Thursday March 23, 2006                                            Volume MMVI                                                           Edition 671

CORELL and HEINS REINSTATED Disgraced Runners have Disqualification Revoked

Willsboro, NY:  March 22--  The first two entrants to have ever been disqualified from the Patch Sprint have had that dubious distinction overturned.  Veteran trekkers Phil Corell and Bob Heins have been cleared to enter the 2006 Patch Sprint, and their performance from the 2005 event have been re-entered into the official race results. (see results here)

Shortly following the 2005 race, Corell and Heins, the two oldest entrants in the event, were disqualified for breaking race rules regarding illegal transportation.  It was reported that the duo had used a boat.      The matter was put to rest, but revived upon Corell's application into the 2006 race.  "After last year's unsubstantiated acusations Bobbu Heins and I will be participating this year under protest," said Corell in his event registration form.  "Furthermore, I call for an immediate hearing to have our disqualification expunged!"      A hearing took place last week at the Essex County Court House in Elizabethtown.  The key piece of testimony revolved around the alleged boat.  Two fellow trekkers- Augusta Wilson and Kelly Zimmerman- reported seeing the two men taking an aqua shortcut.  "The so-called photographic proof was doctored," said Corell, adding that "all that remains is our word against theirs."       Corell also cited a technicality in race rules.  "The passage involving acceptable and illegal uses of transportation does not appear in the racer rules but, rather, it's buried in an obscure section of the 'Essential Information'."      Circuit judge Hiram Bouyea concurred, and all charges were dropped.  In addition, the Patch Sprint committee welcomed Corell and Heins back with open arms.  "It's good to have them back," said Tim Singer.  "Phil was one of our pioneer trekkers, while Bob continues to hold the honor of being the oldest person to ever complete the course."       The duo will be back in 2006, yet perhaps with a bit of a grudge.  "Ms. Wilson and Ms. Daley-Zimmerman had better tread quietly when they pass the Hermit's cabin this year!"

Phil Corell testifying that a photo of he and Bob Heins had been doctored.

PATCH NEWS:  The winter has ended with several attempts at the 2006 Patch Sprint Winter title.  Details are still coming in, but there are rumors of a possible new course record.  Stay tuned for more details...... REGISTRATION has been steady, with entries coming in virtually every division (See list of entrants).  The latest entry comes from Ben Stanley (below) who in four prior races has two second place finishes and two thirds overall.  "I'm gunning for the title in '06," mentioned Stanley.  "I moved to Arizona to train full time in the heat and higher elevations. Following victories in the 'Mt. Humphries Glacier Trek' and the 'Phoenix-Tucson 100', I feel ready to take on Kobak and Fiegl on those little hills in New York."

Stanley during a training run in Sedona, AZ

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE 2005 PATCH SPRINT