Tricycle race puts pedal to metal for Kiwanis

By Rob Novit, Senior Writer
Published: May 5, 2010, in the aikenstandard.com
http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0506-tricycle-race

AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA - At a benefit tricycle race for kids ages 3 to 8, one wouldn't expect a lot of trash-talking.

But that's what happened when the Aiken Kiwanis Club invited Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt and Aiken Department of Public Safety Director Pete Frommer to participate in a celebrity race to kick off the event.

They traded friendly barbs at each other before they took the field on their strange "tricycles." Their race, alas, was over almost from the start. Frommer had been concerned about the chain on his rather fancy police-themed vehicle and, sure enough, the chain popped off within 20 yards of the starting line.

"We're happy to help the Kiwanis Club, as they do a really good job," Hunt said. "I do think we have a little rivalry going now."

The club has sponsored the event for the past 39 years, the last decade or so holding the race at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center. Proceeds support scholarships, high school Key Clubs, the Circle K Club at USC Aiken and elementary school programs like Terrific Kids.

Kiwanis Club President Jason Redd was delighted to have Frommer and Hunt join the kids for the races.

"Our club's focus is on the kids," he said. "It's great to have our Key Club folks out here supporting the event. Hopefully, these students will leave high school and go into Circle K in college."

Key Club members like Julie Radford and Colleen Welch from Silver Bluff High and Monica Overstreet from Midland Valley High provided assistance in face-painting and concessions.

Cheryl Fogle, the Kiwanis Club's first vice president, actually has grown up with the organization. She was a Key Club member at Edisto High School in Orangeburg before serving as president of USCA's Circle K. She joined the Kiwanis Club following her graduation a few years ago.

"Circle K taught me to appreciate the community and the true value and reward of citizenship," Fogle said. "This is such a great event today. It was fun to see Sheriff Hunt and Chief Frommer competing against each other with all their sportsmanship."

Of course, that didn't stop the ribbing. Both officials talked about their training regimens, with Frommer pointing out the advantage Hunt had with his short legs and relative youth. Hunt complained about Frommer's tricked-up tricycle, complete with a real and loud siren.

"It's not all about glitter and shine," Hunt said. "It's about speed and endurance."

Both were happy to help out the Kiwanis Club and its activities. Yet they agreed this opportunity could very well lead to a book deal and a tour and maybe even a collaboration with NASCAR.

"You never know," Frommer said. "We could end in up Charlotte in about three weeks (for the Coca-Cola 600). We could be an attraction before the main race."

"I'm open to that," Hunt responded. "I expect to hear from Dale Earnhardt Jr. any time now."