EXCELSIOR Club Running Results - 1999

1999 CHRISTMAS RELAYS - 12/12/99

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

The Men in Yellow wrapped up the Pacific Association Road Grand Prix Championship for the second year in a row Sunday at the Christmas Relays.  We needed only a fourth place finish to clinch the title, but ended up winning the race (and $500) with great efforts from Chris Phipps (22:44, 50-second PR), Chris Lundstrom (22:09, probably the fastest leg run all day by someone who only ran one leg), Dan Shore (22:43), and Chris Ashfield (22:26), total 1:30:03 thanks to misdirection at the end by race officials. We beat Adidas by about a minute, WV by over two (even with two Oregonians). This win gave us the team title by 12 points over second place WV.

Hoy's Excelsior put three teams in the top 10 (masters 9th, submasters 10th). The submaster, master, and senior teams were all 2d in their age divisions. The women's team (!) was 9th in their division. The submaster team, the Yellow Subs, consisted of John Trevithick, Erik Gleibermann, Greg Koniowka, and Brad Zamczyk--congratulations, gentlemen. I'll leave to others the reporting of the other teams, but do want to congratulate the women for a fine effort and the first team we've had since last year's relays. Thanks in particular to organizer and star runner Lee d'Alessandro.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
CAL INTERNATIONAL MARATHON - 12/05/99 [results]

Congratulations to Peter Hsia, Raymundo Cruz and Samuel Harvell for their 2:49, 2:50 and 2:55 efforts, respectively, at Cal Intl. Marathon Sunday. Good job! And congratulations to WV's Mike Dudley for his 2:14! performance, which I believe is the fourth fastest US marathon this year!

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
CROSS COUNTRY NATIONALS - 12/05/99

We came. We saw. We got slaughtered.  It wasn't a pretty site, as our glorious PA-Championship team finished 14 of 16, with 377 points. Thank god for the Greater Springfield Harriers and Los Feliz Flyers. We lost by 136 points to our Boston Polo counterparts, the Greater Boston Track Club (11th place). In all fairness, only two of our 5-member team had scored all year--but hey, as far as I'm concerned, that's also the bright side. Next year maybe we can send our A team to Nationals (in Boston, I believe it's Thanksgiving weekend) and make a better showing. We went to dinner and had post-race drinks with the Boston club, by the way, and they were quite friendly. It looks like we have some more connections if any of us travel to Boston (marathon, Nationals). 

On the individual side, our star Chris Lundstrom finished 62d in 32:16 on the fairly fast Long Beach course (between the gopher holes and the 80 degree heat, it was not a fast day). Chris Phipps finished second on the team in 33:39 (100th), followed by Dan Mancini (34:27, 115th), Dan Lilot (34:48, 120th), and Tyler Abbott (36: Ouch 24, 137th, another in a string of PWs). We figure the course was 5-10 seconds slower than our 6.0 mile GGP course, and about a minute slower than a fast road 10K.  Congratulations to the Farm Team and the Aggies, who finished 1st and 2d (Appenheimer 29:22/Jimmerson/Cullum 1st, 2d, 4th; Lienau and Schille 10th and 11th in 30:27 and 30:28), as well as the the Farm Team women (1st I believe) and the Impalas (3rd in women's open competition). The PA was well represented. And in spite of our lackluster performance, we all had a great time.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
RUN TO THE FARSIDE - 11/28/99

In this first week since August! without an official PA circuit race, Chris Ashfield did nothing out of the ordinary.  Chris Phipps, on the other hand, ran a strong if lonely 32:39 at the Far Side 10K Sunday to capture fifth place (first local regular). Tim Wallen ran a several year PR 15:59 (approximately--I didn't see the exact finish) in the 5. Back in the 10, Sylvester Franklin was the third master, I believe, in around 35:20, with senior winner (again, I believe) Rocket Darling and newcomer and near-senior Charlie Thompson close behind, both under 35:40, and Raymundo Cruz behind them in 36:20. List subscriber Chris Lundy continued her string of successes with an easy win in the women's 10K, running 35:05. (All times are approximate--haven't seen official results.)

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
PA XC CHAMPIONSHIPS - 11/20/99

Ashfield Captures Triple Crown at Cross-Country Championships

Chris Ashfield wrapped up the cross-country circuit at this Saturday's Cross-Country Championships in Golden Gate Park, becoming the first runner ever to capture the Pacific Association Triple Crown! Chris had already won the short road and the long road circuits, and seems to be a cinch for Runner of the Year . . . .

The team also looks to have won the cross-country title. We clinched a tie for first two weeks ago at Tamalpa, and as long as the Farm Team submits a score sheet, putting the Aggies second on Saturday, we will win it all, though we finished third (probably) at the race. Because of the six of nine scoring rule, it didn't matter how we placed Saturday.

All that said, it was a difficult race for us. We are definitely again feeling the strain of being the only team whose top athletes have run both the cross-country and the road circuits. I also apologize that, due to the impending team meeting, I failed to get all the results at the race. Chris Lundstrom finished approximately tenth in what is the most competitive open race in Northern California every year. Chris Ashfield, now having run all EIGHTEEN of the PA races so far this year (excluding only the one single point--therefore meaningless--x-c, Davis) and feeling it, followed in fifteenth. Other Men in Yellow in the race were Chris Phipps, Tim Wallen, Hector Gonzales, Dan Mancini, Jerad Crave, and, in the way-back machine, Tyler Abbott and Cesar Guillen. I hope I didn't miss anyone.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
CLARKSBURG 30K - 11/14/99

Chris Ashfield further feathered his Polo Porkpie hat with his second grand prix crown, winning the long road grand prix by placing second to Mike Dudley in the brutal Clarksburg 30K Sunday. Chris was just one point ahead of legendary 43-year old Brad Hawthorne going into the double-point race; whoever won between the two of them was to be the long champion.  They went out together (with Dudley and Bill Raitter), but by the 10K mark Chris, running stride for stride with Dudley at 5:04 pace (31:30), had put a little over a minute on Hawthorne. Chris ended up running 1:37:51 (5:15 pace), about two minutes ahead of Hawthorne. (Now if you tag on a 40 minute 12K, you get a 2:17 marathon?)   Chris has a chance to make regional history at the X-C Championships Saturday, as he goes for the first ever PA Triple Crown. Chris is the odds-on favorite to win the cross-country grand prix as well--stay tuned next week.

On the team front we again placed second to WV. After Chris and Brad came Bill Raitter, followed by WV's token Californian Aaron Pierson. Brian Richter (1:44:52) and Hans Gouwens (1:45:41) both ran strong races, finishing sixth and seventh, but it wasn't quite enough. Nevertheless, going into the final PA road race of the season, the double-point Christmas Relays, we have a 7-point lead over WV. Brian (4th, I believe) and Hans (apparently tied for 10th) are also our two other runners placing in the top 15 for the long series, which gives them free entries next year. John Trevithick may have squeaked in under the Dan Shore rule; it looks like John is18th or 19th (without doing double-point Humboldt and Clarksburg), but under the rule you throw out master's runners who already have free entries, so his status depends on the master's series.

