The various triathlon events held Sunday, June 21 were a contrast of extremes not unlike the weather, which was foggy and had some athletes cold and shivering exiting the water. Later, the full sun took over.
The other extreme was the age demographic. Two local Vietnam War veterans, Jerry England and Gary Alumbaugh, competed in their first triathlon ever at the “you are only as old as you feel” age of 73. There were two other 70 year olds, including local Cynthia MacPherson, for a total of four competitors in their 70s still out there giving it every thing they had and winning in the Master’s Division. In contrast, the event also saw local 9-year-old John Hines compete in the Youth Division and two tougher than nails 11 year olds who very impressively competed and finished the full triathlon. Christy Stillwell and Kay Beth Litty used this event to qualify to compete next year in the triathlon at the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Numerous other participants from West Plains, Rogersville and Springfield also were able to qualify for nationals. The triathlon usually brings a wide range and variety of ages, but this year nearly half of the competitors were under 18 and the other half over 50. The huge surge in younger participants was due in part to youth triathlon teams from six states outside Missouri attending making a total of 30 competitors who were 16 and under competing in the four events. Not to be outdone, youth from Mountain Grove FFA and archery teams, which have volunteered at the event for the past two years, were coaxed and fielded three competitors. Andrew Norris and Trenton Harker with FFA, who finished first and second in the Beginners Triathlon, and Allison Crewse with the archery team.
MacPherson said she was thankful for the invaluable assistance of the Mountain Grove Lions Club, FFA and archery team, MacPherson Law Center and City of Mountain Grove crews along with City Administrator Tim Schook, who cleaned up a dangerous road mess on Saturday night.
