By PETER DAY
Editor
They wiggled, they stretched. Some reached blindly for the sky. Many just lay there still for what seemed like an agonizing eternity.
But for those that moved just enough, victory was theirs.
After an hour-long competition last Friday afternoon, five of the speediest worms and their patient handlers were named winners of the 2013 edition of the Great American Worm Race.
The winning handlers — Lucerne Valley Elementary School sixth-graders — each received $20 and a moment of grungy glory. More than 100 sponsors donated $10 apiece. The donations will help pay for the Lucerne Valley Roadrunners’ Tailgate Trick Or Treat event later this year.
The winners:
First place: “Rehab,” sponsored by Pineridge and handled by Alicia Williamson; second place: “Seabiscuit,” sponsored by Brandon Miller and handled by Brenda Velador; third place: “Weebler,” sponsored by Woody and Pam Hart and handled by Becca Hart; fourth place: “Earnie,” sponsored by Deanie Cafey and handled by Kristen Cummings; fifth place: Jammin’ J, sponsored by First Mountain Bank and handled by Dillon Nimmo.
Each year, Roadrunner Jo Richards trumpets the coming of the wriggly ones through her “worm alerts.” The thoroughbreds are boarded by the Lucerne Valley Market & Hardware bait and tackle department.
Diane Holland, dressed in an umpire’s uniform, directed the handlers, which at times was a bit “like herding chickens,” according to Richards.
A platoon of coaches (i.e. Roadrunners and their spouses) sprayed the creepy competitors with water to kept them moist and limber.
“It’s a bring-your-own-bottle thing,” noted Jodi Collingham, a member of the school district’s governing board who was working one of 23 competition circles.
The energy-packed event — well, except for the worms — concluded with fun and accomplishment.
“It’s as chaotic as all get out, but we enjoy it,” said Jerry Byars who led the cleanup crew.