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Determining Team Minnesota: The Guys...

Tuesday, 19 November 2013 06:10

TEAM MINNESOTA - MEN - Here is a cursory explanation of how the 2013 men's Team was determined:

1. DAVID THOMPSON - With seven wins and only one loss to a fellow Minnesotan (Hedgecock at Pigman Sprint), DKT was, once again, the clear choice for the #1 Spot....

2. DAN HEDGECOCK - His rookie season as a pro featured five victories. Thompson was the only Minnesotan to have beaten him in 2013.

3. MATTHEW PAYNE - Matt's success in both long and short distance races gave him an edge over Parish this year.

4. PATRICK PARISH - The battle for the 4th spot was a close one between rookie pro Parish and MOY O'Connor. A late season victory at Duathlon Nationals may have sealed the deal for Patrick.

5. KEVIN O'CONNOR - KO's supporters felt that his resume reflected more versatility and consistency than Parish's. A comparison of victory margins over fellow Minnesotans, however, favored Patrick. The 4th and 5th positions were basically interchangeable.

6. DEVON PALMER - Though Palmer did not have his best season, he was never beaten by Minnesota amateurs.

7. MARCUS STROMBERG - After his first five races, it appeared that Marcus was destined for a Top 5 placement on Team Minnesota. His last two efforts--40th at Nationals and 20th at Hy-Vee Elite Championship--caused his stock to drop somewhat.

8. SEAN COOLEY - Places 7-11 on Team Minnesota were virtually interchangeable. While Cooley demonstrated more consistency and versatility (long and short course success) than Stromberg, Marcus won all three of their head-to-head battles.

9. BRIAN SAMES - Brian won more races (6) than Marcus and Sean, but it was his head-to-head record with them that decided his placement on the Team. He lost both of his confrontations with Marcus and two of his three battles with Sean.

10. Brooks Grossinger - Brooks and Brian Bich had the same number of points. Because Brooks was ranked as high as 8th by two voters and Bich's best ranking was a 9th, the tiebreaker went to Grossinger.

FYI - The next five places went to: 11. Brian Bich, 12. Dennis Dane, 13. Dan Arlandson, 14. David Holden, 15. Jason Crisp.

Top Photo - Team Minnesota '13 and their estimated heights - L- R - Matt Payne (6'0") , Patrick Parish (5'10"), Devon Palmer (5'10"), Kevin O'Connor (6'2), Marcus Stromberg (5'10"), Sean Cooley (6'0") and Brian Sames (6'1")

The other photo - Sean Cooley with his mum. Love the hat!