Randy Lentz, Michael Barabe claim titles in Fair Demolition Derby

MONROE — Randy Lentz competed in the Monroe County Fair Demolition Derby more than 30 times.

But the Ida man, who will celebrate his 50th birthday next week, figured his driving days were over.

He was happy helping his son Zach McCammom prepare his car the last four summers.

McCammom convinced him to get back behind the wheel this year.

“He talked to me and said, ‘Let’s run one time together,’” Lentz said, who was sponsored by R&S Recycling, Rescue Towing and The Tavern.

More: DiCarlo set to make another run at Monroe County Fair Demolition Derby

It worked out for both father and son.

Lentz was the winner of the Street Oem Class on July 29 and McCammom placed third.

Robert Barry was the runner-up.

“It was awesome,” Lentz said of his win. “I’ve been doing it since I was 16 years old. “I’ve been in the feature (race) a couple of times, but I’ve never done anything.”

Lentz drove a Chrysler Town and Country to victory.

Michael Barabe also was a first-time winner, taking the title in the Semi Stock Feature in a Ford Crown Victoria, which previously served as a police car.

Austin Palmer was second and Robert Shriver third.

“Patience,” Barabe said when asked the key to winning. “I was not getting too wound up in the car. I just had to breathe and take my shots, not try any Hail Mary’s.”

It was the sixth time in the derby for the 27-year-old.

“Honestly, it’s a load off my chest,” he said. “No matter where you go, winning your hometown show is bigger than anything. It feels awesome to finally get it.”

TRACK AND FIELD

Frank-DeRoch takes third

HOUSTON – Charity Frank-DeRoch of the Iron Will Track and Field Club in Monroe captured the bronze medal in the high jump from the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas on July 30.

She cleared a personal best 5-3.

“It's a rare and fantastic accomplishment for a Monroe athlete to reach such heights and be ranked among the top three in the entire country,” said Iron Will director Jared Giarmo.

BASEBALL

Ida’s Millican honored

MIDLAND – Recent Ida graduate Jaxon Millican, who plays for Blissfield American Legion, has been awarded the 2025 Robert Turner Scholarship by the Department of Michigan American Legion Baseball.

The scholarship was established in 2013 to help Michigan Legion baseball players achieve their dreams.

FOOTBALL

Monroe Victory Day Aug. 23

MONROE – The football teams from St. Mary Catholic Central and Monroe High will team up to host the third annual Monroe Victory Day at 10 a.m. Aug. 23 at Navarre Field.

Football players, cheerleaders and band members from Monroe and SMCC will be joined by representatives from Airport, Erie Mason, Jefferson and Ida to create a football experience for people with various disabilities.

For more information, please contact event director, Kyle McElvany at [email protected] or 652-6822.

New radio home for SMCC

MONROE – MonroeCountyRadio.Com will be the new radio home of St. Mary Catholic Central football this fall.

Live streams featuring announcers Jeff Grodi and Gary Hauf will be available at www.MonroeCountyRadio.com.

 “We’re excited to team up with MonroeCountyRadio.Com as the new home for SMCC Falcons Football,” said Jeff Goda, Director of Marketing and Communication at SMCC. “This partnership ensures our loyal fanbase — especially alumni, families, and friends of the program — can continue to enjoy high-quality coverage all season long.”

The Falcons kick off their season Aug. 28 vs. Clinton at Adrian College.

ADULT SOCCER

Swinkey scores four

MONROE – Talen Swinkey scored four goals and Emily Eshenroder and Bryson Lane added two each to lead Monroe Nutrition to a 9-3 win over Atletico in the Monroe Adult Coed Indoor Soccer League at LevelUp Training on Aug. 3.

Josh Pippin scored twice for Atletico. 

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Local Sports: Lentz, Barabe snare first Derby wins; Frank-DeRoch third