June 28, 2009—Four Best of the U.S. Qualifiers pushed the series past its halfway mark this weekend. Three top athletes will be making returns to the 2009 Championship; the medal positions feature very strong contenders, some new on the scene and some wily veterans.

Race #24: Warsaw Optimists Triathlon, Indiana, June 27
Now 39, the amazing Chris Wickard of Indiana takes the women’s state Best of the U.S. title for the fourth consecutive time. Besides being an exceptionally nice person, Chris has been one of the most consistent Championship performers. She finished 11th in 2006, 15th in 2007 and 13th in 2008. D.J. Hanback, who represented Indiana in 2006 just missed this year’s podium, finishing 4th Hoosier, just behind Luke Beasley, who raced at the Championship last year.
This year’s medalists for Indiana:
First: Chris Wickard (39, Crown Point) and Greg Mueller (38, South Bend)
Second: Lisa Mueller (27, South Bend) and Greg Howard (27, South Bend)
Third: Elise Laub (18, Spencerville) and Luke Beasley (21, Muncie)
Results: http://onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=3763

Race #25: Cheyenne Sprint Triathlon, Wyoming, June 28
Thirty year old Galen Gough from Casper topped the BOUS podium in Wyoming Sunday, with phenomenal 50-year-old Michael Walker of Cheyenne hot on his heels just 24 seconds back. If Gough is unable to accept his Championship berth, Walker could turn some heads and be very competitive with the younger set.
Wyoming’s Best of the U.S. medalists for 2009:
First: Daisy Pacheco (30, Casper) and Galen Gough (30, Casper)
Second: Lisa Bomengen (32, Thermpolis) and Michael L. Walker (50, Cheyenne)
Third: Kristi Ruben (39, Cheyenne) and L.J. Brown (32, Worland)

Jason Bird, who represented Wyoming at the inaugural BOUS Championship in 2005, today was fifth.
Results: http://ccrtiming.com/races/results/2009/09cheyenne.htm#bestUS

Race #26: Lake Waconia Triathlon, Minnesota, June 28
Big stories came out of Minnesota Sunday. A year ago Duluth’s Brian Bich made BOUS history as the first Masters athlete to podium at the Championship, taking home the third place trophy at the age of 42. Bich has all but owned the Lake Waconia course for the last 6 years and has earned Minnesota’s 1st place BOUS award every year, missing the Championship just once—while injured in 2007. In past Championships he has placed third (2005, age 39); ninth in 2006, and third in 2008.

Both second place athletes are Minnesota legends. Kevin O’Connor, owner of prominent tri store Gear West Bike & Tri and widely recognized as one of the top “bike guys” in the country, is having a remarkable year. He is one of just two Minnesota men to beat Brian Bich since 2003. Jan Guenther, owner of Gear West Ski & Run store was unbeatable in Minnesota for years and has earned more Triathlete of the Year and Master of the Year awards than she can count. Now 50, she shows no signs of slipping. And her best sport is Nordic skiing. Beating Jan for the top BOUS spot was a breakout performance for Brooke Mutzenberger. A relative newcomer to the sport –– this is her third season –– she has taken to it quickly and been racing with the sense that “someday I’ll win races.”

Minnesota’s BOUS medalists:
First: Brooke Mutzenberger (29, Eden Prairie) and Brian Bich (43, Duluth)
Second: Jan Guenther (50, Long Lake) and Kevin O’Connor (38, Medina)
Third: Susan Williams (36, Minneapolis) and Matt Payne (32, Columbia Heights)
Results: http://www.pigmantri.com/jmsracing/results09/wac09.html

Race #27: Philly Tri, Pennsylvania, June 28
Beth Shutt earned the right to defend her 8th place at the 2008 Championship with a two-minute margin over the next Pennsylvania women. Last year, she and teammate Rick Fesler were the 3rd Fastest State Team. Fesler did not race Pennsylvania’s Qualifier—he was busy taking 7th place at HyVee Triathlon. Today’s BOUS 1st place male medal went to Brian Duffy, Jr. – the #3 ranked (by USAT) 20-24 year old in the country.
First: Beth Shutt (Natrona Heights) and Brian Duffy, Jr. (West Chester)
Second: Lindsay Zemba (Palmyra) and John Nowoslawski (Philadelphia)
Third: Sharon Schmidt-Mongrain (Philadelphia) and Greg Rezwich (Philadelphia)
Results: http://www.virtualroster.com/index.cfm

Now 39, the amazing Chris Wickard of Indiana takes the women’s state Best of the U.S. title for the fourth consecutive time. Besides being an exceptionally nice person, Chris has been one of the most consistent Championship performers. She finished 11th in 2006, 15th in 2007 and 13th in 2008. D.J. Hanback, who represented Indiana in 2006 just missed this year’s podium, finishing 4th Hoosier, just behind Luke Beasley, who raced at the Championship last year.

This year’s medalists for Indiana:

First: Chris Wickard (39, Crown Point) and Greg Mueller (38, South Bend)
Second: Lisa Mueller (27, South Bend) and Greg Howard (27, South Bend)
Third: Elise Laub (18, Spencerville) and Luke Beasley (21, Muncie)

Catching up on final results from Best of the U.S. Week 11 action.

Race #20: DakotaMan Triathlon, South Dakota, June 20
First: Kristina Hein, 33, Sioux Falls and Justin Manning, 23, Tea
Second: Barbara Wehde, 20, Sioux Falls and Jason Crisp (2008 SD Representative; 29, Madison, SD)
Third: Kendra Lamberty, 40, Sioux Falls and Joshua Hochstein (32, Yankton)

Race #21: Ozark Valley Triathlon, Arkansas, June 21
A real family affair with the regionally-famous Pickhardt Family (brother, sister, and father) taking 3 Best of the U.S. medals, and the wife of Race Director Bruce Dunn earning one, too.
First: Maggie Pickhardt, 17, and Willie Pickhardt, 20
Second: Emily Gregory, 24 and John Williams, 35
Third: Debra Dunn, 53 and Mark Pickhardt, 48

Race #22: Treasure State Olympic Triathlon, Montana, June 21
First: Holly Walker (34, Bozeman) and Greg Wirth (34, Helena)
Second: Laura Holien (26, Helena) and John Weston (22, Bozeman)
Third: Mandy Axelson (25, Butte) and John Melvin (41, Missoula)

Race #23: Wisconsin Triterium, Wisconsin, June 22
See earlier story on Wisconsin’s award-winning team
First: Cindi Bannink (32, Madison) and Mark Harms (33, Madison)
Second: Emily Farrelll (32, Madison) and Matt Groose (28, Madison)
Third: Heather Curnutt (35, Madison) and David Peters (40, Fitchburg)

For the first two years, the Fastest State Team Competition at the Best of the U.S. Championship was a squeaker. In 2005, 5 seconds separated the 1st and 2nd place teams (Florida’s Lotte Branigan and John Reback, followed by Colorado’s Wendy Mader and Craig Greenslit) and less than a minute separated the Top 5 Teams. Then in 2006, Team Alaska (Shannon Donley and Jens Beck) took the title with just 2 seconds between them and second place Team Colorado (Mader/Greenslit again). Just 3 more seconds separated 3rd place, Team Minnesota (Cathy Yndestad and Brian Bich). And again, less than 1 minute separated the entire Top 5. It appeared a trend for the team competition was set.

Then came 2007. Team Wisconsin, consisting of Cindi Bannink and Mark Harms, blew it out for the Team win, with a 1:56 margin over second place Team Arizona (Champion Katie Ellis and Cam Hill). The Badger State duo returned in 2008 to take 4th place Team honors.

Cindi Bannink (32, Madison) is one of a rare breed: athletes who have represented their state at the Best of the U.S. Championship every year. Not only that, she has finished 9th (in ’05), 13th (in ’06, while injured), 4th (’07) and 7th (’08). Teammate Mark Harms (33, Madison) was 5th in 2006, 3rd in 2007, and 7th in 2008.

Joining them on the BOUS podium at Sunday’s Wisconsin Triterium were Matt Groose and Emily Farrell in 2nd and David Peters and Heather Curnutt in 3rd.

Medalists at DakotaMan Triathlon, Qualifier for South Dakota were:
First: Kristina Hein, 33, Sioux Falls and Justin Manning, 23, Tea
Second: Barbara Wehde, 20, Sioux Falls and Jason Crisp (2008 SD Representative; 29, Madison, SD)
Third: Kendra Lamberty, 40, Sioux Falls and Joshua Hochstein (32, Yankton)

Upon review, the women’s results for the June 14th Motor City Triathlon are reaffirmed as originally posted and awarded, sending 26-year-old Sarah Demerly back to the Best of the U.S. Championship; she raced for Michigan at the 2008 Championship in Tempe, AZ. Joining her on the women’s BOUS podium were Kim Sanner (41, Macomb) in second and Catherine Anderson (30, Ann Arbor) third.

Best of the U.S. Race #18: Michigan Qualifier: Motor City Olympic:
1. Chris Lutz (26, Warren) and Sarah Demerly (26, Dearborn)
2. Brian Francis (42, Brighton) and Kim Sanner (41, Macomb)
3. Timothy Polonkey (32, Clarkston) and Catherine Anderson (30, Ann Arbor)
http://www.3disciplines.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=79&Itemid=134

The skepticism was palpable in the voice of Race Director Steve Bussjaeger reporting in on the condition of Amanda Erwin following the stunning accident in which she was “t-boned” by a minivan while leading the Route 66 Oklahoma BOUS Qualifier on May 31.

Xrays taken right after the accident “didn’t show signs of a fracture” he said, but with more than a hint of disbelief in his tone. The accident had looked pretty bad. Unfortunately, his instincts were right.

“My tibia was broken by the impact of the minivan,” writes Amanda. “I had surgery the Tuesday after the accident to insert a rod into the bone. I am in a cast, obviously, and on crutches. It has been two and a half weeks and I'm nowhere near being able to put weight on my foot yet.”

And that’s just the start of the laundry list:

“I also sustained a concussion, whiplash, stress fracture of the upper tibia, fracture to the orbital socket, sprained shoulder, cracked teeth, and of course, multiple abrasions and bruises on left side of body and face.”

Amanda had finished 6th overall at the 2008 Best of the U.S. Championship, and was focused on qualifying again in ’09, although she had designs on acquiring a pro card. "The ‘bruises and disappointment’ first reported are the least of my worries right now! I'm not sure if triathlon is even in my near future, let alone turning professional in August, as was my intent.”

A reminder to Arkansas athletes that the Ozark Valley Triathlon Best of the U.S. Qualifier has changed venues.

"Due to severe ice storm damage and the Lake Wedington Park being closed for the summer, this year’s Ozark Valley Triathlon will be held at Horseshoe Bend Park on Beaver Lake in Rogers, Arkansas," said Race Director Bruce Dunn.

Updated distances are 800-yard swim, 15-mile bike and 4 mile run; no late fees will be charged for this year’s event. You may register from now until June 20th at $65 per individual or $120 per team.

Visit http://www.ozarkvalleytriathlon.com/ for more info.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
• Bentonville – Clarion Inn of Bentonville is offering a special event rate of $69 per night including a full hot breakfast. Call 479-464-4600. Mention the Ozark Valley Triathlon.
• Horseshoe Bend Park – campsites are available at the park. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777
• Fayetteville - The Cosmopolitan in Fayetteville is offering a special rate of $85 per night. Reserve your room by calling 479-442-5555. Mention the Ozark Valley Triathlon.

Best of the U.S. Week 10 competition covered the Upper Midwest and Southeast parts of the country, qualifying familiar and not-so-familiar names, a current National Champion, and some serious up-and-comers. Reigning USAT National Age Group Champion Jason Schott won for Georgia (at West Point Lake Tri) along with relative newcomer and former collegiate swimmer Haley Chura. Chris Lutz of Warren took the title for Michigan; women’s results from Motor City Tri are under review and will be reported when final. Fairly new but serious triathlete Jacob Deitz won for Ole Miss at Dragonfly Tri, while the absence of 2008 Best of the U.S. Champion Margot Hair opened the door for Angie Dickerson, a former collegiate swimmer and cross-country runner in her fourth year of racing. Meanwhile, next door in Alabama, Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon returns Jonathan Krichev, who race at the 2007 Championship, and Lori Goldweber, who has qualified to represent Alabama for the third time.
Also Sunday, Bismarck Triathlon, which was run as a duathlon due to 53 degree water temp at Misty Waters Marina, qualified the power-packed duo of Rob Gilles and Marnie Walth. Walth has been Queen of the Dakotas and a regional force for years. Gilles, is making a return to serious racing; in 2001 he took the region by storm, earning regional Triathlete of the Year, Duathlete of the Year and Performance of the Year honors.

#19: North Dakota Qualifier: Bismarck Triathlon
1. Rob Gilles (33, Fargo) and Marnie Walth (40, Bismarck)
2. David Burns (43, Bismarck) and Barbara Kuhlemeier (50, Minot)
3. Mike Fretland (34, Bismarck) and Kailee Fretland (28, Bismarck)
http://onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=3659

#18: Michigan Qualifier: Motor City Olympic:
1. Chris Lutz (26, Warren) Women’s results under review
2. Brian Francis (42, Brighton)
3. Timothy Polonkey (32, Clarkston)
http://www.3disciplines.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=79&Itemid=134

#17: Mississippi Qualifier: Dragonfly Triathlon
1. Jacob Deitz (24, Leland) and Angie Dickerson (32, Southaven)
2. Eugene O’Donnell (30, Madison) and Jinx Campbell (46, Ocean Springs)
3. Stuart Makinson (25, Flowood) and Laura Galloway (44, Tupelo)
http://www.besttimescct.com/results/Dragon09.txt


#16 Georgia Qualifier: West Point Lake Triathlon
1. Jason Schott (38, Dahlonega) and Haley Chura (24, Smyrna)
2. Samuel Morgan (26, Atlanta) and Katherine Tindol (41, Suwanee)
3. DennisReardon (37, Canton) and Yvonne Bedell (33, Dunwoody)
http://results.active.com/pages/displayNonGru.jsp?orgID=216352&rsID=79799

#15: Alabama Qualifier: Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon
Jonathan Krichev (32, Huntsville) and Lori Goldweber (45, Birmingham)
David Meadows(40, Birmingham) and Meredith Tyler (20, Birmingham)
Dewayne Minor (37, Birmingham) and Leah Braden (29, Fultondale)
http://onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=3301

On a warm, drizzly Georgia morning, the Peach State’s best triathletes smoked their respective fields by 4+ minutes each.
For men, the smokin’ was courtesy of Jason Schott (38, Dahlonega), reigning USAT National Champion, with a 1:59:27 posting. For the women, it was 24-year-old former collegiate swimmer Haley Chura of Smyrna doing the honors, with her 2:18:38 performance.
Joining them on the Best of the U.S. podium were Samuel Morgan (26, Atlanta) and Katherine Tindol (41, Suwanee) in second place and Dennis Reardon (37, Canton) and Yvonne Bedell (33, Dunwoody) in third. Reardon was Georgia’s representative at last year’s Best of the U.S. National Championship. Georgia’s David Silver won the Best of the U.S. National Championship in 2006.

