Minnesota Tri News proudly introduces its ATHLETES OF THE MONTH * for May '09.
OVERALL ATHLETES OF THE MONTH: Marlo McGaver, 39, Duluth & Matthew Payne, 32, Columbia Heights
Payne (top L) ran the table in May with record-setting victories at Chain of Lakes and Albert Lea. He was also the top amateur at The Apple in the 2nd fastest amateur time in course history. McGaver (middle L) picked up her 4th career win at Apple against that race's strongest field to date and finished 2nd at Gear West, a miniscule 1/100th of a click behind 2008 USAT Athlete of the Year runner-up Cathy Yndestad.
Also receiving consideration for Overall AOM was Kevin O'Connor, 38, of Medina. Kevin posted a big win at Oakdale and was 2nd amateur/6th overall at Apple, just 16-seconds behind AOM Matt Payne. It should be noted that Kevin did not race head-to-head with Matt, opting to launch with his age group. Matt raced with the Elite wave.
AGE GROUP ATHLETES OF THE MONTH: Jan Guenther, 50, Mound & Todd Firebaugh, 47, Woodbury.
Both Jan (bottom L) and Todd (bottom R) raced twice in May and turned in divisional records on each occasion. Their overall finishes were even more impressive. Jan placed 5th at Gear West and 10th at Apple. Todd finished 4th at Oakdale and 20th/1st Master at Apple.
Also receiving serious consideration for AG AOM was Bob Bailey, 65, of Woodbury. Bob was divisional champ at Oakdale and set a stunning CR at Apple.
* Selection Criteria: For O/A AOM consideration, athletes must have turned in at least 2 outstanding performances, i.e. wins or podium finishes, in the designated month. For AG AOM consideration, an athlete must have recorded at least two outstanding performances in the designated month and be under age 20 or over age 40.
-AOM Selection Committee: Stephen Bullard, Heidi Keller-Miler and Jerry MacNeil.
