Sawicki, Napier win spring Bear Run

By: Alli Voorhees

Posted: 4/27/09

Wednesday April 22 marked the 14th annual Spring Bear Run at Shawnee State University. Many male runners were relieved upon discovering that head Cross Country coach, Eric Putnam, was in charge of the race, and would not be trying to set a new course record.

With perfect running weather, a slight breeze and occasional sprinkling, runners took off at 6 p.m. Just 15 minutes after the start of the race, first place runner, Mike Sawicki of Columbus, crossed the finish line.

Laura Napier, an SSU student, was the first place girl, finishing in 20:17. Napier was cheered on by her cross country team. Members of the team were strewn along the course as officials.

Two SSU students receive the Larry Mangus award each race. Dr. Mangus, former vice president of Student Affairs, created the Bear Run. The first male and female SSU students in the race receive the award, consisting of a plaque. Receiving the award for this race were Napier for the females, and senior cross country runner Joe Jinks.

The Bear Run seeks to make everyone feel welcome and accomplished. Each participant receives a t-shirt upon registration, and water, apples and bananas upon completion of the race. Medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each age group, by gender. Additionally, to encourage physical activity among youngsters, all finishers 7 and under receive a medal.

The next Bear Run will be in the fall 2009 semester.