More than thirty runners enjoyed the warm and windy running conditions for the third race in the 2022/2023 Shawn’s Summer Social Series last weekend.

Race Director and Club Captain, Jim Ford was in his usual fine multiskilling form setting a flat, fast course for runners as well as pushing his grandchildren in the double pram, even though they bolted once they saw their dad at the finish line.

The out-and-back course also had variable options up to 10km if runners preferred to turn early which is especially sensible when injured or not at that level.  

Jim and the running crew welcome anyone who is interested in joining the Shawn’s Summer Series every Sunday at 5:30pm for a great informal social training event which starts from a different location each week from late October to mid-February.

Check out the Mackay Road Runners website for the Shawn’s Summer Social Series calendar of events in honour of a champion runner and past Treasurer of the club, Shawn Claydon.  

The formal Mackay Road Running season will commence February 2023. All interested persons are advised that the Mackay Road Runners 2023 Calendar Meeting and Annual General Meeting will be held in the coming weeks, therefore, watch this space for dates, times and location.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Queensland squash champion Kayce Hoani-Vincent and emerging rugby league forward Reuben Saron are the Mercy College Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year recipients for 2022.  

The talented duo were officially recognised for their superb achievements this season on the squash court, athletics track and football fields and accepted their awards at the College’s annual Sports Assembly last week.

15-year-old Kayce represented Queensland and Australia at the annual Trans-Tasman Schools Squash Tri Series Challenge in Brisbane back in August where she remained undefeated in singles matches.

A product of Mackay’s Squash 52 club, Kayce lined up for her beloved Maroons against the best junior squash players from NSW and New Zealand at the Daisy Hill Squash & Racquet Club complex and lived up to her mantle as the number one ranked female squash junior in Queensland with stylish victories in both singles and doubles formats.

At the end of the Tri Series, the gifted Hoani-Vincent made her international debut in Australian colours as part of a combined Queensland-NSW team and won all her singles matches against the formidable Kiwis.

Kayce has held her number one Queensland ranking since 2019 and puts it down to her arduous training schedule and desire to constantly improve.  

She balances her Year 10 studies at Mercy College with three days of intense fitness training that includes speed, endurance and strength work plus honing her racquet skills on court.  

When Kayce is not hitting a squash ball or devising on-court tactics, she can be found demonstrating her athletics skills as a pole vaulter or high jumper with Mackay Athletics Club.

The talented youngster has turned in encouraging performances in field events over the past 12 months.  

Ranked number three in Queensland for her age group, she finished 8th overall in the Pole Vault at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park back in April and later won the Pole Vault gold medal at the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

Reuben Saron is a promising rugby league forward in a big hurry.

The powerhouse 15-year-old prop has attracted interest from both the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys after superb performances for Mercy College in the Cowboys Challenge schoolboy competition and with Souths Sharks in the Mackay& District Junior League.

He is a leading colt in both the Broncos and Cowboys Development Academies and is headed for a bright future in the National Rugby League.

Saron, a tough tackling forward and fearless warrior, made an impact in both rugby league and rugby union circles during 2022.

He was one of the best players on field when Mercy College suffered a heartbreaking Grand Final loss to Townsville’s Kirwan State High in this year’s Cowboys Challenge Shield decider and during the season represented Capricornia Under 15s with distinction in both codes.

Strong running Reuben showed his versatility when he spearheaded the Mercy College rugby union team to a Mackay Secondary Schools Rugby Sevens Under 15s title this season with his mobility, endurance and ball skills a feature.

Saron was best player on ground when he teamed up with Mercy College utility ace Saxon Crofts to help Brothers capture the Mackay & District Junior League Under 15s premiership after downing Wests Tigers in the Grand Final.

Both Saron and Crofts linked with Souths this season and along with Mercy’s Queensland Under 15s rep forward Cohen Jackson steered the club to the Under 15s finals series with consistent performances.

Reuben lists his father Phil Saron, a former Australian Schoolboys rugby league representative, as a major influence on his career to date.

Just like his dad – a speed machine on the field in his youth – Reuben has proved a sensation at centre for Mackay Rugby Club this season.

Under the coaching of Lincoln Grady – father of Mercy’s 13-year-old rugby starlet Callyn Grady – the promising Saron earned selection in the Regional Queensland team for matches against Brisbane and Gold Coast in the Emerging Reds competition.

