Iwan and Lussier Win Series
Joseph Iwan was able to hold off a late season threat from incumbent Series Champion Chris Peterson to finally win the titles of NJ State Champion and Overall Series Champion. Competitors who completed two of the three 5K’s plus the 8K this year were scored for 2002 Series awards. Heading into the Race 4, Iwan led Peterson by 1 minute, 4 seconds. Although Peterson placed ahead of Iwan in September’s race, his effort was not enough to surpass Iwan in the overall standings. Joseph Iwan has dominated the course at Cherry Ridge Range this season, winning two of the three 5 K’s and shooting an excellent 76%.

Repeating as the Overall Female NJ Summer Biathlon Series Champion is Rachel Lussier of Stamford, CT. Lussier also dominated our course this season, winning two of the 5K’s and creating more than a 12 minute lead over the next competitor.  Ray Ricke of York, PA, retained his title of Series Masters Champion, edging out Gregg Strauss by less than a minute. Belvidere, NJ’s own Mary Eckel captured the women’s Masters Title, turning in consistent and enthusiastic performances in all four races this season. Congratulations to our 2002 Champions and to all those who competed in the series!

For more about Summer Biathlon in New Jersey, call Ian Hill at (973) 764-3512 or Chris Rogers at (908) 722-9327.

 2002 Series Age Group Champions
(calculated using the average of the 5K times plus the 8K time)

Men Under 19
1. Joe Kolaya - 1:25:58

Men 20 - 29
1. Adam DiVine - 53:48

Men 30 - 39 
1. Joseph Iwan - 49:38
2. Chris Peterson - 50:07
3. Steve Madden - 1:09:52
4. John Dryzga - 1:23:41

Men 40 - 49
1. Ray Ricke - 56:17
2. Gregg Strauss - 57:02
3. Bill DeBois - 59:27
4. Rob Riley - 1:08:38 
5. Bill Altrath - 1:09:09
6. Sean Begen - 1:23:22

Men 50 - 59 
1. Rick Kitts - 1:01:30
2. David Elliott - 1:02:54
3. Gary Emmich  - 1:12:4
4. Chuck Bendrick - 1:18:38
5. Tom Tyls - 1:31:23

Women 30 - 39
1. Rachel Lussier  - 1:01:02
2. Della Brunner  - 1:13:49
3. Anne Thompson - 1:14:59

Women 40 - 49
1. Mary Eckel - 1:30:39