“It Was Everything We Dreamed It Could Be”

Organizers were taking a "leap" of faith when they came up with the idea for the newest triathlon event in South Jersey. Last weekend, they, like the more than 1,000 participants, found out that sometimes even the biggest risks are worth taking.

The first ever Escape the Cape Triathlon has left a lasting imprint on South Jersey, one that race director Steven Del Monte says will keep it coming back for a very long time. Find out what he says were some of the biggest challenges were for the "newest premier event in New Jersey", including ensuring safety along one of the most unique starting lines in the world.

Jesse Billauer also knows something about taking risks; the California prodigy tackled some of the earth's biggest waves in hopes of becoming a professional surfer. Despite suffering a debilitating spinal cord injury in 1996, Billauer has refused to give up on his passion and continues to get back into water. Listen in to hear his amazing story, and for details on a signature surfing event for paraplegics and quadriplegics that's coming to our area.

One local athlete says he remembers everything about a conversation with his coach that made him into a man. Find out what Atlantic City Vikings basketball coach Gene Allen told Dayshawn Reynolds during his sophomore year, and why those words have made all the difference for one of South Jersey's most outstanding athletes.

And like Reynolds, Oakcrest's Connie Capone has also taken home some impressive honors this year, including recognition as the best senior female athlete in South Jersey. We asked the 2013 Old Grad Award recipient what the accomplishment means for her, and what's next for the soon-to-be Rutgers student athlete.

Listen to this week's show:

Coach Gene Allen & Ocean City's Tess Solozzo, 2013 Schoppy Awards from the Ocean City Music Pier

Sharon Sergeant, Physical therapist at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation

Connie Capone, Oakcrest tennis & 2013 Old Grad Award recipient

Brian Cunniff, Cape May County Gazette sports editor

Dayshawn Reynolds, Atlantic City football, basketball & 2013 Schoppy Award Winner

Steven Del Monte, Escape the Cape race director

Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On Foundation founder & ambassador

It’s all right here, on The South Jersey Sports Report. Listen every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com, and catch the expanded edition every Thursday night from 6-7 p.m.

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @TDsTake