Patch Sprint Embraces the "Year of the Frog"

2008 is the Year of the Frog. Populations of frogs and other amphibians are declining at an alarming rate due to a range of threats including habitat loss, pollution, global warming, and infectious diseases. The Patch Sprint, committed to promoting a healthy environment, has embraced the Year of the Frog and will take several measures at the 2008 Patch Sprint to sustain frog populations.      The Patch Sprint will be incorporating a frog trampling rule. All competitors are responsible for their own steps. Any competitor seen striking an amphibian, even accidentally, will be penalized five minutes. "We really believe this will reduce the number of frogs killed by Patch Sprint competitors," stated race director Sandy Rolfe.

Estrogen in lakes and ponds is a growing issue for frog populations. Scientists have observed male frogs grow female body parts and male tadpoles change sex. They hypothesize this change may be linked to an increase in estrogen found in lakes and ponds. To promote a clean Long Pond, the Patch Sprint will launch a public awareness campaign at the 2008 Patch Sprint to encourage women on birth control not to pee in Long Pond.      "It is time we do more to ensure a healthy environment." stated Rolfe. "Frogs may be the canary in the coal mine. The time to take action is now."

Trekker Brandi Bornt is careful to sidestep an amphibian spectator.

DONATIONS REACH THE $1000 MARK     Last year, the Patch Sprint hit the one thousand dollar level on May 1st, on the way to a total donation of $2,209 for the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation.      This year, the mark was eclipsed on March 16. "We are so thrilled to be ahead of last year's pace," said Tim Singer, Patch Sprint co-chair and Director of Alumni Affairs for Pok-O-MacCready Camps.  "This is camp's single biggest fund-raising event and I know that our goal of $2,500 will be met and exceeded well before this year's race.  Many thanks to all of those who have contributed so far-- even some who can't attend the event."      So far, 32 have registered for the event, with all divisions being represented except Women's Masters and Kindersprint.  "Not sure what the deal is," said Kindersprint record holder and defending champion Andrew Lounsbury.  "Maybe they're all just afraid of me!"

2008 Division Breakdown (as of 3/16) OPEN FEMALE – 3 MEN’S MASTERS – 5 OPEN MALE – 7 TREKKER – 9 VOLUNTEER – 4 DONOR - 3 CLYDESDALE - 1

WINTER TO MAKE WINTER ATTEMPT?    Only four days remain for someone to try and better the 2008 time for the Winter Patch Sprint.  March 21 is the deadline and, to date, only one successfully recorded attempt has been made, by Jason Fiegl, Jim Kobak and Matt Moscatto.  "Our time of five hours, nineteen minutes is definately beatable," voiced a concerned Kobak.      The person in best position to make a last minute try is Pok-O-MacCready Outdoor Education Center Director Devin Winter.  "If Sharp will give me a day off- which is highly unlikely- then those boys are going down!" said Winter.

Winter enjoying the winter.

REGISTER for the 2008 Patch Sprint See other BREAKING NEWS