Ever since some fast guys named deBoom used to race there, Iowa’s Pigman Sprint Triathlon has attracted the region’s best athletes. Its sprint distance, challenging bike course and depth of talent consistently result in blazing fast times. This year is no exception.

Best of the U.S. men’s Iowa Champion Mike Morrison was actually 4th man across the line –– 2 seconds behind Minnesota’s Brian Bich [first Master ever to podium at BOUS Championship, in 2008]; 11 seconds behind long-ago-pro-returning-to-form Kevin O’Connor (also MN); and precisely 60 seconds behind winner and current pro Daniel Bretscher (IN). Morrison provided one of BOUS’ most compelling images at the 2005 Championship with an all-out sprint down a long finish straightaway to hold off challengers, and hold onto the 10th and final award position. He raced the BOUS Championship again in 2006.

Top Iowa woman was 24-year-old Erin Anderson from Iowa City, leading Daniela Williams (33, North Liberty) and Angela Thompson (33, Iowa City). The Iowa women also followed a power-packed women’s race, won by Minnesota’s Cathy Yndestad (6th place at BOUS Championship 2006; 3rd place in 2008; runner-up for Triathlete of the Year, 2008), with former Iowan Jenny Jackson (now of Colorado) and Illinois’ Jennifer Garrison following.

Also on the Best of the U.S. Iowa men’s podium were Nathan White (26, Des Moines, 2nd) and Tony White (24, Des Moines, 3rd).
http://www.pigmantri.com/pig1rst09.html

The Milkman Triathlon celebrated its 25th Anniversary in style Saturday. Long a favorite on the Southwest Challenge Series, the race consistently attracts the area’s best and brightest triathletes. This year Milkman was the Rocky Mountain Regional Championship, in addition to hosting the Best of the U.S. New Mexico Championship for the fifth straight year.

The pride of Santa Teresa, 45-year-old Gretchen McElroy took the BOUS crown for New Mexico women for the second consecutive year. Texas’ Ashley Messoline was first overall, but as a Texas resident, ineligible for NM Best of the U.S. qualifying.

Thirty-nine-year-old Clay Moseley from Los Alamos will be making his 4th appearance for New Mexico at the Best of the U.S. Championship (Sept. 27, at Orange County International). Clay has a pretty impressive history with BOUS, finishing 12th in 2006; 8th in 2007; and 17th in 2008.

Second place New Mexico athletes were Shane Cleveland (Albuquerque) and Aubrey Blaire-Pattison (Albuquerque). In third were Chip Cooper (Los Alamos) and Terry Moore (Las Cruces). The amazing 49-year-old Bobby Gonzales from El Paso, who raced for Texas at the 2005 BOUS Championship, was actually third across the line ahead of New Mexican Cooper.
http://www.ccrtiming.com/races/results/2009/09Milkman.htm#best-us

Missouri's QuarterMax Triathlon produced champions with experience Saturday, with Joe Company (35, Columbia) the overall winner and Kristin Moore (35, St. Charles) the women's champion. Company represented Missouri at Best of the U.S. Championship in 2008. Kristin raced for her state in 2005.

Receiving second place medals were Ted Zderic (37, Columbia) and Jackie Pearce (31, Columbia). In third were Matt Brier (32, Saint Louis) and Kate Bartemus (27, Chesterfield).
http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=10942#racetop

BEST OF THE U.S. Week 8
Race #11: Route 66 Triathlon, Oklahoma City, OK

The stage was set for high drama Sunday morning, with three prior Best of the U.S. Oklahoma Woman’s Champions –– Dana Chance (’05), Shannon Peters (’07) and Amanda Erwin (’08) –– toeing the line “eyeball to eyeball” as described by Race Director Steve Bussjaeger. Erwin was “gunning for it”, he said, focused on returning to the Championship following her 6th place 2008 finish. None of them were aware of a last-minute entrant, “literally the last athlete registered Friday night” according to Bussjaeger, by the name of Bethany Handley.

With Handley recently relocated to Oklahoma City from her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, no one knew her. “I was stripping wetsuits,” said Bussjaeger, “and when I saw the number 168 on the first woman out of the water I looked around and said “I have no idea who that woman is’”. Nor did anyone onsite know about her 16th Place finish at St. Anthony’s just a few weeks ago, or that she races for the Riptide Elite Amateur Team. She was the second person overall out of the water. “She rode a basic road bike, not even a tri bike.”

The motivated Erwin had passed Handley on the bike and was out front about halfway through the 20K ride when disaster struck. “It was a four-lane divided highway, manned by an officer; we’re not sure but it appears he simply didn’t see Amanda coming,” reported Bussjaeger, “and waved a car right on through. It just t-boned her.”

Hospitalized and released later in the day, Amanda was flown the 100 miles back home to Tulsa by a friend with a small plane, accompanied by her boyfriend. “So far it seems she’s mostly bruised and fiercely disappointed,” said Bussjaeger.

With Erwin out, Bethany Handley took over and cruised to the win with over 4 minutes to spare. Tulsa’s Dana Chance was second and Shannon Peters of Moore, OK was third.

Meanwhile, Christian Ballard, from Norman OK used a strong swim to take an insurmountable lead and do something no other Oklahoman of either gender had yet done: repeat as BOUS Champion. Following Ballard were Travis Newton from Moore and Eric McCrary of Catoosa.

Next up:
Best of the U.S. Week 9, June 6 & 7
Race #12 Quartermax Missouri Qualifier http://ultramaxtri.com/races/wth/index.php
Race #13 Milkman New Mexico Qualifier http://www.milkmantriathlon.com/
Race #14 Pigman Iowa Qualifier http://www.pigmantri.com/

In the only Best of the U.S. Qualifying action of the weekend, Sahuarita Lake Triathlon in Tucson on Memorial Day produced a solid Championship team for the Grand Canyon State. [tritucson.com]

Forty-two year old Cam Hill of Fountain Hills captured the Best of the U.S. slot for the third time in a row, besting Thomas Taylor (34) by 26 seconds. Thirty-five year old Brandon Sullivan was third about a minute back.

The women’s race was tight, with the Best of the U.S. medalists separated by just 21 seconds. Kara Middendorf (31) was first, Sarah Lieneke-Nickle (30) second and Robin Watson (30) in third. Lori-Lynn Leach, a pro from Canada ineligible for BOUS qualifying, was actually first across the line.

A last-minute bike course change was forced by construction. "The course went from having a 2.5 mile hill climb (the "Mini Beast") to a totally flat, 2 lap, speed course. The hill climbers were somewhat disappointed but all in all we've received all positive feedback," said Race Director Jim Stites.

In 2007, Hill and teammate Katie Ellis, who won the National Championship and now races pro, took the 2nd Fastest State Team trophies.

Up next week: OKLAHOMA’s Route 66 Triathlon Sunday May 31. [triokc.org]

MARYLAND:
It’s perfectly understandable for new moms to take some time off from racing; some new dads do, too. So...how much time do you get when you have triplets?

Ask Connie Chow-Dowler, the 34-year-old from Kensington, Maryland, who snagged the Best of the U.S. slot for Maryland yesterday at the 26th Annual Columbia Triathlon. Chow-Dowler first earned the honors in 2005, and went on to finish just out of the awards at the inaugural Best of the U.S. Championship, at 11th place. Now she’s back, triplets in tow, followed by Julia Bryan,30,from Elkridge and Suzy McCulloch,29, Ellicott City, in the 2nd and 3rd place BOUS spots.

22-year-old Kyle Hooker from Annapolis was 1st BOUS finisher for men, with Zachary Britton, 27, Washington D.C. (which is part of MD for BOUS purposes) and 39-year-old Brian Benda from Parkton second and third.



SOUTH CAROLINA:
Meanwhile, just a jaunt down the eastern seaboard, Set Up Events’ Clemson Triathlon produced Best of the U.S. Qualifiers Chris Olson, 36, of Spartanburg and 35-year-old Katharine Welling (also of Spartanburg) repeating as BOUS state champ.

Two veteran BOUS athletes, Mark Woody (39, Chapin, 2008) and Brooks Keys (29, Anderson, 2005) followed Olson onto the BOUS South Carolina podium. Bridget Campbell (26, Bluffton) and Dee Atkins (31, Campobello) joined Welling on the stand, taking 2nd and 3rd.


TEXAS:
Kathy Rakel, 24, who represented Arizona last year and took 9th for women at the Championship, won her slot handily, and will represent the Lone Star State, with David Preston taking the men’s slot. Confirmation of other medalists coming soon.

Many things in sport can point one toward triathlon success; one of those surely must be a history of sub-4 minute mile running. “This gentleman is a class act and will represent New Jersey very well,” says JerseyMan race director Ian Heffernan of Best of the U.S. qualifier Dirk Heinze. “It was his first tri, and he won.”

Heinze was actually 5th across the finish line…behind Nicholas Vandam (U23 elite), pro Holden Comeau, Cadence Cycling rising star Joe Maloy (from Massachusetts and therefore not scored as a New Jersey BOUS racer) and Rick Fesler (also not a NJ resident) who was 4th overall at the BOUS Championship last year and who went on to win the amateur race at Columbia Tri a week later. Heinze, who is 32, was just 55 seconds behind Fesler. Following Heinze to the BOUS New Jersey podium were a couple of 41 year-olds: Doug Clark of Morris and Scott Duprex of Bayonn.

Lori Freeland-Morris, who represented New Jersey at Best of the U.S. Championship in 2006 was 3rd NJ amateur this year, behind some serious talent. Alice Henriques who we believe (and will confirm) to be the former Olympic-trials competitor (2000 and 2004) in the 100 and 200 meter backstroke. Taking second place was USAT All American Maijaleena Zucker.

Fourth at the 2008 Championship, Chris Tommerdahl (23, Chapel Hill) earned the berth for North Carolina once again, at White Lake Sprint Triathlon Sunday, May 3. Chris was joined on the Best of the U.S. podium by Brianne Gaal of Cary and Amie Krasnozon from Morrisville.

Charlotte’s Danny Forsythe earned the berth for North Carolina men, followed by Lance Leo (also of Charlotte) and Aaron Kiefer from Cary.


Meanwhile down in the bayou the Hidden Paradise Sprint Triathlon, BOUS qualifier for Louisiana, was a near washout. With 4-1/2 inches of rain falling in two hours race morning, the bike course was rendered unusable, with 6” deep flowing water running across the road in places. Attempts to run the race as an aquathlon were foiled by recurring thunder and lightning. After 2.5 hours of delay, the race was started as a 5K, with rain still pouring throughout. Best of the U.S. results are being confirmed and will be posted soon.

4/26/09, St Petersburg, FL Connecticut's Chris Thomas and West Virginia's Vinnie Monseau went 1-2 in the Elite Amateur Race at today's 26th running of St. Anthony's Triathlon, a reversal of their order at last fall's 2008 Best of the U.S. Amateur Championship race. Ultimately, the Amateur Elite Top Tens included 8 Best of the U.S. athletes.

Fierce easterly winds creating 5-foot swells forced cancellation of the swim for all but the pro field. Amateurs raced the 40K Bike, 10K Run in a time trial start format. Eric Bell was first across the line, got bounced to 3rd by Thomas and Monseau, then to 7th with a penalty. Bell was Tennessee's Best of the U.S. representative in 2007, but was unable to race when he got injured the day before the race.

Monseau was a darkhorse last October when he took the Best of the U.S. crown. It would have truly been Monseau's day yet again, had he not crashed; the 40-year-old ER doctor's time turned out to be just 11 seconds slower than winner Chris Thomas', in spite of an impressive display of road rash.

Fifth place for the elite amateur men today was Florida's John Reback, who was 8th at the 2005 Best of the U.S. Championship and, together with Florida teammate Lotte Branigan, Fastest State Team Champion.

Four 2008 Best of the U.S. women placed in the top ten as well. Minnesota's Cathy Yndestad [BOUS 6th in 2006, 3rd in 2007] was 4th; Kathy Rakel [BOUS 9th for Arizona in 2008, now of Texas] was 6th; Colorado's Sydney Cornell [BOUS 17th in 2008] was 8th; and Elizabeth Ott of Illinois [a close 2nd at BOUS in 2008] today was 10th.

BOUS alumnae impacted the pro race, as well, with Jillian Petersen (4th at 2006 BOUS) in the money today at 4th place, and Hawaii's Bree Wee 8th. Seventh place woman at the 2005 inaugural BOUS Championship, Wee went on to be named 2007 Amateur Of The Year after recording the fastest-ever amateur women's time at Ironman Hawaii (9:46).

Florida's early-season 2009 Best of the U.S. Qualifiers also did well. 19 year-old Nicolas Tautiva was 2nd and Alison Poe (previously representing Kentucky at BOUS) was 8th.

(4/28/09) NORTH CAROLINA & LOUISIANA QUALIFIERS ARE NEXT!
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(4/18/09) CLYDESDALE EARNS BOUS INVITATION. Clydesdale triathlete David Schultz of Henderson was the fastest male Nevadan at the Rage in the Sage Olympic/Best of the US Nevada Qualifier at Lake Mead southeast of Las Vegas on Saturday, April 18. Fellow Clydesdale David Vanzanten placed 3rd among Nevada men, which placed him in the 2nd passdown position. In 2nd was Brandon Nichols.

The top Nevada woman was Christine Brown, Vermont transplant Leslie Myers and Reenie Griffin finished in the passdown positions.

RAGE IN THE SAGE NEVADA QUALIFIER
April 18, 2009

WINNER: David Schultz (Henderson) & Christine Brown (Las Vegas)
PASSDOWN #1: Brandon Nicols (Las Vegas) & Leslie Myers (Las Vegas)
PASSDOWN #2: David Vanzanten (Las Vegas) & Reenie Griffin (Henderson)

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(4/17/09) NEVADA'S QUALIFIER IN UP NEXT. Rage in the Sage/BOUS Nevada Qualifier is Saturday, April 18. Stay tuned for capsule and results.
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(4/7/09) The Best of the US Amateurs of the Week for April 4-5 are: LINDA ROBB, 45, of Juno Beach, FL, who placed 2nd overall / 1st amateur / 1st master at the Nautica Miami Triathlon on April 5. Her effort was reminiscent of her spectacular 2nd to Brooke Davison--Davison, now a pro, won NMT--at the 2008 Dallas US Open. Other AOWs are 2008 BOUS CHampionship runner-up CHRIS THOMAS of Easton Connecticut, who was top amateur at California 70.3, and IC70.3 co-champ HEATHER JACKSON of San Jose, who bettered a Who's Who of elite amateur women on April 4.
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(4/6/09) TAUTIVA & POE GRAB FLORIDA BERTHS

Rising star NICOLAS TAUTIVA, 19, of Clermont, and Gainesville's ALLISON POE, 28, were the top Florida amateurs on at the 26th annual Great Clermont International Triathlon, which hosted the Best of the US Florida Qualifier on April 5. Tautiva has been quietly moving up through the ranks for the last two seasons and appears ready to take his place among America's top juniors. Vagabond triathlete Poe was raised in Maysville, Kentucky, and had qualified to represent the Bluegrass State at the 2007 and 2008 BOUS Championship. She accepted her '07 slot and went on to place 15th at the National Championship. During this period she was also attending college in Ontario. She relocated to Florida in 2008.

