57th Annual
Fireball Classic Memorial Race
🗓 Race Day: Friday, July 4, 2025
📍 Location: Wintersmith Park, Ada, OK
 
 

🎆Fireball Classic 2025: Record-Breaking Turnout and Incredible Impact

The 2025 Fireball Classic Memorial Race was our biggest yet, with 584 registered participants (up from 447 last year)! Together, we raised an amazing $22,724.80 to support Back to School Basics!

 
Thank you to our Backpack Buddies!

Backpack Buddies are direct donors to the Fireball Classic fundraising effort (Back to School Basics). They help to equip area students will the school supplies they need to start the school year strong.
 
This year, we received $590 in direct donations from our Backpack Buddies!

🏁 Fireball Classic 2025 Race Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Fireball Classic Memorial Race! 🎉 Official results for both the 5K and 10K are now available and include full age division breakdowns:

Special thanks to our friends at Twelve:One Running for providing top-notch race timing services. ⏱️

🏃 5K Results

🏆 Overall Top 3

  1. Adam Hensley (M, 14) – 18:58

  2. Jake Mann (M, 14) – 19:47

  3. Max Denney (M, 14) – 20:14

👟 Top 3 Male

  1. Adam Hensley (14) – 18:58

  2. Jake Mann (14) – 19:47

  3. Max Denney (14) – 20:14

👟 Top 3 Female

  1. Hayes Watson (17) – 21:43

  2. Aubrey Cupps (11) – 22:25

  3. Jayden Lee (16) – 23:01

📊 Age Group Winners

  • 0–9: Bayler Blair (F, 9) – 23:07 | Finn Edwards (M, 8) – 39:37

  • 10–14: Aubrey Cupps (F, 11) – 22:25 | Adam Hensley (M, 14) – 18:58

  • 15–19: Hayes Watson (F, 17) – 21:43 | Gus Byrd (M, 16) – 20:27

  • 20–29: Brooklyn Kile (F, 27) – 23:07 | Huston Holder (M, 20) – 21:14

  • 30–39: Machaille Borgsmiller (F, 37) – 24:21 | Victor Wind (M, 33) – 21:34

  • 40–49: Adrienne Rustin (F, 45) – 25:30 | Cody Dewitt (M, 40) – 24:49

  • 50–59: Amy Heller (F, 53) – 34:19 | Daniel Manuel (M, 51) – 22:25

  • 60–69: Melody Marshall (F, 60) – 35:57 | Malcolm Tartsah (M, 65) – 32:50

  • 70+: Carol Bridges (F, 79) – 27:38 | Terry Scott (M, 78) – 33:57

🏃‍♀️ 10K Results

🏆 Overall Top 3

  1. Jackson Stinnett (M, 25) – 36:29

  2. Brianna Stinnett (F, 24) – 39:06

  3. Ivan Huerta (M, 25) – 39:28

👟 Top 3 Male

  1. Jackson Stinnett (25) – 36:29

  2. Ivan Huerta (25) – 39:28

  3. Aden Evans (18) – 39:44

👟 Top 3 Female

  1. Brianna Stinnett (24) – 39:06

  2. Caris Tilley (15) – 45:23

  3. Pamela Dombek (40) – 46:07

📊 Age Group Winners

  • 10–14: Coen Estes (M, 14) – 44:10

  • 15–19: Caris Tilley (F, 15) – 45:23 | Aden Evans (M, 18) – 39:44

  • 20–29: Brianna Stinnett (F, 24) – 39:06 | Jackson Stinnett (M, 25) – 36:29

  • 30–39: Lexi Christensen (F, 39) – 47:22 | Logan Blackburn (M, 31) – 40:56

  • 40–49: Pamela Dombek (F, 40) – 46:07 | James Monroe (M, 41) – 46:57

  • 50–59: Valerie DeAngelis (F, 51) – 46:11 | Cole Hemmerling (M, 57) – 48:23

  • 60–69: Mark Medlock (M, 64) – 56:35

  • 70+: Michael McCrea (M, 77) – 38:47

Fireball 2025 Photos: Rain or Shine, the Fireball Classic Brought the Heat!

 

Despite the downpour, our community showed up in full force, with big smiles, soggy shoes, and unstoppable energy. From determined runners to drenched-but-dedicated volunteers and cheering fans, the 2025 Fireball Classic was a true testament to Ada’s spirit and resilience. We’re so proud of everyone who made this event a success!

We’ve started collecting some amazing photos that capture the joy, grit, and camaraderie of the day. Check out the album below to relive the memories, and if you’ve got more pics to share, tag us on Facebook or use #FireballClassicAda. Rain can't wash away the spirit of Fireball, Rotary, or this incredible community! We've also put a few of our favorites below!

Fireball 2025 Photo Album

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

We’re grateful to the generous sponsors who help make this event possible each year.
 
If you or your business is interested in sponsoring next year’s race, please contact us here.

Ada Sunrise Rotary is proud to recognize Mercy as our Elite Sponsor for the 2025 Fireball Classic Memorial Run!

 
Their continued support and commitment to community wellness help make this event possible year after year. From promoting healthy living to supporting local families through the Back to School Basics program, Mercy’s partnership is a shining example of service and care.
 
Thank you, Mercy, for running alongside us in every way that matters! Learn more about Mercy at https://www.mercy.net/!
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • David Crisp
 
  • Nancy Thomason
  • Sarah Jane Johnson
  • Rhynes Rentals
 

Here are a few fun photos from 2024 and previous years!

The Story Behind the Name: Honoring Ralph 'Fireball' Evans

Every Fourth of July, hundreds of runners gather at Wintersmith Park to take part in a beloved Ada tradition: the Fireball Classic Memorial Race. It’s a day of community, competition, and celebration. But have you ever wondered where the event gets its memorable name?

The name is a direct tribute to a true local legend, a man whose impact on Ada athletics is still felt today: Coach Ralph Evans.

So, who was Ralph Evans? He was a successful athlete at East Central University, known for his formidable speed and competitive drive on the track. He was also known by the unforgettable nickname, "Fireball."

After his running career, Evans dedicated his life to mentoring young athletes. His celebrated coaching career was so impactful that it led to his induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1981.

As a passionate advocate for running in the community, Coach Evans served as the inspiration for the annual Fourth of July race. To recognize his dedication to the sport, the event was named the "Fireball Classic" in his honor.

Today, the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club is honored to carry on this tradition. The competitive spirit and community focus that Coach Evans championed are alive and well. Now, the race not only celebrates his legacy but also serves another vital community purpose: all proceeds benefit our Back to School Basics program, which provides backpacks and school supplies to over 1,000 students in Pontotoc County.

So, when you lace up your shoes on July 4th, take a moment to remember Ralph "Fireball" Evans. You're not just running a race; you're participating in a piece of Ada history and honoring a local legend whose fiery spirit continues to inspire us all.

Be a Part of the Tradition!

You can honor the legacy of Coach "Fireball" Evans and support local students by participating the next race!

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