MEET THE PATCH SPRINTERS

Five Questions with.....     David Mason

First it was a group of friends getting together for fun and excercise.... Then it became a spring-time camp reunion, which transitioned into a regional athletic and social event.  Now, the Patch Sprint is an annual fixture, with participants coming from near and far; from within the Pok-O-MacCready family, as well as close friends.      42 year-old David Mason is one of those friends.  The New Jersey resident has embraced the Patch Sprint with enthusiasm and charitable generosity.  Along the way, he has brought along some friends, and made new ones.      Mason has participated as both a trekker and, most recently, a Master and while he continues to eye a better time and a possible medal, he places his greatest emphasis on enjoying the entire Pok-O, and Patch experience.

1. WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT THE PATCH SPRINT? Giving Bell a kiss when I first arrive at camp. 2. DO YOU CONSIDER THE PATCH SPRINT A RACE, A HIKE, OR A SOCIAL EVENT? I'd have to say all three because I race up the Northway to Willsboro, I hike more than run The Patch because I never train, and the social part needs no explanation (but would someone be sure I do no shots of Jager on Friday night this year? ) 3. WHAT IS IT LIKE, AS A NON-CAMP PERSON, TO COME INTO THIS SCENE EACH YEAR? Knowing Herz, Skip, Jody and others for 20 years made it easier but, at first, it's overwhelming... after that it's smooth sailing and it's why The Patch Weekend has become my favorite weekend of the year. 4. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE 2007 RACE? To beat Herz. 5.  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER DONE THE PATCH SPRINT? Do your first Patch with a veteran. Don't listen to Mattie and make a left at the Northway for the deer tunnel. Bring your camera.  Hire Scotty Mac as your trainer.

PATCH NEWS: Winter has come and gone without any reported Winter Patch attempts.  The excuses are as varied as they are numerous:   - "I'm out of shape and may still be come May!"- Jay Fiegl: current winter record holder   - "I was sick... and tired." - Tim Singer:  2-time winter champion.   -"Bun in the oven." - Sami Daley:  2002 Women's Champion   - "I was busy winning ski races and training to win the Patch Sprint in May." - Jim Kobak   - "Getting married will do that." - Dan Herbert:  2-time winter sprinter.   -"Still bitter about last year's winter sprint." - Marc Metakis:  2006 runner-up To register for the 2007 Patch Sprint as a Racer, Trekker, Volunteer or "Friend", CLICK HERE.

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