Other H-E men running Clarksburg were Chris Ross, who ran a very strong 1:49:14, Jesus Garcia, suffering from cramps to finish in 1:51:09, the sick-all-week Dan Shore, who ran 2 hours something, and Samuel Harvell, who rounded out the team in 2:06:37. Great job to all on a tough day.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
Return of the Master

Our masters team reclaimed the overall Grand Prix championship with a victory @ the Clarksburg 30K race. The experience and wisdom of the team prevailed in our year long quest to reclaim the masters title. This stakes our claim as the masters team of the 90"s with six out of the last seven years team champions. The team at the 30 K was Don Paul (1:51:44) Tim Gergathy (1:52:00), Lloyd Stephenson (1:57:07) and able backup senior Al Stanbridge (2:17:30) Don, Tim and Lloyd all ran together through 23K as they realized they needed to finish the race. Lloyd fell off the pace (lack of training) and Tim stayed close to Don as he had never ran this far in a race as Al had an off day. The four old goats held on to finish. Every race is different and the outcome can suprise you! The masters team plans to run the Christmas Relays and savor a well earn title and team $$$$$$$!  Molto Grazie to all the masters and senior runners in our club who help foster this team victory. We needed each and every one of you to achieve this noble goal!

     -- The Rocket

 
SAN FRANCISCO CLASSIC - 11/07/99

The day after Tamalpa Chris Phipps went out and cherry picked the San Francisco Classic 5K, winning in 16:35 on the hilly course. Another bright spot for the men in yellow!

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
TAMALPA CHALLENGE XC - 11/06/99

There was nothing but yellow at the front of the Tamalpa Challenge XC Saturday, as we placed 7 runners in the top 9, 8 in the top 11! The one dark spot was a burned-out Chris Ashfield being edged out of his best chance for a x-c win by WV's Todd Rose in the last 200 meters, yes, Todd Rose who hasn't beaten Chris since Chris got in shape a year ago (except for Chris's 101 degree run at Houlihan's).  Everything else, however, was bright and yellow. An unknown Aggie in 3rd was followed by Speed-D Shore, Jesus Garcia coming from way back to run probably his best race of the year, Hector Empieza Despacio Gonzales, Chris Phipps, Brian Richter, and Hans Gouwens. Then after Tamalpa's Seth Davis came Tim Wallen. There it was, 7 of 9, 8 of 11. Brian was 8th in the race and didn't even score for the team (yes he was very pleased with the development). And if Chris Lundstrom hadn't been sick, we would have had 8 of the top 10.

The really good news is that we have now clinched at least a tie for first place in the cross-country grand prix. And Chris Ashfield all-but-clinched first place in the cross-country individual grand prix.  For the record, Chris Ashfield has now been second place in four-count-them-four of the seven races this year, losing to such luminaries as Jason Lienau, John Howell, and our own Chris Lundstrom.  Chris is definitely feeling the strain of competing in three grueling grand prix this year. Hopefully Chris can survive one more race, Clarksburg this Sunday, as he leads the long grand prix going into this final race.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
SHORELINE XC - 10/30/99

Well, we thought we'd have trouble with the Aggies on their home course (or at least one of them), and we were right. They're hard to beat when Lienau, Howell, Harris, Schille, and Ortenburger all show up. As it was, only Lienau (4th behind three Farm Teamers) beat our Chris Lundstrom, by just four seconds, and then Howell, another four seconds back, beat Chris Ashfield, by just three seconds. So it was close after two, but with Harris 9th, Schille 10th, and Ortenburger 12th, they beat us solidly. They put another couple (Shaver and Armando Siqueiros) before our third, Brian Richter in 22d. Brian was followed by Jesus Garcia (24th), Dan Shore (30th), Chris Phipps (32d), Tim Wallen (40th), Dan Lilot (42d), and ailing (and coughing) Jerad Crave (64th) and Tyler Abbott (76th).  The question of the day is the Farm Team status. They were 1st through 3rd, but it's not clear if all three were PA-legal, nor where the rest of their team finished. Time will tell.  At this point we definitely need a strong Tamalpa this Saturday . . .

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
CHICAGO MARATHON - 10/24/99

By now most of you have heard of Khannouchi's 2:05:42, a new world record by an incredible 23 seconds, followed closely by Tanui in 2:06:11. David Morris, 4th in 2:09:31, set the new American record. On a more local note, be sure to congratulate our own Tom Caruso, who set a (7-minute! I believe) PR in 2:34:44. Continuing with local runners, Eric Walker of Empire was first Californian in 2:26, Mike McManus ran 2:29, and list subscriber (and former Excelsior member) Stephanie Vannicola ran a strong 2:54.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
My Personal Experience

In my last 10K, I passed 25 runners and was only passed by 1 guy.   Of course, I wish I ran faster, but I can't knock my overall execution. I felt strong and focused start to finish. I associated most of the way and didn't take in much besides my rhythm, heartrate, and form. I couldn't find any packs to run with so I jumped from group to group.  I have to say the bitter cold got to me the last 3 miles, I ran low 6s because I was borderline cramping in my hamstrings and had to backoff a tad.   Overall, I'm happy and can't complain. I stuck to my game plan and am pretty happy . My legs feel fine (little sore, but not bad) and I look forward to a few weeks of recovery and rest!

Highlights

TIME 2:34:14
First half 1:17:48
Second half 1:16:34
Slowest Mile Mile 1--6:12
Fastest Mile Mile 21--5:39
Previous PR 2:41:40 (Twin Cities '98)
130 out of 30,000 runners
120th Male
6th fastest Californian out of a few thousand

WR by Khalid Khannouchi in 2:05:42!

     -- Tom Caruso

 
CRYSTAL SPRINGS XC - 10/23/99

The most exciting race we've seen on the cross-country circuit. With about a mile to go, The Aggies were 1st and 4th (Howell and Schille), we were 2d and 3rd (Ashfield and new club member Chris Lundstrom, winner of GGP).  After Todd Rose of WV in 5th, we alternated places Aggies 6th (Shaver), us 7th (Gouwens), Aggies 8th (Minor, I believe), us 9th (Stanton), Aggies 10th (Boynton), us 11th (Richter). They led by three places. In the last mile the first five places didn't change--Ashfield and Lundstrom ending up taking 2d and 3d PA, both beating Chris Schille. The tension mounted as several non-PA runners came in after Schille but before Shaver, who stayed just in front of Hans, giving the Aggies 1 place over us after 3. But 4th and 5th (and 6th, 7th, and 8th) came through for us, with Ernie and Brian both beating their 4th (Boynton), and Chris Phipps (at 22:02, a new PR on the course he's run 30-something times), Dan Shore (22:04), and Jesus Garcia (22:05) all beating the Aggies' 5th, Tim Minor (who tore or strained his hamstring before and during the race). We ended up unofficially 5 places in front, with Phipps and Shore both displacing Minor.

Other team members running (all finishing under 23 minutes) included Hector Gonzalez, who went out quite fast, leading the pack by 1/2 mile after a quarter, Tim Wallen, Jerad Crave, Cesar Guillen, and Dan Lilot. A very strong effort on a day when we needed it--we'll try to do the same at Shoreline this Saturday.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
ROSENBURG ROMPS & SEVALD RETURNS TO ACTION! - 10/17/99

Doug Rosenberg earned an easy win at the Theta Breakers 5K in Palo Alto last weekend. While others were at Humboldt or the Race for the Cure, Doug stayed close by and ran 17:18 (5:34 pace). In the Race for the Cure 5K in San Francisco, three club members ran well. Bill Sevald came in 3rd in the 50+ group as he was paced by that professional rabbit, Sylvester Franklin. Lee D'Allessandro finish just ahead of Stan (almost 50) Yasuhara.

