NEWS

Talk about Oak Harbor: Father’s Day wish turns teen into triathlete

Linda Hartigan

A Father’s Day request turned into a summer adventure for Oak Harbor High School senior Taylor Byington after her dad, George Byington, asked her to do the triathlon at Maumee Bay State Park.

She said, “I run, I swim, I know how to ride a bike.” Her first-place finish for her age group qualified her for a national triathlon in Omaha, Nebraska. “I didn’t even know nationals existed,” Taylor said.

Another classmate and cross-country runner, Max Kokenstarger, also qualified for the national event. Both decided to enter the Sprint Distance Triathlon on Aug.13. This was a 750-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run. During the swimming leg of the race, participants swam from Nebraska into Iowa and back again.

Taylor finished 41st of 70 in her age group. Kokenstarger did not share his place but said he plans to continue doing half Ironman races and will also compete in an Ironman sometime after turning 18.

An Ironman competition is a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike race and a 26.22-mile run.

Both high school seniors are running cross country for Oak Harbor High School.

Taylor said her main sport is swimming, which she plans to continue in college, possibly on a club level.

Local Red Hat group organizer

A sad goodbye to Lucy Lieske, who died Friday. The woman, who served as Queen Mother of the first official Red Hats Society chapter in Oak Harbor, was always ready for a good time. The Red Hats met every Wednesday at Cozy Corners. During their early morning sessions much laughter was heard from that corner of the restaurant, often led by Lieske’s commentary.

She was serious when needed and also determined. Lieske showed me some of the quilts made by the women of her church circle at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. That was the year the circle completed its 1,000th quilt, I believe. She also told me when they would be displayed in church for a blessing, an impressive display.

The women still meet Wednesday mornings although it has shrunk a bit in recent years and they are no longer a Red Hats group. They are now simply a group banded together by friendship and shared memories. I am certain Lucy was toasted yesterday.