Sports for life: Hooke and Meneley
The opening event for the “63rd Running of the 12 Hours of Sebring” car race at Sebring International Raceway March 14 also kicked off the sixth annual “Run the Track,” which saw 210 runners challenging the same 3.74-mile course the cars would race seven days later.
This was the third appearance at the Sebring raceway for 54-year-old runner Mickey Hooke of Bradenton. A debut showing in 2013 saw him place third overall in 21:08. Upon returning in 2014, Hooke was able to take second overall and the masters division title in 23:06.
Hooke made his third appearance in 2015 a charm, moving into the lead at four-tenths of a mile to grab first overall with a time of 21:15 — 1 minute, 28 seconds faster than his nearest competitor.
It was the first time a runner of 50 or older won the race and it was Hooke’s first overall win at age 54. This fits well for Hooke, with his second place overall at Daytona International Speedway in April 2000, where he set his personal record of 16:09 for 5,000.
Hooke is familiar to islanders at Galati Marine in Anna Maria, a long-time employee there.
Meneley sees success, too
Holmes Beach resident Sandy Meneley continues to rack up accolades in the duathlon and triathlon scene. She recently was informed by USA Triathlon that she was awarded “All American” status for her age group in the 2014 year for both duathlon and triathlon.
Meneley finished the year ranked eighth in the nation in the triathlon — swim, bike, run — and was ranked first nationally in the duathlon — run, bike, run — event.
Adding to her already lengthy accolades and awards, Meneley joined 5,000 other runners in the Sarasota half-marathon Feb. 8. She placed first in the 65-69 age group, beating 53 other participants to the finish line with a time of 1:52 over the 13.1-mile course.
Meneley, a former high school track coach and teacher, has won numerous triathlons and marathons in recent years, including qualifying for the World Championship Triathlon in Hawaii two years in a row.
Super Bowl champs crowned
Super Bowl champions were crowned in the 18-plus and 30-plus divisions of the Anna Maria Island Community Center adult NFL Flag Football League last week.
The 18-and-over Super Bowl game March 18 pitted a No. 1 seed versus No. 2 — Slim’s Place Falcons and the Saints, respectively.
Slim’s Place recorded a comfortable 33-20 victory behind the electric play of Ray Gardner, also a staff member at the center.
Gardner lined up at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back for the champs. He completed nine of 10 passes for 103 yards and a pair of touchdown passes, while also rushing for 98 yards. Throw in four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown to go along with a quarterback sack and two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, and you’ve got yourself a Super Bowl MVP.
Don Purvis also threw two touchdown passes, while Dina Calvary added five catches for 67 yards, including a pair of touchdowns and a 2-point conversion. Eric Gledhill completed the scoring with a touchdown reception and 2 extra points.
Other members of Slim’s Place Falcons include Joey Carder, Jeff Walker and Max Gazzo.
The Saints were led by Matt Morgan, who completed five passes for 59 yards and a pair of touchdown passes, while also adding four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Jonathan Moss completed 10 of 13 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, while also chipping in with a 25-yard touchdown reception. Dustin Swain completed the scoring for the Saints with four catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.
The following evening saw the 30-and-over Super Bowl, again pitting the top two seeds against each other. And again, the top seed prevailed as the Raiders outlasted Poppo’s Chargers 28-20 behind strong quarterback play from Chris Gillum, who completed 16 of 20 passes for 158 yards and four touchdown passes. Dylan Kraut was his favorite target, finishing with eight catches for 103 yards, including a touchdown and an extra point.
Mike Gillum finished with four catches for 34 yards, including a touchdown and an extra point in the victory, while Jason VanCleve finished with five catches for 42 yards including a touchdown and an extra point to complete the Raiders scoring.
Other members of the championship team are Kathryn Hall, Matt Ray, Brianna Shaughnessy and Jon Coleman.
Don Purvis completed 8 of 10 passes for 127 yards and three touchdown passes to lead Poppo’s Chargers in the loss. Purvis connected with Sury Coleman, Scott Rudacille and Jesse Brisson for touchdowns, while Craig Doher added 2 extra points and four flag pulls on defense.
Key Royale golf news
The Key Royale men got out for a few rounds of golf last week, starting with a March 16, best-ball-of-foursome morning match. First place went to the team of Chet Hutton, Jim Auch, Fred Meyer and Charlie Knopp with a score of 46.
The afternoon saw another influx of golfers for a nine-hole, modified-Stableford System or quota points match.
Jim Watt led all golfers with a plus-7 score, two shots ahead of Tom McDonnell and Gary Silke, who tied for second place at plus-5.
Watt’s score helped his team of John Estok, Dave Richardson and Peter Soleveld to the team title with a combined score of plus-4.
The men were back on the course March 19 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Jack Isherwood, Chet Hutton, Art McMillan and Bob Soos combined on a 4-under-par 28 to take first place. One shot back in second place was the team of John Cassese, Ron Buck, Larry Solberg and Quentin Talbert.
Horseshoe news
Two teams emerged from pool play during March 18 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits and were left to battle for the day’s bragging rights. Hank Huyghe walked his way past Steve Hooper and Bob Palmer by a 21-9 score to earn a trip to the winner’s circle.
Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during March 21 horseshoe action. Jim Kleiner and Norm Langland drew the bye to the finals and watched as Rod Bussey and Adin Shank edged Dom Lividoti and Hank Huyghe 21-17.
Kleiner and Langland then outlasted Bussey and Shank 21-16 to earn the day’s bragging rights.
Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. and everyone is welcome.