Chief Fandal challenges ‘young bucks’ to 40-yard dash this Saturday
By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – Slidell Chief of Police Randy Fandal had his day in the spotlight when he played several sports during his years at Slidell High School, going undefeated in the hurdles as a track star, and starting for the Tiger football team as well.
Even though Fandal is in the final years of an incredible 43-year law enforcement career that included the Louisiana State Police and the Slidell Police Department, he says he is not ready to retire his claim to sports excellence just yet.
That is why Fandal has challenged three “young buck” Slidell police officers to a 40-yard dash on the Slidell High track this Saturday, July 8. “Athletes” will gather at 8 a.m. for warm-ups, then the big race will take place at 8:30 a.m.
Fandal said the challenge for what has now been dubbed the “Real Wheels Race,” began when he was talking with Det. Shawn Chopin and Sgt. Jake Morris, “and they were bragging about how fast they were.”
Fandal said he immediately chimed in and said, “I can smoke both of you. I’ll challenge you to a 40-yard dash.”
The challenge was never formalized until the May company picnic when the talk started up and Fandal said, “OK, it’s on.”
The race will now include a third entry, Officer Justin Fabre, all challengers are 33-years of age.
The chief refuses to give his age, but considering he graduated from Slidell High in 1978, it is clear that Fandal is over 60. Even though he went through a hip replacement in recent years, the chief has stayed in great shape and said he is confident he is not going to lose.
“I am 100 percent confident they are going to lose,” he said, making the media wonder if there was a secret strategy.
Fandal was asked if he had been working out to get ready and only pointed to an incredible athletic achievement he has on his resume. In 2012, Fandal went on a 2,184-mile hike through the Appalachian Trail and said, “I never worked out to get ready for that.”
There will be a small admission at the gate, and donations will be taken, all to raise a few dollars for the Community Christian Concern.