Award Winners at 2017 Rick Scott Open celebrate their epic achievements

In its six years of existence, the Rick Scott Open track meet has established a well-earned reputation as a truly underwhelming undertaking relentlessly hyped by its tireless supporters.  True to form, the 2017 edition of the meet held Saturday at the Crosslink Sportsplex in Clairmont produced a number of performances suitable for off-the-charts hyperbolic praise.

Sixteen year old Chris Neilssen, the 2016 Rick Scott Open Athlete of the Meet, made a triumphant return to this year’s event and did not disappoint.  Neilssen threw down a facility-record time of 61.9 in winning the 400m. For his efforts, Neilssen was again awarded Athlete of the Meet  for the second year in a row.

Excited athlete enjoying his Rick Scott Open trophy

In the other individual races, Janai Martens won the women’s 400m in 73.1, two seconds ahead of Mairen Lawson.  Brandon Wladyko cruised to a comfortable victory in 2000m.  Masters runner Broken Down Old Man Rocking Hokas took the 1000m.

The 4 x 200m relay was a hotly contested affair with Wolves – RESPECT! recording a time of 2:07.4. 1.4 seconds better than Wolves – Bad Choices.

The event was marred by a no-show from the event’s marquee sponsor, Rick Scott.  Given that this was the second time in five years that his no-show has occurred, event organizers have put the title sponsorship up for review.  Potential sponsors for the 2018 event are encouraged to contact the Wolves Athletics Club about promotional opportunities.

Full results 17rickscottopenresults

Awards

Junior Athlete of the Meet        Mairen Lawson

Masters Athlete of the Meet      Bill Corcoran

Female Athlete of the Meet       Janai Martens

Male Athlete of the Meet           Brandon Wladyko

Overall Athlete of the Meet       Chris Neilssen