees, and McCrory said that’s something she is currently considering. “We have a lot of people come into town doing odds and ends jobs,” Ball said, referring to contractors who work without paying for a business license through Town Hall. Freddie Striplin, chair of the Police and Public Safety Committee, remains worried about crime in recent weeks. “I’d like to restore a sense of safety on MLK,” Striplin said. Traffic is slowing after Calhoun County deputies began regular patrols last month, Striplin said, but there remains a criminal element that needs to be addressed, he explained. A dormant neighborhood crime watch program needs to be restarted, Striplin said, explaining it could help curb crimes that may be going unreported. “I think you’re going to have some help with that. The Housing Authority has already said they’d like to start their own watch,” McCrory told Striplin. Stray dogs — some of them seemingly aggressive — have become another problem Striplin said he’d like to address. McCrory said there is the possibility of contracting with Calhoun County Animal Control to pick up those animals. McCrory said more work is needed on Town Hall, housed in the town’s former elementary school. Painting is needed, as are repairs to the leaking roof, she said. “These are the things we’re going to get working on,” McCrory said. “And they’re the things we needed to hear.” The next council meeting will take place June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Staff writer Eddie Burkhalter: 256-235-3563. On Twitter @Burkhalter_Star.
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