If Tautiva is unable to accept his BOUS invitation, the slot will be offered to runner-up JEFF CUDDEBACK, 51, of Longwood. Cuddeback is one of America's most decorated triathletes. He is a former National and World Champion and holder of divisional records at the Hawaiian Ironman. He was named US Athlete of the Year in 1993 and US Master of the Year in 2003. He was nominated for Master of the Year in '08.

If Poe cannot accept her berth, it will be offered Clermont's KIMBERLY GROGAN, 30, whose husband Kevin represented Florida at the 2006 BOUS Championship.

NOTE: Poe accepted her invitation on April 8.

GREAT CLERMONT FLORIDA QUALIFIER: BOUS MEDALISTS

WINNER: Nicolas Tautiva, 19, Clermont & ALLISON POE, 28, Gainesville
PASSDOWN #1: Jeff Cuddeback, 51, Longwood & Kimberly Grogan, 30, Clermont
PASSDOWN #2: Christian Monsanto, 29, Gainesville & Kelly Collins, 41, Winter Park
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(4/4/09) BOUS alumni excel at California 70.3! BOUS Management congratulates the following athletes, who finished among the top 10 amateurs at Ironman California 70.3 on April 4:

MEN:

* 1st! - CHROSTOPHER THOMAS, 37, Easton, CT (Thomas placed 2nd at the 2008 BOUS Championship and 12th in 2007)
* 5th - PATRICK BALDWIN, 34, Del Mar, CA (Baldwin, a two-time California representative, cracked the op 10 at the BOUS Champs in 2007)
* 6th - MARK HARMS, 33, Madison, WI (Harms is a three-time BOUS Wisconsin representative, and has cracked the top 10 each him. His best was a 3rd in 2007.)

WOMEN:

* 5th - MARIT CHRISLOCK-LAUTERBACH, California (Marit represented NC at the 2006 BOUS Championship.)
* 8th - BETH SHUTT, Pennsylvania (Beth placed 9th at the 2008 BOUS Championship.)

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(4/4/09) Former US Triathlete of the Year, Master of the Year, four-time St. Anthony's winner LINDA ROBB,45, will not be going for the Florida BOUS invitation at Great Clermont tomorrow. She'll remain in Juno Beach to be near her ailing father. Our thoughts are with Linda and her family.
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(3/31/09) DE LA TORRE and MORRIS earn invitations to represent Hawaii. Luis De Latorre, former Amateur World Champion and 8th-place finisher at the 2008 Best of the US Championship, has earned the right to represent Hawaii at this year's Championship. His 1:57:33 was an extraordinary performance on a wind-swept March 29 on the Big Island. Earning the womens invitation was Ohio transplant Maggs Morris. Her 2008 highlights include a 2nd at Iroquois Point, a 4th at Honolulu and a 10th at Honolulu 70.3. Morris has tentatively expressed interest in accepting her BOUS slot. Female runner-up JESSICA TRANCHINA wants the slot if it passes to her.



LAVAMAN TRIATHLON HAWAII QUALIFIER: BOUS MEDALISTS

WINNERS: Luis De La Torre, 41, Kailua-Kona & MAGGS MORRIS, 37, Kailua (Oahu)
PASSDOWN #1: Tai Blechta (Honolulu) & Jessica Tranchina (Honolulu)
PASSDOWN #2: Mike Ferriera (Kailua-Kona) & Shannon Cutting (Honolulu)

NOTE: The names of athletes who have accepted their berths are capitalized.

* THE GREAT CLERMONT FLORIDA QUALIFIER ON APRIL 5 IS NEXT.
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(3//25/09) LAVAMAN TO KICK-OFF 2009 BOUS SERIES THIS SUNDAY! For the 5th consecutive year, Hawaii's Lavaman Olympic distance triathlon will kick-off the BOUS schedule. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 29. Stay tuned for story and results!
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(3/25/09) An estimated 22-25 BOUS athletes now are licensed pros. Here are some of those impressive athletes: Daniel Agnew (OK), Katie Ellis (AZ), Kevin Everett (ID), Lt. Col. Heidi Grimm (NY), Philippe Kozub (MD), Heather Leiggi (PA), Christopher Martin (NJ), Jillian Petersen (MO), Margie Shapiro (VA), David Silver (GA), Chris Tremonte (WA), Jim Vance (CA), Kim Webster (MA), Bree Wee (HI) and Kelly Williamson (VA).
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(3/24/09) The deepest pre-Nationals elite amateur field will congregate in St. Petersburg, FL on
April 26 for the 26th edition of the venerated St. Anthony's Triathlon. The assemblage, not quite as talented as its 2007 counterpart, thanks to conspicuous absence of the likes of winners Brooke Davison (pro in 2009)and Adam Webber (pro in 2009), multiple St. Anthony's champ & 2006 USAT AOY Lotte Branigan (spending this post-partum time in her native Denmark), USAT AOY HMs Eric Bell (pro in 2009) and Tony White (pro in 2009), is impressive nonetheless. Thirteen of the 128 athletes are BOUS alumni, including the top two men at the 2008 Champs, Vinnie Monseau and Christopher Thomas.

Understanding that St. Anthony's has a rich history of unveiling previously unknown superstars-to-be like Brooke Davison ('08), Adam Webber ('08), Erin Ford (2005), Greg Rouault('07), Bill Schultz ('03), Dierdre Tennant ('02) and Susie Stark ('01), its fun to speculate about the favorites. (It's interesting to note that all of amateur stars mentioned above, except Davison and Webber, have gone on to relative anonymity as pros. We don't predict this will be the case for the amazing Davison.)

Who are the folks, who on paper, have a shot at the podium this year? Let's start with the men. Connecticut's Thomas has a good shot. As does Chicago's Eric Ott, Tennessee's Zach Winchester and Minnesotan Curt Wood, who was men's runner-up in 2007. West Virginia's Monseau, now 40, should lead the chase pack along with Californian David Valencia and a half-dozen others.

The women's field is arguably stronger than the men's. Midwestern stars Cathy Yndestad, Lindsay Whalen and Elizabeth Ott appear to be the girls to beat. Maryland's Amy Alexander might challenge, if she's healthy. And never count out the amazing Floridian Linda Robb, who despite the length of her teeth--she's now 45--can win this race, which is something she's done on FOUR prior occasions. Additionally, her 2nd place effort here in 2007 (in 2:03:25!), was arguably the best US female masters Olympic distance performance EVER.

Now that the guessing is over we're excited about going to St. Petersburg and being disproved.

Here are the BOUS veterans who will be racing at St. Anthony's on April 26:

Women: Rachel Cieslewski (UT), Sydney Cornell (CO), Lisa Lewis (MO), Elizabeth Ott (IL), Kathy Rakel (TX), Cathy Yndestad (MN). Ott and Yndestad are former BOUS Championship podium finishers.

Men: Bruce Gennari (TN), Vinnie Monseau (WV), Dennis Reardon (GA), John Reback (FL), Jerely Sipos (GA), Christopher Thomas (CT), Christian Waterstraat (IL).
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(March 20, 2009) ATTENTION KENTUCKY TRIATHLETES: Scheduling problems prevent the Susan Bradley-Cox Tri For Sight from hosting the 2009 Kentucky Qualifier. Instead the qualifier will be hosted by the Buffalo Trails Triathlon in Maysville on August 15. This exciting new event will also host the MidEast Regional Club Finals. Learn more at http://www.buffalotrialsraces.com.
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(March 18, 2009) Minnesota's BRIAN BICH, a two-time podium finisher (2008 & 2005) in Best of the US Championship Competition, was named 2008 Master of the Year by USAT Triathlon (and by Best of the US Management - see below). The 42-year-old from Duluth became the first masters triathlete, male of female, to reach the podium at a Best of the US Championship last October in Tempe, AZ. Bich is the 3rd Minnesotan in the last decade to receive the MOY Award. Jan Guenther (1999) and Tony Schiller (2002) have also earned this prize.
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(March 17, 2009) BOUS personnel closely follow the performances of America's top amateur triathletes. Here are our picks for the BEST OF THE US in 2008:

* MALE TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR: David Kahn, 25, Port Jefferson, NY

The versatile Kahn was our clear choice, thanks to dominating Olympic distance wins at New York City, Chicago and Dallas US Open, as well as long distance triumphs at Ironman Arizona and Boise 70.3.

Honorable Mention: Adam Webber (27, Denver PA), Eric Bell (29, Knoxville, TN), Tim Hola (33, Highlands Ranch, CO), Christopher Thomas * (36, Easton, CT), Tony White (23, Corbin, KY)

Also Receiving Consideration: Jeffery Keil (Louisville, CO), David Slavinski * (Point Park, NJ), Vinnie Monseau * (Morgantown, WV), Mark Harms * (Madison, WI), Arthur Mathisen (APO, CA), Justin Henkel (Sheboygan, WI), Nick Waninger (Christmas, IN), Craig Greenslit (Berthoud, CO)

* FEMALE TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Brooke Davison, 37, Boulder, CO

From totally off the radar in 2007 to undefeated in 2008, Davison may be the best amateur female the US has ever produced. And that's really saying something. Did she really outperform the likes of past AOYs like Julie Swail (Ertel), Joanna Zeiger, Susanne Bartholmew (Williams) and Donna Kay-Ness? In a word: Yes. Her season began with a "Brooke Who" win at St. Anthony's in April and concluded with a totally-expected World Record at 70.3 Worlds in November. In between she won two major halves, Age Group Nationals and iconic intermediates Los Angeles, Boulder Peak and the Dallas US Open.

Honorable Mention: Cathy Yndestad (30, Apple Valley, MN), Kathleen Calkins (32, Gold River, CA), Kirsten Sass * (29, McKenzie, TN), Lindsay Jerdonek (24, Silver Spring, MD), Lauren Harrison (31, Sunnyvale, CA)

Also Considered: Wendy Mader (Fort Collins, CO), Rachel Ross (Honolulu, HI), Kelly Lear-Kaul (Littleton, CO), Elizabeth Ott * (Naperville, IL), Suzanne Huelster * (NJ), Lauren Swigart (San Jose, CA), Heather Jackson (San Jose, CA), Lindsay Whalen (Chicago, IL), Shannon Donley (Anchorage, AK)

* MALE MASTER OF THE YEAR: Brian Bich,* 42, Duluth, MN

What a great batch of masters this year. Thanks to his podium finish at BOUS Nationals, the first master to do so, and his win over substantial pro and amateur competition at the Pigman Half, we gave Bich the nod by the slightest of margins over National Masters Champ Doug Clark.

Honorable Mention: Doug Clark (40, Morristown, NJ), Oakes Ames (55, New Canaan, CT), Jeff Cuddeback (50, Longwood, FL), Michael Smith (45, Brownsburg, IN)

Also Considered: Pete Kain (45, Cupertino, CA), Michael Hagen (46, Boulder, CO), Bruce Gennari * (42, Brentwood, TN), Joe Bonness (54, Naples, FL), Luis De La Torre * (40, Kailua-Kona, HI), Peter Abdinoor (40, North Andover, MA)

* FEMALE MASTER OF THE YEAR: Linda Robb, 44, Juno Beach, FL

This was tough, but Robb came out on top thanks to her outright win at New York City, her 2nd place overall finish (behind Brooke Davison) at Dallas US Open and her 3rd at St. Anthony's (behind Davison and 2006 AOY Lotte Branigan). Perhaps the most impressive master, however, was tri-newcomer Ellen Hart. In only her second year as a multisporter, this former star distance runner was nothing short of amazing.

Honorable Mention: Laura Sophiea (53, Atlanta, GA), Ellen Hart (50, Denver, CO), Donna Kay-Ness (45, Somers, CT), Kelly Molaski (50, Bellingham, WA)

Also Considered: Lisbeth Kenyon (41, Barrington, RI), Steph Popelar (41, Parker, CO), Cassie McWilliam (45, Rye, NY), Nancy Smith (52, New Britain, PA), Diana Hassel (41, Fort Collins, CO), Peggy Yetman (40, Beaumont, TX)

* MALE GRAND MASTER OF THE YEAR (60+): Steven Smith, 61, Granger, IN


Honorable Mention: Jon Adamson (71, Alpharetta, GA), Peter Wood (65, La Jolla, CA), Bob Scott (78, Naperville, IL)

Also Considered: Robert Plant (65, Woodside, CA), Richard Clark (70, Tiburon, CA)

* FEMALE GRAND MASTER OF THE YEAR: Anne Erickson, 66, The Woodlands, TX

Honorable Mention: Cherie Gruenfeld (63, Cathedral City, CA), Lauren Binder (61, Portland, OR), Elizabeth Brackett (67, Chicago, IL)

Also Considered: Jan Miller (70, Green Valley, AZ)

* US ELITE ROOKIES OF THE YEAR: David Slavinski,* 37, Point Park, NJ & Margot Hair, * 27, Diamondhead, MS

* 2008 BOUS Representative
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(March 15, 2009) ZACH WINCHESTER of Chattanooga, TN, and LINDSAY WHALEN of Chicago, IL, won the Elite Amateur Division of the 2nd annual Miami International Triathlon on March 15. Winchester's 1:58:52 bettered runner-up ARTHUR MATHISEN's time by 1:58. Mathisen, of Weston, FL, earned USAT All American Honorable Mention in 2008. Whalen's time was 2:12:04, beating second-placing SEELEY GUTIERREZ of Tallahassee, by 2:36.
Whalen was the 25-29 National Champion in 2008 and excelled in Lifetime Fitness Series racing, placing 3rd in the Elite category at Chicago and 4th at the Dallas US Open Series Championship.

Defending BOUS champions VINNIE MONSEAU of West Virginia, and MARGOT HAIR of Mississippi, have announced that they hope to defend their National titles. Considered darkhorses in '08, Monseau and Hair stunned the deepest head-to-head fields of the season last October. Both will be favored to win their respective qualifying events (Spirit of Morgantown Olympic and Dragon Fly Sprint).

Other award winners from the 2008 championship who, thus far, have stated their desire to return to the Championship include Connecticut's CHRIS THOMAS (2nd in 2008, 12th in 2007), North Carolina's CHRIS TOMMERDAHL (4th in 2008), Wisconsin's CINDI BANNINK (7th in 2008, 4th in 2007, 13th in 2006, 9th in 2005)and MARK HARMS (7th in 2008, 3rd in 2007, 5th in 2006), Oklahoma's AMANDA ERWIN (6th in 2008), Pennsylvania's BETH SHUTT (8th in 2008), Arizona's KATHY RAKEL (9th in 2008), who has relocated to Texas, Alaska's SHANNON DONLEY (10th in 2008, 7th in 2006) and Illinois' COLIN RILEY (th in 2008).

Our new and improved website will be operational early in April. It's mission is to become THE premier source for elite amateur news, in addition to keeping you up-to-date on the progress of the BOUS Series.