Bill Sevald 19:19 (6:13 pace)
Lee D'Allessandro 19:56 (6:24 pace)
Stan Yasuhara 19:57 (6:24 pace)

     -- The Rocket

 
HUMBOLDT HALF MARATHON - 10/17/99

Good race. Chris Ashfield led us in a way PR of 1:06:55, 3rd overall behind WV's own Oregonian Mike Dudley at 1:06:05 and Farm Team's Robert Reeder at 1:06:54.9. Brian Richter ran a great race after vomiting and running a fever the night before to finish eighth in 1:09:09, a few seconds behind his last year's second-place effort. Hans You Said It Man Gouwens placed next in 1:10:44, 12th overall. Jesus Garcia placed fourth for us in 1:12:45 (18th), with Dan Shore close on his heels in 1:12:46, with a well-forewarned Juan Torrealba separating them (and beating out Dan for the coveted 30-34 award). Jerad Crave (1:15:03), Randy Guerrero (1:16:15), Jim Misener (1:19:08), and Samuel Harvell (1:23:29) rounded out the team. With the Oregon contingent WV beat us by about 5 minutes, but our second place finish should be enough to keep us ahead at year end.  By the way, we lost two other points to West Valley on Saturday, as the LDR Committee voted to throw out team scores at the controversial Cal 10. We should still have an 8 point lead going into the final two events, Clarksburg and the Christmas Relays.

     -- Tyler Abbott

Seniors + Masters = Victory @ Humboldt

Three seniors came to the rescue of our masters team at the recent Humboldt Redwoods 1/2 marathon. Our team depth ensured that the masters team stayed in first place overall in the Northern California Grand Prix. Al Stanbridge, Jim Gorman and Bob Darling combined with masters Don Paul, Lloyd Stephenson and Tim Geragthy to win the team race.  It was a good day to run quick as our team had mixed fortunes.  Don got first in the 45-49 age group, Tim ran a personal best, Al and Lloyd ran steady. Jim and Bob had a major off day as both ran three minutes slower than last year. Yet our team dodged another bullet! Some how this team chugs along and wins team races. I thought we would get beat this year, but the team has surprised us all. Next year will be harder to defend the title, but I trust the new 40 year olds will carry on the tradition. We have won the masters team title six of the last seven years. We can wrap up this years team title with a good showing at the Clarksburg 30 K race.  Any masters who plans on running Clarksburg, should contact Bob Darling.  Our goal is to have four finishers (three score).  Results (approx time)

Don Paul 1:13:37
Lloyd Stephenson 1:14:22
Tim Geragthy 1:15:30
Jim Gorman 1:19:42
Bob Darling 1:20:33
Al Stanbridge 1:25:40

     -- The Rocket

 
EMPIRE OPEN - 10/09/99

Saturday's Empire Open went well enough for the open men, on an exceedingly hot day. We ended up second behind a strong Aggie team (Lienau, Schille, Harris, Shaver, and Held). Chris Ashfield again led us, finishing fourth overall behind Lienau, Schille, and Humboldt's Fergus Breck. Melting towards the end, Chris finished a few seconds behind what Brian Richter ran last year. Ernie Stanton finished next for the team--glad you're back, Ernie--followed closely by Chris Comeback Phipps, Jesus Garcia, and Tim Wallen. (Lloyd Stephenson, who ran the master's race, would have finished between Phipps and Garcia if he'd ran the same time in the open race.) Jerad Crave came next, with the three Dans--Mancini, Lilot, and Pollen Boy Shore--close behind, with Tyler Delusions of Grandeur Abbott and David Moulton rounding out the team. On the women's side, list subscriber Chris Lundy continued her string of impressive x-c victories.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
Our club had 15 people turn out for the sunny xc challenge of the Santa Rosa terrain.  The masters and seniors ran before the young bucks in five degree cooler weather.  It was competitive at the front as Lloyd Stephenson placed fifth in 27:25 for 8 KM. His "quote" tempo runs (5:30 pace) will keep him in top shape.   Bob Darling won the seniors race over rival Frank Ruona by seven seconds in a time of 30:08 ( 6:03 pace ).  He is in first place overall so far in the Grand Prix xc season.  He was followed by near seniors Kim Lilot (30:58) and Bill Knapp (31:51)   Our clubs senior ranks will swell up as 5-7 members turn the golden age of 50.   Long time member Daryl Zapata showed up and ran 38:09 to round off the team. It was 30 years that I had the good fortune of earning NCAA Div II All American team at Cal-State University Chico. This is my first full season trying to recapture a bit of xc madness.   Every course is varied over the terra firma.  Your fartlek pacing will serve you well in your efforts.  You can run like a deer, wolf or young kid over the dusty trails and woods.  It is one form of getting back to nature and surveying our great countryside of California.  Try it sometime and your legs and mind will savor it all.   The great Irish writer Frank McCourt says," ay go for it , it just tis".

     -- The Rocket

 
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE - 10/03/99

For the day after our first sponsored race in years, we had a very healthy turnout for the Bridge to Bridge 7 and 12Ks Sunday.  In the 7K, Lloyd Stephenson placed third overall, obviously first master.  In the 12K, Hans Gouwens led the squad just at 40 minutes (39:59 or 40:00), with Tom Caruso (41:50), Peter Hsia (43:30), Randy Guerrero (44:xx), Joe Cabrera, and others putting in good efforts. I apologize to those I missed and to those whose times I didn't get down--several of us ran to the race to watch the finish (and, as we found out, to course monitor the 7K), but we didn't stick around long.  Congratulations also to list subscribers Chris Lundy for her 3rd place 12K finish (worth $500, I believe), just a few seconds behind 2nd after winning the Presidio Open the day before, and Stephanie Vannicola, who I believe won the 7K.  Thumbs down to race management on this one, as at least the first 10 7Kers started on the 12K path at the split, and one unidentified woman being verbally thrashed after she got confused at the split. Brian, want to direct this one next year?

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
HOY'S EXCELSIOR PRESIDIO CHALLENGE - 10/02/99

Saturday's Presidio X-C was a smashing success.  Highest congratulations to Brian Richter, who's tireless work (OK, he was tired) brought our first race in years to fruition.

From Brian:

I want to extend a huge thanks to all the people who helped us pull off what has been deemed a pretty successful race on Saturday. We had 200 people finish the races, and very few (and only minor) incidents.  Specific thanks to those who provided hardware including Andy Chan (bull horn, watch, white board, water jugs), Kevin Grady (tables, chairs, cones and the wheel), Lloyd Stephenson (cash box, calculators, cones, cash, results boards, assorted race day needs), Nataline Chew (cash), Dan Shore (pins from the 24 hour Walgreens) and Hans Gouwens, who brought friend Fred to be the lead cyclist.   Thanks to all who heeded my pleas for volunteers by coming out race day, many just to volunteer and not race. Too many to name, but a great effort by all.  A special thanks to Hoy's Sports for providing significant financial backing to the race and their race-day presence. Also to Polo for sending gear and Clif Bars unsolicited to hand out at the race.  Finally, thanks to my wife Michelle who watched me go through several melt-downs during the week leading up to the race, was out at 6:45 race morning helping set up, and helped throughout the day and tearing down and returning property to those who loaned it to us.  I'd like feedback from anyone who has any, particularly how to improve the race for next year. I'll be debriefing with Hoy's sometime in the next week or so.  I'll have the final numbers on how we did financially soon.

Unfortunately, we were more successful as race coordinators than runners, and Chico edged us out of first place by 12 places or so. I hate to say it, Brian, but next year you're going to have to run, too.  Chris Ashfield continued his string of cross-country near-misses, finishing second to the Aggies' Kip Ortenburger (beating WV's Todd Rose by one place for the third straight race). Dan Shore finished 11th, followed by Chris Phipps, Jerad Crave, and Tim Wallen. Dan Lilot, Tyler Abbott (I displaced!), and David Moulton rounded out the team. In the master's race, Bob Darling was second senior behind Tamalpa's Frank Ruona, with Kim Lilot and Mike Duncan also running strong. And thanks to Lark Dunham for being our only woman runner. I apologize if I missed anyone.   I also want to personally thank Hoy's for the eighteen $30 gift certificates they provided (along with 25 or so pairs of socks!), Polo for the ten pieces of running gear and six boxes of Clif bars, and Bob Darling, Craig Edwards, and Lark Dunham for helping out at the prize table.

