Fullers And An Aussie Lion-To-Be Dominate Harrisburg Mile

 The Fullers arrived and kicked butt at the Harrisburg Mile yesterday.  Brian Fuller led the Elite Mile, while brothers Kevin Fuller and Mark Fuller placed 3rd and 14th.  In addition Katie Fuller won the Open Womens Division.

 Incoming PSU Freshman and Australian sensation Hayley Kitching won the Elite Womens Mile!  Welcome to Central PA, Hayley.

In a glaring failure on the part of the Interns, I failed to notice that Wendy Nelson Barrett won the Womens 50-54 age group! 

 

Whine And Dine

 First up, the announcement by Clark Haley of the one-time rules change for the 20th Annual Coach Harry Groves Golf Tourney brought howls of protest from the "real" golfers among us.  The cacophony from the rabble rose to such levels at our reception, that I was worried there would be intervention by the authorities.

 

Announced as a 2 club maximum for each golfer in the foursome, it was soon amended to 3 clubs per golfer.  Still, chaos reigned.  Clark held firm at the 3 club maximum and not the "3 clubs and a putter" demand from the influential group of Fuller Brothers!

The anonymously sponsored open bar added to the general good cheer throughout the night.  The night concluded with a putting contest win by Mike McCahill.

The dawning of a new day led eventually to the start of the Coach Groves Golf Tourney.  While this was happening, an intrepid group continued the traditional climb of Mt. Nittany (started by Spouse the Better) followed by a trip to the Creamery.

Rain held off until well into the outing, and the torrential rains only lasted for one hole, followed by summer-like heat and humidity.  We always see a myriad of conditions on the Mountain View Country Club, although conditions were excellent overall.  The brief shower came over Skimont (or whatever it is called now), as if Bear Meadows knew that PSU distance runners were there and just wanted to say hello.

The 3-club maximum for each golfer led to strange shots throughout the day.  Try putting with a 5-iron! My "bag" consisted of a 5-iron, a pitching wedge and a putter; my 3 best clubs.  None of which I can still hit on a consistent basis.  I did, however, have a number of shots that counted and saved par a few times for our foursome.  The new rules added a fun element, and brought a new strategy and synergy to each foursome.  This format brought everyone closer together, which has always been one of Clark's stated goals.  

The longest drive was recorded by philanthropist Ken Brinker.  The longest putt of more than 22 feet was recorded by co-director Harry Smith (garnering the Smith family another year with the purloined Golden Putter).  Tim Brown placed his shot closest to the pin on the ninth hole.  The furthest traveled alum was Brian Boyer, who brought his family from Vienna Austria!

Overall, scores turned out better than anyone had predicted and there was a tie between 2 foursomes at one-under par for the victory.  The rules for ties were eventually thrown out and it was decided using a complex formula involving Elon Musk's new Twitter algorithm and the volume of whining from each group.

The foursome of Paul Mundy, Harry Smith, Gary Black and  Tom Shiffer were given the nod and will have their names engraved on the cherished "Cup".

The Awards Dinner was held at The Hyatt Place Hotel, and entailed a very good spread of grilled chicken, flank steak, baked potato bar and all kinds of other things.  The chocolate cake was especially enjoyed by Tourney Winner Paul Mundy. We had an inspirational speech from former XC and Track and
Field captain Che Arosemena, now attending the Army War College in Carlisle.

A Fuller Christmas For Everyone!

 Our William and Mary Connection and State College native, Brian Mount picked up this item from the Cumberland Valley Race Series last week. It's a great start to the Winter for the PSU Track Alumni Golfing Community.  Total domination at both distances!

10K:

      1st    32:55  Brian Fuller
      7th    36:34  Mary Fuller
     14th   42:05  Emily Fuller 
5K:

      1st    16:10  Mark Fuller 
      2nd   16:30  Kevin Fuller 
      9th    19:36  Katie Fuller

Thanksgiving Means Turkey Trots

My family again braved the cold and ran the York Turkey Trot with the other 5,000 hardy souls.  I again spun the treadmill for my 25 pitiful minutes.  But what the heck, I'll bet that beats most of the rest of you!

Here's a sampling of other Penn State Track Alum (Golfers) who burned calories before heading to the table...

Tori Gerlach.

Casimir Loxsom

Tyler McCandless

Bob Radzwich's 32nd Berwick in a row!

Brannon Kidder.

All 3 Fuller Bros. WITH ALUMNI SINGLETS (thanks to Jeff Sanden for this annual pic!)