Here are some amateurs to watch in 2009:

(3/30/09) What an interesting year 2008 was for 37-year-old Georgian JASON SCHOTT. Despite enjoying his typical regional success he only raced in one national level event, and though he excelled there, his entire resume wasn't quite what it needed to be to earn him an US Athlete of the Year nomination. Ironically, the single major national event he won was the USAT Age Group National Championships, where he beat runner-up Adam Webber of Pennsylvania (2nd in AOY balloting last year) by a healthy 54 seconds. We suspect that Jason will be more visible on the national scene this year.

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(3/24/09) A woman we've had our eye on for the last three years is MARY MILLER of Eliot, Maine (though she spends a large chunk of the year year in Boulder, CO). A top 10 finish at Nationals in 2007 and her 3rd at 20/12 Elite last year plus her 4th at St. Anthony's Elite clearly demonstrate that she is a force to be reckoned with. She also has youth on her side--she's 29--as well as a copious supply of confidence and ambition.

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(3/18/09) The man who has emerged over the last 2-3 seasons as Michigan's premier male triathlete is,arguably, RICHARD SWOR of Dearborn. In 2008, he was victorious at Miami International and placed 6th overall at USAT Nationals and Chicago Elite. At home he was his state's winningest multisportsman. If he remains an amateur in 2009, and stays healthy, of course, he could be in the running for Athlete of the Year.

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(3/12/09) USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention KELLY LEAR-KAUL raced in the shadow of fellow Coloradan Brooke Davison last year. If she can match her '08 resume this year, perhaps she will take home the AOY award?

Lear-Kaul's Highlights:

2008: 1st @ Lone Star Half (4:35:07) ďż˝ less than 25 min. behind 1st man
2nd overall ďż˝ 1st amateur--@ Ironman Brazil (9:52:42)
2nd @ 5430 Sprint (B.Davison)
2nd 35-39 / 6th amateur @ Hawaii (10:17:24)
3rd amateur @ Boulder Peak

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In 2008, Nathan White of Des Moines established himself as Iowa's premier amateur triathletes. Indeed, he was arguably one of the top 10 US amateurs. Highlighting his 2008 resume was his 2nd place finishes at the ultra-competitive Hy-Vee and Life Time Fitness-Minneapolis triathlons, and his 3rd place overall finish at the USAT Age Group National Championships. If he stays healthy in 2009, don't be surprised if he is one of the finalists for USAT Athlete of the Year.

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2008 Columbia Triathlon amateur champion AMY ALEXANDER recently informed BOUS Management that he will be racing in the Idaho Qualifier. A resident of the Spud State, Amy has spent the last few years in Annapolis, MD, attending the Naval Academy. Alexander, 23, has AOY potential, as her 2008 attests: 1st at Columbia; 2nd at the Dallas US Open; 4th at Collegiate Nationals.

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LINDSAY JERDONEK of Silver Spring, Maryland was named USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention in 2008 and the only things that could keep her out of the AOY running in 2009 are injury or a pro license. We hope she retains her amateur status. Highlights of her '08 season include her amateur win a Florida 70.3, her runner-up effort at New York City and her 3rd at the Dallas US Open.


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It's time to give a little love to the long course aficionados, starting with 2008 USAT Athlete of the Year KATHLEEN CALKINS, 33, of Gold River, California. Check out her '08 scorecard. Impressive indeed.

2008: 1st @ Vineman 70.3 (4:30:24 / -12:05)
1st amateur�9th overall @ California 70.3 (4:43)
2nd amateur @ Boise 70.3 (+45/B.Davison)
1st 30-34 / 2nd amateur @ Hawaii (9:55:52)

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Vagabond military triathlete ARTHUR MATHISEN, 37, currently residing in Georgia, caught the attention of the USAT Athlete of the Year Selection Committee in 2008. Ultimately, he just missed earning an AOY Honorable Mention. A versatile multisportsman, Mathisen demonstrated elite credentials as a duathlete as well as long and short course triathlete.

Arthur's 2008 Resume:

2008: 2ND amateur @ Eagleman 70.3 (4:15:27)
2nd amateur (1st US) @ Florida 70.3 (4:19:37)
1st amateur @ Powerman Alabama (Du)
5th @ US Armed Forces Champs (won by pro Tim O�Donnell)
1st amateur @ Langley Pond International
5th amateur / 1st US / 26th overall @ Ironman Florida (9:02:27)
5th 35-39 / 38th amateur @ 70.3 Worlds (4:10:14)

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Some of America's most decorated multisportsfolk reside in New Jersey. BOUS veterans SUZANNE HUELSTER and DAVID SLAVINSKI come to mind, as does DOUG CLARK. Huelster was named USAT Duathlete of the Year in '08, Slavinski was arguably the US Rookie of the Year, though such an accolade has not been formalized as yet, and Clark took home the USAT Master of the Year prize. Here is Clark's 2008 resume:


2008: 5th overall / 1st master @ USAT AG Nationals (beat Bich by 1:41!; Gennari by 1:53!)
1st @ Musselman Half (4:22 - good time for a master)(margin of victory 4:59 over Erik Grimm)
1st @ Skylands (beat pro David Silver by 1:00 - GREAT Performance!)
1st @ Sunset Sprint
1st @ Wykoff-Franklin Lakes (negligible field)
1st @ Jerseyman Half Iron

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Twenty-five-year-old NICK WANINGER of rural Christmas, IN proved in 2008 to be one of America's most versatile multisportsmen. Still, outside of the Midwest, Nick's name was not well-known. If he decided to get a pro card in 2009 then he likely will remain anonymous. If he stays an amateur, however, we predict that deserved recognition will come his way. A word to Nick: Register for the Indiana BOUS Qualifier (Mideast Optimist). We'd love to see you at the BOUS Championship next September.

Nick's 2008 Scorecard:

2008: 1st amateur @ Longhorn 70.3 (4:08:45)
1st @ Foothills Sprint
1st amateur @ Evergreen Lake
1st @ Spirit of Morgantown Olympic
2nd @ Trails of Tears (MO)
3rd @ Steelhead 70.3 (Du)
3rd 18-24 / 7th amateur @ 70.3 Worlds (3:59:03)

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(Exerpted from Press Release) Competing for a BOUS berth on April 5 at the Great Clermont / Best of the US Florida Qualifier is LINDA ROBB, 45, of Juno Beach. Robb is a former US Athlete of the Year (1995) and two-time US Master of the Year (2005 and 2008). Additionally, she is a two-time National Champion and has collected five medals in World Championship competition, three golds and two silver. In 2008, Robb was victorious at the prestigious New York City Triathlon and 2nd in the Elite competition at the Dallas US Open, where she outraced three women who ultimately earned US Athlete of the Year Honorable Mentions. Despite her age, Robb would be a podium-hopeful at the Best of the US National Championship. To date, no over-age 40 woman has cracked the overall top 3 at BOUS Nationals.


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WENDY MADER, 38, of Fort Collins, Colorado has expressed her desire to return to BOUS racing. A two-time USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention, Mader placed 6th at the inaugural Best of the US Championship (her and teammate Craig Greenslit placed 2nd--by 2 seconds!--in the Fastest State Team Competition), and fifth in 2006 (she and Greenslit placed 2nd again in the Team race). She concentrated on long course racing in 2007 and 2008. The highlight of last year's resume was her overall amateur victory (9:53:51 - 35-39W Course Record) at the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships.

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The first qualifying event of the 2009 season is Hawaii's venerated Lavaman on March 29. We have recently learned that two-time USA Triathlon Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention (2006 & 2007) RACHEL ROSS, 33, of Honolulu will be racing for a BOUS slot. Rachel epitomizes what BOUS is looking for in its advancing athletes. She a great athlete and a great person with a wonderful sense of humor and an almost pathological affection from Neil Young's music. Here are some of Rachel's competitive highlights:

2008 - 1st amateur at Ironman Arizona (10:03)
2007 - 1st @ Chicago Elite
1st 30-34 @ USAT Age Group Nationals (7th overall)
2nd amateur @ Hawaiian Ironman World Championships (9:56:21!)
2nd amateur @ Honolulu Triathlon and Honolulu 70.3

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One of the many amateur athletes that we'll be watching closely in 2009 is CURT WOOD, 30, of Chaska, MN. As strong a swim/bike performer as their is on the US amateur scene, he has been called the "Craig Walton of Age group racing." Perhaps his best effort of '08 was also his most heartbreaking. It was at USAT Nationals and Curt crossed the finish line in 7th place overall and 1st in the 30-34 division. He later learned that he was penalized two minutes for abandoning equipment. At a now infamous stretch of bumpy surface on the Hagg Lake bike course, Curt's water bottle leapt from its cage and landed among 30-40 similarly dislodged bottles. To return and retrieve the bottle would mean that he would have to ride back into traffic. Curt was the ONLY athlete tagged for abandoning equipment. The penalty dropped him into silver medal position and down to 19th overall. Those glancing at post-race results printouts would be unlikely to conclude that Curt is one of America's premier amateurs. His peers in Oregon, though, would know otherwise.

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Best of the US Management welcomes the following qualifying events that are new in 2009:

* The Rattlesnake Olympic Triathlon on August 15, serving Colorado.
* Park City Mossman Olympic Triathlon on August 16, serving Connecticut.
* The Great Clermont Olympic Triathlon on April 5, serving Florida.
* Ultramax Kansas on August 9, serving Kansas.
* Susan Bradley-Cox Tri For Sight on September 6, serving Kentucky.
* Fireman Olympic Triathlon on August 24, Serving Maine.
* MotorCity Olympic Triathlon on June 14, serving Michigan.
* Dragon Fly Triathlon on June 13, serving Mississippi.
* Treasure State Games Triathlon on June 21, serving Montana.
* Jersey Man Sprint Triathlon on May 9, serving New Jersey.
* Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon on June 28, serving Pennsylvania.
* Bayside YMCA Triathlon on August 15, serving Rhode Island.
* Scofield Olympic Triathlon on July 18, Serving Utah.
* Cheyenne Sprint Triathlon on June 21, serving Wyoming.

USAT will be announcing their 2008 age group honorees later this month (January). The following BOUS athletes are being considered by the USAT Triathlon AOY Selection Committee:

* Christopher Thomas (CT) - Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention
* David Slavinski (NJ) - AOY Honorable Mention
* Vinnie Monseau (WV) - AOY Honorable Mention
* Elizabeth Ott (IL) - AOY Honorable Mention
* Suzanne Huelster (NJ) - Duathlete of the Year
* Kirsten Sass (TN) - AOY Honorable Mention
* Brian Bich (MN) - Master of the Year
* Luis De La Torre (HI) - Master of the Year Honorable Mention
* Bruce Gennari (TN) - Master of the Year Honorable Mention
* Marlo McGaver (MN) - Duathlete of the Year Honorable Mention

(St. Paul, MN – 12/10/08) The following races are the official qualifying events for the 2009 Best of the US National Championship, which will be hosted by the Orange County International Triathlon (OCT) in Mission Viejo, California on September 27. The top male and female resident amateurs at each event will earn the right to represent themselves and their states at the 5th annual BOUS National Championship. (Scroll down for a listing in order of date.)

ALABAMA – Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon on June 13 at Oak Mountain State Park south of Birmingham, AL. Distances: 400 yard swim – 12.6 mile bike – 3 mile run. Race Director: Team-Magic / Therese Bynum @ 205-595-8633 (races@team-magic.com)
(http://www.team-magic.com/events/busterbritton/index.html)

ALASKA – Northern Trust Triathlon / Alaska State Triathlon Championship on Sunday, August 2 at Knik Lake in Knik, AK. Intermediate distance. Race Director: Turkey Toe Events @ 907-243-4709 (moflem@acsalaska.net) (http://www.akstatetriathlon.com)

ARIZONA – Sahuarita Lake Triathlon, Presented by Rancho Sahuarita, on Monday, May 25 in Sahuarita, south of Tucson, AZ. Distances: 1K swim – 25K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Tri Tucson / Jim Stites (racedirector@tritucson.com) (http://www.tritucson.com)

ARKANSAS – Ozark Valley Triathlon on June 21 at Lake Wedington Park near Fayetteville, AR. Distances: 1000 yard swim – 19 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: All Sports Productions, Inc. / Bruce Dunn @ 479-521-7766 (bruce@misterguy.com) (http://www.ozarkvalleytriathlon.com)

CALIFORNIA – Pacific Coast Triathlon on July 26 at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach. Distances: ˝ mile swim – 12 mile bike – 3 mile run. Race Directors: Bill Leach @ 949-701-5590 (billleach@sbcglobal.net) & Bob Cuyler (rfcuylerdds@aol.com) (http://www.pacificcoasttriathlon.com) Note: The PCT is the official USA Triathlon Sprint National Championship.

COLORADO – * Rattlesnake Olympic Triathlon on August 15 at the Aurora Reservior in Aurora, CO. Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K). Race Director: Jim Flint (jimflint@spamarrest.com) (http://www.rattlesnaketri.com)

CONNECTICUT – * Park City Mossman Triathlon on August 16 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT. Distances: Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K. Contact: Clayton Tebbetts (ironmancrt@aol.com) (http://www.teammossman.com)

DELAWARE – Make-A-Wish Triathlon at Sea Colony (to be confirmed) on September 19 at Bethany Beach, DE. Distances: Swim 1.5K – bike 36K – run 10K. Race Director: Columbia Triathlon Association / Rob Vigorito @ 410-964-1246 (events@tricolumbia.org) (http://www.tricolumbia.org/make-a-wish)

FLORIDA – * Great Clermont Triathlon in Waterfront Park in Clermont, FL. Distances: Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K. Race Director: Fred Sommer @ 352-394-1320 (fred@sommersports.com) (http://www.greatclearmontriathlon.com)

GEORGIA – West Point Lake Triathlon on June13 at West Point Lake near LeGrange, GA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Georgia Multisports / Jim Rainey @ 770-926-2367 (jim@gamultisports.com)

HAWAII – 12th Anniversary Lavaman Triathlon on March 29 at Waikoloa Beach on the Kohala Coast. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Gerry Rott (racedirector@lavamantriathlon.com)

IDAHO – YMCA Spudman Triathlon on July 11 at Springs Shores Marina in Boise. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tim Severa @ 208-859-7953 (tim.severa@ymcatvidaho.org)

ILLINOIS – Evergreen Lake International Triathlon, presented by Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission, on July 18 at Comlara County Park in Hudson, IL. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tri-Mom Events, LLC / Colleen Klein @ 309-212-6830 (trimomevents@verizon.net)
(http://www.tri-shark.org/web/EvergreenTri2/)

INDIANA – Mideast Sprint Optimists Triathlon on June 27 at Winona Lake Park near Warsaw, IN. Distances: Ľ mile swim – 13.5 mile bike – 3.5 mile run. Race Director: Ron Donkers (rondonkers@hotmail.com) (http://warsawoptimist.org/pages/triathlon.htm)

IOWA – Pigman Sprint Triathlon on June 7 at Pleasant Creek State Park near Cedar Rapids, IA. Distances: .5K swim – 25K bike – 5K run. Race Director: John Snitko at 319-373-0741 (john@pigmantri.com) (http://www.pigmantri.com)

KANSAS – * Ultramax Kansas on August 9 at Hillsdale Lake in Hillsdale, KS. Distances: Swim 1 mile – Bike 39 miles – Run 10 miles. Race Director: Mark Livesay @ 573-443-7036 (info@ultramaxtri.com) (http://www.ultramaxtri.com)

