December 4, 2013 at 4:46 p.m.
A living legend among us?
A living legend among us?
Again this year, the brand behind the popular hats is looking to award one person across the country with the title "Living Legend." That person must embody many of the qualities Stormy Kromer hats exhibit themselves - reliability, strength, efficiency.
One Northwoods man has made his way to the final round of voting and is looking to claim the title for himself.
Joe Pettorini, an avid endurance sportsman from the area, was nominated by friends at the YMCA of the Northwoods Rhinelander, where he often volunteers.
Aquatics Director Melissa Nieman was behind the nomination and said she knew Pettorini would be a great fit.
"I am from Ironwood where the caps are made," she said. "I saw they had the Living Legend competition on their website, and if you know Joe, he embodies that title, not just from his accomplishments as an athlete, but as a person. They were looking for someone similar to the Stormy Kromer cap, someone who is tough. When I think about the cap, I think it lasts forever and it's durable. That's Joe. He's a tough guy and he's non-stop."
The 63-year-old Pettorini has an impressive collection of athletic accomplishment to his credit. He's participated in 238 triathlons, six Iron Man triathlons, 37 running marathons, the Ice Age 50-mile trail run and the four-day Minnesota Border to Border competition.
Pettorini said he participates in so many races simply because he enjoys it.
"It's a challenge for myself," he said. "I really like doing them. I get to meet some great people who are taking part."
Pettorini said he's proud of the accomplishments he's been able to achieve athletically and would love to win the Living Legends title.
"I've done a lot of triathlons and marathons, so that's why they thought I qualified," he said. "I got first place in the Iron Man when I was 55 and I kayaked the Wisconsin River which was a huge accomplishment. I went to the nationals for snowshoe racing and I've completed six Iron Man competitions in my life. I'm proud of all of that."
His real motivation to win the title isn't to be recognized for his athletic feats though. If Pettorini is named this year's Living Legend, he'll receive a $500 Stormy Kromer gift certificate and three percent of net online sales made through the site from Jan. 7 through Jan. 31 will be awarded to the YMCA of the Northwoods.
Pettorini doesn't plan on keeping any of the money though.
"I think it would be great to receive the award," he said. "My idea is that I want to donate any prize I would win to the public. I would donate the money because there are families out there that need it more than I do. I want to share any victory I have with others."
That's the real reason Nieman believes he deserves the title. With all the effort he puts into his races, she said he works even harder volunteering in the community.
"Everyone looks up to him and he's always motivating and pushing us to work out," she said. "He's just an amazing person and helps so much at the Y. One year, he road a stationary bike in the lobby for six hours straight to help raise money for our Strong Kids Campaign. He just never stops giving."
Nieman estimated that he puts in at least 20 hours a week volunteering at the YMCA, doing everything from painting to handing out candy on Halloween and dressing up as an elf for Christmas.
Pettorini said volunteering is just something he likes to do.
"I enjoy kids," he said. "I like to give back to my community and it's fun to interact with the children. I like to donate my time to other things to. I just want to give back. There are things that need to be done and someone has to do them. That's me."
Pettorini also volunteers at churches in the area as well as many other organizations. He's currently helping to organize the Treehaven Snowshoe Race.
To vote for Pettorini for the Stormy Kromer Living Legend title, visit stormykromer.com/living-legend.
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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