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Apple Trumped Du Nationals...

Saturday, 28 November 2015 06:10

MINNESOTA MULTISPORT AWARDS - MATT PAYNE's amateur CR at Apple was named the male PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR. That one of Matt's two nominated performances would win was a foregone conclusion, at least that's the way the MMA Committee saw it. Though KEVIN O'CONNOR's nominated win at Sprint Duathlon Nationals was awesome, most would agree that Matt's win at the more competitive Standard Distance Du Nationals was a tad awesomer.

As for STEVE MORRIS' 5th place finish at Ironman Wisconsin, it was clear early on that a 5th wasn't going to trump a pair on National Title victories.

Then there was Matt's second nomination, his amateur course record-setting win at the Apple Duathlon. Could it displace his or Kevin's efforts at Du Nationals? ...

Yes! Here's why: His 1:20:45 was the 2nd fastest time ever on a course that had been in place since 2004. Only pro David Thompson has a faster time (1:19:57). Matt's effort was faster than four of DKT's winning times there. It was faster than the prior times turned in by former US DOYs Dan Hedgecock and Patrick Parish, both of whom have gone on to decorated pro careers.

There isn't a better, or more competitive non-championship duathlon in the US than Apple. It's history, thus it's legacies, make it a cut or two above the rest. To rock a record effort at Apple is a big deal, especially when you compare it's Top 10 with the Top 10 at Standard Distance Du Nationals. Check it out. See if you don't agree that Apple was at least as competitive as Nationals, maybe slightly moreso.

APPLE - NATIONALS PLACE (in parentheses)

1. MATT PAYNE - margin 1:33 (1st - margin 1:48)

2. PATRICK PARISH - (3rd)

3. BROOKS GROSSINGER - (Not entered)

4. NATE HOFFMAN - (4th)

5. BRIAN SAMES - (6th - 5th went to two-time US DOY & MOY, Dave Slavinski of NJ)

6. BENNETT ISABELLA - (2nd!)

7. LARRY HOSCH - (Not entered)

8. MIKE BUENTING - (13th)

9. KEVIN O’CONNOR - (1st at Sprint Nationals / Apple place included potty stop)

10. BRANDON ORDWAY - (Not entered)

NOTE: Six Minnesotans cracked the Top 10 at Du Nationals, four in the Top 5.