Throw-Up Thursday

 15 years ago...

Random Thoughts And Results Of The 19th Annual Reunion And Golf Tourney

1.  We had a very good turn-out considering the world we currently find ourselves in. There were 40 or so attendees for both the Reception and Dinner.  There were 6 foursomes on the golf course.  And there were many attendees for Vivian Riddick's Zoom Presentation and the Coach Schwartz Celebration for the Women's Team.  Coach Groves finally got his 2009 wish of more women attendees for our celebration of Penn State T&F/XC.
2. The Mountain View Country Club hosted the tourney and were excellent in their support of our efforts.
3. I sorta/kinda won for the 3rd time in a row.  Because Steve Brown's sons golfed with him, we had a team of "ringers" without a hacker like me.  According to the rules set up by Clark Haley decades ago, this team is forbidden.  All teams must be rigidly, strictly chosen randomly on Friday night, except when sufficiently bribing of the Officers of the Group has been undertaken!  The Browns managed 5-under par, with my foursome scaring them with a 4-under par back 9 after an even front nine.  (Please realize I am being mostly funny with this, but I won't know for sure until I see the engraving on The Cup next year.)  I hit few shots with my wonky wrist, but I suppose 4 of my shots actually counted.  For all you non-golfers out there, you would do much better than this without ever having golfed before.  Come golf with us next year.  It was a pleasure golfing with Harry Smith, his son Ian Smith and Coach John Gondak this year.  
4. There was a paucity of potential in the running for the "numb-nuts" award, with the absence of Kevin Kelly O'Brien.  Just joking Kelly, you were missed.
5. The Triathlon at the track, which has replaced the Alumni Run, was won by Steve Balkey, with individual events won by one of the Fullers (I never know which one; it's definitely a problem of mine!) and Greg Fredericks, Master of the Hula Hoop.
6. Speaking of the Fullers...  They all golfed together this year.  It was honestly only by chance, I swear to God.  Bob Gabel became an honorary Fuller to fill up their foursome.
7. Paul Mundy won the Longest Drive contest, which he does nearly every year Beth Shisler does not golf .
8. The dinner menu was excellent (flank steak, grilled chicken with Parmesan sauce, and a chocolate cake that brought a smile to Paul Mundy).  The selection of four different flavors of chicken wings on Friday night was also quite splendid.  Free draft beer and a full cash bar got the crowd in just the right spirits to meet new friends and regale old friends with white lies about the days of yore.
9. There are stories of great times had by many (after my bed-time) at The Phyrst on Friday night and Pickles on Saturday night.  I managed to host Rock and Roll Legend Paul Souza to nearly 11:00PM on both nights before tag-teaming and handing off to Night-Life loving Clark Haley.  I think we have a convert to our efforts in Paul, with maybe even a Rock and Roll Reception in our future!
10. Ken Brinker became only the third recipient of The Rusty Boot, the highest honor that can be bestowed on any PSU Track Alum.
11. Two hardy members of the group drove their Harleys fairly long distances to join us.  Both Mike Shine and Paul Mundy looking good BTW!
12. Coach Gondak won the closest to the pin contest on a hole which is normally his nemesis at his home course. A six-foot putt led to one of our birdies to close in on the Leading Brown group.
13. Kay Warfel made multiple homemade gifts for raffle and Coach Gondak supplied numerous items to add to the mix from the team's supplies.
14. A tour of the new locker room was given by Ryan Foster.  It's good to have him back.
15. The Ghost Award went to Paul Souza who finally joined us and says he will be back every year from now on.  Speaking of future years, we have decided to alternate between May and August in the future, just to see if we can entice a few more reluctant attendees.  More on that to come. 
16. Quite a few attendees climbed Mt. Nittany again this year, in addition to touring the Sports Museum and Berkey Creamery.  Remember, the golf is optional but highly recommended!
17. State College has taken Covid hard by what I have seen.  The entire block containing The Saloon, Hi-Way Pizza, The Deli and the Lions Den has been closed and empty.  Baby's is closed and for sale.  I would love to have enough mullah to buy it and bring back Pedro's! Anyone wishing to join me in investing in this opportunity, let me know.
18. My Nittany Lion Hawaiian Shirt was a big hit.  The Lion's Pride came through for me again this year.  Several others went on Saturday to find the stock already depleted.  Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man happy, healthy and Hawaiian Shirted.
19. The Longest Putt on Hole 18 went to Ian Smith of my foursome with a 9' 1" effort.
    