Reuben’s immediate goals for 2023 are to force his way into the St Patrick’s College top grade squad and to tour with the Reds Under 16 representative rugby team.

By Chris Karas

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The Mackay Mavericks took to Brothers Leprechaun Park for the first time this season, taking on reigning champions Townsville Cyclones on Saturday.

The Mavericks kicked off their seventh Gridiron Queensland season the week prior with a win against the Cairns Falcons in Townsville but were unable to back it up in front of a strong home crowd.

While the Mavericks were in the lead for most of the game, an injury delay halted their momentum, ultimately going down to the premiers 20-33.

Mavericks Head Coach Brad Somerville said it was a hard-fought game against tough opposition.

“Townsville’s been up there for a long time in the sport; it’s been years since Mackay’s beaten Townsville,” he said.

“We knew what we needed to do, we needed to go out there and hit hard and really trust our game.”

Windy conditions also made it difficult for halfbacks to throw the ball downfield, putting much of the responsibility on the running backs.

“Our running backs, both Callum Mackay and Jack Hargraves, did amazing,” said Mr Somerville.

“They were definitely elite on Saturday.”

The first home game of the season brought a crowd of over 100 to Brothers Leprechaun Park and Mr Somerville said the crowd was amazing.

“They really got behind the team, really spurred us on,” he said.

“It was great to play in front of an audience like that.

“We’re hoping to back that up this Saturday.”

The Mackay Mavericks will return to Brothers Leprechaun Park tomorrow, November 12, taking on Gladstone’s Port City Pirates at 5:00pm

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WeeklyResults

Monday 31 October 22 – 5 Table One Winner

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Debbie Ludkin / Sandy Patterson

Eclectic for Mondays in October 2022

1st David Ting

2nd Diane Stokes

3rd Edward Kliese

4th Nancy Martin

5th Monica Darley

6th Terrence Sheedy

Tuesday 1 November – Melbourne Cup Day

N/S

1st Doone Mitchell / Robert Carless

2nd Janet Hansen / Monica Darley

3rd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

E/W

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Noel Bugeia / Pamela Finger

3rd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

Wednesday 2 November – Week 21 of 22 Weeks - Nationwide Pairs – 12 Table Mitchell

N/S

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Joy Brunette / Don Poole

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

5th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

4th Frances Brown / Janet Hansen

5th Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank

Thursday Evening 3 November – 4 Table One Winner

1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd Patricia Garner / Mick King

4th Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson

5th Vicki Howard / Elrae Trueman

Friday 4 November – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

Saturday 5 November – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Geoff Taylor / Janet Hansen

3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

3rd Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

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Groups C and D got their 2022 Xmas Open campaigns underway at Mika on Sunday morning, with group D being the largest group of this year’s competition, featuring five players.

Group C had the 2021 Xmas Open runner up, Jason Rockstroh, along with Anthony Maher, Ross Gallichan, and Kameron Reason.

Jason topped the group to advance to the quarter finals without losing a match. Both Kameron and Ross advance to next week’s qualifiers curtesy of finishing second and third in the group. Anthony finished in fourth place.

Group D was not only the largest group, but it consisted of the only two players to have won this competition previously in Jamie Woods and Dom Friend.

Joining them in group D was Arthur McMinn making his debut, Gary Robbie, and Hawkeye Rick who was also a debutant.

Jamie topped the group on 12 points only dropping three legs throughout, and Dom and Gary are the two players advancing to the qualifiers next Sunday thanks to their 2nd and 3rd place finishes. Unlucky to both Arthur and Rick who rounded out the group in 4th and 5th place respectively.

The draw for the qualifiers will take place this week, with the winners of those matches advancing to this year’s quarter finals in two weeks’ time where their opponents already lie in wait.

The 2022 Xmas Open is sponsored by Dyson Automotive, thank you for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Jamie Woods in action at Mika on Sunday

Three triathletes from a local Whitsunday club have completed the ultimate endurance test by not just finishing the gruelling and iconic Half-Ironman 70.3 World Championship in the United States but doing so in style.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club members Daniel McDonnell, Alisha Rust, and Michael Kimpton represented their countries of Australia and New Zealand – as well as their homes in Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island at the world-renowned event in late October.

Amongst the finishers, Hamilton Island firefighter Daniel McDonnell had what ranks as one of the most remarkable achievements for a Whitsunday athlete ever: finishing 13th in the World in his age group of 18-24, coming in just a mere six minutes after the age group’s first place winner.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael Kimpton said it was “a sensational effort as Daniel has only been competing in triathlons for a few years”.

