STONE HARBOR – The Stone Harbor Triathlon was started in 1999 by Robert Hicks, a borough resident and triathlete. He stated in a release, “I believed at the time, that the sport of triathlon could be a big success in the beautiful beach town of Stone Harbor and a unique chance to blend my love of town and keen triathlon interest.”
Over the years, the demand for the annual Stone Harbor Triathlon continued to grow and was reflected in the event having sold-out in recent years in as short as 10 minutes. Capacity each year is roughly 350 competitors.
The event is hosted at the Stone Harbor Yacht Club, with all transitions for this swim, bike, run legs of the event occurring at the yacht club.
At the inception of the race in 1999, the importance of establishing a primary charity recipient entity was realized. Hicks decided decided on the volunteer fire and rescue squads of Stone Harbor as that group.
June 4, the fire and rescue squads received approximately $10,000.
Accepting the donation was Fire Chief Roger Stanford and Sam Wierman, long-time and former president, for their efforts. Roughly $110,000 has been raised over the last 20 years via the Stone Harbor Triathlon for the fire and rescue squads.
A second charity opportunity came with the creation of a college scholarship for area youth, who pass through the Stone Harbor Elementary School system and then on to an area high school, and then chose to further their education in a four-year college or university.
Presently, the scholarship is a $4,000 award, paid in annual $1,000 increments over four years.
As a Stone Harbor Elementary School graduate, Hicks thought the chance to recognize excellence in a local student along with the exorbitant and continuous rise in college tuition was perfect timing to create a college scholarship charity.
Recent winners were in attendance and Hicks had an opportunity to individually recognize each of them at the Borough Council meeting.
Bridget Ruskey was the first 2017 scholarship winner. Ruskey is a student-athlete at LaSalle University. She is pursuing dual International Business and Marketing degrees and an All-Atlantic 10 Lacrosse player.
Emma Stanford was the 2018 scholarship winner. Stanford finished her freshman year at Dickinson College, studying Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Italian. Stanford is also an arts ambassador at the school’s museum.
Cate Giulian is the 2019 scholarship winner. Giulian will attend West Chester University in the fall. Among Giulian’s accomplishments at Middle Township High School, she was president of Student Council, class treasurer, National Honor Society member and participated in track, cross country, tennis, and swimming.