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Alumni T-Shirt Finally Finds Its Home

 

Thanks to the work of Mark Hawkins and some donations from other Alumni Golfers, a special Alumni T-Shirt was made for Coach Teri Jordan who retired last year.  With all the craziness of 2020, it was finally hand delivered to her by Beth (Stever) Shisler in sunny Florida!  Thanks for all you did for PSU Track and Field and XC.

They Chose To Climb

In the early 90s, I had the opportunity to visit Zermatt, Switzerland for 2 days.  It was a good trip, even with the migraine headache from altitude and the fog-enshrouded Matterhorn, which I never did see.

I saw the town's cemetery, where many are buried who didn't quite make it to the top and back.  The best epitaph I saw was "He chose to climb", which echoes all the statements from relatives of deceased Everest climbers lately.

But these hardy climbers DID make it to the top and back (of Nittany Mountain!), renewing and strengthening the tradition of Penn State Track and Field Alumni (Non-golfers) started by Spouse the Better some years ago.  They have augmented the festivities by inaugurating the certification of success with a signature on a special t-shirt just for the bestest among us!

More Alumni Singlet Goodness: All 3:53 Of It

Watch the boys sporting their new Alumni Singlets on the refurbished Franklin Field Track.  Plans are afoot to have an A and B team next year.  We'll need another Alumni Singlet sale, for sure.

Jake Bartholomy sent us this version of the race taken by Bob Hamer.  Nice job Bob!



And Beth Shisler sent us this pic of RB Caldwell at the end of his leg.  Oops...

I Swear I Didn't Want To Reveal Her Age! She's Just A Kid

The USATF Masters Track and Field Championships were last weekend in Jacksonville.  Our very own multiple Longest Drive Champion Beth Shisler was there in her best sport!

Stephen and Beth Shisler

She finished 4th in the 50-54 age group in both races and set PRs in both the 400M and 200M.

Beth Shisler

51 - Athena Track Club

1:05.40

Beth Shisler 51 - Athena Track Club

 29.20

Watches And Wheels! Good Start To Penn Relays Carnival

Elizabeth Chikotas, 5000M Champion. 16:05.46

Darrel Hill, repeat Shot Put Champion, third longest mark ever. 68' 2.5"

Sprint Medley Relay Championship of America, Alex Shisler, Xavier Smith, Sancho Barrett and Brannon Kidder.

2 Generations of Wheel Winners, Stephen Shisler, Alex Shisler and Beth Shisler. (Photo from Larry Mangan and Mark Hawkins.)

 

Michael Gross, Wheel and watch from 1997 Corporate DMR!

Stephen Shisler brings us the video of the Sprint Medley!

Updates On Recent Events

 

First up, co-blogger Nick Scarpello helped organize and ran in the Encinitas Mile.  He placed 7th overall in 4:27.  No word on the use of the Alumni Singlet.

Nick Scarpello 2nd from right.

Next, Beth Shisler and son Alex Shisler helped celebrate his All-American status with Beth's coach during her All-American past.  Coach Gary Schwartz retired to the Arkansas area following his great career.

Beth (Stever) Shisler in the lead.

Coach Schwartz with his wife and the Shislers.

And Kara (Millhouse) Foster placed 9th at the USATF 15 K Championships Gate River Run.

Kara Foster at the finish.

The top ten women.

