CHASE CHENEY was in his first race ever having begun running some three months ago. He grossly under estimated his fitness, thinking he would have to walk most of the distance. It is fitting that this novice runner was most surprised to learn that his first race resulted in a first-place trophy unlike any other like it in the world--"the big ugly", the "monster", the "thing." Chase is an erstwhile MU student wanting to get into electrical engineering. He is now working in an EE lab and avows to fix the clock on "his" trophy. The clock has been inoperative for most of the 42-year existence of the now hoary creature. Chase probably will not be back in '13 to defend his title as he plans to depart on a two-year mission for his church. However, he has entrusted the thing to his parents who have assured Chase they will treat it with the utmost tender, loving care. Perhaps Chase will find some unique item to add to the trophy as that is one of the duties accruing to his victory.

Mary Ellen Bradshaw, last year's winner, returned the thing in fine shape. She added a thermometer and compass. That is how we knew it was 80 degrees; the compass helped us get the runners pointed in the right direction. By the way, Mary Ellen made sure she would not win this year by taking off to the Gulf Shores to find some cool weather and water.

Many thanks to Nancy Rezabek, Randy Gay, Tony Taube, Norm Stebbins, Marc Keys and Bill Stolz for their invaluable assistance.

--Joe Duncan, race director