Finally, the following is a note forwarded from Jim Gorman (who volunteered at the race):

Kudos to Brian and his wife for all their work on today's race. This was the first Excelsior ( I don't know about Hoy's) sponsored race in many, many years. As a significant member of the PA running scene it is not enough for us as a team to participate in races. We also need to contribute in this way by hosting. Today we made our contribution, and I hope this will continue next year and the years to come.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
ROCKLIN XC RACE - 9/18/99

The second race in the X-C series was in Rocklin on Saturday. While I don't yet have individual results for the H-E Men, it sounds like we placed third behind the Aggies and Chico with its team of 20 or so harriers. Thanks to the mighty Chris Ashfield, Jared Crave, Chris Phipps, Jerry Lee, and Lloyd Stephenson for putting us on the board in a race two hours from home. Special thanks to Lloyd who ran BOTH the Open and Masters races, providing much-needed points for both teams.

     -- Dan Shore

 
GOLDEN GATE PARK XC RACE - 9/11/99

Saturday's first cross country race was a successful run for the H-E club.  The Open men seem to have won, apparently Chico TC in second, back from a year's hiatus from cross country.  Chris Ashfield led with 2nd overall (25 sec faster than last year's winning time). He was defeated by new list member and (I hope, I hope) new H-E member Chris Lundstrom. Chris also came out Sunday and along with Chris Ashfield, absolutely ran us into the ground over 17 miles in the Headlands.  Brian Richter was 4th o'all, Ernie Stanton (13th) Hans Gouwens (16th) and Loyd Stephenson (23rd) rounded out the scoring 5. Chris Phipps was right behind Loyd, and I'm still not sure who wound up being listed as our scoring 5th.

There were dozens of others running and watching and I cannot begin to name them or their times so I won't try. I will leave the master's exploits to Bob.

     -- Brian Richter

 
PACIFIC SUN - 9/06/99

Ashfield Wins Grand Prix!

Chris Ashfield wrapped up the Pacific Association Open Men Short Grand Prix Monday at the final race of the series, the Pacific Sun 10K. Chris ran 30:42 to finish third behind the Farm Team's Gary Stolz  and Oregon's Mike Dudley. Chris, who will receive $750 for the title, ended up 12-15 points ahead of second place Nick Bingham (Silver State) for the series. In addition, John Trevithick and Brian Richter ended up 4th and 6th in the series, with Monday efforts of 31:47 and 31:54 (after Brian raced in LA Sunday morning). Other team runners finishing in the top 15 (receiving free entries next year) include Lloyd Stephenson and Hans Gouwens; I'll report more when the final results are out. 

On the team front we had a fine race but faced our stiffest competition of the year and ended up third, our first finish out of the money this year. The Willamette Valley Track Club placed three Oregon runners in their top 5 (#1, 2, and 4; #1 and 2 were under 31 minutes) to easily win the team title. Can you spell "l-o-o-p-h-o-l-e"? (This of course raises the spector of an all-Oregon team title at Clarksburg.) A rejuvenated Adidas (with new runner Hector Delgado) placed second, a minute or so ahead of us. Hans Gouwens, suffering terrible cramps over the last mile, finished in 32:31, with Ernie Stanton closing out the scoring in 32:48.  We must have had close to 20 open runners out there yesterday.

After our top 5 came the following runners:

Hector Gonzalez, 33:05
Jesus Garcia and Dan Shore, the comeback trail twins, 33:20 and 33:25
Tom Caruso, 33:47, 31 second PR
Chris Phipps, 34:10
Colin "Why do they run this right after Hood to Coast" Solomon, 34:17, not a PR
Peter Hsia, 34:50, 5-year PR
Cesar Guillen, 34:53, PR
Randy Guerrero, 34:53, PR
Tim Wallen, 34:56
Jerad Crave, 34:57
Raymundo Cruz, 35:54
Andy Chan, 36:08
Jim Misener, 36:12
Samuel Harvell, 37:58
Erik Gleibermann, 38:01

Good job, everyone! A LOT of PRs out there Monday.

     -- Tyler Abbott

Lloyd Makes $$$ As Masters Team Wins Again!

Lloyd Stephenson scored an easy masters victory in 32:21 at the Pacific Sun 10K. He earned $175 which will help him in his semi-retired lifestyle.    This spurred our team to another win and increased their overall lead in the Grand Prix. The team ran faster than at the Alameda 10K. Peter Lewandowski (39 sec) and Mike Gama (25 sec) each improved alot. They need to introduce themselves to each other!   This was achieved on a flat course that is a bit slow due to the 25 turns on the route. The team is headed towards reclaiming the masters championship. We will still need a good effort at the next two long races.

Lloyd Stephenson 32:21
Don Paul 34:18 (age 49)
Tim Geraghty 34:29
Peter Lewandowski 35:22
Mike Gama 35:23
Mr. Franklin 36:44 (age 49)
Stan Yashura 43:43 (age 49)

Seniors Team Improves Yet Still Finishes Second!

Each team member ran faster than at the Alameda 10k, yet we only finished 2nd. The local Tamalpa team is tough.  Jim Gorman improved 19 seconds to finish 2nd in the old goats division.  Bob and Al knocked off 10 seconds each as Gary surprised all by improving over two minutes. The team is making a good attempt to finish 2nd or 3th in the Grand Prix standings.

Jim Gorman 35:11
Bob Darling 35:50
Al Stanbridge 38:41
Gary McPherson 38:47

Women

Lark Dunham continues her comeback after a foot injury with a good effort of 47:14. She was seen last Saturday before the race running faster than the Rocket on the Beach Chalet dirt path. A good comeback sign!  I hope to see more of our women members at future cross country and road races.

     -- The Rocket

 
HOOD TO COAST - 9/02/99

Another great year for the Santini Extra Virgins (including eight Hoy's Excelsior members--Colin Solomon, Ernie Stanton, Randy Guerrero, Jim Misener, Peter Hsia, Pete Nowicki, new member Chris Ross, and myself--and e-mail list subscriber Bill Bushnell) at the 195-mile 12-person Hood to Coast Relay this past Friday and Saturday. We were first place submaster (over 30) team, ninth overall (behind only the eight "elite" teams; we lost to the last of those by only 37 seconds in a great back and forth battle). Ironically, due to the odd divisioning, we finished 10-15 minutes ahead of the first "open" team.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
CAPITOL MILE - 8/15/99

You have to wonder why one would drive 3 1/2 hours (4 1/2 in Sunday's bridge traffic) round trip to Sacramento to run one mile in the late morning Central Valley Summer heat. Apparently many did question the outing, as turnout was low for Sunday's Capitol Mile. That was fine with us, as we made up for last year's dismal 5th (or was it 6th?) place showing with an apparent victory in our weakest event (there were several unrecognized names among the leaders, and our actual place will depend on their affiliations, if any). For John Trevithick, the answer to the Why Sacramento? question was the two x-points he picked up on Chris Ashfield, as John led us in 4:23, 7th overall (4th among PA regulars, behind Art Martin, Nick Bingham, and Kevin Selby). Chris was right behind him in 4:24, 8th overall. Brian Richter followed in 4:28, with Hans Gouwens just behind in 4:30. Hector 57 seconds Gonzales placed fifth on the team in 4:33. In the B Heat, Ernie Stanton led us in 4:40, followed by Jesus Garcia (4:50), Tyler Abbott (4:55), Samuel Harvell (4:57), and Randy Guerrero (5:01).