KENTUCKY – *Buffalo Trials MidEast Region Club Championship on August 15 in Maysville, KY., Distances: Swim – .7 mile - Bike – 25.1 miles – Run 6.1 miles. Race Director: Mark Day (activedc@maysvilleky.net) (http://www.buffaltrialsraces.com)

LOUISIANA – Hidden Paradise Triathlon on May 3 at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA. Distances: 600 yard swim – 13 mile bike – 3.2 mile run. Race Director: DLT Event Management, Inc. / Fred Phillips @ 870-246-6686 (DLTevents@yahoo.com)

MAINE – * Fireman Olympic Triathlon, the official triathlon of the Maine Games, on August 24 in Kennebunk, ME. Distances: Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K. Race Director: Jeff Cole (jdcole@coleharrison.com)

MARYLAND / DC – Columbia Triathlon, presented by Under Armour, on May 17 at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Columbia Triathlon Association / Rob Vigorito (info@tricolumbia.org)

MASSACHUSETTS – Duxbury Beach Triathlon on September 19 (date tentative) at Duxbury Beach, MA. Distances: 1/2 mile swim - 13.7 mile bike - 3.3 mile run. Race Director: Brian Noyes at 781-706-1166 (director@duxburybeachtriathlon.com) (http://www.duxburybeachtriathlon.com)

MICHIGAN – * MotorCity Triathlon on June 14 at Belle Isle in Detroit, MI. Distances: Swim – 1.5K – Bike 23 miles – Run 10K. Race Director: Kenny Krell @ 231-546-2229 (Kenny@3disciplines.com) (http://www.3disciplines.com)

MINNESOTA – Lake Waconia Triathlon on June 28 in Waconia, MN. Distances: .5 mile swim – 20 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: Tom Konrardy (swimbikerun@lakewaconiatriathlon.net) (http://www.lakewaconiatriathlon.net)

MISSISSIPPI – * DragonFly Triathlon on June 13 at Sardis Lake, MS, near Batesville and Oxford. Distances: Swim .5 mile – Bike 18 miles – Run 4 miles. Contact:
s2finfo@s2events.com (http://www.dragonfly.racesonline.com)

MISSOURI – Quartermax Triathlon on June 6 at the Innsbrook Resort near St. Louis, MO. Distances: 1000 yard swim – 28 mile bike – 6.5 mile run. Race Director: Ultramax Events / Mark Livesay at 573-443-7036 (info@ultramaxtri.com) (http://ultramaxtri.com)

MONTANA – * Treasure State Triathlon on June 21 at East Gallatin Recreation Area near Bozeman, MT. Distances: Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K. Contact: staff@fleetfeetbozeman.com (http://www.tri-mt.com/tst.html)

NEBRASKA – Nebraska State Games Triathlon, presented by Tiger Coaching and Villager Hotel, at Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln on July 26. Distances: 1K swim – 20K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Gary Bredehoft of Tiger Coaching & Personal Training @ 402-488-8280 (coach@tigercoaching.com) (http://www.cornhuskerstategames.com)

NEW HAMPSHIRE – YMCA Triathlon at Clough State Park on September 12 at Clough State Park in Weare, NH. Distances: ˝ mile swim – Bike 14 miles – Run 3 miles. Race Director: Jeff Litchfield (nhactive@lycos.com) (http://www.concordymca.org/event/cloughtri.asp)

NEW JERSEY – * Jersey Man Sprint Triathlon (to be confirmed) on May 9 at Spruce Run Recreation Area near Clinton, NJ. Distances: Swim - .5 mile – Bike 19.5 miles – Run 5K. Directors: Ian Heffernan & John O’Connell (info@njmultisport.com) (http://www.njmultisport.com/SpruceRun.htm)

NEW MEXICO – 25th Annual Milkman Triathlon on June 6 at Lake Van in Dexter, NM. Distances: .5K swim - 20K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Larry Marshall (lmarshall@fbfs.com) (http://www.milkmantriathlon.com)

NEVADA – Rage in the Sage Triathlon on April 19 at Lake Mead Recreational Area near Las Vegas, NV. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: BBSC Endurance Sports / Brogg Sterrett (race@bbscenduranesports.com) (http://www.bbsctri.com)

NEW YORK – Mini Musselman Triathlon on July 18 in Geneva, NY. Distances: 750m swim – bike 16 miles – 5K mile run. Director: Jeff Henderson (jeff@onemillionrevolutions.com) or (jeff@portlandtri.com)

NORTH CAROLINA – White Lake Sprint Triathlon on May 3 at North Carolina FFA Center in White Lake, NC. Distances: 750m swim – 14 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Set Up Events / Bill Scott (bill@setupevents.com)

NORTH DAKOTA – Bismarck Triathlon on June 14 at Misty Waters Marina three miles north of Bismarck. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Dennis Kemmesat (dennisk@frontierprecision.com)

OHIO – Vermilion Harbour Triathlon on August 16 at Linwood Park in Vermilion, OH. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: HFP Racing / Shannon Kurek (customerservice@hfpracing.com)

OKLAHOMA – Route 66 Triathlon, presented by Tri-OKC and the City of El Reno, on May 31 at Lake El Reno in El Reno. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tri-OKC / Steve Bussjaeger (steveb@hispaint.com)

OREGON – Oregon Trout City of Portland Triathlon on August 23 in Portland, OR. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Jeff Henderson (jeff@portlandtri.com)
(http://www.PortlandTri.com)

PENNSYLVANIA – Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon on June 28 at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Olympic Distance. Race Director: Lars Beck (lars@phillytri.com) (http://www.phillytri.com)

RHODE ISLAND – * Bayside YMCA Triathlon on August 15 in Barrington, RI. Distances: Swim .5 mile – Bike 12 miles – Run 3 miles. Director: Wendy Fiske-Truhanovitch @ 508-434-0123 (billf@firmracing.com) (http://www.firm-racing.com)

SOUTH CAROLINA – Clemson Triathlon on May 16 at Foothills Family YMCA in Seneca, SC. Distances: 750m swim – 11 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Set Up Events / Jeremey Davis (jdavis@setupevents.com) (http://www.setupevents.com)

SOUTH DAKOTA – Dakotaman Triathlon on June 20 at Lake Alvin near Harrisburg, SD. Distances: 600m swim – 16 mile bike – 3.5 mile run. Race Director: Howard Bich (habich@sio.midco.net)

TENNESSEE – BMW of Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon on July 12 in downtown Chattooga. Distances: Swim 1.5K – Bike 42K – Run 10K. Race Director: Team-Magic / Faye Yates @ 205-595-8633 (races@team-magic.com) (http://www.team-magic.com)

TEXAS – Buffman & Squeaky Triathlon on May 17 at Buffalo Springs Lake southeast of Lubbock, TX. Intermediate Distance. Race Directors: Mike & Marti Greer (marti@buffalospringslaketriathlon.com) (http://www.buffalospringslaketriathlon.com

UTAH – * Scofield Olympic Triathlon on July 18 at Scofield Reservior in Mountain View State Park. Distances: Olympic. Race Director: BBSC Endurance Sports / Brogg Sterrett (race@bbscendurancesports.com) (http://www.bbsctri.com/racepackets/scofield/scofield_olympic_triathlon.html)

VERMONT – Lake Dunmore Triathlon on August 9 at Branbury State Park in Salisbury, VT. Distances: Swim .9 mile – Bike 44K – Run 10K. Race Director: Jerrod Rushton @ 802-462-2999 (Jerrod@rushtonsports.com) (http://www.rushtonsports.com)

VIRGINIA – Luray International Triathlon on August 15th Lake Arrowhead Park in Luray, VA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Set Up Events / Greg Hawkins at 336-577-2801 (greg@setupevents.com) (http://www.setupevents.com)

WASHINGTON - Chelanman Multisport Weekend on July 18 at Lake Chelan in Chelan, WA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Total Health Events / Jonathan Hoskins at 360-325-0715 (info@totalhealthevents.com) (www.chalanman.com)

WEST VIRGINIA – Med Express Mountaineer International Triathlon on August 9 in Morgantown, WV. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Shannon Kurek / HFP Racing (Shannon.kurek@hfpracing.com) (http://www.spiritofmorgantown.com)

WISCONSIN – Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon on June 21 at Fireman’s Park in Verona, WI. Intermediate Distance. Race Directors: Ryan Griessmeyer (ryan@racedayeventsllc.com) (http://www.triloop.org)

WYOMING – * Cheyenne Sprint Triathlon on June 21 at Lion’s Park in Cheyenne, WY. Distances: 600m lake swim OR 500m pool swim – Bike 13 miles – Run 5K. Race Director: Jim Mantell (race@cheyennesprinttriathlon.com) (http://www.cheyennesprinttriathlon.com)

The 5th Annual BEST OF THE US NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP will be hosted on September 27 by the Orange County International Triathlon (OCT) in MissionViejo, CA. Distances. Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K. Race Directors: Bill Leach (billleach@sbcglobal.net) and Bob Cuyler (rfcuylerrdds@aol.com) (http://www.octri.com)

* denotes new qualifying races in 2009.

Note: Event dates and information are subject to change. Consult official event websites for updates.

SCHEDULE IN ORDER BY DATE:

3/29 - Hawaii (Lavaman)
4/5 - Florida (Great Clermont Olympic)
4/18 - Nevada (Rage in the Sage)
5/3 Louisiana (Hidden Paradise Sprint)
5/3 - North Carolina (White Lake Sprint)
5/9 - New Jersey (Jersey Man Sprint)
5/16 - South Carolina (Clemson Sprint)
5/17 - Maryland/DC (Columbia)
5/17 - Texas (Buffman & Squeaky)
5/25 - Arizona (Sahuarita Lake Sprint)
6/6 - Missouri (Quartermax)
6/6 - New Mexico (Milkman)
6/7 - Alabama (Buster Britton)
6/13 - Mississippi (DragonFly Sprint)
6/13 - Georgia (West Point Lake)
6/14 - Michigan (MotorCity)
6/21 - Arkansas (Ozark Valley)
6/21 - Wisconsin (Wisconsin Triterium)
6/22 - Montana (Treasure State)
6/28 - Minnesota (Lake Waconia)
7/11 - Idaho (YMCA Spudman)
7/18 - Washington (Chelanman)
7/18 - New York (Mini-Musselman)
7/18 - Illinois (Evergreen Lake)
7/26 - Nebraska (Cornhusker State Games)
7/26 - California (Pacific Coast)
8/2 - Alaska (Northern Trust)
8/9 - West Virginia (Mountaineer Olympic)
8/9 - Kansas (Ultramax Kansas)
8/15 - Virginia (Luray International)
8/15 - Colorado (Rattlesnake Olympic)
8/15 - Rhode Island (Bayside YMCA)
8/16 - Connecticut (Park City Mossman)
8/16 - Ohio - (Vermilion Harbor)
8/23 - Oregon (Portland Triathlon)
8/30 - Maine (Firmman's International)
9/6 - Kentucky (Tri for Sight)
9/12 - New Hampshire (YMCA Triathlon at Clough State Park)
9/19 - Delaware (Make-A-Wish)
9/20 - Massachusetts (Duxbury Beach)

BEST OF THE U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP GOES WEST

Orange County International Triathlon to host 2009 National Amateur Championship Triathlon

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA , December 4, 2008—Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition management announced today that its 2009 Championship Race will be hosted September 27 by Orange County International Triathlon, at Lake Mission Viejo, California [octri.com]. Those who have been around triathlon for a while may remember this scenic location as the site of the high-profile Orange County Performing Arts Triathlon in the late 1980s and early 90s.

“The City was very pleased to have the triathlon tradition return with the 2008 Orange County International Triathlon,” said Mayor Trish Kelley. “It was exciting to bring back such a popular piece of our history. Our residents are very focused on athletics, fitness, and recreation so the triathlon is a great fit for us. Mission Viejo is honored to be chosen as the location for the Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition 2009 Championship Race.”

“Mission Viejo is gorgeous, but this race is much more than just a pretty face,” said BOUS Co- Director Trudy Marshall. “The organizers have created a safe, scenic, and truly Championship-caliber course. Athletes from every corner of the country will appreciate its unique challenges.” Race Directors Bill Leach and Bob Cuyler, former professional triathletes who have trained in the area for nearly two decades, have created an urban race that feels rural, utilizing well-paved but low-traffic highways through Santiago Canyon. Long uphill pulls on the ride and some steep hills on the mostly off-road run will equalize the challenge for athletes of different strengths. The entire course serves up a visual delight of Southern California’s golden hills and lush vegetation, under the backdrop of Saddleback Mountain.

“We are very excited and honored to have the 2009 O. C. International Triathlon be the BOUS Championship,” said Leach. “The effort of the BOUS Series to bring together the overall age group champions from each of the state qualifier races makes for great competition regardless of age and adds a special meaning to the Series Championship. The venue, set in Mission Viejo, and our challenging course, utilizing one of the unique rural country roads in southern California, will make for a great race. For the other athletes competing in our race having the 100 athletes from the 50 states will be a special experience, enjoyed by all.”

Best of the U.S. is a unique series created to honor top amateurs and recognize amateur competition as the engine of the sport. The series offers a single designated Qualifier Race in each U.S. state, which qualifies the top resident amateur male and female for the Championship. Visit bestoftheustriathletes.com for more information.

CONTACT: Jerry MacNeil 651-246-5128

Trudy Marshall 651-235-8820

Several BOUS veterans turned in great performances at the 3rd annual Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, FL on November 8:

2008 MEN:

* Christopher Thomas (CT) - 1st 35-39/ 14th overall (4:02:48)
* David Slavinski (NJ) - 2nd 35-39 / 15th overall (4:03:59)
* Vinnie Monseau (WV) - 4th 35-39 / 19th overall (4:05:16)
* Bruce Gennari (TN) - 2nd 40-44 / 37th overall (4:10:13)
* Mark Harms (WI) - 8th 30-34 / 48th overall (4:11:37)
* Philippe Kozub (MD) - 11th 30-34 / 58th overall (4:12:39)
* Dennis Reardon (GA) - 15th 35-39 / 104th overall (4:18:01)

2008 WOMEN:

* Sydney Cornell (CO) - 3rd 35-39 / 18th overall (4:33:38)
* Cindi Bannink (WI) - 10th 30-34 / 36th overall (4:39:12)
* Amanda Erwin (OK) - 15th 35-39 / 70th overall (4:47:30)
* Kristel Maes (GA) - 18th 30-34 / 81st overall (4:50:08)
* Cheryl McMurray (VA) - 13th 40-44 / 84th overall (4:50:52)

206 WOMEN:

* Kimberley Westbrook (SC) - 9th 45-49 / 122nd overall (4:56:32)

(FULL RESULTS HERE!)

Breakthrough performances by West Virginia's Vinnie Monseau and Mississippi's Margot Hair delivered this twosome to the finish line at the Best of the US National Championship ahead of the most competitive head-to-head amateur fields assembled for an American triathlon in 2008.

