2019 Recap & Highlights
Awaiting the start gun of the first event of 2019 - the Kayak races across Lake Mead.
RPAC 2019 Goes Down to the Wire to Crown New Champion!
Dramatic backdrops and photo finishes the norm during 18th Challenge Outside of Las Vegas
It took until the final stage – football accuracy – to decide the winner of the 2019 Ryan Petitte Adventure Challenge.
Going into the last stage, Jack Christensen held a narrow five-point lead on Ben Milder, followed closely by Paul Tibbits, Jr., and Brian Compagnone.
But, in a dramatic turn of events, Brian leapfrogged the front three to capture the stage (and the accompanying 20 points) and in doing so grab the overall title by just two and a half points over Jack.
The finish capped an amazing two-day event that included photo finishes in the kayak and trail run stages, an epic mountain bike race in Red Rock Canyon and more – all playing out under perfect blue skies and weather in the mid-seventies.
Brian (138.5 total points) captured his first title in just his third Challenge. Along the way, he scored a second stage victory in Bowling (to go with Football Accuracy) and netted high finishes in the Trail Run (2nd), Mountain Bike (third), and Discus (fourth).
Jack (136 points) powered his way to his second place overall finish (his highest yet) with stage victories in the Football Punt & Pass, Speed Ball and Discus, and grit it out performances in the Trail Run through White Owl Canyon and the Mountain Bike.
Paul (134) locked in his best finish in three years of competing in the Challenge and secured back-to-back RPAC Iron Man awards with stage victories in the coveted Trail Run and second place finishes in Mountain Bike and the Kayak on Lake Mead (the Iron Man goes to the competitor who finishes the highest in the most physically demanding events of the Challenge). Paul also booted his way to a victory in the Field Goal stage.
In fourth overall (snapping a three year run atop the standings) was Ben (128) who didn't manage an individual stage victory but secured high finishes in the Discus (2nd), Punt & Pass (2nd) and Speed Ball (3rd).
Graham Henshaw (120.5) powered his way to fifth overall by capturing the spectacular 7.5 mile Mountain Bike stage, which started with an arduous summit of Divorce Hill, included a ride over BFR ("Big F Rock") and concluded with a two mile up-and-down sprint. Graham also scored strong finishes in the Trail Run (third), Kayak (third) and Field Goal (fourth) stages.
Rounding out the top ten in 2019 were: Tim “TK” Kennedy (118.5) who scored fourth places finishes in the Trail Run, Free Throws and Football Accuracy stages; rookie Tim Mills just a half point behind (118) who locked in his first stage victory in the very first event, the Kayak; Tom Milder (89.5) on very limited participation on the mend from a reconstructed shoulder; Justin Stout (88.5) MVP of the golf tournament on Friday and about a foot out of bounds from winning the Discus stage; and Tai Milder (85) who battled a chronic neck injury to gut out a second place finish in Speed Ball.
The final six slots in one of the most competitive fields in years went to Kevin Forster (82.5) who took a hard fall resulting bruised ribs in the Mountain Bike; close on his heels older brother Bill Forster, Jr. (77.5), who scored a third place finish in Football Accuracy and would’ve had a few more points if not for an errant turn in the Mountain Bike; Bob “The Players Choice” Ruby (75.5) who somehow managed to compete in every event less than a year after undergoing spinal fusion surgery; Shannon Clune (73) as irreverent as ever and back in the mix after a back injury; (in a leg cast) Theron Stout (33) anyone’s guess how he managed any points from Injured Reserve and just three weeks after breaking his leg playing soccer; and, number one in hearts and guts, 76-year-old Alan Petitte (27) who battled it out every step of the way.
The team victory went to Team MGM – powered by Jack, Paul, Tim M,, Justin, Tai and Theron. Each went home with an engraved RPAC 2019 mug and bragging rights for the next year.
In the Pick ‘Em Contest, it was a tough year for prognosticators with injuries and upsets, which resulted in nine entries tied with one correct pick. By the tiebreak (estimated total points of the champion) the winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card goes to GREG HAYDASZ who selected 150 total points (actual was 138.5). Greg edged out Brian T., Maureen, Robyn, Adam, Kip, Matt, Elizabeth and Hilary. Thanks to all who entered.
It’s hard to imagine a better weekend or a better group to spend it with.
In the end, our MVPs continue to be all of our families and friends who support the event and scholarship and make all of it possible.
See you fall 2020 in Bend, Oregon!
