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Running

Striders cross country honored at Bethany Blues banquet

January 11, 2013

The Seashore Striders cross country team celebrated the 2012 season with a banquet at Bethany Blues honoring the young talented runners on the team. Former Strider Steve Peet of Southern Delaware Physical Therapy was the guest speaker, and he stressed to the athletes the importance of stretching, warming up and training smart, which will all lead to racing well over the course of the season. Peet and his wife Marybeth Betts Peet were both high school members of the Striders, traveling to several national championships in their careers. Marybeth went on to run for Misericordia University, and Steve played college baseball, serving as team captain.

The athletes were presented with framed action photos of themselves competing as well as a DVD of the season that was produced by the Shuttleworth family. Special awards were also presented.  Seven-year- old Lainey Shockro grabbed the Most Improved Award, going from barely completing a 2K distance in 2011 to finishing 11th in the nation in 2012, racing 2K in 9:36. The Rising Star Award went to 7-year-old Devin Hundley, who finished 19th in the nationals in 10:08 at the 2K distance, and 8-year-old Ethan Shuttleworth, who finished 48th in 9:34.  The Rookie of the Year Award on the girls' side went to 10-year-old Emma Barthelmess, who finished 20th in 13:11 for the 3K distance, earning youth All-American status. The Rookie of the Year Award on the boys' side went to 11-year old Brock Diaz, who finished 53rd at the nationals in his opening year, running 3K in 12:58.  Ten-year-old Blake Hundley was honored for National Performance of the Year as he became the first Seashore Strider to finish second in the nation for the second year in a row, running 11:15 in the 3K distance.  Twelve-year-old Logan Shuttleworth received the Steve Peet Growing Pains Award as she battled injuries all season, all related to growing more than four inches in less than six months, and was still able to land an 18th-place finish in 12:04 at the nationals, earning All-American honors once again. Ben Bamforth was honored as Team Most Valuable Runner as he dominated the state of Delaware with wins at the Blue Jay Open in a new course record, a win at the Brandywine Invite, a win at the Delaware State Championships just missing the course record, and finishing the season off with a ninth-place finish at the nationals, racing 4,000 meters in 14:16.

It was the close of year 22 for the Seashore Striders Youth Cross Country Team. See you in September!

Youth Fitness Circuit - a great combo

Toward the end of January at Shields Elementary School, I am dedicating a month to a Fitness Unit in which my kids answer the question, “How can we improve our fitness level?” The kids learn about exercise, resting and maximum heart rates, goals and what it means to be healthy. I have a circuit of activities set up for each class: aerobic steps, jump ropes, free weights, a stretching mat, stationary bikes, a treadmill and elliptical trainer, several abdominal machines and a resting station - a favorite for some - with a comfy chair, a fan, a stress ball and a book to read. Physical education classes need to move in this direction, because the kids love this kind of workout. I have been pleasantly surprised that I have been able to get more exercise out of the kids - they have fun working out on the machines to upbeat music - than I can in any other unit. I even have a small membership fee I charge the kids…one smile to get in and one smile to get out.

Kai Maull hosts Run With the Hawks 5K

Kai Maull has been a Delaware state champion, Cape record holder, national champion, Penn Relays champion, NCAA All-American and now he finds himself coaching track & field and giving back what he has learned to the young athletes.  Last Saturday morning, Kai and his indoor track & field team hosted their second annual 5K Run With the Hawks at Saint Georges High School in Middletown. The Seashore Striders donated their services to get the event off the ground, and a nice group of 60 participants turned out to take part.

“We had more participants than we did in out first year, and everyone was pleased with the course, the tech T-shirts, the food and the awards,” said Maull. “Everyone said that they are coming back and they are bringing a friend. We hope to go over a hundred runners next year.”

Maull stresses the importance of his team volunteering at community events and giving back to the people who support them. “We had several kids go out and get sponsors and show up and volunteer at the event,” said Maull. “It is important to be a part of the community. Track & field has been good to me, and I want track & field to be good for my young athletes and for them to appreciate what people do for them.”

Results of the event can be found at www.seashorestriders.com.

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