February 4, 2023
Rothrock State Forest
by Mike Casper

13th Annual Colyer 'Sno Big Deal 10K                                       

Colyer Lake - Feb. 4, 2023                                            

It was 11 degrees at the start of this race, which normally includes a romp on snow and ice on the turnaround section on Boal Gap Road, but mild temperatures leading up to race day left that section bone dry for this kickoff run of the 2023 Tussey Teasers Series. No one was ice fishing on Colyer Lake.

A local greyhound pet, Queen, was available for a brief meet and greet before the start, with her owner, Karen Dabney. Proceeds from the events of 2023 hosted by the Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK support the work of Nittany Greyhounds to re-home retired greyhounds. With its full-time kennel located in Port Matilda, the group has successfully rehomed nearly 2,000 greyhounds nationwide since its founding in 1997.

Kenneth Farnsworth led in the climb to the turnaround point, but was overtaken by Adam Berger for first, with Winter Parts first nonbinary and third overall. Kaylee Frederick took first in the women’s category finisher, with Diane Swauger less than a minute back and Crystal McNeal placing third.

Several runners bettered their times over last year, including Doug Shunk and Mark Lozinski (6+ minutes off),  were Jason Sammut (over 1 min), Diane Swauger (nearly 5 minutes off), Brent McNeal (3 minutes off) and Crystal McNeal (2 minutes off).

Two donations totaling $60 were made to support Nittany Greyhounds. Thanks to those donors!

The next run of the six-event Tussey Teasers series is the Laurel Run Switchbacker 10K, an out-and-back race set for March 4, with start and finish at Tussey Mountain. For the series schedule, driving directions, and a link to the event waivers, visit http://tusseymountainback.com/events/tussey-teasers. All six runs of the series are free and include timing and some random prizes.

Your donations of gently used running shoes will be accepted at each run for Sneakers4Good, a program that supports micro-entrepreneurs in communities and countries around the world.

Tussey Teasers Series Note: All runners who complete Teaser #1 through Teaser #5 will receive a special prize and be eligible for a grand prize, which will be awarded at the end of Teaser #5, the Eager Seeger Half Marathon, on June 18. Those who also completed this run, Teaser #0, will earn a special bonus.

 

Adam Berger heads toward victory after taking the lead near the course turnaround

Michael Palumbo, Doug Shunk, Mark Lozinski and John Iceland enjoy a gentle descent section on Boal Gap Road.

Marvin Hall regales in the festive terrain along Boal Gap Road on the way back to Colyer Lake.

Kaylee Frederick, Winter Parts, and Adam Berger pose with the spoils of victory after taking top honors in the women’s, nonbinary, and men’s categories.



Overall Order of Finish


Place    First       Last           Gen  Age     Time
-----    -----       ----           ---  ---
 1       Adam        Berger         M     27     42:18   
 2       Kenneth     Farnsworth     M     32     42:45   
 3       Winter      Parts          NB    25     44:24   
 4       Michael     Palumbo        M     27     44:44   
 5       Doug        Schunk         M     41     45:02   
 6       Mark        Lozinski       M     51     45:07   
 7       John        Iceland        M     52     45:15   
 8       Reid        Berdanier      M     34     47:12   
 9       Kaylee      Frederick      F     18     49:15   
10       Diane       Swauger        F     46     50:01   
11       Jim         Sellmer        M     61     52:22   
12       Brent       McNeal         M     42     53:56   
13       Alan        Effrig         M     43     54:47   
14       Crystal     McNeal         F     40     55:00   
15       John        Messner        M     55     56:21   
16       Katie       Dry            F     37     56:48   
17       Tim         Doberstein     M     43     56:48   
18       Jeff        Schiesler      M     67     57:44   
19       Stephen     McFall         M     34   1:00:37    
20       Carolyn     Triozzi        F     46   1:02:01    
21       Haroula     Tzamaras       F     26   1:10:22    
22       Brian       Brown          M     48   1:12:26    
23       Marvin      Hall           M     67   1:15:23