CAA News
 i By Bob Richards
Editor, Chicago's Amateur Athlete /i 
     Tradition and innovation are the hallmarks of Jimmy's Fall Frolic,
and that won't change Sunday morning for the annual 4-miler in Hammond,
Ind.  This is the little race that draws the big names.  This is the
race that was giving prize money before it was fashionable.  This is
the race that takes care of runners, no matter who they are.
     This year, the Fall Frolic begins at 9 a.m. (Chicago time) from the
Purdue Calumet campus, just off I-90/94 in Hammond. And this year, Jimmy's
wants more runners than ever from Chicago and the suburbs and has come up
with a "2nd runner discount."
     Here's how it works.  Entry fee is $18.  Bring another runner and his
or her entry fee will be only $10.  To get the discount, just say "CARA
Club" when you are at the registration table.  Race day registration will
be open from 7 to 8:45.  There also is 2.5-mile fun walk.  Cost is $12.
     The race is fast and flat on a USATF-certified course.  Every entrant
receives a long-sleeve T-shirt.  
     A strong field has been assembled for the race as usual. Prize money
is: 1st place male, female $500 each, plus the "famous letter jacket"; 2nd,
$300; 3rd, $150; 4th $100 and 5th, $50. The 1st male and female masters
receive shoes; 1st "Big Fella 200 pounds or more)", shoes; 1st family
(3 to 5 immediate family members), athletic bags. 1st, 2nd, 3rd in age
groups, Fall Frolic Sweatshirts. The first five males and females in the
walk will receive $20 gift certificates. There are also middle of the 
pack awards.
    Kenya native Julius Mwangi, who lives in Homewood, is defending men's
champion (18:37).  Runner-up Chad Johnson of Hanson's Running Team in
Michigan ran 18:38.  Both are expected back on Sunday.  Last year's women's
champion, Katie McGregor, ran 20:54, but is not expected to return to
defend her title. The course records are 18:22 by Tim Hacker and 20:32 by
Collette Murphy (years unavailable).
     "Team Wisconsin Runner" is expected to be a major factor as it tunes
up for the USA Cross Country Nationals on Nov. 25 in Boston.  The team
includes Andy Downin, a four-time cross-country NCAA All-American at
Georgetown; Matt Downin, a four-time CC All-American at Wisconsin; Tony
Escarcega, a two-time All-American at Wisconsin; Brad Kirk, a track All-
American at Western Michigan; Ryan Meissen, a two-time NCAA Division 3
cross-country All-American at Wisconsin Whitewater; Matt Thull, a nine-time
Division 3 All-American at Wisconsin Oshkosh; Jenelle Deatherage, a member
of the 2000 U.S. World 4K cross-country team; and Stephanie Greiber, a
four-time Division 3 All-American at Wisconsin Whitewater.
     Other elites are expected top join the field.  Top local runners also 
will be competing for age-group awards, and everyday runners, joggers and
walkers will also be out for a quality racing experience.
     The race is on the Gold Cup circuit.  For further information, call
219-756-7533.