GWTC Triathletes strong at Gulf Coast

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Over 2,000 athletes participated in the 1999 Gulf Coast Triathlon May 8, 1999. The 17th annual race nearly became a duathlon the night before as a front moved over Panama City on Friday. The decision was made early Saturday morning, despite the red flags, there would be a swim. Because the water conditions were so bad, preventing the buoys from being set out, the race began an hour behind schedule. At 7:00a.m. we watched as the first waves of athletes to leave shore were battered hard, struggling to get through the waves. It was rumored 20-30 women dropped out of the race attempting to get past the "breakers," giving new meaning to this word.

The bike leg was loaded with much needed and appreciated volunteer support. This is what makes this race so great. There were aid stations every 10 miles on the bike course, equipped with ice water! A bright, beautiful, breezy day made for a windy, hot ride. The ride was followed by an even hotter run. Only a camel would have faired well. But once again, an aid station every mile kept most of the competitors on their feet.

Following the race to the medical tent, the word was they had never treated so many athletes at this race before. The I.V. fluids were long gone before the last finisher crossed the line. The GWTC Triathletes were a force to be reckoned with this year. Be sure to congratulate them when you see them.

Gulf Coast Triathlon Results

Brian Fleischmann, 10th Male Overall, 3rd 20-24, 4:15:22
Malissa Auker, 5th Masters Overall, 5:23:12
Mary Jane Tappen, 1st 40-44, 5:29:11
Judie Kean, 2nd 50-54, 6:15:58
Carrie Weyant, 7th 35-39, 5:19:56
Shannon Sullivan, 10th 45-49, 4:54:39
Nicole Graber, 5th Athena 15-39, 6:21:54
Jeff Nielsen, 12th 40-44, 4:50:00
George Palmer, 14th 55-59, 5:57:04
Jeff Bowman, 15th 35-39, 4:38:05
Mary Groham, 16th 30-34, 5:16:33
Rick Ashton, 6:24:10
Greg Waddell, 4:55:08
Richard Baker, 4:56:38
Mara Fair, 5:55:24
Ronnie Godwin, 5:16:36
Tony Guillen, 6:14:27
John Hightower, 6:26:07
Mike Jaynes, 4:48:11
Steve Kazmierski, 5:31:48
Geoff Likens 4:54:43
Bruce Lynn, 6:29:23
Paul Mann, 6:11:07
Barbara McNeal, 6:00:00
Kathy McDaris, 6:39:28
Kim Ortloff, 6:39:27
Terry Presnell, 5:06:51
Wallace Randell, 6:03:18
Tom Rowland, 7:19:09
Mark Sawicki, 5:36:36
Cindi Sedberry, 5:45:20
Felton Wright, 5:34:31

Men's Relays:
Team E-Vitro
Mike Weyant, Cole Blair, Mark Schroeder, 1st Male Open, 4:11:44
Team Try-It
Mike Croom, Chris Stroh, Rich Koenders, 5:50:47

Women's Relays:
Two Brunettes and a Blonde
Lisa Waxman, Rhonda Fulghum, Kathy Mora, 6:13:42

Co-Ed Relays:
Sports Beat
Anne Blanchford, George West, Herb Wills, 2nd Co-Ed Open, 4:36:33