With more than two decades of incredible performances, I've started to admire more than ever the amazing times that have been set in the events in the various age groups.

Scroll down and take a look at some tremendous marks (and remember: Highmark QUAD records are only valid if the participant completes all four events during the season that the record time is set.)

QUAD Records (1983 to 2007)

The beauty of the Highmark QUAD Run and the current evolution of the course it follows is all about simplicity.  There is no equipment to malfunction and while weather conditions can play a part in how people will perform it largely will not effect the event to the extent that weather can impact the bike or cross-country ski. Some age group records stand for a long time, some fall every couple of years. Of course no records are official until all events are completed but at the recent Highmark QUAD Run just four record times were put into challenge  and all were at the upper end of the age spectrum. Going into the 2005/06 season both Joyce Quadri and Chuck McCleary entered the 70-79 age group and based on their remarkable history in the QUAD Games, you knew that they would set some new age group standards.  McCleary's time of 38:26 would not only be a new record for that category but that time along with his current 60-69 record will very likely become one of those 'untouchable' times that stand for many years to come.  While the 70-79 age group record in the swim might evade Joyce (or maybe not since with Ms.Quadri, you never say 'never') you would be hard pressed to find a safer bet than wagering that Joyce will own all the 70-79 age group bike, run and ski records when she is done, just as she owns those event records in the 60-69 age group.  Her run time of 46:49 improves the record by a mere 15 minutes. Two other records could fall, both by truley slim margins. In 2004 Ben Scott became the first 80 year old to complete the QUAD Games, thereby setting records for each of the events.  This year, Bill Hogenmiller blasted that record apart in the swim, currently has a faster bike time (1:11.20) and bested Ben by three minutes in the QUAD Run, strolling across the line in 1:27:16 to set a record that will stay there for a long time.  The only other age group record under challenge right now comes from a woman who is besting only herself.  Sherry Mason notched the 50-59 record in 2003 with a time of 37:58.  Slightly older but 10 seconds faster, Sherry has brought the new mark in at 37:48.        

Female Best Times

Coming off the recent swim (April 17) a few comments on the times are in order. Back in the mid-1980's through 1994, four time overall QUAD Champion David Utley held the overall record with a time of 50.11.  It then was dropped by first Randy Charcalla, then Rick Podbielski who has held the record since 1999.  Bill Bauman's winning time in 2005 of 48.52 would shatter that but Bill must first complete all four events.  Since he will be swimming for Notre Dame when the ski rolls around, it makes his completion prospects shaky at best.  That would make Josh Heynes (48.61) a little more likely to be the new standard bearer.

The oldest record of all the records in any age group and any sport was Scott Stevens time in the 15 & under age group. Way back in 1984, Scott swam a 53.22 which has lasted longer than twenty years.  You would think that at this year's swim meet, Joseph Glowacki's 52.99 would earn him a spot on the record board. It didn't even get him first place in his age group.  That goes to the rather incredible time set by young Jared Heine who notched a 50.50.  Jared is coming off a great swim season at Corry as well as two years of completing all the QUAD events so look for him to have the record at the end of the season.

Jim Brojek, a long time and highly admired Highmark QUAD participant has always just been a tick or two under the QUAD record radar.  Not any longer.  Barring an unforeseen setback, Brojo will become the new record holder of the 60-69 age group with his brilliant time of 1:03.89

The calendar insists that it will take another year before Bill Morosky will turn 50 which will keep Mel Trefonoff's 58.22 safe for one more year.  With Morosky holding the 30-39 and 40-49 age marks, I would not bet against him come swim time 2006.

Finally, perhaps the most impressive mark of the day was set by Bill Hogenmiller.  Bill's participation in the QUAD Games goes back to the 1980's where he was record holder in the men's swim 60-69 age group for many years.  Bill left the QUAD for more time on the golf course and it was wonderful to see him back at this year's swim. At age 81, he swam a 1:35.83 which, once he completes the season, should stand as the age group mark for a very long time.  Or at least until Bill Morosky turns 80.

Female Best Times