A Post Combining PSU Track and Field, Intelligence, Golf, a Dog, and Love

Both Penn State Track and Field teams recently achieved recognition from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).  Both teams were named All-Academic with the Women reaching a team GPA of 3.39 and the Men 3.05.

Fifteen individuals received recognition as All-Academic:

 Kayla Zoschg, Megan McCloskey, Tessa Barrett, Madeline Holmberg, Rachel Banks, Lexi Masterson, Steph Seivers, Tichina Rhodes, Danae Rivers, Greta Lindsley and Hannah Mulhern

 Dan Chisena, Jordan Makins, Jon Yohman and Michael Biddle.

And on a note that brings me great joy, Kevin Fuller and Mary Dell were united in marriage last weekend.  Everyone knows how much I admire the Fuller clan and their harem.  I wish them every joy in the years ahead.

Mary (Dell) Fuller and Kevin Fuller

 

Simon, with a better tux than anyone.

Mary and Kevin at the last Golf Tourney, with Todd Leggett and Tom Shiffer.

More "Foursomes" From The Golf Tourney

There were 7 foursomes in the recent Coach Groves Golf Tournament vying for a spot on The Cup.

4th Place: Katie Barrett, Mark Fuller '13, Mark Althouse.'81

Katie Barrett was the winner of the Golden Putter with her 17 foot putt on the 18th green, just edging out my 12 foot effort!

2nd: Charlie Hull '69, Steve Brown '90, Steve Brown Jr., Tom Brown.

3rd: Mike McClelland '16, Harry Smith '84, Brian Leap '16.

7th: Mary Dell, Kevin Fuller '10, Todd Leggett '84, Tom Shiffer '87.

5th: Me, Steve Balkey '88, Mike McCahill '83, John Ziegler '80.

1st: Bill Malchano 85, Doug Kent '80, Ken Brinker '69.

 In addition to winning his second tourney, Doug Kent also won the Longest Drive and the Closest to the Pin on Hole #2 (4 foot, 1 inch)!

And how did we miss a photo of:  6th: Clark Haley '85, Brian Fuller '09, Emily Dubs and John McGraw '05???   Do any of you have a photo of this foursome?

Turkey Trots And More

First up is the phenomenon known as the York YMCA downtown Turkey Trot.  This year it brought in more than 5,100 runners for a brief tour of the city!  There were acquaintances who joined in and told me it took them more than 5 1/2 minutes to reach the starting line!

I would bet that less than 5,100 people venture into downtown York in all 364 other days of the year added together.  I have patients who live north of York and visit my office south of York and circle the entire city to get there.  A significant number haven't been into the city once since 1969 and the riots.  And as Dave Barry says, "I'm not making that up."

There are more than 5,100 behind that line!

Daughter the Elder and her ex-York Suburban teammates.

Mary Kate Curran dominated the snow, wind and the roads in Peru, NY with a dominating performance in the John P. Adams Memorial Turkey Trot 10K.  And I already know she's on Santa's good list for a great gift in a month or so!

The Fuller Bros. (Inc.) again owned the New Cumberland Turkey Trot.  Not sure if the entire harem was involved but Mary Dell also won the women's division.

The results photo was sent by Jeff Sanden (whose clan also can in New Cumberland) and turned in a world record time for someone just 2 or so weeks following an appendectomy!

And although it was a week earlier, the Dawson twins also turned in splendid performances in the Philadelphia 8K!  Close enough for a turkey! These results were supplied by our Chief Laundry and Morale Officer, who may begin his comeback in 3 years or so!

ROTHMAN INSTITUTE 8K RESULTS

            Men’s 8K Results

Thomas Awad, 22, Philadelphia, PA, 00:24:00

Louis Serafini, 25, Brighton, MA, 00:24:11

Owen Dawson, 28, Coatesville, PA, 00:24:18

Jonathan Phillips, 23, Boston, MA, 00:24:24

Kyle Dawson,

28, Philadelphia, PA, 00:24:25

And not to be left out, Joe Kovacs gets into the holiday spirit by tossing some bird in this promotional photo from USATF!

A Brotherhood. We Are!

And by Brotherhood, I mean all of us, women included.  If that is allowed in this politically correct world? (Even if it isn't.)

And speaking of brothers, I saw quite a few families represented yesterday at the Coach Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational.

• The Fuller Brothers manned 60% of the Alumni Team.  And you all know that I can never remember which is which! (Fuller Harem member Mary Dell finished 4th in the Women's race.)

