A man who has been part of the competition from the start in 1987 and brought the Battle of the Businesses to the Chautauqua County area was thrilled with this year’s event.

“This was one of the most exciting Battles in 31 years,” said Tom Anderson, Lakewood YMCA branch manager and battle director. “Our Small Division tied in the final scores and the Large Division was decided by a 10-point difference. It never ceases to amaze me how the results turn out on the final day of play. Every event counts and it’s about working together as a team.”

Jamestown Mattress helped secure a share of the Small Division title by virtue of its team victory in the women’s miniature golf at Midway State Park as the team of Jeannette Vanstrom, Pam Pullan, Lindsay Pullan and Lori Pullan shot an 83, eight shots better than second-place GA Family Services at Lutheran and nine better than Matco Tools.

In the same event, the Cummins team of Jody Bevacqua, Maysoon Allchuzai, Wendy Merchant and Sue Bero shot an 84, for a four-shot victory over second-place Frewsburg Central School and third-place UPMC Chautauqua.

Jamestown Bar Association/City Court, left, and Jamestown Mattress shared the coveted 2018 YMCA Battle of the Businesses corporate cup in the Small Division due to a tie. Pictured, from left, are: Lana Houston, Kurt Gustafson, Marilyn Lehman, Todd Thomas, Steve Pullan, Aubrey Russell, Lindsay Russell and Lori Pullan. Submitted photo

Falconer’s Nick Spry (12:05) was the top male finisher in the 2-mile run/walk at the Lakewood Beach while Frewsburg Central School’s Sandy Ruhlman (14:57) took the title for the women.

JBA/City Court’s Jeff Shevlin (13:09) crossed the finish line first followed by top female placer Ashley Pullan (16:00) of GA Family Services at Lutheran in the Small Division.

In terms of overall race scores, the Large Division teams of Falconer, Bush Industries and SKF Aeroengine captured first, second and third places, respectively, while JBA/City Court, Stuart Tool/SKM and GA Family Services at Lutheran took the same places in the Small Division.

At Midway State Park, Falconer’s team captain Nick Spry, Rob Thompson and Dan Krenzer won the Large Division kayak and canoe paddling event with the fastest time of 5:51.67. Chautauqua County Government (7:05.85) and Jamestown BPU (7:06.28) received second and third place.

In the Small Division aquatic event, JBA’s paddlers Kurt Gustafson, Jeff Shevlin and Kristin Lee Yaw claimed the first place title finishing in 6:30.47. Matco Tools (6:36.75) and Stuart Tool/SKM (6:57.38) finished in second and third place, respectively.

In the bean bag toss, SKF Aeroengine’s duo Jonathan Bellardo and Joe Sienicki dominated the Large Division court knocking out runnerup Falconer. Jamestown BPU placed third.

For the Small Division, Jamestown Mattress’ Dustin Dudenhoeffer and Doug Lindgren ran the corn hole boards defeating second-place finisher Jamestown Up Close. Matco Tools bagged third-place points.

The Sur”Y”vor team race this year had five timed components — a three-legged race, old school sack race, table ball balance, balloon cup walk and the popular giant Jenga game.

Jamestown BPU, sporting their purple tees, led the Sur”Y”vor relay race in the Large Division with teammates Ashley Ribaudo, Todd Hoaglund, Zach Haller and Christy Cufild, finishing with an impressive time of 8:03.

The Chautauqua Center placed second (8:39) and Cummins came in third (9:10).

Representing the Small Division, winners were Jamestown Mattress teammates Lindsay Russell, Aubrey Russell, Justin Fardink and team captain Aaron Pullan (9:24).

Stuart Tool/SKM finished right after with a time of 10:40 with Monica Buck, George Watkins, Amber Bendelewski and Jackson Graham. GCFCU/Chautauqua Suites raced the clock in third place (10:53).

This year’s talent show competition gave 17 teams one last chance to earn a few additional points which definitely helped Jamestown Mattress in tying for first with their push-up dollar pitch back to the Y.

For the Large Division, The Resource Center came in first place again as Angel Rodriguez performed his Big White Room act. UPMC Chautauqua’s Kyle Jordan played saxophone to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful Life” for second place followed by Holly Weston singing “The Wizard and I” of Bush Industries in third.

In the Small Division, GCFCU/Chautauqua Suites’ Jamie Lee sang “This is Me” to capture 100 first-place points.

Second and third place went to Matco Tools’ Beau Trask and Tirrell McIntire for their comedy show routine and Stuart/SKM’s Monica Buck as she sang “Over the Rainbow” while playing her ukulele.

During the awards ceremony, the annual Battle sportsmanship and team spirit award was given to Jamestown Mattress of Jamestown.

Ann Johnson of Bush Industries was honored with the team captain award for her commitment to the Y Battle and her team over the years.

The Battle was sponsored by Bluecross BlueShield of Western New York, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Eventz by Scott.

The Battle of the Businesses will return in September 2019. To receive an informational packet or share Battle pictures, contact Tom Anderson at 763-0303 or tanderson@jamestownymca.org.

Large Division

Falconer Central School 1,545

Frewsburg Central School 1,535

Jamestown BPU 1,510

Cummins 1,455

SKF Aeroengine 1,450

TitanX Engine Cooling 1,395

Bush Industries 1,380

Chautauqua County Government 1,350

UPMC Chautauqua 1,348

The Chautauqua Center 1,208

The Resource Center 1,030

Truck-Lite 795

Small Division

Jamestown Bar Association & City Court 1,585

Jamestown Mattress 1,585

Matco Tools 1,530

GCFCU/Chautauqua Suites 1,413

Stuart Tool / SKM 1,410

Jamestown Up Close 1,370

GA Family Services at Lutheran 1,365

Genie Retail Energy 1,233