Second Generation All-American Resplendent In (Near) Alumni Singlet!

It was a heck of a race last night in the Indoor Facility named after a chicken magnate.  The Penn State Distance Medley team unveiled their old-school singlets, which actually use the same template as our very own Alumni Singlets, minus the word "Alumni" in the bottom bar.

Brannon Kidder, Robby Creese, Za'Von Watkins and Alex Shisler.

Brannon Kidder led off with the 1200M leg and dawdled near the back of the pack throughout the race.  That's because he had narrowly made it into the Mile Final a few hours earlier with the coolest Mile time ever!   4:00.00

When you can answer both of these questions with honesty "No", you are in a special and select group.

"Did you run under 4 minutes for that mile?"

NO

"Did you run over 4 minutes for that mile?"

NO

He ran a spirited last "quarter" to ease into 4th place or so with his split of 2:58.18 and handed off to Alex Shisler for the 400M leg.

Alex made the long trip for his parents worth it and PRed with his split in 46.86!  The hand off was to Za'Von Watkins who has been mired in a season-long rut of 1:50 second 800M races.  But Za'Von broke through with his PR with a 1:47.61 handing it off to Robby Creese in fourth place.

Robby was passed immediately by the eventual winner, Edward Cheserek of Oregon, but then gradually eased himself to the lead pack after the first 1000 meters.  Then "Boom"!  Robby took off, gathering in everyone in the race except Edward. His 3:59.57 gave the PSU quartet second place in the time of 9:32.21 .

Two generation of PSU All-Americans. Alex and Beth (Stever) Shisler!

PSU is 800U: World Record Masters Edition

Congrats to our very own PSU Track Alumni Golfer and frequent longest drive winner Beth (Stever) Shisler on her new World Record!  She teamed with Sarah Allers, Claudette Groenendaal & Lorraine Jasper to set the new 50 and over 4 X 800M World Record!  The USATF Masters Outdoor Championships were held at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.

Beth Shisler

10:24.21 - Beth-2:41, Sarah-2:40, Claudette-2:35, Lorraine-2:26.

Sarah Allers is coached by Phil Peterson, a PSU Track Alum for Coach Lucas AND Coach Groves in 1965 to 1969.  Welcome to the warm embrace of our wonderful group!  And do you golf?

I'm Still Working On the Photos and Stories From the Reunion

I actually have the day off and will eventually get to the photos from this weekend.  That is, after I pay all my late bills, feed the animals, water the plants and take a nap!

So until then, let's put up a list of people that couldn't make it and had a good reason:

1. Steve Shisler and Beth Shisler were at the Big Ten Championships watching their son Alex Shisler score points for the Nittany Lions.  Excuse Accepted.
2. Brian Boyer had business requiring knowledge of Physics in New Mexico.  Excuse Accepted.
3. Steve Balkey had a son graduating from College.  Excuse Accepted.
4. Paul Mundy had a daughter being married. Excuse Accepted.
5. Bill Kvashay and Mark Haywood were coaching at Districts.  Excuses Accepted.
6. Gary Black had business requiring extensive travel. Excuse (reluctantly) Accepted.
7. Darryl Jones had Graduation duties at Gettysburg College. Excuse Accepted.
8. And last, but certainly not least, Phil Passen was in Israel and even supplied proof with a Wrist Band pic at the Dead Sea Scroll Museum! Excuse Accepted.

Rockin the Band!

Putting is a Big Part of the Coach Groves Golf Tournament (Did I Mention it was in Just 7 Weeks?)

The Golf Tourney is rapidly approaching.  It's about time we all go into our basements or garages and make sure our bags, unused from last year in May, have not been stolen.  Be sure to remove all the stink bugs from every pocket and crevice also.  You know they are there.  Along with the last 2 balls out of the dozen you bought last year "just in case".  Come to think of it, Greg Fredericks collects them all year and gives them back to us.  You'll probably receive one or two of your own if you see him before golfing commences.


