Orienteering Championships
Hidden Valley Park
Martinz CA
Saturday, October 3, 2009

RESULTS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

Cougars Get Dirty at Annual Orienteering Championships in Hidden Valley Park

Darren Brodowy (12) used superior navigational skill and athletic prowess to out maneuver all comers at the second edition of the annual Orienteering Championships on Saturday. The fastest girls' time of the day was clocked by veteran Erin Ross (12), who used her experience on the lesser known trails in the park to propel her to victory.

12 control points located in various corners of the open space challenged competitors to choose the best route as they raced for fun and prizes.

During the ninety minute race, Eva Healy (11) showed a reckless abandon and lack of concern for personal safety as she battled her way through swamps, quicksand, and low hanging branches to earn the "Hard Core" Award for 2009. Not to be outdone however, Ethan (12) and Avery Stevenson (12) cut down their distance with a bold swim across the lake.

Personal hygiene was also laid aside by Mimi Ericson (13) and Laura DeCrenscenzo (13) as the plucky duo braved mud, slime and questionably murky waters. Unfortunately, their bid for a podium position was lost along with their maps.

ROOKIE BOYS
Champion
Ahditya Melkote 12 54:55

Runner Up
Kyle Merryman 9 57:48

Third Place
Kevin Fong 9 58:00

VETERAN BOYS
Champion
Darren Brodowy 10 52:29

Runner Up
Eric Gabrielli 10 52:31

Third Place
Nathan Oto 10 55:40

HARD CORE AWARDS
Eva Healy 11
Laura DeCrescenzo 9
Mimi 9

ROOKIE GIRLS
Champion
Sara Settle 9 59:23

Runner Up
Hadley Swanson 9 64:48

Third Place
Sarah Orders 65:10

VETERAN GIRLS
Champion
Erin Ross 10 52:50

Runner Up
Juliet Farnan 58:10

Third Place
Carrie Verdon 66:20

PURPLE HEART AWARD
John Joyce 12