WESTFIELD – Jack Pelli, of Westfield held off Gerry Robillard, Jr. (9), Mark Kielbasa (9), and James Vincent (8), finishing with 10 points to claim the first Putz’s Ultimate Sports Challenge championship.
No one managed to pick a top three finisher in the final leg of our contest. Kevin Michaud (Westfield) won the weekly prize by random drawing.
With our first “Challenge” championship in tow, Pelli walked away with our grand prize, a flat-screen television Thursday.
Westfield News president Patrick Berry, right, congratulates Westfield resident Jack Pelli, center, for winning the first Putz’s Ultimate Sports Challenge contest. Pelli was awarded a flat-screen TV for his efforts. Westfield News sports editor, Chris Putz, left, was on hand for the grand moment. (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
“I don’t even know what four sports were (part of the contest),” said Pelli, who admitted the “Challenge” had his head spinning at times this season.
Attempting to pick NASCAR’s biggest races, the four golf Majors, horse racing’s Triple Crown, and March Madness proved to be a difficult task.
Pelli managed to finish first one week in the “Challenge,” second one other week, and even picked the brain of a diehard NASCAR fan on a trip to Rome.
“It was (sports) stuff I was not familiar with,” Pelli said. “I’m more of a traditionalist with football and baseball … but (this contest) now has me more interested in some of other sports.”
Speaking of football, our popular pro football contest, “Beat The Putz,” is set to return for another season. Contest forms will be appear daily in The Westfield News, beginning with the Sat., Sept. 2 edition.
“I’m looking forward to extending some measure of success,” said Pelli, noting his excitement for football season.
Once again, fans will get the chance to play for a weekly gift certificate to The Tavern Restaurant, and ultimately, an entry into our grand prize drawing for a flat-screen television, courtesy of Manny’s TV & Appliances.
Just pick up your entry form, make your picks, and try to beat my record each week of the football season. The best record will claim the weekly prize (if you can beat me, of course). Everyone who manages to top my record will be eligible for the grand prize, which will then be determined by a random drawing at season’s end. Entry forms must be dropped off at the close of business day Friday or postmarked by midnight Friday if mailed in. While multiple entry forms will be accepted, copies are not.
Thanks again to my chief statistician, Melissa A. Hartman for helping me get through another contest season. I hope you’re ready for our next one. Good luck everyone, and go Pats! – Chris Putz
The final standings for the 2017 Ultimate Sports Challenge are as follows:
Jack Pelli 10
Gerry Robillard, Jr 9
Mark Kielbasa 9
James Vincent 8
Kevin Michaud 6
Dave Pighetti 6
Nancy Boistelle 5
Jenn Kielbasa 5
Jeff Owczarski 5
Marion Zomek 5
Rita Hurt 5
Stan Zomek 4
Vicki White 4
Robert Piper 4
Jennifer Packard 3
Sue Janisieski 3
Kerry Kielbasa 3
Marlene Owczarski 3
John Packard 3
Gary Francis 2
Deb Michaud 2
Kevin Mitchell 2
Carl Fetteroll 1
Sheldon Faunce 1
Cheryl Faunce 1
Chris White 1
Bob Pearson 1
Tara Owczarski 1
John Pelli 1
Bob Schwaber 1
Tony Hynek 1
Bill Schwaber 1
Ed West 1.
