While not having the last day near disastrous drama of 2002, the 2003 Relay Across WV Aganinst Cancer was another titanic struggle against the terrain of our great state. The relay showcased another large set of the sport's stars, both young and old, and comfortably made it to the Ohio line with daylight to spare. Day One began with a group of "old-timers" getting things started, and closed on Day Three with a high school team that has become one of the sport's great dynasties. Here is the breakdown of the 2003 Relay, which was put on by the West Virginia Track Against Cancer (WV-TAC) Foundation.
DAY ONE --
The Start -- A Pioneer Push.
It was a reunion of sorts as the 2003 Relay began. Wesleyan Coach
Jesse Skiles, the WV-TAC founder, had wanted to get several members of
the great Glenville distance running dynasty of the 80's involved.
Skiles was a part of the dynasty as both a runner and coach, and was
excited to have several of his old friends on board.
While winning six WVIAC cross country titles between 1981 and 1988, and four track titles, the teams were loaded with stars. While names like Larry Taylor, Bubby Dent, and Andy Jarrell grabbed all the headlines, there were many other all-conference stars for the Pioneers like Steve Keenan, P.K. Coon, Billy Belcher, Jay Dawkins, and Mickey Grass. Several of these greats joined Skiles in this year's relay.
With several early week calls to WVU Coach Sean Cleary, Skiles realized that all of the "Morgantown Gang" would not be available for the Relay. Cleary had his talented cast of runners fanned out in different directions for the weekend, so some late entry runners had to be found. But with the event ready to start, there seemed to be enough help to complete the task.
At 8:34 AM on Friday morning, former Glenville star Steve Keenan stood atop Shenandoah Mountain at the Virginia State Line. Keenan once finished second in the 3200 at the State Meet, and posted a 32:14 10K as a Pioneer. He coached former Marshall great Mark Gladwell as a high schooler at Gauley Bridge, and has been the long time sports editor of the Fayette Tribune. "There are a lot of sports writers who write about track...but only a few who are really track guys. We are fortunate have a Steve Keenan," Skiles said.
After a few snapshots, Keenan was off and running down the mountain, with the trademark black baton in hand. The first three legs would be all Glenville...Keenan to Skiles to Godfrey. The pair each ran 47 minutes, with Frankfort star and Wesleyan freshman Woody Snoberger in support, they moved the baton to a waiting Godfrey. Obviously not in "peak" racing shape (being kind here), Keenan and Skiles traversed the first 13 miles of Route 33, which included a climb up North Fork Mountain in 1:48:43.
Pat Godfrey, a member of the 81-83 GSC title teams, was waiting atop the mountain with Lindsay Wimer, one of his Pendleton County runners. Wimer was a state qualifier in 2000, and a former winner of the Durbin Days 5k. Godfrey, a former Parkersburg South runner as a prep, has been in the serenity of the Pendleton County hills for almost two decades now, long after his multiple victories of the hard-core Ridge Runner Marathon. Godfrey and Wimer cruised through the town of Franklin, knocking off 6.6 miles in a gingerly 57:07. Waiting at the town's Exxon, was a very unfortunate Snoberger, who would now climb up the mountain out of the County seat. The former Frankfort Falcon looked strong...but the mountain seemed to grow with each mile...8.4 miles later, he had crested the monster, was smiling uncontrollably as he finally made his descent down the other side.
Snoberger closed his grueling 13 mile trek in 91:45, handing off to the current Glenville head coach Sherry Carr-Smith, just near the Rt 28 junction to Circleville. Smith, with a strong resume that features a career with the New York City Running Club, was still nursing an injury, but was moving along well. Coming off a season in which the Pioneer men showed improvement, missing fifth place in the WVIAC by only one point to UC, she has her sights set on even more improvement. At 42, Smith is hoping to make some noise in the Masters Division, and clipped off a 47;56 for 6.1 miles...handing off to Grafton's Megan Docherty in the town of Riverton.
Docherty would be sharing a two hour segment with Bearcat teammate Scott Gemberling. The pair would have to climb the vaunted Seneca Mountain in this stretch, and the day was beginning to heat up. Docherty led the Bearcats to their 3rd state cross country title in four years last fall, as the team captain finished 4th overall...she is entering Wesleyan this fall in the pre-med program. Gemberling closed his stellar junior two months ago with impressive 1600 and 3200 wins at the state meet.
