First 'Try'athlon raises $5,000 plus

Organizers of the first annual "Try"athlon in St. John Monday, June 23, said the event had a strong initial showing and will be returning in 2019.

According to event organizer Amy Swannack, the "Try"athlon featured the unlikely combination of trap shooting, golf and horseshoes. Those in attendance could also win prizes, enter raffles, grab a philly cheesesteak or relax at the beer garden.

The event was put on by the Eagles/Wildcats Booster Club, which raised more than $5,000 that afternoon for the athletic fund.

Swannack said her highlight of the day was when the top overall male "Try"athlon finisher put his first-place prize up for auction, so that the money could go back to the Booster Club.

According to Swannack, many of the raffle winners followed the man's lead and had their prizes sold to benefit the club. A total of five people purchased a buck knife in sequence for $1,250.

About 50 people attended the "Try"athlon, which Swannack said was a bit lower than anticipated, but she expects to at least double that number at the event's second annual edition.

"It was a great event and I can only see it grow from here," she added.