The event,which started and finished at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, Arizona, a beautiful and dynamic suburb of Phoenix, consisted of an 800m swim, 32 mile bike and 6.55 mile run, and was wonderfully produced by Red Rock Company. Skies were clear, wind was negligible and temperatures were mild, all of which portended fast times.

And the times were sizzling.

Monseau, known for his leg-speed, broke away from the lead group at mile one of the run and never looked back. Had he done so, he would have noticed the ever-shrinking images of pursuers Christopher Thomas (CT), uber-master Brian Bich (MN), Rick Fesler (PA), Roger Thompson (WA) and defending BOUS champ Philippe Kozub (MD). Monseau was absolutely exuberant when he crossed the line 1:23 ahead of Thomas. Bich triumphantly rounded out the podium, becoming the first master in the four-year history of the race to crack the overall top 3.

Three weeks earlier Margot Hair and Illinios' Elizabeth Ott experienced frustrating mechanical problems at the Dallas US Open Triathlon. Ott was forced to DNF. Hair lost a dozen minutes while her bike was being repaired. The only thing that could knock the chips off these girls' shoulders were huge performances at BOUS.

With the rest of the field in arrears, Hair and Ott turned the final corner virtually side-by-side and their shoulders newly chip-free. In the end it was Hair who possessed springier legs, ones which carried her to a thrilling 2 second victory. Both women were elated; both were vindicated. And the crowds at the finish line thunderously delivered well-earned congratulations.

New Jersey's fleet-footed Suzanne Huelster, who appears destined to be crowned 2008 US Duathlete of the Year, took the final podium spot ahead of reigning 20-24 National Champion Chris Tommerdahl of North Carolina, a 22-year-old with a blindingly bright future.

Team New Jersey (Dave Slavinski/Suzanne Huelster) was victorious in the Fastest State Team competition, edging Team Illinois (Elizabeth Ott/Colin Riley)by 26 seconds.

Photo gallery by Ron French:
http://flickr.com/photos/azrlf/

Top 10 Men:

1. Vinnie Monseau (WV)- 2:03:23
2. Christopher Thomas (CT) - 2:04:46
3. Brian Bich, 42 (MN) - 2:04:56
4. Rick Fesler (PA)- 2:05:06
5. Dave Slavinski (NJ) - 2:05:22
6. Philippe Kozub (MD) - 2:05:29
7. Mark Harms (WI)- 2:05:52
8. Luis De La Torre, 40 (HI) - 2:06:21
9. Colin Riley (IL) - 2:06:25
10. Bill Reeves, 41 (NH) - 2:06:25

Top 10 Women:

1. Margot Hair (MS) - 2:19:53
2. Elizabeth Ott (IL) - 2:19:55
3. Suzanne Huelster (NJ) - 2:20:32
4. Chris Tommerdahl (NC) - 2:21:07
5. Kirsten Sass (TN) - 2:21:21
6. Amanda Erwin (OK) - 2:21:24
7. Cindi Bannink (WI) - 2:22:44.3
8. Beth Schutt (PA) - 2:22:44.9
9. Kathy Rakel (AZ) - 2:22:56
10. Shannon Donley (AK) - 2:23:21

Top 5 State Teams:

1. New Jersey (David Slavinksi / Suzanne Huelster)
2. Illinois (Colin Riley / Elizabeth Ott)+:26
3. Pennsylvania (Rick Fesler / Beth Schutt)
4. Wisconsin (Mark Harms / Cindi Bannink)
5. Tennessee (Bruce Gennari / Kirsetn Sass)

Competer Individual Results: http://www.ceptiming.com/2008/misc165/08Soma-Quarter-BestAll.txt

Team Results: http://www.ceptiming.com/2008/misc165/08Soma-Quarter-Best-Team.txt


UNOFFICIAL RESULTS - BEST OF THE U.S. RESULTS

SOMA TRIATHLON
PRESENTED BY:
RED ROCK RACING

SPONSORED BY:
SOMA RESTAURANT GROUP

HALF IRON DISTANCES = 1.2 MILE SWIM - 56 MILE BIKE - 13.1 MILE RUN
SPRINT DISTANCES = 1000 METER SWIM - 30 MILE BIKE - 6.55 MILE RUN

TEMPE LAKE PARK - TEMPE,AZ.- OCT 26, 2008 - Weather: SUNNY, 80 degrees
TIMING AND SCORING BY: CEP TIMING / WWW.CEPTIMING.COM / (480) 315-1321 / P.O.BOX 30575 / PHOENIX, AZ 85046


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BEST OF THE U.S. DIVISION RESULTS - FEMALE

DIVISION SWIM AFTER BIKE AFTER RUN TOTAL
PLACE PLC/TOT NO. NAME PLC TIME TRAN #1 PLC TRAN#1 PLC TIME TRAN #2 PLC TRAN #2 PLC TIME TIME

1 1/8 1870 MARGOT HAIR 13 12:52.2 1:41.2 19 14:33.4 7 1:36:44.4 2 0:43:09.5 2:19:53.8
2 1/10 1871 ELIZABETH OTT 15 12:59.4 1:07.2 13 14:06.6 7 1:21:30.9 0:55.8 6 1:36:33.1 3 0:43:22.2 2:19:55.3
3 2/10 1853 SUZANNE HUELSTER 29 14:40.3 0:56.2 26 15:36.4 13 1:23:10.1 1:03.6 15 1:39:50.1 1 0:40:42.1 2:20:32.1
4 1/4 1862 CHRIS TOMMERDAHL 2 11:18.5 1:13.7 2 12:32.1 5 1:21:03.1 0:56.5 1 1:34:31.6 19 0:46:35.7 2:21:07.3
5 2/8 1866 KIRSTEN SASS 12 12:51.6 0:59.0 11 13:50.6 2 1:20:23.1 0:53.9 3 1:35:07.5 15 0:46:14.2 2:21:21.6
6 2/10 1896 AMANDA ERWIN 6 12:23.9 1:13.8 6 13:37.6 11 1:23:01.1 1:03.2 9 1:37:41.8 5 0:44:02.5 2:21:44.3
7 3/10 1880 CINDI BANNINK 3 11:39.5 1:09.4 3 12:48.8 16 1:23:48.8 1:07.5 11 1:37:45.0 8 0:44:59.9 2:22:44.9
8 3/8 1852 BETH SHUTT 18 13:08.7 1:16.3 16 14:25.0 12 1:23:07.9 0:58.4 13 1:38:31.2 6 0:44:25.2 2:22:56.4
9 2/4 1898 KATHY RAKEL 7 12:25.8 1:06.2 5 13:31.9 4 1:20:39.6 0:51.4 2 1:35:02.7 24 0:48:17.5 2:23:20.2
10 1/10 1899 SHANNON DONLEY 5 12:17.4 1:13.3 4 13:30.7 3 1:20:37.7 1:03.0 4 1:35:11.3 14 0:46:10.1 2:23:21.4
11 3/10 1895 AMBER MOUNDAY 9 12:34.9 1:05.2 7 13:40.1 10 1:23:00.3 1:02.1 10 1:37:42.4 17 0:46:24.7 2:24:07.0
12 4/10 1877 ANGELA HYGEMA 22 13:47.7 1:00.7 20 14:48.4 1 1:19:24.2 1:00.7 5 1:35:13.3 25 0:48:59.2 2:24:12.4
13 4/10 1869 CHRIS WICKARD 11 12:39.8 1:11.6 12 13:51.3 9 1:22:48.1 1:02.2 8 1:37:41.5 20 0:46:43.4 2:24:24.9
14 5/10 1867 ANDREA MYERS 27 14:26.4 1:00.6 25 15:27.0 15 1:23:35.2 1:05.0 17 1:40:07.0 12 0:45:31.5 2:25:38.5
15 5/10 1882 MARLO MCGAVER 40 17:19.4 1:08.0 40 18:27.3 6 1:21:11.5 1:11.2 18 1:40:49.9 11 0:45:16.9 2:26:06.7
16 6/10 1854 KRISTEL MAES 25 14:20.2 1:04.7 24 15:24.9 14 1:23:24.5 1:04.4 16 1:39:53.7 16 0:46:19.6 2:26:13.2
17 6/10 1888 SYDNEY CORNELL 26 14:25.3 1:19.6 28 15:44.9 17 1:24:51.4 1:01.4 19 1:41:37.6 7 0:44:45.6 2:26:23.1
18 7/10 1884 LESLIE CURLEY 35 15:19.4 1:14.1 34 16:33.4 8 1:21:52.5 1:18.4 14 1:39:44.3 22 0:47:53.1 2:27:37.3
19 8/10 1855 REBECCA STEPHENSON 20 13:34.2 1:28.1 21 15:02.2 21 1:26:57.2 1:03.4 20 1:43:02.7 9 0:45:00.9 2:28:03.6
20 4/8 1887 MORGAN CHAFFIN 17 13:04.8 1:27.3 18 14:32.1 12 1:38:14.6 30 0:50:37.7 2:28:52.3
21 3/4 1874 LISA LEWIS 14 12:58.9 1:30.0 17 14:28.8 29 1:29:36.9 1:17.9 30 1:45:23.5 4 0:43:34.4 2:28:57.8
22 1/6 1860 CHERYL MCMURRAY 37 15:54.2 1:16.5 35 17:10.6 18 1:25:46.2 1:14.5 25 1:44:11.3 10 0:45:07.2 2:29:18.4
23 2/6 1863 SYDNEY MONTSTREAM-QUA 38 15:56.6 1:19.2 36 17:15.7 19 1:26:04.3 1:09.9 27 1:44:29.7 18 0:46:26.3 2:30:56.0
24 3/6 1881 LINDA VIGIL 19 13:10.3 1:09.9 15 14:20.2 25 1:28:40.8 1:09.1 24 1:44:10.1 21 0:47:00.9 2:31:10.9
25 5/8 1893 RACHEL COREY 32 14:50.8 1:42.0 33 16:32.8 22 1:27:27.7 1:15.9 28 1:45:16.4 13 0:46:05.6 2:31:21.9
26 4/6 1897 GRETCHEN MCELROY 30 14:42.4 1:24.0 30 16:06.4 23 1:28:01.2 1:12.3 29 1:45:19.8 23 0:48:16.3 2:33:36.1
27 6/8 1872 JULIE VANZANDT 16 13:01.2 1:07.6 14 14:08.8 26 1:28:49.4 1:06.5 23 1:44:04.6 31 0:51:06.4 2:35:11.0
28 1/2 1889 MELANIE CARVELL 28 14:29.8 1:43.9 31 16:13.6 20 1:26:11.4 1:33.5 22 1:43:58.4 33 0:51:20.4 2:35:18.8
29 7/10 1858 KATHARINE WELLING 4 12:16.0 1:31.0 9 13:47.0 24 1:28:27.8 1:03.8 21 1:43:18.6 35 0:52:19.8 2:35:38.4
30 5/6 1856 NANCY THOMSON 10 12:36.7 1:11.9 10 13:48.6 27 1:29:11.1 1:14.3 26 1:44:13.9 37 0:52:58.3 2:37:12.1
31 8/10 1878 STACY FENNELL 1 11:03.6 1:14.8 1 12:18.4 37 1:35:43.2 1:04.8 33 1:49:06.2 26 0:49:02.7 2:38:08.9
32 6/6 1886 DANA GINSBURG 34 14:57.4 1:30.3 32 16:27.7 28 1:29:34.0 1:59.5 32 1:48:01.1 29 0:50:23.7 2:38:24.8
33 4/4 1861 KRISTEN BEDNAR 24 14:05.4 1:31.3 27 15:36.7 34 1:32:30.7 1:14.6 35 1:49:21.8 27 0:49:04.0 2:38:25.8
34 9/10 1857 KRISTA SCHULTZ 31 14:43.9 1:20.9 29 16:04.8 33 1:31:57.5 1:31.6 36 1:49:33.8 28 0:50:15.8 2:39:49.6
35 7/8 1883 LINDSAY FOX 23 14:03.0 1:19.6 23 15:22.6 31 1:30:31.0 1:23.7 31 1:47:17.2 38 0:53:47.1 2:41:04.3
36 9/10 1873 DENISE GOODE 36 15:52.4 1:25.5 37 17:17.9 32 1:30:32.3 1:17.3 34 1:49:07.4 36 0:52:45.1 2:41:52.4
37 10/10 1859 AMBER CULLEN 21 13:47.0 1:23.2 22 15:10.1 35 1:34:36.9 1:42.9 39 1:51:29.9 32 0:51:20.3 2:42:50.1
38 8/8 1876 SARAH DEMERLY 41 17:34.1 1:23.4 41 18:57.4 30 1:30:20.5 1:20.0 37 1:50:37.8 40 0:56:12.6 2:46:50.4
39 1/1 1885 HANNAH VERNON 8 12:26.5 1:16.4 8 13:42.8 36 1:35:09.5 1:46.0 38 1:50:38.2 41 1:01:58.9 2:52:37.0
40 10/10 1868 KATIE WHITE 33 14:54.1 3:13.4 38 18:07.5 38 1:38:38.9 1:41.4 40 1:58:27.6 39 0:55:40.8 2:54:08.4
41 2/2 1851 MARGARET COLVIN 39 16:57.7 1:19.8 39 18:17.5 39 1:48:52.3 2:06.0 41 2:09:15.7 34 0:51:34.7 3:00:50.4

DNS - Leslie Myers (VT). Allison Poe (KY), Tracy Orcutt (WA-injury), Maggie Pickhardt (AR)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BEST OF THE U.S. DIVISION RESULTS - MALE

DIVISION SWIM AFTER BIKE AFTER RUN TOTAL
PLACE PLC/TOT NO. NAME PLC TIME TRAN #1 PLC TRAN#1 PLC TIME TRAN #2 PLC TRAN #2 PLC TIME TIME