     -- Tyler Abbott

(Darling) Masters team edges old Aggies/Senior team slips into second @ mile race

The masters team somehow prevailed to win the team title at the Fleet Feet mile race Sunday morning in balmy Sacramento. They edged out the Reebok Aggies by just three seconds. A gutsy effort by Sylvester (mild hamstring strain) who went out slower than normal, proved to be the difference. There was good team running by Lloyd and Tim(sore foot), Don's (age 49) quickness and Mike's (too quick start) efforts that proved to be the differce. The team increased its overall lead to nine points and looks good to regain the Grand Prix championship. Every race has been a struggle. The other teams have tried to knock us off, but we have held on some how. Our depth, experience, pride to and some luck enable the team to strive to be one of the top masters teams in the nation.

Lloyd Stephenson 4:39
Tim Geraghty 4:40
Don Paul 4:49
Mike Gama 4:57
Sylvester Franklin 4:58

The seniors team was lead by Jim, who finished in second place. He was edged out by one second by Tampala's Don Porteous in a mild upset. Race favorite and defending champion Mike Dove finished third. The team finished in second place and is moving up in the overall team standings. Our consistent team efforts this year will pave the way to a stronger team next year. At our golden age it takes a long time to recover from fast workouts, races or injuries. Yet we like to compete and run as fast as we can on race day. We all roll with the waves of life and long to catch another wave in order to run a fast race again.  You will be there someday and will understand it better then.

Jim Gorman 4:54
The Rocket 5:xx
Gary McPherson 5:27
Al Stanbridge 5:29

     -- The Rocket

 
CHASE CORPORATE CHALLENGE - 8/11/99

He kept a low key profile amid the 3000+ corporate runners until the starter gave the command to go. Then Chris Ashfield bolted to the lead and kept it to victory in the Chase Corporate Challenge 3 1/2 mile race last night. This annual race among all corporate teams started and finished at Aquatic Park in San Francisco. It is a slow course with 25 turns, swirling winds and two hills. A short race is tightly packed and team pride is at stake. Also finishing in the top 50 were Chris Phipps and Bob Darling. First woman was local UCSF national class runner Becky Spies, who won easily.   Jerad Cave was among the cheerleaders. I am sure there were other club members there. I hope your efforts went well. The honoree starter was Grete Waitz, the former world class runner from Norway. She was friendly and still looked fit. The local pubs were full of team runners socializing and refueling with food, Guinness and other good brews. Not your normal Wednesday night. Be there next year with your corporate team if you can.

     -- The Rocket

 
ALAMEDA RUN FOR THE PARKS - 8/01/99

Another good showing for the open men at Alameda. Chris Ashfield again led us, this time with a strong 31:04 (3rd) coming off a week in the cut-it-with-a-knife humidity of North Carolina. Brian Call Me Mr. Richter followed in 31:52, with John Trevithick (32:05), Hans Gouwens (32:12), and Colin Solomon (32:15) close behind. The team had so many runners (Bob Darling counted 30!), that I won't even try to list everyone, but my placing 15th on the team (including 3 masters) in 34:22 is ample evidence of our depth. There were a lot of yellow (and blue and white) jerseys flying by. In the team competition, although we ran 3-4 minutes faster than last year (when we won), a tough (and East Bay-centered) Adidas team edged us out by 50-55 seconds. The masters won, the seniors were second.

A couple of specific congratulations, Lee D'Alessandro raced to a 28th place overall finish among the women in 40:33, slashing an astonishing 2 minutes off her 10km PR set on this same course last year and bringing her PR total to 5 since February (courtesy Dan Mancini). And Jim Misener ran a 5-year PR in 35:26, continuing a string of good races.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
MISC. JULY RUNNING NOTES

Congratulations to Daniel Shore for his blistering 17:00, 37-second victory in the 8th annual K.B.I.A. "A Day at the Beach" Road Race 5K July 11 in Kennebunk Beach, Maine. We're sure it was a hot day, Dan.  Dan also finished first (and only?) in his age group. 

Also, congratulations to Jim Misener on his return to the DSE victory stand with a 2-minute win in the Beach Esplanade Run (5.6 miles) 7/18.

And special thanks to the SF Chronicle for, in spite of a less-than-perfectly run marathon last week, prominent display of the two Hoy's Excelsior relay teams in Tuesday's sport section. Such large type!

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 CHRONICLE MARATHON - 7/11/99

At the Chronicle Marathon, Hoy's Excelsior had another good showing. In the 5K, both Loyd Stevenson and Lee D'Alessandro took fourth in their respective races. The relay division was highlighted by a one-two finish for the men's teams. It was low-lighted by those same two teams being beaten by the ageless wonder, Brad Hawthorne, passing Brian Richter at mile 5 and never relinquishing that lead, despite a valiant effort by John Trevithick in the late stages of the race. Brad Zanzcyk and Colin Solomon ran the middle two legs, burying the rest of the relay field in the process. The second team featured Chris Ross, Andy Chan, Manny Berston and Cesar Guillen, with Cesar passing eventual third place relay team in the final miles and waving to the crowd as he finished.

Tom Caruso ran the full distance and was the last finisher under 3:00 in 2:59:51.  Chris Phipps also went the distance himself, running an impressive 3:05 over the hills and through the heat. To top it off, he was seen two days later hammering away in GG Park.  Thanks to the many team members who came out early to support the team.  Mea Culpa to those I have missed and misspelled.

     -- Brian Richter

On a very warm (by SF standards) day, the SF Marathon, 5K and accompanying relays drew over 5000 runners. While there was no prize money in this "inaugural" event (new event ownership and sponsor) to draw out the top talent, however, the title sponsor, San Francisco Chronicle has vowed to step to the plate with a big splash in 2000.  Over a somewhat hilly 26 miles, 43 year old Brad Hawthorne took a very early lead in his wire to wire 2:24:34 victory, winning by over 16 minutes. In fact, Hawthorne beat all of the relay teams!! Hawthorne is a four time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier (most recently with a 2:19 at California Intl last Dec.) and known locally as a six time Big Sur Marathon champion.  The women's race was won by 28 year old Moraga resident, Patti Smith in 3:09:41. This was Smith's second marathon race. 

In the accompanying 5K, 1996 Olympian an Bay Area native, Matt Giusto, was a convincing winner with 14:33.  41 year old April Powers of the Impala Racing  Team was a 40 second victor on the distaff side.  

MARATHON

1- Brad Hawthorne, 43 2:24:34
2- Michael Buchanan, 25 2:40:38
3- Justin Courcelle, 28 2:43:42

1- Patti Smith, 28 3:09:41
2- Beth Vitalis, 34 3:15:41
3- Lauren Kearney, 32 3:17:11 

5K

1- Matt Giusto, 32 14:33
4- Lloyd Stephenson, 43 15:44

1- April Powers, 41 17:59

It was a nice day to workout in Golden Gate Park and watch the San Francisco marathon. A large number of Hoys Excelsior members turned out to watch or race on a relay team. Our open team easily won the relay race.

Lloyd came in 4th in the 5 Kilo race. The new course is tough and the weather was sunny and warm for the second year in a row.  Too bad the race did not have the cool, foggy weather like yesterday.

     -- The Rocket

 
1999 HERNIA HILL HALF MARATHON - 7/04/99

Congrats to Ernie Stanton for heading into the prior domain of WVTC and winning the Hernia Hill Half Marathon near Arnold on July 4th. Ernie blitzed the field, winning by almost two minutes.

