The tradition starts here: New event at Smith's Clove Park to become an annual competition

Monroe - A new tradition was begun at Smith’s Clove Park this past Saturday, Nov. 5 - the Smith’s Clove Challenge. This event utilized all the fields of the park in a sort of timed “triathlon times two.” Participants were given a “to do” list as they visited each of the park’s baseball, soccer, basketball, hockey and tennis sites. For each item on the list, such as performing a lay-up or shooting a puck in the hockey net, points were awarded. After completing the duties for one sport, the participants ran off to the next field, and so on. At the conclusion of the event, all scores and times were calculated, and the participant with the most points won. There also were awards for second, third, and fourth place. Recreation Leader Dan DiMeglio brought this idea to Smith’s Clove Park as a way of challenging those residents who enjoy a quick competition, and who would then want to return each time to improve their score. “This sports challenge is meant to bring the community together in a brand new and exciting way,” DiMeglio said. “The challenge is quick, easy, and takes advantage of the ‘all-American’ in all of us. Our challenge on Saturday was the first in what I plan to be an annual or even a bi-annual event.” DiMeglio thanked representatives from the Monroe-Woodbury Soccer and Hockey leagues; local tennis volunteers, Louie Becker and Tony Warchol; and teens Michael Sobel and Michele Mertens who volunteered to assist with the competition and act as scorekeepers. All participants received a souvenir T-shirt; those who came in with the most points received gift certificates to The Captain’s Table. “Look for another ‘challenge’ competition next spring,” DiMeglio said.