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Show l03 In the footrace, he gave Eyring the nod because "he is aided and abetted by higher powers" as he was in the l958 race. For the golf ball drive, Durham was given the advantage because of his experience on the course. For the frisbee throw, McMurrin was most undecided, but he felt Eyring would win because of his "remarkable skill and determination." For the tennis serving, Durham was given the advantage because of his experience. McMurrin had predicted a "distinguished draw." The day of the events arrived. Dr. Durham, 64, suffered a stunning defeat, first in the golf ball drive when Eyring drove one of his three drives 340 feet, three feet further than Dr. Durham's longest drive. The frisbee throw followed with a second Eyring victory, and Eyring assured himself first place honors by winning the tennis ball serving contest. Though he lacked the form of Dr. Durham, he served them with accuracy. The final event, attended by Governor Calvin Rampton, as honorary timekeeper, was also won by Eyring as he sprinted to victory in his speciality. He had swept all four events only because his much respected friend had been too busy to prepare. The annual affair may have come to an end in l978. The concern of family and others has finally prevailed, for Eyring plans on no future races. But in this last race, he finished eighth in a field of eleven and kept another record intact, that of never being beaten by a woman, since he finished ahead of his secretary, a researcher and a television newswoman.43 On many occasions, he has been asked why he runs the race and if it was not below the dignity of such a distinguished scientist to run it. But on each occasion, he has answered that he has fun doing it and, poking fun at himself, he says he doesn't have better sense anyway. No matter what the reasons, the Eyring derby will be one of the amusingly |
