Sean Pagett

1998 Peaman Biathlon Series Jan. 18, 1998 - Peaman Sprint Biathlon March 8, 1998 - Plunge and Plod

1998 Peaman Sprint Biathlon

     Imagine yourself somewhere, freezing cold on the mainland. It's snowing outside and has been for days. Like most people, you probably enjoy sports, so you decide to tune in to ESPN's coverage of the MasterCard Golf Championship at Hualalai Resort. Instantly you feel warm inside as you watch whales basking in the warm waters of Kona. The sun is bright and warm as it shines on the palm trees that sway gently in the breeze.

     The next day you decide to check out the Hula Bowl, also on ESPN. Once again it's warm, sunny, and the stands are packed with people wearing shorts, T-shirts and sunglasses. One fan is holding up a sign that says "Wind Chill Factor 80 degrees." Finally you just can't take it anymore, and you find yourself on the phone making reservations for the next flight to Hawaii. 

     Fortunately for us in Hawaii this scenario does actually happen on a regular basis. What it shows us is that sports should be a big part of our future here in Kona. We have the weather and we have the land. Simply put, "Build it and they will come." The people of Maui are a perfect example of this. They did a wonderful job getting the War Memorial Stadium expanded and ready for the Hula Bowl.

     Hey, if Maui has the Hula Bowl and Oahu has the Aloha Bowl and Pro Bowl, why can't we reach for the stars and build a world class stadium and be the home of the Super Bowl. I know if I was a player in green Bay I sure would be inspired to play well all season for a trip to Hawaii. Wouldn't you?

     Anyway, for us lucky people in Kona, sun and warm water are always a part of our regular routines. On Sunday it was business as usual with the Peaman Sprint Biathlon. The Sprint kicked off Peaman's 1998 schedule of Aerobic Adventures.

     The morning started off with a quick mile swim. California's Jeff Kamler and Kona's Steve McElrath both shot out to a quick lead. A few seconds back Erick Winkler pulled a chase pack that included Peaman, Mark Mader, Loke McMichael, Tom "Cat" Sena, Tom Stubbs and Ben-Jamin Widoff.

     At the turn buoy Kamler was alone after dropping McElrath. Peaman moved to the front of the chase pack as they headed back to the beach. Kamler, who was on a relay team, was out first in 12:44. McElrath followed at 13:17. Mader powered the final hundred yards and exited the water in third at 13:51. The Peaster was next as he led the individual race with a time of 13:57. Winkler followed in 14:00.

     Loke McMichael led the ladies out of the water in 14:02. Christine Winn was next at 14:18. Kylee Sandusky followed at 14:24 as she held the ladies individual lead.

     As the swimmers continued to stream out of the water the top relay runners were already out on the three mile run course. Peaman wasn't even in his shoes yet when Ben-Jamin went sprinting by. Tom Stubbs followed close behind and race was on.

     On the ladies side Kylee Sandusky was still in front but Carolyn Thompson was out of the water 1:28 behind and was blazing down the road. Maggie Grenier was another minute back but also looked to be moving very fast. 

     Ben-Jamin's first mile of 5:20 gave him a solid lead. He was first at the half-way point and was basically just racing the relay teams. Stubbs followed in second and continued to chase hard. Matty Cunningham was in third. Ryan Pries was fourth and close behind him was Carolyn Thompson who looked to be on record pace. She had passed Sandusky, who was holding on to second, but Grenier looked to be closing fast.

     Back at the front, Ben-Jamin strode across the finish line and took first with a time of 32:28. Stubbs followed in second at 33:15. Third went to Cunningham at 34:43.

     Thompson was in next as she topped the ladies field and placed fourth overall in 35:37. Her run time of 19:55 was the fastest woman's run of the day and her overall time was just 29 seconds short of Stephanie Kozowyk's 1993 course record time of 35:08.

     Ryan Pries followed in fifth overall at 36:01. 1997 Series Points Champion, Dard Vader Aller, was next taking sixth overall and fifth for the men in 36:17.

     Following Thompson in the ladies race was Maggie Grenier who made up almost 3 minutes on Sandusky during the run. Grenier's second place time was 38:41. Sandusky was a close third in 39:27. Fourth went to Ysabel Thomas at 43:09. Mouse Kelley closed out the ladies top five with her time of 43:18.

     Sundays's finned champion was Peter Lasich at 40:55. Second went to Janet Higa-Miller in 42:45. Lolly Rodger wrapped up third at 45:41.

     The Split-Pea Relay title went to Peaman and "Happy Cat" Honma. Honma's blistering run of 17:22 moved them into the lead and across the finish first in 31:19. Second went to Jeff Kamler and Leonardo Fraga. They held the lead most of the way but Honma's final mile was just too much. They clocked in at 32:01. Steve McElrath and Dusty Roads teamed up to take third in 32:37.

     In fourth was the Peaster's other teammate Jon Kunitake at 33:23. At 55 years of age Kunitake continues to amaze everyone. On Saturday he ran on a relay team for the Hilo to Volcano Race. On Sunday he was still able to record the fourth fastest relay run of the day.

     In the Family Division Like and Simmy McMichael teamed up for the victory. They crossed the line in 40:06.

     Once again the Pea Wea Division turned out to be very exciting. The Pea Wea course consisted of a 150 yard swim and a 3/4 mile run. In the individual race two finned swimmers, Mason Tansey and Alysse Grace, were first out of the water. Norman Tansey and Cyrus Legg followed close behind as did Zane Waitley and Nicholas Barto. During the run Barto took the lead and crossed the finish first in 9:50. Waitley stayed close for second in 9:59. Andrew Kahl moved up for third in 11:04.

     Jenny Barto made it a brother-sister sweep as she topped the girls with her time of 12:53. Meilyn Quitiquit took second at 14:14 and Erika Aters placed third in 14:38.

     Mason Tansey topped the finned group in 11:17. Alysse Grace led the finned girls at 12:30.

     In the Pea Wea Relay race Eva and Luka Dayton crossed the finish first in 9:00. Eva's other partner Kekaulike Tomich took second at 9:02. Third went to Chandler Nacino and Jason Lucena at 9:49.

     After a day of sun and fun the Perpetual Pea was passed on to Jon Kunitake. As mentioned earlier Kunitake continues to show us that there are no boundaries to age. He loves life, trains for fun and continues to run like a teenager. Actually, he usually beats all the teenagers. Kunitake will have the Power of The Pea with him when he runs the Las Vegas Marathon early next month. Good luck Jon and may Peas be with you.

     Coming up this weekend is Super Bowl XXXII so enjoy the game but be ready for the following weekend when it's a double header of events. On Saturday, Jan. 31, Hawaii Sports Connection will bring us the Big Island Century Ride. Start time is 7 a.m. at The Old Airport Pavilion. You can take your pick of 25, 50 or 100 miles. Call 329-9718 for more information.

     On Sunday it's opening day for Team Mango and their Spring Time Triathlon. This training tri consists of a half mile swim, 11 mile bike ride and a 5.7 mile run. Start time is 8 a.m. No apps, no entry fees. It's just for fun.

Send comments to Peaman   3/28/98