1 1/13 1935 VINNIE MONSEAU 27 12:24.9 1:11.5 26 13:36.3 2 1:12:50.0 0:49.9 9 1:27:16.2 2 0:36:06.9 2:03:23.0
2 2/13 1905 CHRISTOPHER THOMAS 19 11:57.3 0:47.0 13 12:44.2 6 1:13:43.8 0:47.5 8 1:27:15.5 3 0:37:30.6 2:04:46.0
3 1/8 1932 BRIAN BICH 3 1:27:08.2 4 0:37:47.9 2:04:56.0
4 1/5 1902 RICK FESLER 26 12:21.8 0:58.2 19 13:20.0 3 1:13:01.8 0:46.9 4 1:27:08.6 6 0:37:57.5 2:05:06.0
5 3/13 1903 DAVE SLAVINSKI 24 12:15.8 0:50.6 18 13:06.3 19 1:16:12.9 0:51.1 22 1:30:10.1 1 0:35:12.1 2:05:22.2
6 1/8 1907 PHILIPE KOZUB 8 11:01.5 0:46.9 5 1:27:09.6 11 0:38:20.0 2:05:29.6
7 2/8 1930 MARK HARMS 7 10:54.0 1:03.4 6 11:57.3 9 1:14:27.2 0:52.3 10 1:27:16.7 12 0:38:35.4 2:05:52.1
8 2/8 1950 LUIS DE LA TORRE 13 11:20.0 1:35.3 15 12:55.2 10 1:14:32.3 0:59.2 15 1:28:26.6 5 0:37:55.2 2:06:21.8
9 1/3 1921 COLIN RILEY 17 11:52.4 1:06.2 16 12:58.6 5 1:13:30.3 0:54.4 12 1:27:23.2 13 0:39:01.9 2:06:25.1
10 3/8 1909 BILL REEVES 2 10:33.7 1:02.5 13 1:27:24.2 14 0:39:43.7 2:07:07.9
11 4/13 1942 ROGER THOMPSON 10 11:04.5 0:50.8 5 11:55.3 4 1:13:24.4 0:49.6 1 1:26:09.2 24 0:41:47.9 2:07:57.0
12 4/8 1916 BRUCE GENNARI 1 10:11.7 1:04.2 1 11:15.8 14 1:15:08.4 0:47.7 7 1:27:11.9 18 0:40:45.4 2:07:57.2
13 5/13 1933 GRANT FOLSKE 30 12:40.6 1:20.3 29 14:00.8 15 1:15:09.5 0:56.1 21 1:30:06.4 7 0:38:00.8 2:08:07.2
14 6/13 1901 DAVE LUSCAN 14 11:30.7 0:54.3 10 12:25.0 8 1:13:58.2 0:48.1 6 1:27:11.2 19 0:40:59.8 2:08:10.9
15 2/5 1910 MICHAEL SEVIER 12 11:16.8 0:56.1 7 12:12.9 25 1:16:59.1 0:53.1 20 1:30:05.0 9 0:38:11.9 2:08:16.9
16 3/8 1917 SCOTT MYERS 34 12:57.5 1:02.9 28 14:00.4 18 1:16:08.7 1:01.4 26 1:31:10.3 8 0:38:09.3 2:09:19.6
17 7/13 1947 CLAY MOSELEY 32 12:49.6 1:07.6 27 13:57.1 7 1:13:49.5 1:06.2 17 1:28:52.7 17 0:40:29.0 2:09:21.6
18 3/5 1937 MARC ELLINGSON 22 12:11.3 0:58.6 28 1:31:19.7 10 0:38:16.9 2:09:36.6
19 4/8 1912 DAVID WILLIAMS 4 10:38.5 1:02.1 2 11:40.6 13 1:14:46.6 0:53.8 11 1:27:21.0 27 0:42:35.7 2:09:56.6
20 5/8 1948 CAM HILL 3 10:35.0 1:12.1 3 11:47.0 12 1:14:43.6 0:54.4 14 1:27:25.0 28 0:42:38.8 2:10:03.8
21 4/5 1911 MATT MIGONIS 23 12:11.9 1:09.5 20 13:21.4 16 1:15:33.6 1:01.4 19 1:29:56.3 16 0:40:09.2 2:10:05.4
22 5/8 1924 JOE COMPANY 28 12:26.4 0:56.5 21 13:22.9 1 1:12:47.4 0:57.2 2 1:27:07.5 31 0:43:12.5 2:10:19.9
23 8/13 1927 EDDIE BRANIGAN 11 11:10.4 1:05.9 8 12:16.2 17 1:15:41.8 0:54.1 16 1:28:52.1 23 0:41:47.6 2:10:39.7
24 9/13 1931 PATRICK BALDWIN 20 12:10.2 1:18.4 24 13:28.5 24 1:16:58.0 1:09.4 29 1:31:35.9 15 0:39:48.4 2:11:24.2
25 6/8 1926 MATTHEW WEST 9 11:03.1 1:25.8 11 12:28.9 22 1:16:48.7 0:59.7 24 1:30:17.1 22 0:41:45.6 2:12:02.6
26 2/3 1919 LUKE BEASLEY 15 11:36.7 1:09.9 14 12:46.6 20 1:16:29.7 1:02.8 25 1:30:19.0 26 0:42:08.9 2:12:27.8
27 3/3 1918 BEN HALL 25 12:18.4 1:09.0 23 13:27.4 23 1:16:51.4 0:52.9 27 1:31:11.6 25 0:41:51.2 2:13:02.8
28 6/8 1949 FRED WEST 21 12:10.7 1:16.0 22 13:26.7 11 1:14:43.2 1:04.7 18 1:29:14.5 33 0:45:21.0 2:14:35.4
29 10/13 1904 DENNIS REARDON 29 12:36.0 0:52.9 25 13:28.8 28 1:19:27.4 0:59.0 30 1:33:55.1 20 0:41:00.0 2:14:55.1
30 7/8 1940 JASON CRISP 33 12:50.6 1:33.2 31 14:23.8 29 1:19:48.1 0:56.2 32 1:35:08.0 21 0:41:10.7 2:16:18.7
31 11/13 1908 MARK WOODY 16 11:39.9 1:01.9 12 12:41.7 21 1:16:38.5 0:55.8 23 1:30:15.9 34 0:46:23.0 2:16:38.9
32 12/13 1946 CHRISTIAN BALLARD 5 10:39.7 1:08.0 4 11:47.7 31 1:34:26.4 30 0:43:01.4 2:17:27.7
33 7/8 1943 PETER NEY 6 10:43.3 1:39.9 9 12:23.1 26 1:17:03.2 2:17:51.2
34 5/5 1914 LUCAS MOORE 35 13:55.6 1:27.9 32 15:23.5 27 1:18:41.7 1:04.0 33 1:35:09.2 32 0:43:14.8 2:18:23.9
35 8/8 1906 JOHN PETERS 18 11:54.4 1:09.4 17 13:03.7 31 1:22:23.3 0:59.3 34 1:36:26.2 29 0:42:55.4 2:19:21.5
36 8/8 1936 CHRIS FETTER 36 14:31.6 1:05.8 33 15:37.4 30 1:21:50.1 1:01.8 35 1:38:29.3 35 0:47:03.0 2:25:32.3
37 13/13 1923 STEPHEN JUDICE 31 12:48.3 1:13.7 30 14:02.0 32 1:26:17.8 1:18.5 36 1:41:38.2 36 0:48:05.7 2:29:43.8

DNS: Craig Greenslit (CO), Barry Knight (KY-injury), Randy Olsen (UT), Ahmed Zaher (TX), Morgan Ramey (AL)

SOMA TRIATHLON
PRESENTED BY:
RED ROCK RACING

SPONSORED BY:
SOMA RESTAURANT GROUP

HALF IRON DISTANCES = 1.2 MILE SWIM - 56 MILE BIKE - 13.1 MILE RUN
SPRINT DISTANCES = 1000 METER SWIM - 30 MILE BIKE - 6.55 MILE RUN

TEMPE LAKE PARK - TEMPE,AZ.- OCT 26, 2008 - Weather: SUNNY, 80 degrees
TIMING AND SCORING BY: CEP TIMING / WWW.CEPTIMING.COM / (480) 315-1321 / P.O.BOX 30575 / PHOENIX, AZ 85046


UNOFFICIAL RESULTS - TEAM CHALLENGE

--------------------------------------------
BEST OF THE U.S. - BY TIME
--------------------------------------------

(must have 2 finishers per State to be shown)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

QUARTERMAN TRI - TEAM RESULTS - MEN + WOMEN COMBINED TEAMS

1. NJ
2:05:23 2:20:33 = 4:25:56
DAVE SLAVINSKI, SUZANNE HUELSTER
2. IL
2:06:26 2:19:56 = 4:26:22
COLIN RILEY, ELIZABETH OTT
3. PA
2:05:06 2:22:57 = 4:28:03
RICK FESLER, BETH SHUTT
4. WI
2:05:53 2:22:45 = 4:28:38
MARK HARMS, CINDI BANNINK
5. TN
2:07:58 2:21:22 = 4:29:20
BRUCE GENNARI, KIRSTEN SASS
6. MN
2:04:56 2:26:07 = 4:31:03
BRIAN BICH, MARLO MCGAVER
7. NC
2:09:57 2:21:08 = 4:31:05
DAVID WILLIAMS, CHRIS TOMMERDAHL
8. CT
2:04:46 2:28:04 = 4:32:50
CHRISTOPHER THOMAS, REBECCA STEPHENSON
9. AZ
2:10:04 2:23:21 = 4:33:25
CAM HILL, KATHY RAKEL
10. FL
2:10:40 2:24:13 = 4:34:53
EDDIE BRANIGAN, ANGELA HYGEMA
11. OH
2:09:20 2:25:39 = 4:34:59
SCOTT MYERS, ANDREA MYERS
12. AK
2:14:36 2:21:22 = 4:35:58
FRED WEST, SHANNON DONLEY
13. IN
2:12:28 2:24:25 = 4:36:53
LUKE BEASLEY, CHRIS WICKARD
14. VA
2:08:17 2:29:19 = 4:37:36
MICHAEL SEVIER, CHERYL MCMURRAY
15. NE
2:09:37 2:28:53 = 4:38:30
MARC ELLINGSON, MORGAN CHAFFIN
16. OK
2:17:28 2:21:45 = 4:39:13
CHRISTIAN BALLARD, AMANDA ERWIN
17. MO
2:10:20 2:28:58 = 4:39:18
JOE COMPANY, LISA LEWIS
18. GA
2:14:56 2:26:14 = 4:41:10
DENNIS REARDON, KRISTEL MAES
19. CA
2:11:25 2:31:11 = 4:42:36
PATRICK BALDWIN, LINDA VIGIL
20. NM
2:09:22 2:33:37 = 4:42:59
CLAY MOSELEY, GRETCHEN MCELROY
21. MD
2:05:30 2:39:50 = 4:45:20
PHILIPE KOZUB, KRISTA SCHULTZ
22. NY
2:10:06 2:38:26 = 4:48:32
MATT MIGONIS, KRISTEN BEDNAR
23. OR
2:08:08 2:41:05 = 4:49:13
GRANT FOLSKE, LINDSAY FOX
24. ID
2:17:52 2:31:22 = 4:49:14
PETER NEY, RACHEL COREY
25. NH
2:07:08 2:42:51 = 4:49:59
BILL REEVES, AMBER CULLEN
26. SC
2:16:39 2:35:39 = 4:52:18
MARK WOODY, KATHARINE WELLING
27. WV
2:03:23 2:52:37 = 4:56:00
VINNIE MONSEAU, HANNAH VERNON
28. MA
2:19:22 2:37:13 = 4:56:35
JOHN PETERS, NANCY THOMSON
29. MI
2:12:03 2:46:51 = 4:58:54
MATTHEW WEST, SARAH DEMERLY
30. NV
2:25:33 2:38:25 = 5:03:58
CHRIS FETTER, DANA GINSBURG
31. LA
2:13:03 2:54:09 = 5:07:12
BEN HALL, KATIE WHITE
32. DE
2:08:11 3:00:51 = 5:09:02
DAVE LUSCAN, MARGARET COLVIN
33. ME
2:29:44 2:41:53 = 5:11:37
STEPHEN JUDICE, DENISE GOODE





Tennessee's BOUS female delegate, Kirsten Sass, won the Halfmax National Championship in Nevada on October 18. Her margin of victory over runner-up Maggie Fournier of Wisconsin was 9:32. Defending BOUS champion Philippe Kozub of Maryland, placed 2nd in the men's contest.

BEST OF THE US CHAMPIONSHIP PROMISES TO BE
MOST EXCITING EVER!

(St. Paul, MN – 10/09/2008)–– According to Best of the US co-founder Jerry MacNeil, “the 2008 Championship promises to be the most exciting ever. The women’s race is wide open. Pre-race favorites were victorious in each of the first three Championships. This year, there is no clear favorite. Any of at least dozen or so women can win.” When challenged to come up with 12 names, MacNeil came up with fourteen: “Shannon Donley of Alaska, Elizabeth Ott of Illinois, Amanda Erwin of Oklahoma, Cindi Bannink of Wisconsin, Kirsten Sass of Tennessee, Suzanne Huelster of New Jersey, Chris Tommerdahl of North Carolina, Margot Hair of Mississippi, Beth Schutt of Pennsylvania, Chris Wickard of Indiana, masters star Tracy Orcutt of Washington, Marlo McGaver of Minnesota, Andrea Myers of Ohio. And let’s not forget Kathy Rakel of the Home Team (Arizona).” He was then quick to point out that breakthrough performances are part of the BOUS signature and there are sure to be athletes that are unmentioned here on the 10-step podium.

MacNeil also believes that the race for USAT Male Master of the Year is sure to be influenced, if not actually determined, by what unfolds in Tempe on October 26. “The race-within-the-race between Minnesota’s Brian Bich, 42, Tennessee’s Bruce Gennari, 40, and Hawaii’s Luis De La Torre, 40, could well determine the MOY award. And these are not the only top 40-plussers in the men’s field. Making things even more interesting will be New Hampshire’s Bill Reeves, 41, Kentucky’s Barry Knight, 42, Arizona’s Cam Hill, 41, and Ahmed Zaher, 44 of Texas. Don’t be surprised if a master cracks the overall top 3.”

The top 3 women from the 2007 Championship, all of whom earned USAT AOY Honorable Mention status, will not be racing this year. Katie Ellis (AZ) and Kim Webster (MA) are now licensed pros and Cathy Yndestad is focusing on the Hawaiian Ironman, which is two weeks before the BOUS Champs. On the other hand, the top 3 men from last year’s Championship, are back. Defending champ and runner-up for AOY in 2007, Philippe Kozub (MD) does not expect to repeat, thanks to a brutal work schedule that has severely limited his training. Nevertheless, “muscle memory” (in addition to his win last year, Philippe was 2nd at the 2006 Championship) may be enough to land him on the podium. Ohio’s Scott Myers and Wisconsin’s Mark Harms, last year’s runner-up and third placer, should once again battle for top spots, as should Craig Greenslit of Colorado (2nd at the 2005 BOUS Championship). As in the women’s competition, the list of potential podium (10 spots) finishers is a long one, and includes Rick Fesler (PA), talented newcomer David Slavinski (NJ), Christopher Thomas (CT), Michael Sevier (VA), Joe Company (MO), Roger Thompson (WA), Matt Migonis (NY), Matt West (MI), Eddie Branigan (FL), Todd Menzel (CA), Grant Folske (OR), Vinnie Monseau (WV), Fred West (AK), Clay Moseley (NM) and any of the masters mentioned in the second paragraph.

