Montauk Pioneer - November 21, 2008 - West Point Triathlon Team Comes To Montauk To Race

Does Montauk love the military? If that question were put to the 20 members of the West Point triathlon team who recently visited, the answer would be a resounding YES. The team of 14 male and 6 female cadets arrived in Montauk the night of October 3rd to participate in the following mornings Mighty Man Sprint triathlon. When Paul Monte, General Manager of Gurney's Inn, learned that the team would be in town he immediately invited them to Gurney's for a pre race pasta dinner. Gurney's Executive Chef Chip Monte prepared a nutritious dinner of salad, pasta with sausage, garlic bread and a frozen yogurt desert. The staff at Gurneys went above and beyond to ensure that all of the cadets needs were taken care of. Paul Monte commented, "We wanted to make the cadets visit to Montauk a memorable one. We realized that these fine young men and women, who would be running the triathlon in Montauk the next day, might be running in Iraq or Afghanistan next year."

Whether it was Gurney's food, their Army conditioning or a combination of both, the West Pointers dominated the race. The men took 4 of the top 5 spots with team captain, Cadet Nick Vandam finishing first in a blazing 52 minutes 24 seconds, a full 2 1/2 minutes in front of the second place finisher, Cadet Nicholas Sterghos. On the female side, Cadets Randy Wintermantel and Kari Vahle finished third and fourth. The team topped the standings in the races collegiate division.

After the races, the team had to quickly get back to West Point, but Joe Gaviola and Tricia Wood of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, ensured that a warm welcome was waiting for the cadets.

Knowing that time was tight, Tricia personally greeted them and introduced Henry Osmers, who gave a brief but thorough overview of the Lighthouse's magnificent history. After a climb to the top and a few minutes posing for pictures the team was headed back to West Point, proud of their race results, happy to have seen a little bit of Montauk and warmed by the kind reception they received here.

Does Montauk love the military? Yes, and one might guess that the feeling is mutual!

This is a good time, with the holidays fast approaching, to remember those who serve and protect our country. Send a note, a prepaid phone card or some needed items to a soldier overseas. (Foot powder, Athletic socks, Slim Jim beef products are requested by the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.)

As we enjoy the holidays, gathering with family/friends, remember those who serve, far from home. For more ideas on supporting the troops check out www.americasupportsyou.mil.