Psu Alumni
  643    30  Brian Fuller               27:36    5:18
  644    64  Mark Fuller                30:07    5:48
  732    65  Nick Scipro  (?)              30:15    5:49
  645    71  Kevin Fuller               31:05    5:59
  731    73  Sam Masters                32:29    6:15

Fullers with Harem. Which is which?

•  Owen Dawson represented the Dawson twins!
• Middle distance recruit William Ashenfelter, grandson of Horace Ashenfelter of the Ashenfelter Bros. was there.
• The McGowan brothers were representing PSU  (5th - Tim, John - 27th)

Visit the store and buy some stuff, Please! 

 Remember the rules:

1. Go to www.kellysteamsports.com
2. Click on    SHOP YOUR TEAM STORE
3. Type in the password:  PSTFA16

All orders must be placed by  September 19th!!!!!!!

Winners, An Award Fumble And More

The winners of the 2016 Coach Groves Golf Tournament are:

1. Che Arosemena
2. Coach Kevin Kelly
3. Mike McClelland
4. Kevin Fuller

This places Kevin Fuller into the prestigious Hall of Honor!
Each will have their named etched into the Coach Groves Memorial Cup (not really a Cup, and Coach is still very much alive and can still probably kick your butt), which now resides with substitute Keeper of the Cup Tim Backenstose following a mix-up typical of us Idiot Officers.  Apparently, the true Keeper of the Cup Harry Smith arranged for Owen Dawson to pick it up and place it on display at the Horace Ashenfelter Indoor Complex at the end of our Awards Dinner.

But when Chief Laundry and Morale Officer found it on the table with everyone else gone from the Awards Dinner, I texted him to take it with him.  He gave it to Tim Backenstose for secure storage in suburban Philly, giving Owen Dawson quite a few anxious moments!

Photos by Digital Archive Goddesses Bria Ziter and Kay Warfel.

The winners!

Diamonds (are a) Girls, Best Friend(s)

Joe Kovacs added to his haul of awards this year with the Diamond League Championship in the Shot Put Competition.  "Hey Joe, where are you going with that trophy in your hand..."

The Womens Team won the Coach Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational in State College against some higher ranked competition.   They were paced by race winner, Tori Gerlach.

The Mens Team performed well, placing third behind Syracuse and Michigan. Ean DiSilvio placed 7th to lead the Lions.

The PSU Alumni Team placed 5th in the team competition with Brian Fuller leading the way in 22nd place.  Others on the team were Joey Walls, Mark Fuller, Kevin Fuller, Chris Cipro and co-blogger Matt Groves.  Casimir Loxsom acted as coach, trainer and captain for the squad.  Thanks for representing the rest of us sloths!

Cas Loxsom, Kevin Fuller, Mark Fuller, Brian Fuller, Chris Cipro, Matt Groves and Joey Walls.

I missed the meet as I was in Pittsburgh for my daughter's PSUAC race in McKeesport.  It turns out 2 of her best friends and high school teammates were also there.  ( running for University of Pitt Johnstown, Mt. Aloysius College and Penn State Mont Alto.)

Marta, Lauren and Daughter the Elder representing York Suburban High.

I Suppose I'm The Biggest Turkey

It seems everyone ran in a Turkey Trot yesterday.  The entire clan here at Blog Central braved the cold and slippery conditions and joined 4,300 others in the annual York Turkey Trot.  I stayed home and took the day off from running.

But plenty of others in our group jumped into turkey trots of their own:

Kara (Milhouse) Foster and Ryan Foster (17th, 49:06) jumped into the Run for the Diamonds in Berwick, PA.  Kara won and set the course record in winning another diamond (50:33).  Group friend Nicholas Hilton won the whole darn thing in 44:39.

Twinkle, twinkle...

Ryan and Kara with author of Run For the Diamonds Mark Will-Weber

And Tyler McCandless took some time off from decorating his new place to go after his coach's record again in Colorado.  He just missed in besting 10,000 other runners in  19:39 for the 4 miles of the Denver Turkey Trot.

And it isn't a Camp Hill Turkey Trot post without some Fullers!

Calm Before The Storm

The following photo comes courtesy of Kevin Fuller and Brian Fuller. Sporting their Alumni singlet's as they brave oncoming Hurricane Iselle while on vacation at the island of Maui.

There's a hurricane on the horizon!

