THE ST. MAURO’S WINNERS--AFTER THE POSTRACE CANNOLI OF COURSE!

Skwierz, Evans Take
Top Honors at 3rd Annual
‘Run For The Cannoli’

BY DINO OBERTO

HAZLETON, PA--The 2006 St. Mauro’s Festival 5K “Run For The Cannoli” is in the books and the saying “third time is the charm” certainly played full proof into the August 20 race.

It was a banner turnout of runners who came out for the third edition of this fast growing, popular event which runs in conjunction with the annual St. Mauro’s Italian Festival at Our Lady of Grace Church.

Jeff Skwierz smoked the competition for the second year in a row and although he did not better his ’05 record setting time of 16:36, he still did well enough to win with a 17:38.

During the awards ceremony, church Pastor Father Tom Cappolloni dubbed Skwierz the “Cannoli King.”

Chris Pszeniceny was 21 seconds back at a solid 17:59 while the always smooth and steady Jer Darowish took third overall with a 19:20.

Mike Brandtmeir, 44, was fourth at the finish, stopping the clock at 19:34 while 13-year-old Chris Tombasco rounded out the top five overall finishers with an impressive 20:09 for the Hazleton Area Junior High Cross-Country star.

Helen Evans was tops in the women’s category as the 46-year-old Northeast PA veteran runner sped to the finish line at 21:52, 14th overall.

Lisa Slivonek was a half-second behind at 22:22. Next came MMI Preparatory School Cross-Country standout Gabby Deitos who was just a few steps behind Slivonek at 22:27.

Completing the women’s top five were 14-year-old Nicole Montecalvo (23:24) and Wendy Balko with a 23:42.

Both Skwierz and Evans received very handsome two-feet-tall trophies for their well-earned efforts while medals went to the top three in age groups 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-plus.

THE NEWLY-DUBBED “CANNOLI KING,” JEFF SKWIERZ TAKES HIS SECOND CONSECUTIVE 5K (17:38).

Race Director Dino Oberto noted that next year’s race will feature more age groups and more medals.

A record 78 runners came out to tackle the streets of Hazleton and despite the concern of the 3:00 p.m. start, the weather was picture perfect.

Of course it was well worth it too, as runners got themselves a sweet Italian treat in the form of a delicious Cannoli that was generously donated by the Pizzeria in McAdoo.

After the race everyone took to the festival for great food and fun.

Race Director Oberto would like to extend a special thank you to all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made the 2006 “Run For The Cannoli” a great success.

Overall

1. Jeff Skwierz 17:38
2. Chris Pszeniceny 17:59
3. Jer Darowish 19:20
4. Mike Brandtmeir 19:34
5. Chris Tombasco 20:09
6. Matt Mazur 20:14
7. Josh Salvisburg 20:30
8. Mike Rawls 20:37

HELEN EVANS, WOMEN’S WINNER OF THE “RUN FOR THE CANNOLI” 5K IN A TIME OF 21:52

9. Danny O’Donnell 20:52
10. John Guth 20:52
11. Gavinder Singh 21:12
12. Jeff Walsh 21:32
13. Cory Chase 21:50
14. Helen Evans 21:52
15. Rich Chase 21:55
16. Robert Gronski 21:56
17. Lisa Slivonek 22:22
18. Mike DeMatt 22:26
19. Gabbie Deitos 22:27
20. Bill Messerschmidt 22:43
21. Nicole Montecalvo 23:24
22. Wendy Balko 23:42
23. Steve Covert 23:45
24. Beth Guenther 23:48
25. Nacy Lee Harmon 24:19
26. Zach Polmounter 24:33
27. Mike Fay 24:38
28. Carol Pataki 24:41
29. Corry Stevens 24:44
30. Maria Caldwell 24:50
31. Liz Tolan 24:57
32. Rose Stish 25:04
33. Ron Rawls 25:07
34. Robert McGill 25:13
35. Dan McBrearty 25:18