Ken Weinbel honored at National Throws Championships

Ken Weinbel was the USATF Masters Track and Field Committee chairman in the late 1990s, and he took a lot of guff (from me) in a day when I wasn’t up to speed on his powers and organizational limits. But Ken was upfront with me at all times. In recent years, he’s been battling various ailments. But he’s still hanging in there, and he must have been mightily heartened by being honored at this month’s masters national throws championships. A trophy was named for him — the perpetual Ken Weinbel Outstanding Ultraweight Pentathlon Athlete Award (presented in absentia to M60 Tim Edwards).

George Mathews (right) congratulates Ken Weinbel on trophy in Ken’s honor.

Besides the photo, I also received this bonus information on the meet, which was a lot better than the original USATF news release suggested. The meet at the Concordia University Throw Center in Portland, Oregon, produced 24 American and two world records, according to Sandy Pashkin.

We also learn:

The score of 5234 points by Harvey Lewellen breaks Gerhard Schepe of Germany world record of 5135. Harvey broke German Arthur Dreher’s world record of 16.87 with a mark of 16.88 in the weight throw.

Being the first time that the Throws Pentathlon, Ultrweight Pentathlon and superweight were held on the same weekend the meet enjoyed a record turnout of 71 participating overall with a record 48 participating in the ultraweight pentathlon and 51 competing in the National Superweight Championship.

Highest point scores awards went to following:

Mens Throws Pentathlon, Bob Ward, M75, 5576 points.

Harvey Lewellen, M80, also went over 5K, 5234 points

Womens Throws Pentathlon, Oneithea Lewis, W45, 4954 points

Mens Ultraweight Pentathlon, Bob Ward, M75, 6043 points

Womens Ultraweight Pentathlon, Oneithea Lewis, W45, 6390 points

The perpetual Lad Pataki Outstanding Throws Pentathlon Athlete Award was presented to Betty Jarvis, W90 (age 94)

RECORDS SET 8/22-23/2009 IN THROWS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Throws Pentathlon

M35 Mark Landa 3881 pts

M80 Harvey Lewellen 5234 pts

W60 Myrle Mensey 4462 pts

Ultraweight Pentathlon

M35 Mark Landa 4274 pts

M40 David Bickel 3840 pts

M50 Bruce Navarre 4364 pts

M55 George Castelli 3754 pts

M60 Todd Taylor 5320 pts

M70 Dick Hotchkiss 4534 pts

M75 Bob Ward 6043 pts

M80 Harvey Lewellen 5592 pts

W35 Trinidad Nelson 1599 pts

W45 Oneithea Lewis 6390 pts

W50 Carol Finsrud 4976 pts

W60 Myrle Mensey 6027 pts

W75 Gloria Krug 4320 pts

Hammer

M80 Harvey Lewellen 41.14m

Weight Throw

M35 Mark Landa 16.58m

M80 Harvey Lewellen 16.88m

Superweight

M35 Mark Landa 11.60m

M40 David Bickel 9.63m

M80 Harvey Lewellen 10.51m

W35 Trinidad Nelson 3.25m

W90 Betty Jarvis 3.65m

August 30, 2009

2 Responses

George Mathews - September 1, 2009

Message from Ken’s wife Noelle
Ken Weinbel:
In April Ken moved to a new facility …
European Senior Care
“The Andover House”
4002 45th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
…where I am able to visit him every day.
Even though Ken is now wheelchair bound, he looks forward to receiving cards and letters through the mail and outings with his caregiver, Prince, twice a week. He enthusiastically transmits his remarkable spirit through his dimples and sparkling blue eyes.
We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary by renewing our wedding vows in late July. In our Catholic tradition, the sacrament was blessed by our Pastor, and proved to be very meaningful and reaffirming for both of us.
Even though this is not the retirement Ken or I wished, it has given us an incredible opportunity to deepen our faith and demonstrate our appreciation and love for each other. To those of you who have unselfishly remained steadfast companions through this ordeal, we offer our humble thanks. Love comes from unexpected places, not always from the places or the people you most expect, but from the places and people you least expect. Each of you who have extended yourself to “be there” for us is a true blessing.
Ken may be physically down a bit, but he’s certainly not “out.” Visits and small attentions are always welcome, enjoyed and appreciated.
Noelle
George Mathews - September 2, 2009

Ken’s correct address is 4002 46th SW.
George