“The community and potential sponsors need to get behind Daniel as he will be a World Champion one day,” Michael said.

Alisha Rust, a Hamilton Island resident and schoolteacher, competed in the 25- 29 age group. Rust had what was an exceptional event as well, with a fast swim, solid bike ride – with the hilly terrain suiting her skillset - and a swift run to finish.

In his capacity as a competitor, Michael Kimpton competed in the 65-69 age group in a memorable day but professed that he “lacked in the leg department” with only three weeks between his previous competition for the famous Kona Hawaiian Full Ironman.

The Ironman 70.3 World Championship was hosted in St George, Utah, a city famed for its breathtaking scenery of red rock canyons and deserts – tough conditions in a tough event.

Competitors must qualify for the prestigious world championship event which has just over 100 countries represented with a parade of Nations March through town prior to the event.

The event required thousands of volunteers to assist on both days of competition, as women competed on Friday and men on Saturday with a massive 5,500 athletes all up.

The event commenced with a 1.9-kilometre swim at Sand Hollow Reservoir in three-degree conditions. Next came the challenging 90-kilometre bike course, which led athletes through stunning desert landscapes with a 3200-foot elevation gain, and an “unforgettable climb” of eight-kilometres up Snow Canyon State Park.

The final stretch is the half marathon run course where athletes perform two loops of 10.5-kilometres through the stunning Red Hills Parkway Golf course and historic downtown St George streets and parkland – with over 700 feet of elevation, all as the day warmed.

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Competitors at the half-Ironman Daniel McDonnell, Alisha Rust, and Michael Kimpton of Whitsunday Triathlon Club

Kimpton and Rust in front of a wall of competitors signatures from the world championship half-Ironman in Utah

A local weightlifting club has had some outrageous results in the second half of the year, most recently sending one of its top competitors to the World Championships in early November in the hopes they would claim a world record – instead, they came home with three!

Whitsunday Weightlifting club’s Rodney Wecker travelled to the Gold Coast to take part in the IPL (International Powerlifting League) World Championships on November 3.

Wecker, who competed in in the 65- to 69-year-olds category – a division he already held a national record in – claimed three world records at the Championships.

In the back squat and deadlift, Wecker finished with some incredible weights: 118 and 158-kilograms, respectively, which earned him two IPL world records.

“It’s incredible, considering he only weighs 68-kilograms,” Whitsunday Weightlifting coach Leanne Knox said.

His third record was the overall, a total of 348.5-kilograms. That score was calculated by adding the three, standerdised categories together: bench-press, deadlift, and squat.

As well, the club recorded some incredible results at its own internal competition, chief among them being member Ellen Brown’s world record lift in the 70-74-year-old division,

“At a local competition on Sunday, November 6, Ellen broke the world record by five kilograms in her age group in an unofficial competition, which she hopes to carry to World Championships next year,” Ms Knox said.

And the club’s Under 15 superstar, Tyson Williams Allen, broke the Queensland State record having only been weightlifting for just over a year and a half.

“We always tell them to aim as high as you can,” Ms Knox said.

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Rodney Wecker and Whitsunday Weightlifting club trainer Leanne Knox. Wecker claimed a world record at the recent World Championships

Airlie Beach Bowls Club has enjoyed success with their ladies’ and men’s teams in recent weeks, competing in the State Championship in both categories – with one exceptional win.

The club is hoping that, 1097 kilometres away at the Pine Rivers Bowling Club in Brisbane, the team of Luke Kinnear, Warren Mills, and Manny Isgro can continue that winning form at the finals of the Australian BPL on Sunday, November 6, and Monday, November 7.

Wednesday: A big roll up of players, with the team of David Meiklejohn at lead, Lyn Graham at second, and Tony Whitehorn at skipper the big winners of the day.

Business House Bowls: The Barbecue was supplied by Battery Warehouse, while PRD, the club’s Major sponsor, went home the big winners of the night, once again donating their prize money to the school children’s competition.

Saturday Scroungers: National Umpire John Askew watched on as first round winners Russell Jackson, Gary Kiff, Peter Barratt, and Nik Fernbach won the day. Mr Fernbach and new member Gary Kiff progressed to the final, with Gary Kiff taking home the prize money.

