Record-Eagle article on 50k Vasa

Sun, Feb  9, 2014 - By Dennis Chase

TRAVERSE CITY — Eli Brown made it three in a row.

Erica O’Hearn matched a feat accomplished by her father.

Brown and O’Hearn captured the Vasa 50K freestyle races in contrasting styles Saturday at Timber Ridge Resort.

Williamsburg’s Brown needed a late sprint to edge Leroy’s Alex Vanias by 15 seconds in the men’s race, 2:28:57 to 2:29:12.

Traverse City’s O’Hearn pulled away early in the women’s race, finishing well ahead of the pack in 2:54. Her father — Milan Baic, who was third in the men’s race — was a previous 50K winner.

“I grew up racing and cheering on my dad,” O’Hearn said. “I used to dream about this. Winning the Vasa is amazing. It’s pretty special.”

Her father was there to offer congratulations right after she crossed the finish line.

Read the rest of the article, Brown, O'Hearn capture 50K freestyle

[Photo:  Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump) Eli Brown of Williamsburg wins the men's 50k freestyle in Saturday's 38th annual North American VASA. ]