1997 CajunMan Triathlon  

More than 260 participants from five states competed in the second annual CajunMan Triathlon.  Held in the heart of Cajun Country (Lafayette, LA) the popularity of this race has really exploded.  Beginning with a gorgeous half-mile lake swim at “Airport Lake”, then followed by a 30k bike route that seems to embrace many of Floyd Sonnier’s inspirations for his drawings, it ends with a 5k run that  circles through, in true CajunMan form, the Gator Cove Restaurant parking area.  The aroma of Cajun cooking was in the air.  

The race itself was similar in many ways to last years’ race.  First out of the water again was future Olympic hopeful, Diane Tennison who seemingly hydroplaned through the half-mile swim in 10:26.  Next, was 25 year old Chris Eschbach of Hattiesburg, MS who emerged from the lake 14 seconds later.  Quickly mounting his bike, Eschbach sped through the scenic 30k bike route while the rest of the field gave chase.  Eschbach, in his second competition in as many days, also competed in Texas Hill Country Tri the day before (and finished fifth overall, 1st amateur) but apparently felt no ill affects from Saturday’s race as he cruised to his second CajunMan title.  Oh, to be young again.  But John Deshotel, from nearby Maurice, LA, gave a valiant effort to stay with the younger Eschbach.  Deshotel’s effort fell a little short as he again was the second place finisher in 1:16:29.  Darren Horn from Baton Rouge, was the third place finisher in 1:19:38.  

The women’s race was a much closer race as Kathleen Scully of Shreveport, used her prowess as a cyclist to win the women’s title in 1:29:47.  Mary Helm, of Lafayette, had an early lead after the swim but lost that lead to Scully during the bike leg.  Helm nearly regained the lead on the run but ran out of real estate to finish in second just seven seconds behind in 1:29:54.  Liz Hebert, also from Lafayette, finished third for the second straight year in 1:32:43.  

The Men’s Masters Title was won by Barry Laningham.  The Lake Charles native had a finishing time of 1:22:37.  Dorothy Prowell of Baton Rouge, was the Female Masters winner with a winning time of 1:44:25.  

In the Sponsor relay division, Team Pack and Paddle, for the second straight year, came away with the victory as they finsihed the course in 1:18:05.  Team Hoechst Marion Roussel took honors in the Open relay division in a time of 1:18:12.  

Special recognition was also given to Major Michael Flowers of New Orleans.  His finishing time was not worthy of an age group medal but the manner in which he did the triathlon is definitely noteworthy.   The 44 year old Flowers exited the water with more than the normal tri attire.  He also donned a pair of combat boots.  Through an amazed, but yet cheering spectator section, he sloshed his way to the transition area.  A quick set of sit-ups while he drained the lake water from his boots and he was off on the bike route.  After his 5k run, he was met at the finish line with more cheers and admiration.  He was awarded the CajunMan gutsy performance award for 1997.  Once a Marine, always a Marine.  

Although threatened by inclement weather early on, a good time was had by all.  The sun broke through and participants were treated to cold beer and Tony Chachere’s red beans and rice and chicken and sausage jambalaya.  Semolina’s also catered to the racers with Italian pasta.  In short, great race, great food, great fun.

                                                                                                                 Russell Bex