     -- Brian Richter

 
1999 SHRINER'S CAPITAL CHALLENGE 8K - 6/26/99

The Hoy's Excelsior Open Men climaxed the extended Spring racing season with a victory in Sacramento (no, I don't know why they would schedule a race in Sacramento in June), the third in six races this year. Chris Ashfield topped off his season with his first PA victory, running 24:30 in the Central Valley heat to top Silver State's Nick Bingham by 15 seconds. John Trevithick ran second for the team, coming in ninth in a time of 25:18. After that, the yellow jerseys came in fast and furious.   Hans Gouwens followed in 25:32, with Brian Richter (25:32; we have a photograph showing Hans leaning, Brian), master Lloyd Stephenson (25:36), Colin Solomon (25:40), and injured Rachid Akif (25:46) close behind. Ernie Stanton (26:15), Dan Mancini (26:54; we believe you, Dan), Tyler Abbott (27:10), Raymundo Cruz (28:45), and Jim Misener (28:58) rounded out the squad.

Other notes Special congratulations to the open women who ran Lee D'Alessandro, who ran a PR in 32:21, Lark Dunham (36:36), and Nataline Chew (42:40)--hopefully we'll get a full team for Alameda 10k 8/1 . . . As usual, I'll leave master's/senior reporting to other writers . . .

Thanks to Jerad Crave, John Trevithick's wife Elizabeth, webcameraman Les Ong, and Lark's boyfriend for helping out . . . As always, I apologize for any errors and omissions.

     -- Tyler Abbott

Sylvester Returns as Masters Team Somehow Wins Team Race

The local grand prix circuit was reawoken with the return of Sylvester Franklin at the Shiners 8 Kilo race in Sacramento. Here was an opportunity to race Sylvester and see who kicks butt! His return to racing helped our masters team score another victory. Team captain Bob Darling has used a different lineup each Grand Prix race. Yet the "old goats" are keeping pace with the open team by staying in first place. The masters team has struggled with injuries, old age, etc yet each race some one fills in for another missing person.  This team spirit and depth has stunned our rivals. We lost a close team title last year.  Yet with some renewed energy and luck we can win the overall masters team title this year.  The team was lead by Lloyd Stephanson's great time of 25:36 (5:08 avg). Other team results were as follows Tim Geraghty -27:03 (obtained in trade from Los Angles via Sylvester), Jim Gorman-27:46 (50 yrs-3rd place), Bob Darling-28:34 (almost 50 yrs), Sylvester Franklin -28:47(first race this year), Antonio Corgas-29:22 (recovering from injury) and Kim Lilot-29:54(first race this year).

Our next goal is to have a healthy team at Alameda 10 Kilo race!   Here are some basic words of wisdom for all club members: Stay healthy, run with friends, explore your  local streets and trails, cross train, take a day off, hydrate, eat a variety of foods/eat well, take a Sunday afternoon nap, consistent sleep, train fast/race fast, find out what training works for you, train with faster runners(Don Paul or most Kenyans), allow enough recovery days, set realistic goals, stretch upper and lower body muscles, meet new people, get a good massage, plan to peak twice a year and got for it, taper for important races, rest, enjoy life, and have fun running.  Next article will feature an interview with our current superstar Chris Ashfield, winner of the Shiners 8 Kilo and potential 29:49 10 kilo racer (pending approval of his agent/lawyer(?)and open team captain Tyler, roommate Jared and Sylvester).

     -- Bob Darling

 
1999 ALICE RUN - 6/20/99

The inaugural Alice Run (5 miles) showcased another strong performance by Hoy's Excelsior as we claimed three of the top six positions (out of some 2500 runners). Chris Ashfield finished in second place ($200) in a strong time of 24:45 on the hilly course, a short 15 seconds behind Wilhelm Gidabday of Africa. Chris was followed by another African and Mexican Hector Gonzales. John Trevithick came in fifth, followed closely by Brian Richter, in times of 25:35 and 25:38. Chris Phipps (13th place) and Andy Chan rounded out our open group of runners in the race.

Masters runners Michael Gamma finished in 23rd place and Stan Yasuhara finished in 67th place.  Michael's time of  30:39 and Stan's time of 34:32,  placed them second and fifth in their age divisions, respectively. 

Congratulations also go out to e-mail list subscriber Chris Lundy, who finished as first place woman to take home the $400 prize.

Finally, thanks to all the club members who came out for support (and hopefully good photographs) Les Ong, Dan Shore, Tom Caruso, Hans Gouwens, Randy Guerrero, Manny Berston, Jerad Crave, and myself (I hope I didn't miss anyone).

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 DIPSEA - 6/13/99

Hoy's Excelsior came out strong for the 89th running of the Dipsea. We were led by Cliff Lentz, who finished 7th! in the handicapped race in a breakthrough time of 50:50 (less one minute handicap), a personal race PR of 1.5 minutes and second fastest time overall! Cliff was followed by Pat Moreton, who seems to revel in light training followed by nailing the race. Pat was 18th place with his time of 53:52 (less 2 minute handicap). The team picked up two more coveted black shirts, with myself finishing 23rd in a somewhat disappointing time of 54:35 (2 minute handicap), and Chris Phipps finishing 28th in 53:02 (no handicap).

Congratulations also go out to Cesar Guillen (57 minutes in his first Dipsea), Tom Caruso (58 minutes), Eric Krawitt (62 minutes), Manny Berston (62 minutes), and Jim Misener (64 minutes). Michael Gama was also in there, but I didn't catch his time. I apologize for any times I've misquoted (the results haven't been posted on the web yet) and for anyone I've missed.

Special congratulations to two e-mail list subscribers (and roommates!). Bill Bushnell ran 49:48 (one minute handicap), the fastest time of the day and good enough for fifth place after the handicapping.  Bill joined the elite group who've run under 50 minutes. Christine Lundy ran 56:02 (eight minute handicap) for the fastest woman's time of the day and the third fastest of all time! She finished in second place overall. By the way, Melody Ann Schultz ran away with the victory, running 1:01:47 (approximately) with a nineteen minute handicap.

Sincere thanks to all those who came out to support us Dan Shore (along with Allison), Randy Guerrero, Chris Ashfield, Jerad John Crave, and various spouses/significant others. The support helped immensely.

Publicity-wise it was also a very successful race. Pat Moreton was filmed (and interviewed) for some ten minutes for a Fall Bay Area Backroads (local TV program) all about the race. Let's hope they keep most of his footage off the cutting room floor. And when the yellow jerseys kept coming up to the stage during the presentation of the 35 black shirts, famed Dipsea announcer Barry Spitz couldn't help but remarking that it looked like there might be a challenge to Tamalpa's longstanding domination of the team race (with five of the top six runners in the race this year belonging to Tamalpa, however, we don't want to get our hopes too high).

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 RENO AIR 15K - 6/06/99

It was a tough race for the open men up at Reno Sunday. The altitude, as always, was a problem, and there was a significant headwind for much of the course. Chris Ashfield led us in a fine (but personally disappointing) 49:51 on the hilly 15K course, for 5th place PA (I believe). Brian returned to last year's form with an excellent 51:06 (over 2 minutes faster than his performance last year). John Trevithick followed just behind Brian in 51:18, with Ernie The Savior Stanton (52:16), Hans Gouwens (52:56, close to last year's result even though injured), Tyler Abbott (54:02), Chris Phipps (54:05), Cesar Guillen (56:20), and Samuel Harvell (58 minutes) rounding out the team.

It was a solid team effort, but apparently not quite enough.  According to preliminary results, our combined time (top 5) of 4:17:27 was ONE SECOND behind Silver State's 4:17:26. A tough loss to a tough team. 

Special congratulations to mailing list member Bill Bushnell, whose outstanding 48:5x was second in the PA (after Chris Schille), and would have been good enough to win last year, even with harsher conditions this year.

