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Ohio Criterium Championships

05/28/02 by Ted Ingraham

If you noticed a big gush of air Sunday night, that was me, going "Whewwwww!" after the criterium was finally over! The Freewheelers pulled off a great event Sunday May 26, promoting the Ohio USCF Criterium Championships, the first half of the Summa Cycling Championship Weekend that included the Ohio Road Race Championships on Monday. See a write-up of the crit by Denis and Mosie that focuses on individual races and results of Freewheeler racers. Also read the other articles posted on the News page focusing on individual racers' experiences. Here, I want to thank the many people and sponsors who stepped up to make the entire weekend a success.

The Freewheelers had nearly 35 members helping with the event. Mosie Welch was my "right-hand-person" in helping with organization and handling registration. Not only did she do a great job, but she even recruited her family to help—especially Denis, who was also busy racing three races in two days. Just as critical as Mosie, was the help my wife, Karen, provided. Karen brought in three sponsors, the sound system, music, and got us porta-potties and waste bins. She handled countless other details such as stuffing goodie bags and even helping patch asphalt on the course the day before. (Yes, it could have been even bumpier!) Tom Collier put in an entire day's work as assistant to the three officials. Tom also brought his daughter, Leah, who helped marshal. Mike Smith was another key person who worked all day coordinating the marshals.

Someone who really made the race an "event" was Billy Mathys, our announcer. I can't tell you how many great comments I got about the tremendous job Bill did to make the race entertaining. My daughter, Tricia, especially appreciated Bill's talents after she filled in for him while he raced! Tom Lee (Ryan's Dad) put in a huge day, driving nearly 200 miles providing motorcycle support. He was matched with Ron Bercaw of Dave Walter BMW, who drove lead car. The great music filling the background was provided by Rick Donaldson (see Rickdonaldson.com) who was recruited by our friend, Tommy Bruno, at 91.2 The Summit, Akron Public Schools' radio station.

Angelo Catalano not only raced but helped with the organizing, brought in sponsors, and was responsible for bringing in Dave Walter as lead car. Becky Blice ran the Kids Crit. Joanne Liolios handled the bewildering job of payouts. George helped Joanne and he marshaled. We had many marshals, listed below. I apologize if I missed anyone.

Of course the race would have never happened without the generous support of our title sponsor, Summa Health Systems. They were brought to us by Brian Batke, who provided support in many forms as he was responsible for making the two-day format work. Brian also brought Sherman McKee and the Bike Authority Bike Shop to sponsor the Two-Day Best Rider Competition. Akron Downtown Partnership was a key sponsor for the criterium. House of Larose sponsored us as well as providing 180 Energy Drinks for primes. Mark Gorman of OhioOutside.com provided prime merchandise and results posting on his web-site. Numerous other sponsors are listed below.

I also want to acknowledge the tremendous support we received from the City of Akron. They closed down part of the City and provided a huge traffic detail to make the course safe. Sergeant Tom Dye did a great job with traffic. Yvette Davidson coordinated the support from the City. Others "on duty" were our officials, Dan Gableman (Chief Official), Gary Bywaters, and Charles Howe.

Last, I want to thank the racers! We had a great turn-out and they provided all the thrills and excitement we hoped for as they flew over the (sometimes) rough streets. Many thanks to them, and everyone else who worked hard to provide a successful event!

.....Whewwww!!!
Ted Ingraham

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