The Mitchell runner and coach take the honors in a field of more than 400.
By MIKE TOMPKINS
Published October 17, 2004
SAN ANTONIO - More than 400 runners gathered on a cool Saturday morning for the 26th annual Rattlesnake Run. The race kicked off the 37th Rattlesnake Festival, as runners from 5 to 80 gathered for 5-mile and 1-mile runs over hills, sidewalks, and groves.
"This is by far our largest turnout," said race director Will Plazewski, who finished 18th overall and second in the 35-39 age group. "I have to check the records, but it's safe to say this is one of the largest races, in terms of numbers, in Pasco County history. I do know that no one has ever had a 500-person turnout."
The overall men's winner was 18-year old Jeff Masterson, a Mitchell High senior and first time Rattlesnake participant. Masterson, who won the Sunshine Athletic Conference meet for the third time on Thursday, finished in 25 minutes, 45 seconds, narrowly defeating former Land O'Lakes runner Lee Stephens (25:49).
"He had quite a bit of a lead after passing me somewhere on the second mile," Masterson said. "It makes me a better runner to beat someone that much better than me on the hills."
The women's division winner is familiar to Masterson - Mitchell cross country coach Jacki Wachtel. Wachtel, who Thursday coached the Mustangs to their fourth consecutive SAC title, finished in 31.20.
"I was just looking to come out here and have fun," Wachtel said.
The Masters division winners were Jeff Lessie (29.59) and Lisa Kothe (33.09). Mitch Boyle won the 1-mile run in 7:11. His 11-year old son, Matt, was second in 7:27.
One of the runners was Mario Diaz of WTSP Ch. 10. "I have been hearing from Will (Plazewski) that this is the best race in the state," said Diaz. "I tell you what, this race is harder than a 10K."
Mary Canty won the Richard T. Walsh Memorial Award as oldest finisher for the fourth consecutive year. Canty, 80, said, "God willing, I do it as a challenge." The award was established in 1998 in memory of Walsh, who died while running in the event.
"He always said that he'd rather die in his running shoes than in a hospital bed," Plazewski said.
