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Walsh wins third straight HA 4-mile run
Kokomo Tribune - Sunday, July 01, 2007
By KENNY HETZLER
Tribune sportswriter
Kyle Walsh can claim himself a
dynasty after he three-peated in the 30th edition
of the Haynes Apperson 4-mile run Saturday. The
run took place in downtown Kokomo, finishing at
Kautz Field.
Walsh covered the course in a time of 20 minutes,
33 seconds, equaling the fastest time since 2001
when Syd Nicholson crossed the finish line first.
Walsh is now one win away from tying the mark set
by Tim Mylen, who is a four-time winner though
his wins were not all consecutive.
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![](http://www.ckrr.us/pics/2007/09%20HAF/HAF_KT_01.jpg) OFF AND
RUNNING: Runners and walkers head south
on Apperson Way at the start of the Haynes
Apperson Sports Festivals 4-mile run and
3-mile walk Saturday morning.
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It was a lot of my motivation to come out here
and run hard, Walsh said. I had a really
rough week working and working out, and I wanted to come
out here to run a fast time against great competition.
Walsh is a former Western standout who now runs at
Indiana State University. He wasnt sure if he was
going to compete in this years race, but as it got
closer he was primed and ready.
I registered [Saturday], because in advance I wasnt
sure if I was going to be able to make it, he said.
As this week came along, I knew that I was going to
be in town, and I definitely wanted to be here to run it.
![](http://www.ckrr.us/pics/2007/09%20HAF/Waverly.jpg) |
Walsh likes how the course is
laid out, and it showed as the 20:33 is his
fastest time since he has been running
competitively.
I ran it some when I was younger, but I
havent ran really competitively till the
last three years, he said. Its
been the same course since I have been running.
After Walsh, B.J. Needler finished in second
place (20:40) and Kokomos Bryan Phillips
came in third (20:54).
Waverly Neer completed a Western sweep as she was
the top female in a time of 24:22. Neers
time is the fastest for a female since 2001 when
Gretchen Folck won in 24:19.
At 14 years of age, Neer might be the youngest
female to win. She has shown her prowess
competing in the Junior Olympics last year.
Im pretty sure [I am the youngest to
win], Neer said. This is my second
[Haynes Apperson] race. I didnt enter it
last year because I had enough races with
nationals and stuff. But I ran when I was in
sixth grade.
Neer was nearly two minutes ahead of her
competition. Westerns Katie Hollingsworth
was second (26:11) and Tri-Central cross country
coach Robyn Pagington was third (26:11).
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Theyve got some great runners like Annina
[Gruber], Hollingsworth out here, plus Kokomos
Nicole Parry, and a bunch of runners, Neer said.
Last years winner, Gruber, finished in fifth place
in 27:08.
Muncies Greg Callahan was the overall top walker
winning the 3-mile walk in 30:12.
It always feels good [to win], Callahan said.
Just placing feels good to me.
For Callahan, the third time was a charm.
I have won my age group the other two times, but
first time overall, he said. Its good
competition up here and [Club Kokomo] puts on a good
race. Thats why I keep coming back.
Callahan also likes to come back to Kokomo because the
city hosts several walking races.
A lot of times I race in Indianapolis, but they dont
have a lot of walk races, so we come up here, he
said.
Following Callahan was Lucernes Rick Spencer in
second place (30:26).
Bunker Hills Mary Miller was third overall, and the
top female walker. Miller finished with a top time of
31:58. Miller loves to compete in this race and has taken
top honors three years in a row.
I have been looking forward to this race every
year, Miller said. Its a good race that
Club Kokomo puts on. I just like to get out here, and
mingle with other friends that I have out here. Its
like a big family.
Miller has won all seven walk races that she has
participated in this year.
I have been gifted with talent, so I like to share
it, she said. I give glory to God for my
hips, and it keeps me in shape.
West Lafayettes Jill Eberle was second (35:04), and
Russiavilles Amanda Pena was third (36:29).
In the 1-mile fun run, Kokomos Carl Christianson
was first overall (5:39) and Kokomos Heidi Freeman
was the top female runner (5:39). .
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