Another storm, the NFL season, is coming. The Philadelphia Eagles held an open practice yesterday at legendary Franklin Field. For those who don't know the Birds played at the home of the Penn Relays from 1958-1970. Winning their last championship at the venue in 1960 against the Green Bay Packers (only team to beat Vince Lombardi in a playoff game).

Photos via PhiladelphiaEagles.com

 



Second Place in the Tourney Is Oh So Close to Immortality!

Their names won't be immortalized on The Cup, so all they get is this stinking blog mention.  And the duffle bag.  Don't forget the duffle bag!

Mark Fuller, Che Arosemena, Shawn Breon and Kevin Fuller.

I maybe got the Fullers wrong there, it wouldn't be the first time.  There are just so many Fullers!  And they were very close to putting their name on The Cup again.  Che Arosemena managed to win 2 other prizes during the tourney.  We already talked about his relinquishing of The Golden Putter (tm) to Owen Dawson.  But Che also managed to win the 50/50 putting contest held prior to the shotgun start. ( I wasn't there again this year, as I was coordinating the Security for the round and setting up Coach's Beer Cart.)  No word on the prize money won.  Che also won the award for the Longest Drive (Beth Shisler, 3-time winner of the prize, was away for the Big Ten Debut of her son Alex!)  That came with a prize of $25, making Che the biggest money winner of the year.

It's Rabbit Season



But before I go there let me give mention to some of our alumni performances at the Penn State National. My apologizes for neglecting to mention yesterday.

Fawn Dorr - Invitational 200 meters (5th in 24.28), Invitational 400 meters (4th in 54.19)

Karaleigh Foster (fresh off a stint of training in Arizona) - Invitational 3000 meters (6th in 9:25.82)

Mark Fuller - Open mile (19th in 4:27.38)

Kyle Dawson - Invitational 5000 meters (9th in 14:41.36)

 

And of course our alumni continue to deliver a fast pace. The master's of setting up a high level race they are. It's a useful asset to have when our boy's and girls in blue are looking for a fast time.

 

Kevin Fuller pacing the 800.

 

Brian Fuller pacing the mile. I love the flotrack guys comment at 2:02 "They bring in Owen Dawson, I like it. That means it's gonna be a show."



Kyle Dawson pacing the 3000.


Watch more videos on Flotrack

P.S. Flotrack's coverage of the meet was great as was their commentary during all of the races.

Penn State National Recap

More quality coverage from GoPSUSports and Flotrack. Full results here.

Another Penn State National in the books. Plenty of alums were back in town for the meet. This weekend has become an unofficial reunion of sorts. It was great seeing similar faces returning to the scenes of their youthful glory days.

The performance of the meet goes to what else but the men's DMR on Friday night. The quartet of Brannon Kidder, Brandon Bennett-Green, Za'Von Watkins, and Robby Creese threw down the second fastest time ever in the world by any team on an indoor track. Their 9:26.59 is just .62 seconds shy of the world record held by the 2008 Texas Longhorns 9:25.97. My completely unofficial splits were 2:52.9 for Kidder, 46. 8 for BBG, 1:48.7 for Watkins, and 3:58.0 for Creese. They were running with the lead from the get go but Stanford did kept it interesting and provided the necessary competition for a fast time. Congrats to them as well. Best part is they are just getting started, there will be few more chances for fast DMR's.

Watch more videos on Flotrack

For those who couldn't be there or if you just want verify my splits.

Photos courtesy of Steve Shisler

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday was just as exciting. Besides the podcasting which went extremely well. We all seemed to know what we were talking about (a first for me). I am going give an honorable mention performance of the meet to Wade Endress. The Altoona native won the "slower" heat of the invitational mile in 4:04.51 (a big breakthrough and PR). Brannon Kidder continued the sub 4 tradition in the "fast" heat with 3:59.55. Owen Dawson 4:01.36 for third.

 

The fast times wouldn't have been possible with out the ace rabbiting done by Kevin Fuller, Brian Fuller, and Kyle Dawson. Kevin took the hot heat of the 800 meters through a 52 second 400, Brian the first half of mile in 1:58-1:59, and Kyle paced the 3000 through one mile in a saucy 4:15. No real surprises as they always get the job done when it comes to pacing.

 

P.S. co honorable mention performance of the meet to Ryan Foster. He is filling the big shoes left behind by Jess Riden perfectly. The job of running a big time track meet can be thankless job and Ryan certainly deserves a lot of credit for directing a good show. If you saw him at the meet he was indeed a busy busy man.