FEATURES

May 2016 - Athletes of the Month

Wednesday, 01 June 2016 00:10

Can you believe that the first month of the 2016 outdoor multisport season has come and gone? Time flies when you're having fun, right?

So, who were MTN's ATHLETES OF THE MONTH for May? Based on a minimum of TWO outstanding performances, efforts that compare favorably with overall or divisional standards, set during this period, they are:

OVERALL AOMs - DANI VSETECKA, 32, Rochester, and MATTHEW PAYNE, 39, Golden Valley (photo L)

Thus far in 2016, Dani had set an amateur course record at Falls Du, and placed 2nd at Texas 70.3 (4:34:56) and in her debut at Apple against what might turn out to be the deepest women's field of the year in our state. Matt won both of the races (Gear West and Apple) he's done thus far in '16.

(Honorable Mentions - Suzie Fox, 32, Chaska, Diane Hankee, 39, Lino Lakes, and Wade Cruser, 29, Sauk Rapids, Kevin O'Connor, 44, Medina)

MASTERS AOM - MANUELA KNISPEL, 44, Minneapolis, and KEVIN O'CONNOR, 44, Medina (photo L)

Knispel was the the masters champ at Oakdale, where she placed 2nd overall, and Apple, where she finished 9th. O'Connor won at Falls (Masters CR), placed 2nd behind the Payne Train at Gear West and took 5th (1st Master) at Apple.

(Honorable Mentions - Jeanne Fleck, 51, Proctor, Tracy Serreyn, 52, Lakeville, Mike Buenting, 41, Chanhassen, Peter Rainey, 48, Minneapolis, Rob Madgwick, 51, Sauk Rapids, Derek Hager, 54, Minneapolis)

JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE MONTH - MITCHELL CLAYTON, 19, Forest Lake

Clayton picked up the first overall win of his tri/du career at Tinman, then followed it up with another victory at Cinco du Mayo Sprint.

GRAND MASTER OF THE MONTH - SHERI SCHROCK, 61, Cohasset

Sheri kicked off her season with two divisional CRs (Falls and Gear West). She managed to beat Pam Stevens at COLT, though Pammy returned the favor last weekend at Apple. The Schrock/Stevens battle for 60+ supremacy will be fun to watch this season.

(Honorable Mention: Pam Stevens, 62, Sartell)

ED. We were unable to find a useable photo of Mitchell Clayton. Also, we are happy to announce that Excelsior Running will be the official sponsor of the "Athlete of the Month" feature.