Sunday Social Bowls: Highly competitive bowls on all rinks with the crown claimers of the day, skippered by Chairman Ash Warland and lead Mark Mawson. They defeated the side of Ladda Purdie at skipper with Lyn Graham at lead. Nik Fernbach topped it off by taking home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Fiona Greener, the club Manager, also provided wonderful refreshments and a delicious afternoon tea.

All club Mixed pairs, triples, and fours should be completed soon, and club members are encouraged to renew their memberships.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Warren Mills, Manny Isgro and Luke Kinnear at Pine Rivers Bowls Club for the Australian finals of the BPL

On Wednesday, Proserpine Bowls Club hosted nine players, with Stephen Griffith, Bruce Uhe, Mike Harrison and Patricia Bownds defeating Jim Bownds, Arthur Griffith, Sandy Daffara and John Anderson, 28-16.

On Friday night, two games of B Triples were played. John Anderson, Vince Olsen, and Brett Saroglia were the first winners, defeating Alen Sanderson, Harry Craig, and Gavin Noonan, 40-7.

Stephen Summers, Kendall Watts, and Tod Leys rounded out the winner’s circle, defeating Arthur Griffith, Nathaniel Watts, and Bruce Uhe, 27-23.

On Saturday, the Final of the B Triples was played between the teams of John Anderson, Vince Olsen, and Brett Saroglia, and Stephen Summers, Kendall Watts, and Tod Leys. John Anderson’s side won 31-13.

On Sunday, nine players enjoyed Social Bowls.  In a game of triples John Anderson, Bruce Uhe, and Peter Lawton defeated Arthur Griffith, Jim Quod, and Barry Zillmann 26 - 13.  In a game of singles Sandy Daffara defeated Mike Harrison 25-11.  Following this Sandy, Mike and Heather had a game of Cutthroat with Heather being the victor in this challenge.

This weekend is the Memorial Day Carnival, played on Saturday with 14 teams over three games of 17 ends to determine this year's winners. Thanks to sponsors Wilmar Sugar and Anything Environmental.

The bowls season for this year is ending for Proserpine. Green renovations are beginning on Thursday, November 17, so the last day of play will be Social on Wednesday November 16.  Volunteers to help with the green renovations are being sought for the period between November 17 to 21.

Reminder that Membership Fees are now due.  Thank you to those who have attended to these already.  Numbers for 2023 are finalised with Bowls Queensland and Mackay District based on the number of Financial Members as of December 31.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Winners of B Triples: Vince Olsen, John Anderson, and Brett Saroglia

On Melbourne Cup Day, one game of rinks was played at Wangaratta Bowls Club.

The winners in the close game were Stumpy Adams, Robyn Stitt, Mark Drummond, and Greg Colquhoun who defeated Bill Myers, Sue Shearing, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers.

Sundays results: Winners for the afternoon were Bill Myers, Laurie Land, and Graeme Read defeating Cheryl Sexton, Irene Laird, and Kennedy Whitton.

Other winners were Deb Beel, Linda Scells, and Geoff Danvers who defeated Deb Retchless, Denise Wallace, and Pat Tracey. Sue Shearing, Penny Warren, and Barry Beel also won, defeating Toni Bowen, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun.

The last round of the Men’s local pennant between Wangaratta and Collinsville will be played at Wangaratta on Saturday 19 November.

If you are available to play, please put your name down on the board, as 12 players are required.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Sunday's winners: Bill Myers, Laurie Land, Barry Beel, and Graeme Read

Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the November midweek Monthly Medal at Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner was Donna Wright, 71 nett, with runner up on a countback Judi Morris, 72 nett.  

Men’s winner James Miller, 69 nett, and runner up on a countback John Brown, 70 nett.

Saturday’s competition was a stroke event for the November Monthly Medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.  

Men's Winner Tom Wikander, 68 nett, runner up on a countback Ezra Miller, 69 nett.  

Pin shots to Jason Hopkins, David Insch, Graeme Baker, Mitchell Greenbank, while Tim Miller won the Car wash voucher.

Ladies' Winner on a countback, Linda Scells, 69 nett, runner up on a countback was Morag Parker, 69 nett. Pin Shots to Julie Martin, Carol O’Connell, Lorraine McArthur, and Janice Bates.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Vets, incorporating the Medal of Medals sponsored by LJ Hooker.  Don’t forget to check the clubs Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  Takeaways still available.  Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order.  Joker draw is $5000 this week.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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The November Monthly Medal winners at Bowen Golf Club, James Miller and Donna Wright

Saturday’s overall monthly medal winner in the men’s competition was Brian Smith with 67 nett. Martins Kornis was the C grade runner up with 69.