Be sure to try to entice one of your friends to join us.  We can use as many warm bodies as we can get this year.  This could be the year YOU get your name on the Coach Harry Groves Cup for all eternity!

Here's some putting tips from several of our members who have been to just about every one of our tournaments.  That's Beth (Stever) Shisler draining a clutch putt under the pressure of the camera and the music from Caddyshack.



And here's me draining a 30-footer (like in fishing, I add a foot or so every year to this effort!) after Coach Groves showed me the line.  And that's Nick K. congratulating me on the supreme accomplishment.

It's Time For Another Alumni Singlet Sale!

I've procrastinated enough!  It is about time to deliver on my promise to have another chance for everyone to own their very own Alumni Singlet.

These singlets harken back to the olden times with the Penn State chest emblem, your year of graduation on the front shoulder and the strategically placed "S" on the back collar.  But they are of the newest dri-fit fibers, guaranteed to smell a little bit off after just one wear!  Or is that just my dri-fit clothes?

The male version is white with blue trim and the female version is blue with white trim.  Let's just let the award-winning Shislers demonstrate them for you again!

Order Your Singlet NOW here!

1986 was a very good year.

There are a couple of changes this time:

1. Monies will be requested before the order is placed.  Mark Hawkins* will be in touch with you prior to placing your order with the details.
2. A "work-out" dri-fit t-shirt will also be available for those not desiring a singlet style.  This will be white with blue lettering.  

* Mark Hawkins deserves credit for arranging this for us.  Don't forget to thank him when you see him.

Is There Anything This Guy Can't Do But Golf?

Here's some great pictures from the recent Penn State National from the camera of Mark "Le faucon d'orange" Hawkins.  And since Mark happens to appear in them, someone else must have taken the photos with his camera.  Turns out that the someone is Greg Fredericks.  So now that makes about a million things he is better at than I.  Golf seems to be the only hold-out.  But I always say that the golf is optional...

Nick K. and Mark Hawkins. Photo by Greg Fredericks.

Singlets on display!

Mark Hawkins, Beth Shisler and Nick K. following the NVTC Mile.

Mark Hawkins in the earlier Penn State Relays NVTC Mile.

Alums In Action

Former NCAA qualifier Chris Cipro took a stab at the marathon over the weekend placing 12th in the Baltimore Running Festival Marathon. His debut at the distance was clocked in 2:53:57 which is very impressive considering he spends more time teaching 3rd graders and coaching high schoolers in Bellefonte than training these days. It will be a quick turnaround for Cipro as he is expected to race with the Alumni Team this friday at the Penn State National (more to come on that later). Also earning a 12th place finish on Saturday was former Penn Stater Stephanie Pezzullo with a 2:38:04 in the prestigious Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Hell of a run for the girl known as "Pezz". Results here for Chicago,

Looks like it was a painful final 8 miles

As Chris and Stephanie were running the streets of B'more and Chi-Town other PSU Track Alums reunited for a great homecoming tailgate and football game. Steve and Beth Shisler stopped by to stick it to the young guns in a game of stump. Concerns about the weather were unfounded as the day turned out to be gorgeous and good times were had by all. 

Harrisburg Mile Dominated By PSU Track Alumni Golfers, Again

Matt Groves sandwiched by Fullers. (Kevin and Brian) First, fourth and third!.

The lack of an Alumni Singlet is glaring, but Matt redeems himself with the display of a six-pack!

Beth Shisler, 2nd Place.

The range of this woman is nothing short of amazing. From 200 M to Marathon!

Bob Hudson directed me to the release of the award winners with actual photos of Alumni Singlets on PennLive.com.  Thanks, Bob.

Photo from PennLive.com

Penn State Track Alumni Golfers Can Do Almost Anything

Steve and Beth Shisler at the Eastern Masters USATF Meet

When you consider that Beth Shisler is running 400 M times not far off what she was running while in college*, you must agree that her Coach Steve Shisler must be doing something right.  Also consider that both ran a marathon last year.  That's a really good range of talent.  I am delighted to be able to call them both friends.  And it's only through the idea of a PSU Track Alumni golf tourney dreamed up by Clark Haley back in 2002.

