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Squiers and Dietz Win BY SANDRA HOWARD TUNKHANNOCK, PA--Running in his first February Freeze 5K on February 7, Robert Squiers, 18, used his stand-out speed to blast the remainder of the field and snare the win, posting a time of 17:35. Managing to remain within sight for some of the race, and placing second behind Squiers in 18:19, was Jeff Crahalla, 30, who has four Freeze wins to his credit. Alaina Dietz, 33, placed first for the women, cruising into 16th place overall, with a time of 22:06. Dietz’s nearest competitor was Tunkhannock’s own Betsy Sayre, 16, who finished in 23:35. The Freeze has a dedicated following and provides a welcome break in winter training for year-round runners. The footing was quite challenging this year, as the short section of abandoned railroad grade just after the starting line was ice-covered due to recent winter weather. More runners than usual gave the footing serious consideration and used some form of spikes to make sure they remained upright for the race. The 2004 Freeze saw 61 runners finish the 3.1-mile race. Numerous people assisted the Bobcats. Race directors Sandy Howard and Doug Toye wish to thank everyone who contributed to making the 17th running a fond memory. Several new age groups were added to accommodate the increasing number of men age 60 and over who are consistently racing the Freeze. The same age groups exist for the women, but only once has a female age 60 or over run the Freeze. MALE Overall 1. Robert Squiers 17:35 13-19 1. Frank Redmond 19:33 20-24 1. Derek Stutz 20:12 30-34 1. Jeff Crahalla 18:19 35-39 1. Randy White 19:44 40-44 1. Kevin Bandru 18:48 45-49 1. Michael Kinney 20:59 50-54 1. Mark Smith 22:33 55-59 1. Ho Titman 21:15 60-64 1. Joe Naughton 25:39 65-69 1. Sid Lyons 27:50 FEMALE Overall 1. Alaina Dietz 22:06 12 and Under 1. Rachel Sayre 27:12 13-19 1. Betsy Sayre 23:25 25-29 1. Jen Stec-Gagliardi 25:01 35-39 1. Tammy Welch 25:38 40-44 1. Suncha Rhone 27:30 45-49 1. Beth O’Malley 29:09 50-54 1. Nancy Werthmuller 25:09 |