The A grade winner was Jacob Nightingale on 68, with Lew Tuck runner up on 70.

In B grade Phil Batty, 70 edged out Brendon Spann on 71.

The place getters were Wayne Fitzgerald, 70, Ben Smith, Jason Bourke, John Bissell, Levi Holmes, and Wayne Temby 72.

They were followed by Thom Maclean, Ben Rayment, Gavin Kerwand and Rob Stanley on 73.

The pin shots went to Ryan Wilkes, Michael Cragg, Andrew Colborne and Benn Ryan. Six featured in the two-shot pot.

Sherri Meade took out the ladies’ medal with 68 nett from Trish McNeill, 72, Paula McQuat, 73 and Tina Badenhorst 74.

The pin shots went to Sherri Meade and Andrea Scharneck. The Wednesday ladies’ winner was Trish McNeill with nett 73, from Pam Casey, 75 and Lyn Muller 78.

The pin shots went to Ann Gardel on five, Pam Casey 16 and Leanne Alexander on five and 16.

Thursday’s division one winner was Vince Collins with 66 nett, from Andrew Albergo and Michael Cragg, 68 and a visitor from Mudgee Golf Club, Stephen Berridge, 69.

The division two winner was Peter Elms, also on 66, followed by James Devery, 68, Peter Scrivens 69 and Paul Nicol 70.

The place getters were Barry Mortimer, 69, Ritchie Atkins, Gavin Kerwand, and Matt Muller, 70, Scott Milne, Peter Lewis, Aiden Sverdloff and Vic Feldman finished the field on 71.

Aiden Sverdloff, Stephen Berridge, Allen Roberts and Chris Brett took the pin shots.

Next Saturday is the AllenBuild stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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The November monthly medal for Whitsunday Social Golf was held on Sunday to choose the final contenders for this year’s Medal of Medal Challenge.

Men’s A Grade winner was Ritchie Atkins, Mens B Grade winner was Dean Kercher, Ladies A Grade was Tiina Randmae, and Ladies B Grade went to Pam Casey.  

Runners up were Darren Reynolds, Gerald Lovell, Penny Wardroper, and Karen Rix. Longest Drives went to Ritchie, Dean, Penny and Pam.

Nearest the pins were Ritchie, Mark McDougall, Penny Wardroper, and Tiina Randmae.

Contributed with thanks to Joane Moynihan

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Dean Kercher, Tiina Randmae, Pam Casey, and Ritchie Atkins

It was a great Tuesday at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf on their first Monthly Medal, followed by our Melbourne Cup luncheon and sweeps.

Ladies’ winner with a very good score of 69 was Jacqui Wall, who sported a very functional hat for the Cup.

Second was Mandy Patterson (71) and in the rundown Elspeth Scotford (73), Paula McQuat (75), and Diane Chard (77 c/b).

The men’s winner was Gerald Lovell with a fantastic 66, second was Vic Feldman (71 c/b), and in the rundown John Roser (71), Gary Scotford (72), and Neil Cawthorne (74).

The pin shots for the ladies went to Leanne Alexander (9th), Jacqui (9th), Mandy Patterson (7th), Robyn Whitham(7th), Elspeth Scotford (16th), and Ann Gardel (16th).

The men’s pin shots went to Gerald Lovell (9th), John Oates (7th and 9th), Gary Scotford (7th), Vic Feldman(16th), and Neil Cawthorn (16th).

Winners of the least putts were Steve Mitchell and John Strelec with 28.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Gerald Lovell and Jacqui Wall

The weekly 9-hole competition this week was won by Andrew Gomez with 19 points at Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

Second was Elise Hodgson with 16 points and third was a countback in favour of Glenn Rees with 15 points.

Fridays 9-hole stableford was won by Scott Hayes Williams with 24 points, Cameron Mutch scored 22 points taking second from Jay Angel with a count back.

Sundays 18-hole Stableford was won by Dean Barnard with 36 points. Danny York and Dave Wallace both scored 35 points, but it was Danny York that took second with a count back.

Nearest the Pins were Danny York on the second and Marc Belke on the 9th.

This Sunday will be SKINS.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Justyn Durbin and Scott Hayes Williams