Gracie Stengel- April 22, 2022
Just like every year, the Beverly-Waterford community comes together for the annual Easter 5k. Guided by the local Boy Scouts and National Honor Societies the runners and walkers make their way through the streets. This year the WAWICA was able to participate in these wonderful events, capturing moments to remember.
Matching outfits, like the ones worn by the ladies pictured, could be seen all throughout the race. T-Shirts with messages such as, "If I collapse pause my watch" or "If I pass out drag me to the finish line" added a sense of humor to the event.
For most, the Bunny Hop is a family tradition or an annual leisure walk but for others, they come to compete. This year's winner was Phinnigan Spindler, a competitive distance runner on the Fort Frye Track team. With a time of 17:30, he used this race to train for the mile and two-mile, as he hopes to advance on to state. Ranked 6th in the region he feels very confident that he can make it to 4th and move on.
Phin has competitively participated in the Bunny Hop since 4th grade and thinks it is great for the community as a whole in bringing everyone together. He says, "I am glad we were able to hold it in person this year." The WAWICA wishes him luck with the rest of his track season.
Jessi Hunsberger, a former Waterford Student, also participated in the Bunny Hop this past Easter weekend. She earned a medal for placing second in the women's group. When in high school in 2008, she was named special mention all-state lady cats basketball team. She was also part of the 4x800 track team that advanced on to the state meet in 2008.
The WAWICA's own Taylor Starkey earned a medal for finishing first for the walkers in her age group. She says she enjoys spending time with her family every year and that she takes full advantage of the refreshments.