     -- Tyler Abbott

HOY'S EXCELSIOR TEAM PICNIC

The First and Only Hoy's Excelsior Team Picnic and Lo-o-o-o-ong Run will be this Sunday May 30.  Those who want to run will meet at 8:30 am at the gravel parking lot along the bike path 1/4 mile east of the San Francisco end of the Golden Gate Bridge (Houlihan's runs right by this parking lot). We will then run through the Headlands and much of the GGNRA to Stinson Beach, a distance Antonio reckons to be "a couple miles," but one that Brian Richter estimates at 22. I'd assume Brian's number is the more accurate. There'll be a car available for shuttling food or clothing to Stinson (remember, Stinson is often cold).

Let me know if you'd like to run a shorter distance. Maybe there'll be a group, for instance, that wants to just run Dipsea from Mill Valley or even Muir Woods. Or one that just wants to cut off a couple miles by starting at Vista Point.

Spouses/significant others/non-runners/injured runners/distance-challenged runners are invited to come to Stinson for the picnic. The runners should arrive between 11:00 and 11:30, so any time around then would be great. If anyone would be willing to go a little earlier and stake out a place for us (it is Memorial Day weekend, after all), that would be great.

This is a potluck, so, to make sure we have appropriate amounts of different items, please bring the following, according to your last name

(If we're really short of something, there are stores in Stinson, so let's not worry about it.) One other note about food and crowds it is conceivable that, because of the holiday crowds, we don't get a grill.  By all means bring food to barbecue, but I'd advise everyone to have a backup plan.

As I said in my other e-mail about Polo, we will also distribute much of the Polo gear to those who come to the picnic. Please contact me if you have any questions about this. Of course, those of you who already have some gear, be sure to wear it all.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 BAY TO BREAKERS - 5/16/99

Chris Ashfield of Burlingame (what?) shattered the Hoy's Excelsior team record at Sunday's Bay to Breakers, running 37:26 to best Jim Tracy's 1986 time by twelve seconds. Placing ninth, Ashfield also became the first Hoy's Excelsior runner in the top 10 since before the race imported elite athletes. Ashfield beat Hector Delgado by 19 seconds, and was just aced out of seventh place in the last 100 meters by master's phenom Craig Young (37:24) and Kenyan star Simon Rono (37:25).  In a cruel twist of fate, Ashfield was not, however, the top local runner, as top American runner Matt Giusto, newly of Alamo, ran 35:46 (wasn't top local runner of '97 over 39 minutes?).

 "Wow, that was awesome!" said the twenty-something speedster at the post-race Hash party, seeming very relaxed. "You know, like, there was this old guy [Young] and this foreigner [Rono] who passed me at the end, but, hey, like, why can't we all be friends?" Relaxing even further with the beverages supplied by the Hash, the new team record holder continued by lamenting his loss of the top local runner title, in so doing apparently confusing Matt "Juice" Giusto with O.J. "The Juice" Simpson.

 Hoy's Excelsior friend Bill Bushnell continued his string of excellent races, running 38:08. John "Hey Mom!" Trevithick also had an excellent race, running 38:45 to move into fifth place on the club all-time list, behind Ashfield, Tracy, Steve Ferraz (38:13, 1989), and Lloyd Stephenson (38:23, 1995), and just ahead of Brock Hinzmann (38:46, 1984).

 Hans "Take out the 'Pede" Gouwens ran his long-time sub-40 goal in 39:55, followed closely by Colin Solomon (40:00) and Mike Regan (40:10) . John, Hans, Colin, Mike, Jesus Garcia (40:34) and Dan Shore (pulled out with achilles injury) encircled the top women for the first two miles--if you haven't seen the Channel 5 B2B coverage, borrow the videotape. Unfortunately none of the commentators mentioned the six Men In Yellow surrounding the women, but they got an uncanny amount of coverage. John stayed with the lead women for the rest of the race, and ended up with more airtime than a NATO pilot.

 Other H-E runners in the top 200:

  I apologize to anyone I've inevitably missed.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
DEVIL MOUNTAIN 10K - 5/02/99

Congratulations to Rachid Akif for his 3d place 31:23 finish at the very cold and wet Devil Mountain 10K Sunday. Chris Schille won in 30:5x.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 BIG SUR 5K - 4/25/99

Chris Ashfield, Rashid Akif, and John Trevithick ran 6-7-8 at the Big Sur 5K Sunday to lead our open men to their second win of the season (unofficially)--the first time we've ever beaten a full Adidas squad!  Chris and Rashid came in together at 15:15, followed closely by John at 15:18. Dan Shore (15:28) and Brian Richter (15:40) rounded out the scoring. Congratulations also to our first master Lloyd Stephenson, who repeated his award-winning performance of last year in 15:33 (just behind Brad Mr. Big Sur Hawthorne), to our first senior Jim Gorman (17:20), and to H-E friend and e-mail list subscriber Bill Bushnell, who finished two seconds behind winner Brian Buscay in a blistering 14:56 on the hilly course.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 JOHNNY MATHIS TRACK MEET

At the Johnny Mathis Open track meet on Saturday, Lee D'Alessandro continued her record setting 1999 rampage posting her 3rd PR in 5 weeks.  Clicking off lap splits with metronomic consistency, Lee displayed her tactical savvy by drafting and surging her way in the fierce gusting winds enroute to a 5K track PR. The former 400m hurdler is exhibiting true Gebrselassian range, as she takes aim at the 3000m steeplechase later this spring.

     -- Dan Mancini

 
WOMEN'S TEAM UPDATE

This is a little late, but please join me in congratulating Lark Dunham, Lee D'Alessandro and Nataline Chew--three women's team members who've done a great job of representing us recently at races.  Lark and Lee ran the Stanford 8K--Lark in 37:14 and Lee in 32:00 PR.  Congratulations to both of them! Does anyone have Lee's e-mail address?  Please forward it to me as I'd like to add her to my list. I don't think I've met her.  Lark and Nataline whizzed through Houlihans--Lark in 57:30 and Nataline in 1:11:00.  Kate Kirby, friend of the women's team, finished in 1:04:00 or there abouts.  Congratulations Lark, Lee, Nataline and Kate!

     -- Mary Thorsby

 
1999 HOULIHAN'S TO HOULIHAN'S - 3/28/99

Another excellent race for the open men, though Adidas beat us by 1 1/2 minutes or so. The Ags brought some people out of the woodwork, so I couldn't tell how we compared. I haven't seen all results, but if Dehlinger scored for them at around 42 flat, we probably beat Silver State.  Rachid led our scoring team in 38:04, 4th overall, and swore if his lower back were better he would have won (any back specialists out there?). Chris Ashfield followed, sporting the same flu I came down with at the end of the week. His 39:11 was an excellent effort if he felt anything like I did. John Trevithick was third around 39:30, followed by Colin Solomon (around 39:40). Brian rounded out the scoring team in 39:56, edging out Mike Regan for that final x-point by a second or less and increasing his lead over Dan Shore. I won't have the rest of the results until they are posted on the PA web site.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 50 PLUS 8K - 3/21/99

Akif, Ashfield Romp!  Rachid Akif and Chris Ashfield ran 2-3 at the Minus 50 8K Sunday in Palo Alto. Rachid ran 24:24--he was in the lead going into Stanford Stadium but was passed in the last 200 meters by Brian Buscay of Silver State. Chris followed in 24:39, a few seconds ahead of Tamalpa's Bill Bushnell.  John Trevithick (25:05), Dan Shore (25:25), and Hans Gouwens (25:45) rounded out the scoring team, as it looked like we won handily. (Final results have not been posted yet, but there did not seem to be anyone close to us, unless Silver State had someone we didn't know.)  Hans was followed by Mike Regan (25:55), Brian Richter (25:59), Colin Solomon (26:15), Cliff Lentz (26:42), Dan Mancini (26:44), Chris Phipps (27:10), Cesar Guillen (27:11), Tyler Abbott (27:27), Randy Guerrero (27:40), Doug Rosenberg (28:30), and Samuel Harvell (28:40). By far the strongest and deepest team we've ever put out at a race. For comparison purposes, at the '97 8K I was third on the team in 26:56; Mike Rossner was second in 26:54. Fifth place ran 29 minutes. The 1998 race wasn't much better. On other fronts, congratulations to Jim Gorman for his impressive second place 50+ finish. Congratulations and thanks also to women runners Lee D'Alessandro (32 minute PR) and Lark Dunham for excellent performances. I'll leave the details of the women's race and the other age divisions to others.  Times listed here are approximate, just going from my memory. I apologize for discrepancies, and also if I missed any open men runners.