One hour and 55 minutes later, the pair had conquered the mountain, and Pat Docherty (Megan's father) said what the rest were thinking.. "How in the world does Scott make climbing a mountain that big look so easy."
With reigning AAA cross country champ Karen Wigal waiting in Harman, some 4.2 miles away, Smith and the elder Docherty took the baton for a few legs. Smith tacked on another 2.2 in 15:02, and gave the stick to Docherty.
Pat Docherty was a star miler at Marshall University in the late 60's, and like the other "old-timers" earlier in the day, his effort was applauded. He successfully moved the baton to the waiting Wigal, covering two miles in 17:54.
Wigal unfortunatley, met the same fate as Snoberger earlier in the day, facing a major uphill climb to start her leg. Clearly not enjoying her misfortune, Wigal was still hammering at the moutain, attacking the incline at a strong pace. Nearing the top...Snoberger jogged down and accompanied Wigal for the final half-mile of her climb. She crested the moutain impressively, barely breaking stride as she began her descent. This is where the first problem of the relay arose.
Wigal was scheduled to hand off to Stephanie Hatfield, but with her leg drawing to a close, Hatfield was no where in sight. Snoberger drove forward looking, but with no luck. Skiles, still hurting from his morning jaunt, found himself needing to make a relief run to keep it going.
Wigal handed off to the coach with a hilly 7.3 miles put away in 57:38. The former Morgantown Mohigan and soon-to-be South Carolina Gamecock is obviously fit and ready for her venture into the SEC.
Skiles was approaching the town of Alpena when the Hatfield's arrived, thankfully cutting his run to only 18 minutes...he had covered 2.2 miles in his run.
Like the Tour De France...Day One of the relay is very much the "Mountain Stages", and like the others, Stephanie Hatfield was getting a dose of the pain. She began with a climb, and fought her way to 7.5 miles in 63:00. She successfully got the baton onto the four-lane outside of Elkins, where her father Carl Hatfield took over.
Carl was the first WVU cross country All-American and was the top U.S. marathoner in 1978 and 79. After many years of giving to the sport, he is now the Race Director of the highly regarded Greater Clarksburg 10-K. Hatfield must also be down with Eminem, as he insisted that his run be an "Eight-Mile" journey.
After finishing the crest of Kelly Mountain, Hatfield enjoyed the splendor of the downward stroll into Elkins. With teammates Stephanie Hatfield and Snoberger sitting with their coach at the Elkins Wendy's, Carl Hatfield made came by in his trademark shuffle slightly ahead of schedule, eventually ending his leg in the town of Crystal Springs. His eight miles ended along the banks of the Tygarts Valley River in a comfy 70:53.
Day One closed very successfully...83.5 miles covered, and the table set for a strong Saturday crew.
DAY TWO - FROM EAST TO WEST
The goal of Day Two is simple; get the baton to the western part of the state, and set things for the Sunday crew to close. With a talented and fit group ready to tackle Saturday, only the forecast of oppressive heat stood in the way.
The Father-Daughter tandem of Leah and Dan Erenrich began the day's event in Crystal Springs, advancing the baton onto the four-lane section of Route 33. Father Dan, the long time Morgantown High coach is the new Athletic Director of the ultra-successful all around sports program at the school. Leah is a sophomore at Wesleyan, after a strong high school career in her own right for the Mohigans.
With the morning sun already blaring, the pair opened the day in impressive fashion, comfortably knocking off eight miles in 61:28. It was a monumantal effort for Dan, who just a week after the Clarksburg race, was getting no mercy from a daughter who looked strong. The pair closed strong, handing off to Grafton star Sarah Rosier.
Rosier finished 12th in last fall's state cross country meet, and joined teammate Nicole Tingler (18th last fall), and Docherty for another two-hour "Bearcat" segment. With a relatively flat trek towards Buckhannon, the trio knocked off 15.7 miles in two hours even. The run left chatter among many in the group about how strong the Grafton girls would again be in 2003. With the baton now past Buckhannon, Tingler handed off to Snoberger for a light 35 minute leg.
