Hopefully, I haven’t missed too much, but here’s some highlights from Queen City…..if I missed anyone, I apologize and its unintentional…..
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At Queen City Triathlon, Team Great Divide made its usual impressive showing in a somewhat non-traditional way. To prevent taking all the top spots in a race billed as a “Beginner Friendly Triathlon ” the TGD powerhouse turned its efforts to volunteering and supporting 50 plus new triathletes in a field of 80 racers.
Team members were at all the hot spots – including race director Russ Gates, volunteer coordinator Carolyn Keller, Mike Jacobson, Bryan Johnson, and Sarah Slanger at transition, Steve Creigh at the Green Meadow light; Greg Wirth at the finish line, JP Crowley at the Grill…. and Byron lurking around being helpful?!? I also saw Todd Younkin, Sean Slanger, Ann Seifert, and Laura Holien helping out. I’m sure I missed some other team members who worked the race.
As for racers, TGD swept the field anyway. Meghan Trainor (first triathlon race), Mick Karls, myself (not newbies anymore), and Patty Ramsay took first in their respective age groups. Steph Younkin secured third place in her age group for her first triathlon. Awesome showing by our new triathletes!
Since Queen City Triathlon is now USAT sanctioned (thanks to Ann Gilbert’s push and Russ’ kind acquiescence), all racers who are first in their age group qualify to race at USAT Nationals (in Tuskaloosa Alabama in August. Yuck!). Greg will have to step up the pace if he doesn’t want to be carrying Meghan’s bags around Tuskaloosa….. (Of course, he’ll be in good company with other team members. Russ Gates will be carrying his mom’s bags around if he doesn’t earn his own spot. Maybe he can talk JP into bringing the extracycle again). Our very own Carrie Strike, Crossroads masters swim coach, might as well be recruited for the team. She was first woman overall – with a swim background! That just goes to show what a beautiful swim stroke can do for you…..
Future team members Nate Crowley, Grace Crowley, Addie Slanger and Ashlin Slanger tore up the kids triathlon course. I think the TGD youth/junior team could be a presence at Spring Meadow if we can get jerseys that small!
I’m sure I missed some key moments and people, but I’d like to send out a big thanks to Russ and Carolyn for their excellent work! Same to Joel for Cow Country. What a great race weekend.
KP
Team Great Divide 