Gulf Winds Tri Club Presents Awards

The Gulf Winds Tri Club held its annual award presentation on Monday January 18, 2010 at MoMo’s Pizza in Market Square. Awards were presented for several categories voted on by the GW Tri Club members; to USA Triathlon All-Americans; to male and female members with the fastest times in each triathlon competition level; and for special recognition for excellent performance during the season in age-group competition.

The Youth Award went to Colby Allen. He was the top U-19 Gulf Winds tri club performer finishing the year with five first places including winning the Jacksonville series and North Florida Olympic. He also was fifth at the Augusta Half-Ironman event.

GW Tri Club secretary Lisa Cox received the Service Award. She was instrumental in coordinating the club’s participation in the Tri Nation Online competition and membership recruitment. GW won the national competition and the $1,000 first prize for most points scored.

The male Rookie of the Year was Charlie Johnson. In his first year of competition in the 30-34 age group he won four of six events. Female rookie winner was Sandy Holt who in the 20-24 age group who had wins at Beach Blast, Madeira Beach and Red Hills, finished third at Disney Half Ironman, 10that Augusta, fourth at Ironman Florida and then 22ndat the Foster Grant 70.3 World Championships.

The Masters awards went to Jeff Bowman and Robin Safely. Bowman, in the 40-44 age group, led the point totals for GW males in the Tri Nation online competition finishing in the top three in seven events. Safely, competing in the 45-49 age group, had three top three finishes and the third fastest times in the half and Ironman races at Panama City.

Mike Boll competing in the 45-49 age group completed nine triathlons at all levels to take the award for most improved male member. On the female side Karen Munoz took home this honor winning at Freedom Springs and finishing third at North Florida in the 50-54 age group.

Top gun awards were awarded to the male and female who had the fastest time in each triathlon level. Female winners included Shannon Coates in the sprint and Ironman competitions; Seeley Gutierrez in the Olympic level; and Stephanie Liles in the Half-Ironman. The males were led my Bowman in the sprints, Kiko Cintron in the Olympic races, Grady Smith in the Half Ironman and Chuck Kemeny in the Ironman event.

USA Triathlon All-Americans were also honored. Receiving Honorable Mention awards were Safely, Bowman, Cintron and Coates. All-Americans recognized were Gutierrez, Liles, Kemeny and Smith.

Age-group recognition awards were presented to Sandy Holt, 20-24 females, Frank Geraci, 25-30 males, Jan Ludwig, 25-30 females, Charlie Robinson, 30-34 males, Andrea Stephens, 30-34 females, Doug Bell, 40-44 males, Tony Guillen, 40-44 males, Tammy Thompson, 45-49 females, Robin Gibson, 45-49 females and Athena competition, Steve Steverson, 45-49 males, Kathy Lindsay, 50-54 females, Lee Scarboro, 50-54 males, Jacque Myers, 50-54 females and Athena,Terry Presnell, 60-64 males, Jason Hand, 30-35 males and U-40 Clydesdales, Allen Secreast, O-40 Clydesdales and Bob Keller, Great Grand Masters competition.

Keep on Triing Awards for competing in the most triathlons during the 2009 season went to Steve Padilla, 10 triathlons in the 30-35 male age group and U-40 Clydesdale competitions. Cox with 11 triathlons took home the female award.

Special recognition awards were presented to George Palmer Jr. and Kathy McDaris for their continued efforts in promoting the sport of triathlon in the Tallahassee area.