With the Erenrich's headed back to MoTown, and the Grafton crew heading for the famous C.J. Maggies Restaurant in Buckhannon, the remainder of the crew was the University of Charleston gang; Mikey Guinn and the Cipolat twins (Rachel and Erin).
Snoberger closed 5.4 miles in 35:10, handing off to Guinn who embarked on a 14-mile run. Snoberger was then left at Sheetz to meet his dad, while Guinn took off barreling through the town of Weston. Rolling through six miles in an even six-minute pace, the mid-day clock in Weston posted an ominous 89 degrees. Skiles looked at the twins, and in immediate agreement the phrase shot out..."oh yeah....he's gonna slow down."
Guinn passed the historic State Hospital, and exited Weston and one by one rolled through several small Lewis County towns....Sunset Acres, Waldeck, Pricetown, and finally Camden. As the group waited at the 14-mile mark...at Camden's Hilltop Tavern, the oppressive heat was only overshadowed by the aroma of Baked Beans and Potatoes being cooked for an evening feast at the Tavern. Everyone marveled at the S-10 sized grill that was smoking away, as the patrons discussed the Relay with the group.
Guinn passed the baton to girlfriend Rachel Cipolat, the reigning WVIAC steeplechase champ. His 14 miles were covered in a tidy 1:27:42 (6:16 pace). After his impressive leg...a very critical one for the relay...Guinn was bombarded by the local patrons with offers to buy him drinks. The locals were amazed that the "little guy" had ran that far in the mid-day heat.
In the secluded towns that dot the road between Weston and Glenville, Cipolat was off to a good start. Very focused, it begged the question in the group "does she always look that mad when she's running?" Guinn shook his head sadly..."yep..all the time." But the focus was paying off, and Cipolat knocked off an impressive eight miles in 61:13, handing off to her twin sister Erin in the town of Pickle Street. Unfortunately, Rachel ran so well, she ran her unsuspecting sibling right into the biggest hill of Day Two. Just two miles into her run, Erin passed the Gilmer County line at the town of Linn, and embarked on a massive full-mile hill. She impressively made the climb, but began mumbling sentences at the top that had the whole group rolling with laughter...zapped by the hill and the heat, Erin finshed her strong run of eight miles in 67:24 near the town of Baldwin.
Skiles' seven year-old daughter Micki had been lobbying for a leg of the relay, and the soon-to-be 2nd grader was granted permission with the accompaniment of Rachel Cipolat. She carried the baton for six minutes, knocking off six-tenths of a mile, handing off to her father who closed the day with two miles in 15:04. Day Two closed with the baton just past the famed Glenville mansion of Oil and Gas multi- millionaire Ike Morris. 61.7 miles were pocketed on Saturday, and the baton had successfully been placed into the State's western side.
Closing the day at the Glenville Pizza Hut, the groups parted. After his long hard day, Skiles had to depart to the loud crying of his four year-old son Jesse Jr, who had taken a strong affection to Erin, and was not at all pleased with her leaving. The coach grinned at Guinn and said "Just my luck...now I have to deal with trying to raise two Charleston fans all Fall."
DAY THREE-CLOSING WITH A BANG
With the memory of the disastrous Day Three in 2002, Skiles had his Sunday top-heavy with stars. The coach, Casey Batey, and Guinn had all put in 19 final day miles the year before, and everyone was determined to see a smooth end in 2003. Everyone met at the Glenville McDonalds at 9:00 AM, but again, things didn't go smooth. Mikey Cox and Larry Taylor had both ran at Saturday night's Debbie Green Memorial Run. Amazingly, both star runners known for their speed, had West Virginia State Cops pull them over and remind them of their speed on their Sunday morning treks to Glenville. Everyone shared a good laugh, and then it was time to begin.
Heading out to the Morris mansion, Cox detailed to Skiles his win of 14;27 in the Debbie Green run. After reading the race article in the Wheeling Intelligencer, Cox was ready to roll. The head coach of the Concord Mountain Lion program, Cox has his sights set on the Chicago Marathon on October 12th. He needs to break 2:20 to make the Olympic Trials, and join Morgantown's Heather Bury (who has already qualified) in that prestigious race. His plan for 20 miles on this day, had two major obstacles; the hilly terrain of western Gilmer County, and two, possible soreness from the previous night's race.
