Tony will write a report. There were only nine people at the race. The weather was hot and wet, and the course was very hilly. © Phillip Wedgeworth ©

Race Director Tony Mozingo showed up late, still in his pajamas

                Stormy weather affected attendance at the inaugural five kilometer run in connection with the Lamar County Spring Festival last Saturday near the cities of Lumberton and Purvis.  By first light, a tornado warning had been issued for the county, tempting the race director to cancel the event.  But knowing of at least two pre-registrants that were traveling from Laurel, one of them poised to take the lead in the Grand Prix points standings, the event was only slightly delayed in its start.

                Jerry Worley and Jim Coll began the race in the lead, followed closely by Phillip Wedgeworth and several others.  Robert Mozingo made an early charge but faded about 100 yards into the race.  All in all, the event was a success in that a major shift took place in the points standings mentioned above.  While early season leader Keith Barrett was on the infield at the Talladega Race Track, his lead was being ripped away by Wedgeworth and others who care more about the club anyway. 

                Runners from as far away as Buras, Louisiana participated in the event.  After the race, Mozingo kicked back and munched on a snow cone and tray of nachos as the results were tallied.  Receiving his award for first place in the 19/under division, he brushed off credit for his performance by explaining that his goal was not just to win that day, but to take the points championship at the end of the season.

                “So what kind of a deal are we having for a banquet, boys,” Mozingo said.

                “All’s I care about is beating Coll and Wedgeworth.  Barrett’ washed up anyhow…” © Tony Mozingo