I really think Beth can do almost anything.  Except maybe lift a refrigerator.  But never fear, Ryan Whiting is in town for any contingencies.  Apparently, it's part of shot put training or something.

I don't think it was just the box either!

My daughter will be attending the PSU Track and Field Camp next week to learn multi-events.  My dream of doing the decathlon died in 1977, but with the advent of women entering the event in the next few years, maybe Anne can substitute for me!  Maybe even learn a tip or two from Ryan for what would be her worst event?

*I never divulge the age of women.  It's a rule that never fails to garner thanks. 

A National Title For a Nittany Lion

Beth Shisler, second from left.

Beth Shisler was part of the winning 40-49 4 x 200 M Relay at the USATF Masters Indoor Championships yesterday. She also added a 3rd place finish in the 200M!



Other Nittany Lions at the Meet are Mark Hawkins (13th in the Mile) and Steve Phelan.

Steve Phelan, Beth Shisler and Mark Hawkins.

Honorary Group Member and WandM alum Brian Mount added a 14th Place finish in the 800M.

Outdoor Track Season Begins (Like a Lion!)

Artist's Interpretation

I have already been to 2 track meets this season, and neither of them were held with the temperature above freezing.  I never remembered any really cold meets like this when I was in high school, but I'm sure running in them was easier than watching them.

With Ohio officials indicting one of my great heroes (Punxatawney Phil), one has to wonder why Al Gore isn't in prison for the global warming thing. What's good for the marmot is good for the former 5-Hour marathoner, I say.

Having a Sprinter/Hurdler/Jumper in the family is mighty strange.  My daughter had her first ever track meet, running the 100 M Hurdles, the 400 M and the 4 x 400 Relay.  She was held out of the Long Jump at the last second, but that will come soon.  I don't think I've ever actually watched a whole long jump competition before.  That will be a weird experience.

And talking about range, how about Beth Shisler mixing it up with both the Marathon and the 200/400 M in the same year!  She's at the USATF Masters Indoor Championships in Landover MD. She placed 8th in the Finals of the 400 M with a very fine 68.3 at age (redacted)! She has several events remaining, and we wish her luck.  I also have her at even odds to be the Women's Golfer of the Year at our Coach Groves Golf Tournament.

Speaking of cold weather meets...   How many of you remember the meets at the old Ice Palace where we had to go outside to get warmer?  We had one meet where it was 9 degrees* inside.  Alan Scharsu has the record with a 4:09 Mile in 9 degrees*!

* I lied, it was really 16 degrees, but who's counting?

Fifth Place is Still in the Top Half! (And Don't Forget to Order a Singlet!)

5)     Bob Hudson, Nick K., Mike McCahill, Beth Shisler (+3)

This crew represents 4 of the original members of our humble group.  Mike McCahill has been  to every one of our tourneys except last year.  One of these year's he'll get his name on The Cup I am sure!

Bob Hudson traveled back home from Buffalo NY with a golf game which is much improved.

Nick K. stayed near home in State College for his 8th appearance in the tourney (I think).  My daughters are still talking about our visit with Nick when he lived in Manhattan.  I need to start those Group Outreaches again!

Beth Shisler must have missed the fairway on Hole 3 or she would again have won the longest drive contest.  Her foundational womens alumni singlet must be easing the pain of letting Gary steal the award from her.

Speaking of Alumni Singlets, orders are now being taken.  Click on the link on the right sidebar to order your very own.  Help spread the word of the world's best Track Alumni Group. The women's version is blue with white lettering, the men's are the classic white with blue lettering.  Your graduation year (or any other year you want!) appears on the right shoulder.  There is also a retro "S" on the back collar.