Cox's "easy" run had Skiles befuddled...mile one was hit in 5:42, then mile two in 5:46. While the mountainous terrain slowed him a little, his "easy" Sunday 20 stayed below six-minute pace throughout. 18 miles in, Cox appeared to be in trouble as he motioned Skiles to pull up beside him, but it was a simple music request, as Cox asked if Tracy Lawrence's "Sticks and Stones'' could be cranked to help him for a few minutes. After recovering from the laughter, the CD was found and Cox was hooked up.
Cox finished 20-miles in 1:57:43 (5:53 pace), getting the baton out of Gilmer and into Calhoun County, and into the waiting hands of Taylor. As Taylor sped off on his 15-mile jaunt with wife Sandy in support, water was ran back to Cox. As shocking as his 20-mile run, was his post-workout ritual. Getting some dry shorts out, the former Virginia Tech star made his change right there on site, stripping down the buff, sending Skiles sprawling across his hood in laughter.
"Man...I know this road is secluded...bit it's still a major road" Skiles bellowed. Cox just smiled..."I hate wet shorts dude."
Taylor showed no signs of soreness from his Saturday night performance of 16:43, another strong Masters race for the former Pioneer. Another of the famous Taylor racing clan from St. Mary's, Larry was the star of the Glenville Dynasty's early years, winning cross country MVP three times, and track MVP twice in the WVIAC. His track MVP's could have been more had his career not coincided with the great Rocky Hale of West Virginia State.
Returning to the racing scene in his late 30's, Taylor has been a standout throughout his comeback, and on this day he was showing why once again. He hammered hill after hill, and moved the baton into Roane County, even once saving a turtle in the road in mid-stride. Late in Taylor's run, Skiles and Cox encountered a stranger that would make it all seem worthwhile.
In the very secluded section of rural Roane County, an elderly man approached them and asked what was going on. When told of the Cancer relay, the old man returned momentarily with a hand full of change... "I don't have much, but I scrounged up $2.00 in change for you," He said.
He was given an emotional thanks, and Skiles was very nearly in tears.
Soon Taylor was in sight and his run was nearing the end. Runners of the next legs Steven and Randy Nutter were on board, and Guinn and the Cipolats had returned to lend a hand. only six miles outside of Spencer, Taylor concluded his 15 miles in 1:36 even. Even more important to Taylor, was that he had got his 15 in before the start of the NASCAR race that day in Michigan, so with the race cranking on the radio, Larry and Sandy headed back to Fayetteville.
Larry had handed off to Steven Nutter in an all-St.Mary's pass, as father Randy remarked about having Larry in class...and how old that made him feel. For a Class A school, it's hard to believe the amount of great distance runners that have been groomed in the tiny town of St. Mary's.
Nutter was off and running into Spencer in comfortable fashion, getting the baton onto the other side of town. He covered eight miles in 51:00 minutes, handing off to his dad who also raced at Clarksburg last week. Erin Cipolat took off with Randy to provide some company as some strong hills faced Nutter on his way out of Spencer.
Josh Wagner of Liberty and Craig McDougal of Grafton (a soon-to-be Concord freshman) were scheduled to get the baton from Nutter, but the pair was not to be found. Guinn, who was scheduled for 17 miles, said he would take the baton until they showed. Amazingly...Guinn's "helping hand" turned out to be a savior for Skiles once again.
Randy Nutter finished his hilly six miles in a strong 46:05, handing off to Guinn in western Roane County. While the Nutters recovered, the group hung out waiting for a sign of Wagner and McDougal.
Not knowing when he would have company, Guinn plodded on, knocking off a good pace and pushing the baton into Jackson County. Adam Benford was scheduled to close the relay, and was surprised to hear that the baton was so close. Nobody really expected the 35 miles from Taylor and Cox to be knocked off in three and a half hours, so the event was running well ahead of schedule. Benford had a nice surprise for the group...several members of the state champion Ravenswood team would be coming...and the finish would be a team effort in their home county.