     -- Tyler Abbott

 
1999 NICKY'S RAINBOW RUN - 3/14/99

Congratulations (again) to John Trevithick for his repeat win at Nicky's Rainbow Run 10K in Berkeley Sunday, March 14. We're looking for a back to back win this Sunday.

       -- Tyler Abbott and Brian Richter

 
HOY'S EXCELSIOR SWEEP! - 3/07/99

With other teams afraid to even show up, Hoy's Excelsior runners took the five ribbons at the DSE Rainbow Falls 3.0 mile 5K on Sunday, March 7. Results are below:

1. Rachid Akif    15:15
2. Daniel "Oh Please Don't Pass Me Jesus" Shore    15:38
3. Jesus Garcia    15:41
4. Cliff Lentz     15:51
5. Chris Phipps    16:05
6. Potential new runner Michael Chasse   16:15
7. Cesar Guillen   16:25
8. Randy Guerrero   16:30
9. Tyler Abbott   16:33

Pat Moreton          Declined to submit
Pete Comin' Back Nowicki  17:10
Juan Torrealba      800 meters
Brian Richter        Oh my knee-ee hurts
Dan Mancini           I ran REALLY hard Saturday
John Trevithick & Brad Zamczyk      Bock Bock Bock Bock Bock
Chris Ashfield        Is it Sunday?

(I apologize for anyone I've missed.)

For stat-mongers among you, top times on this course since '93 are (10 second adjustment for new start line)

3/96 Brian Richter  14:59, Gary Judson 15:36
9/93 Mike McManus  15:30
6/95 Lloyd Stephenson  16:18, 2nd place Antonio 17:24
3/97 Dan Shore 15:28 (and THIS is the Spring of Speed?)
3/98 Colin Solomon 16:04 (what about Houlihan's?)

My own times have ranged from 16:01 to 16:44. Antonio's best is 16:17, Cliff's 16:21, Pete Nowicki's 16:25.

        -- Tyler Abbott

 
NEW TEAM MEMBER PR'S

On Saturday, new Women's Open team member, Lee D'Alessandro, stormed to a 3000 meter track PR of 11:40, while finishing 4th at the San Francisco State Preview Meet.

        -- Dan Mancini

 
19 DSE KENNEDY DRIVE RUN - 2/07/99

Congratulations to Dan Shore for his excellent showing at the February 7th DSE Kennedy Drive Run. Dan ran the 4.7 mile race in 32:13, good enough for 7th place! I was wondering why he didn't do the Rain Run from Brad's house.

        --Tyler Abbott

 
HOY'S  EXCELSIOR ANNUAL TEAM BANQUET

All Hoy's Excelsior members are invited to the annual team banquet Saturday night 2/27/99, starting at 6 pm. It will be held the same place as last year Mom is Cooking restaurant, 1166 Geneva (not too far east of Mission) in the City's Excelsior district. Highlights of the evening include Mom's excellent cooking, the annual awards ceremony, and the topical humor of Allan Stand-Up Stanbridge. The club will pay for the food of all members. Spouses etc. are encouraged to come, but should be prepared to pay for themselves. Everyone will buy their own beverages.

 
1999 OSAKA HALF MARATHON

Congratulations to John Trevithick for being selected by the mayor's office to represent San Francisco at the Osaka Half Marathon next weekend! (Osaka, one of SF's sister cities, is footing the bill--as long as John breaks 1:30.) Remember, John, sake is a good pre-race drink. Send advice to John at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it before Wednesday.

 
1999 LAS VEGAS HALF MARATHON - 2/07/99

Did you catch the results from the Las Vegas Half Marathon? Jim Press, age 50 as of 2/2/99, turned in a superb 1:15:00 performance for 3rd place in the highly competitive 50-54 category. Jim came through the 10 mile mark in 57:12!   Congratulations to our newest Senior, looking good on his way to Boston in April.

        -- Jim Gorman

 
BIG SUR MARATHON RELAY

We need one more person to create a relay team for Big Sur. This will be a fun, scenic race. The longest leg of the race would be 7 miles. The teams need to be either all male, all female or mixed min of 2 of each sex. So far we have Irving, Nataline, Rene, Christina and Susan. Depending on who responds, the extra male or female could still attend and run the 5k.

The entry fee is $250 for 5 or $50 each if we register by 3/31. The Big Sur race (BSIM) is held Sunday 4/25 at 7am. The relay is just for fun! No pressures to be fast as it is hilly. I've reserved a campsite right near the race start for 8 people + 2 vehicles, though if we have a good response then I could check into obtaining a larger campsite. The campsite has coin fed hot showers.

Let Nataline know if you are interested ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

 
TEAM STANDINGS

It’s the end of the year already and the team titles are coming down to the wire. By now, with the marathon over, the race has been decided.

The men’s open team goes into the marathon tied for first with Silver State at 107 points each, with West Valley not far behind. The men’s masters team is hanging onto first by one point with 119 points to WVJS’s 118 points. Could it be the Excelsior sweep we had hoped for at the beginning of the year? It all comes down to the marathon.

Representing the open team on Sunday morning is Ernie "Clarksburg" Stanton, Dan Shore, Mike Regan, Randy Guerrero, Chris Phipps, and Cesar Guillen. Lloyd Stephenson leads the master’s team into the marathon, having just taken an impressive masters win at the Run to the Far Side 5K. Good luck to all!

 
CHRISTMAS RELAYS

Christmas Relays are coming up next weekend, one week after the marathon. Because the dues have gone up so much, for questionable reasons, the club has decided not to pay for team entries. Individuals can still enter for the team, though. Contact your team captain for more information and coordination.

 
MEMBERSHIP DUES

1999 is less than a month away. That means your PA/USATF and Hoy’s Excelsior memberships are due. We’ve provided applications for each in the newsletter. Please take a minute to fill out and send in both. It’s important for the team and for your 1999 eligibility.

 
1999 RACING CIRCUIT

The first race of 1999 is Cal 10 in Stockton on Sunday January 10. Make sure you have your membership dues in by then. Let’s start the season out right with an Excelsior sweep (that includes our women’s team too!).

 
WEB SITE

This web site is for your benefit.  Please contact Les Ong at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have something to contribute.   Future additions to the site include a member profile page, member roster page and a team "pics" page. 

 
TEAM HOTLINE

Dial 415-563-6355 and press "3" to find out about the latest club training runs, meetings, races, etc.

 
E-MAIL LIST

Get the latest race results, club information, and training runs by joining our e-mail distribution list.  Send your e-mail address to Tyler at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The seniors seem to have started out 2004 with yet another win, though it was a squeaker. Don Paul led the team in 59:41 (3rd). Don was followed by Tom Bernhard (1:01:33, 5th), Les Ong (1:04:25, 9th 50-54), Kevin Grady (1:05:36), Kim Lilot (1:05:49), and Bob Darling (1:05:56). Ian Reid rounded out the team in 1:06:50, good enough for second super senior and only 50 seconds behind first place Robert Gormley.