Eleven miles into Guinn's run, Wagner and Mcdougal appeared, and in stark contrast to 2002, the 2003 finish would be a glorious and celebrated event. Mcdougal jumped in with Guinn, and shortly after, Red Devil Ben Miller joined the fray. The entire Ravenswood group joined the others for a quick photo opp, before Miller jumped in.
At the Exxon, just a few miles from Ripley, Guinn completed his 17 miles (in 1:48:14) with Miller and McDougal in tow, handing off to the pair of Wagner and Red Devil Joe Chambers. Ironically, the pair of young runners (Wagner and Chambers) finshed just 14 seconds apart in last fall's state meet. They carried the baton through the town of Ripley, and veered north onto US 21 for the event's home stretch. A slightly longer finish than the 2002 route...but much safer.
Eight miles into the run, Wagner and Chambers handed off to the Benford brothers...Adam and Andrew. The pair of all-staters were joined by Red Devil sprint star Ambria Chambers (a Concord recruit), and again by Miller and McDougal. Chambers closed up shop before the town of Sandyville, and the others shortly afterward....with Ravenswood only miles away, it was the Benford's bringing it home.
With the gang waiting at the base of Ravenswood's famous "Bridge to Nowhere", a large group jumped in with the Benford's to make the almost mile-long trek across the bridge into Ohio. With cameras clicking, the large pack exited the bridge into the land of the Buckeyes and ended the three-day journey. The Benford's had ran the final 12 miles in a solid 6:32 pace (1:18:24).
As the contingency of over 20 congregated, Guinn and Skiles noted the stark contrast to the 2002 finish in the dark that only had the great Casey Batey with them. It was not only a strong swing at Cancer but also a celebration of running in West Virginia. In a year that WVU and Marshall both sadly dropped their men's track programs, this event proved as a further illustration as to the vitality of the sport in the state, and just how asinine those administrative decisions were. In no other sport could an event of this magnitude be pulled off...with all-time greats....current greats that include, college, high school, post-collegiate runners, plus coaches and runners from rival schools working hand in hand. We should not only count our blessings as runners, but also with being blessed with very classy web sites such as iplayoutside.com and runwv.com. The Running Community in West Virginia is indeed something special.
Skiles has asked that we not only give thanks to those mentioned in this article, but also to Gail Benford and the group of Ravenswood parents. Also to Director Kevin Tephabock of the American Cancer Society Office in Morgantown for all of his help and support.
Donations may be sent to:
WV-TAC
59 College Avenue MSC 1798
Buckhannon, WV 26201
RUNNER MILES TIME Steve Keenan/ Jesse Skiles 13.0 1:48:43 Pat Godfrey/ Lindsay Wimer 6.6 57:07 Woody Snoberger 13.0 1:31:45 Sherry Smith 6.1 47:56 Megan Docherty/ Scott Gemberling 15.8 1:55:00 Sherry Smith/ Pat Docherty 4.2 32:56 Karen Wigal 7.3 57:38 Jesse Skiles 2.2 18:00 Stephanie Hatfield 7.5 63:00 Carl Hatfield 8.0 70:53 DAY TWO Dan Erenrich/ Leah Erenrich 8.0 61:28 Sarah Rosier/Nicole Tingler/Megan Docherty 15.7 2:00:00 Woody Snoberger 5.4 35:10 Mikey Guinn 14.0 1:27:42 Rachel Cipolat 8.0 61:13 Erin Cipolat 8.0 67:24 Micki Skiles 0.6 6:00 Jesse Skiles 2.0 15:04 DAY THREE Mikey Cox 20.0 1:57:43 Larry Taylor 15.0 1:36:00 Steven Nutter 8.0 51:00 Randy Nutter/ Erin Cipolat 6.0 46:05 Mikey Guinn w/ Craig McDougal/Ben Miller 17.0 1:48:14 Josh Wagner/ Joe Chambers 8.0 53:36 Adam Banford/Andrew Benford w help from MCdougal/Milller/ Ambria Chambers 12.0 1:18:24 TOTALS 231.2 miles 27:49:01