Here is the 2008 Best of the US Start List:

#1 - Delaware - David Luscan, 36, Rehoboth Beach & Margaret Colvan, 47, Rehoboth Beach
#2 - Pennsylvania - Rick Fesler, 27, Camp Hill & Beth Schutt, 29, Natrona Heights
#3 - New Jersey - David Slavinski, 37, Point Park & Suzanne Huelster, 34, Riverton
#4 - Georgia - Dennis Reardon, 36, Canton & Kristel Maes *, 32, Savannah
#5 - Connecticut - Christopher Thomas *36, Easton & Rebecca Stephenson, 36, Unionville
#6 - Massachusetts - John Peters, 44, Maynard & Nancy Thomson *, 44, Sudbury
#7 - Maryland/DC - Philippe Kozub *, 33, Bethesda & Krista Schultz *, 30, Towson
#8 - Soth Carolina - Mark Woody *, 38, Chapin & Katharine Welling, 34, Spartanburg
#9 - New Hampshire - Bill Reeves, 41, Durham & Amber Cullen, 26, Concord
#10 - Virginia - Michael Sevier, 29, Herndon & Cheryl McMurray, 40, Fairfax
#11 - New York - Matt Migonis, 27, Syracuse & Kristen Bednar, 26, Canton
#12 - North Carolina - David Williams, 31, Durham & Chris Tommerdahl, 22, Chapel Hill
#13- Rhode Island - Syndey Monstream-Quas, 40, Barrington
#14 - Vermont - Luke Moore, Stowe & Leslie Myers, 41, Burlington
#15 - Kentucky - Barry Knight* , 42, Paducah & Alison Poe *, 26 Maysville
#16 - Tennessee - Bruce Gennari *, 42, Brentwood & Kirsten Sass, 29, McKenzie
#17 - Ohio - Scott Myers *, 32, Wellston & Andrea Myers *, 31, Wellston
#18 - Louisiana - Ben Hall *, 17, Ruston & Katie White, 39, Monroe
#19 - Indiana - Luke Beasley, 20, Muncie & Chris Wickard, 37, Crown Point
#20 - Margot Hair *, 28, Diamondhead
#21 - Illinois - Colin Riley, 20, Aurora & Elizabeth Ott, 30, Naperville
#22 - Alabama - Morgan Ramey *, 40, Helena & Julie Vanzandt, 26, Birmingham
#23 - Maine - Stephen Judice *, Dayton & Denise Goode, Portland
#24 - Missouri - Joe Company, Columbia & Lisa Lewis, Chesterfield
#25 - Arkansas - Maggie Pickhardt, 16, Fayetteville
#26 - Michigan - Matt West *,33, Ypsilanti & Sarah Demerly, 26, Dearborn
#27 - Florida - Eddie Branigan *, 36, Vero Beach & Angela Hygema *, 33, Dania Beach
#28 - Texas - Ahmed Zaher, 44, Dallas & Stacy Fennell, 32, Arlington
#29 - Iowa -TBA
#30 - Wisconsin - Mark Harms *, 33, Madison & Cindi Bannink *, 32, Madison
#31 - California - Todd Menzel, Irovine & Linda Vigil, 40, Carlsbad
#32 - Minnesota - Brian Bich *, 42, Duluth & Marlo McGaver, 38, Duluth
#33 - Oregon - Grant Folske, Beaverton & Lindsay Fox, 25, Beaverton
#34 - Kansas - Leslie Curley, 39, Topeka
#35 - West Virginia - Vinnie Monseau, 39, Morgantown & Hannah Vernon, 18, Morgantown
#36 - Nevada - Chris Fetter, 30, Las Vegas & Dana Ginsburg *, 43, Reno
#37 - Nebraska - Marc Ellingson, 25, Omaha & Morgan Chaffin, 25, Omaha
#38 - Colorado - Craig Greenslit *, 39, Berthoud & Sydney Cornell, Parker
#39 - North Dakota - Melanie Carvell, 48, Bismarck
#40 - South Dakota - Jason Crisp, 28, Madison
#41 - Montana - Kristina Smith *, Great Falls
#42 - Washington - Roger Thompson, Spokane & Tracy Orcutt *, 41, Seattle
#43 - Idaho - Peter Ney, Boise & Rachel Corey, Boise
#45 - Utah - Randall Olsen *, 41, St. George & Amber Mounday, 33, Ogden
#46 - Oklahoma - Christian Ballard, 37, Norman & Amanda Erwin, 36, Tulsa
#47 - New Mexico - Clay Moseley *, 37, Los Alamos & Gretchen McElroy, 44, Santa Teresa
#48 - Arizona - Cam Hill *, 41, Fountain Hills & Kathy Rakel, 24, Tucson
#49 - Alaska - Fred West, Anchorage & Shannon Donley, 38, Anchorage
#50 - Hawaii - Luis De La Torre, 40, Kailua Kona

Like the top 10 men and women, the top 5 state teams will receive special awards. In 2005 and 2006, only 2 seconds separated the Fastest State Team (combined times of male & female participant) from its closest challenger. In 2007, however, Team Wisconsin—Mark Harms and Cindi Bannink—were dominant, winning by a margin of 1:56. Harms and Bannink are back to defend. On paper, the teams from PA, NJ, MN, TN, WA and AK should make it difficult for Team WI to repeat.

The Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition is produced by Midwest Events, LLC of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

More info:
Trudy Marshall, Executive Director: 651-714-1829 or trudy@midwestevents.com
www.bestoftheustriathletes.com

#1 - Delaware - David Luscan, 36, Rehoboth Beach & Margaret Colvan, 47, Rehoboth Beach
#2 - Pennsylvania - Rick Fesler, 27, Camp Hill & Beth Schutt, 29, Natrona Heights
#3 - New Jersey - David Slavinski, 37, Point Park & Suzanne Huelster, 34, Riverton (BOUS CONGRATULATES SUZANNE ON HER 2ND PLACE OVERALL FINISH AT THE ITU WORLD DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS IN RIMINI, ITALY ON SEPTEMBER 28!)
#4 - Georgia - Dennis Reardon, 36, Canton & Kristel Maes *, 32, Savannah
#5 - Connecticut - Christopher Thomas *36, Easton & Rebecca Stephenson, 36, Unionville
#6 - Massachusetts - John Peters, 44, Maynard & Nancy Thomson *, 44, Sudbury
#7 - Maryland/DC - Philippe Kozub *, 33, Bethesda & Krista Schultz *, 30, Towson
#8 - Soth Carolina - Mark Woody *, 38, Chapin & Katharine Welling, 34, Spartanburg
#9 - New Hampshire - Bill Reeves, 41, Durham & Amber Cullen, 26, Concord
#10 - Virginia - Michael Sevier, 29, Herndon & Cheryl McMurray, 40, Fairfax
#11 - New York - Matt Migonis, 27, Syracuse & Kristen Bednar, 26, Canton
#12 - North Carolina - David Williams, 31, Durham & Chris Tommerdahl, 22, Chapel Hill
#13- Rhode Island - Syndey Monstream-Quas, 40, Barrington
#14 - Vermont - Luke Moore, Stowe & Leslie Myers, 41, Burlington
#15 - Kentucky - Barry Knight* , 42, Paducah & Alison Poe *, 26 Maysville
#16 - Tennessee - Bruce Gennari *, 42, Brentwood & Kirsten Sass, 29, McKenzie
#17 - Ohio - Scott Myers *, 32, Wellston & Andrea Myers *, 31, Wellston
#18 - Louisiana - Ben Hall *, 17, Ruston & Katie White, 39, Monroe
#19 - Indiana - Luke Beasley, 20, Muncie & Chris Wickard, 37, Crown Point
#20 - Margot Hair *, 28, Diamondhead
#21 - Illinois - Colin Riley, Aurora & Elizabeth Ott, 30, Naperville
#22 - Alabama - Morgan Ramey *, 40, Helena & Julie Vanzandt, 26, Birmingham
#23 - Maine - Stephen Judice *, Dayton & Denise Goode, Portland
#24 - Missouri - Joe Company, Columbia & Lisa Lewis, Chesterfield
#25 - Arkansas - Maggie Pickhardt, 16, Fayetteville
#26 - Michigan - Matt West *,33, Ypsilanti & Sarah Demerly, 26, Dearborn
#27 - Florida - Eddie Branigan *, 36, Vero Beach & Angela Hygema *, 33, Dania Beach
#28 - Texas - Ahmed Zaher, 44, Dallas & Stacy Fennell, 32, Arlington
#29 - Iowa -TBA
#30 - Wisconsin - Mark Harms *, 33, Madison & Cindi Bannink *, 32, Madison
#31 - California - Todd Menzel, Irovine & Linda Vigil, 40, Carlsbad
#32 - Minnesota - Brian Bich *, 42, Duluth & Marlo McGaver, 38, Duluth
#33 - Oregon - Grant Folske, Beaverton & Lindsay Fox, 25, Beaverton
#34 - Kansas - Leslie Curley, 39, Topeka
#35 - West Virginia - Vinnie Monseau, 39, Morgantown & Hannah Vernon, 18, Morgantown
#36 - Nevada - Chris Fetter, 30, Las Vegas & Dana Ginsburg *, 43, Reno
#37 - Nebraska - Marc Ellingson, 25, Omaha & Morgan Chaffin, 25, Omaha
#38 - Colorado - Craig Greenslit *, 39, Berthoud & Sydney Cornell, Parker
#39 - North Dakota - Melanie Carvell, 48, Bismarck
#40 - South Dakota - Jason Crisp, 28, Madison & Kathy Grady *, 42, Sioux Falls
#41 - Montana - Kristina Smith *, Great Falls
#42 - Washington - Roger Thompson, Spokane & Tracy Orcutt *, 41, Seattle
#43 - Idaho - Peter Ney, Boise & Rachel Corey, Boise
#45 - Utah - Randall Olsen *, 41, St. George & Amber Mounday, 33, Ogden
#46 - Oklahoma - Christian Ballard, 37, Norman & Amanda Erwin, 36, Tulsa
#47 - New Mexico - Clay Moseley *, 37, Los Alamos & Gretchen McElroy, 44, Santa Teresa
#48 - Arizona - Cam Hill *, 41, Fountain Hills & Kathy Rakel, 24, Tucson
#49 - Alaska - Fred West, Anchorage & Shannon Donley, 38, Anchorage
#50 - Hawaii - Luis De La Torre, 40, Kailua Kona

The following members of BOUS '08 start list excelled at USAT Age Group Nationals at Hagg Lake, OR on September 20:

* Mark Harms (WI) - 8th overall / 30-34 National Champion
* Brian Bich (MN) - 9th overall / 2nd master
* Bruce Gennari (TN) - 10th overall / 3rd master
* Craig Greenslit (CO) - 11th overall / 2nd 35-39
* Roger Thompson (WA) - 12th overall / 3rd 35-39
* Christopher Thomas (CT) - 13th overall / 4th 35-39

* Shannon Donley (AK) - 4th woman / 3rd 35-39
* Kirsten Sass (TN) - 7th woman / 2nd 25-29
* Chris Tommerdahl (NC) - 11th woman / 20-24 National Champion
* Cindi Bannink (WI) - 13th woman / 3rd 30-34
* Margot Hair (MS) - 16th woman / 6th 25-29

BOUS Alumni:

* Cathy Yndestad (MN) - 2nd woman / 30-34 National Champion (3rd @ 2007 BOUS Champs)
* Stacey Richardson (NC) -3rd woman / 2nd 35-39 (9th--despite injury--@ 2007 BOUS Champs)
* Lori Deschamps (AK) - 5th woman / 4th 35-39 (8th @ 2007 BOUS Champs)
* Eric Bell (TN) - 4th male / 3rd 25-29 (DNS/Injury @ 2007 BOUS Champs)
* Jens Beck (AK) - 16th male / 5th 35-39 (8th @ 2006 BOUS Champs)

2006 US Athlete the Year and two-time BOUS Championship runner-up, Lotte Branigan, recently learned that she was pregnant with her first child and will give up her Florida berth. Her slot will, once again (a broken collarbone forced Lotte to give up her slot in 2007), go to the talented Angela Hygema, who placed 11th at last year's Championship. Hygema will team up, as in 2007, with Eddie Branigan, Lotte's husband. CONGRATULATIONS LOTTE & EDDIE!

MASSACHUSETTS (Duxbury Beach Triathlon - September 27)

WINNER: Peter Abdinoor, 40, North Andover & Christina Robeson, 33, Gloucester
PASSDOWN #1: Matt Nuffort, 33, Sudbury & Marnie Lawler, 35, Essex
PASSDOWN #2: Carmen Monks, 43, Belmont & Nan Gorton Demaso, 35, Melrose

DELAWARE (Make-A-Wish Triathlon - September 20)

WINNER: DAVE LUSCAN, 36, Rehoboth Beach & Hillary Strachan, 30, Bear
PASSDOWN #1: Kent Buckson, 41, Rehoboth Beach & Heather Nees, 25, Rehoboth Beach
PASSDOWN #2: Patrick Beebe, 38, Rehoboth Beach & Margaret Colvin, 47, Rehoboth Beach

CALIFORNIA (Pacific Coast Triathlon - September 7)

WINNER: Max Biessmann, 23, Irvine & FIONA PETERSON, 35, Laguna Niguel
PASSDOWN #1: TODD MENZEL, Irvine & Linda Vigil, 41, Carlsbad
PASSDOWN #2: Eric Nau, 24, San Diego & Susanne Davis, 37, Carlsbad

NEW HAMPSHIRE (YMCA Trathlon at Clough State Park - September 6)

WINNER: BILL REEVES (41, Durham) & AMBER CULLEN (26, Concord)
PASSDOWN #1: Connor Jennings (Concord) & Sharon Johnston * (North Conway)
PASSDOWN #2: Trent Hayden (Nashua) & Molly Zahr (Bedford)

OREGON (City of Portland International - August 31)

WINNER: GRANT FOLSKE (Beaverton) & LINDSAY FOX (25, Beaverton)
PASSDOWN #1: Nathan Gloag (Bend) &
PASSDOWN #2: Warren Bloomberg (Salem) &

MAINE (Fireman Sprint - August 24)

WINNER: Kurt Purham (Brunswick) & Larissa Boddie (Cumberland)
PASSDOWN #1: Tommy McWalters * (Thorndike) & DENISE GOODE (Portland)
PASSDOWN #2: STEPHEN JUDICE * (Dayton) & Nicole Pisami (Portland)

OHIO (Vermillion Harbour Olympic - August 17)

WINNER: SCOTT MYERS * (Wellston) & Lauren Goldstein-Kral (Shaker Heights)
PASSDOWN #1: Alex Etchill & ANDREA MYERS * (Wellston)
PASSDOWN #2: Jeff Wilson & Sally Price

VIRGINIA (Luray International - August 16)

WINNER: MICHAEL SEVIER, 29, Herndon & CHERYL MCMURRAY. 40, Fairfax
PASSDOWN #1: David Cascio, 46, Reston & Connie Peterson, 43, Harrisonburg
PASSDOWN #2: Eric Lavigne, 32, Leesburg & Amanda Hodgson, 30, Alexandria

ALASKA (Northern Trust Alaska State Triathlon Championship - August 2)

WINNER: FRED WEST & SHANNON DONLEY *
PASSDOWN #1: David Roosa & Larrell Lockard
PASSDOWN #2: Jason Potsander & Jenny Kimball

VERMONT (Lake Dunmore - August 2)

WINNER: Justin Ryea (Burlington) & Mariana Lara Planas (Colchester)
PASSDOWN #1: LUKE MOORE (Stowe) & Jessie Donovan (Burlington)
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Coffey (New Haven) & Donna Smyers, 50 (Adamant)
ACCEPTED SLOT: LESLIE MYERS, 41, Burlington

MISSOURI (Quartermax - August 2)

WINNER: JOE COMPANY (Columbia) & Kristin Moore (St. Charles)
PASSDOWN #1: Ted Zderic (Columbia) & LISA LEWIS (Chesterfield)
PASSDOWN #2: Rodney Atkinson (Lohman) & Kate Bartemus (Chesterfield)

RHODE ISLAND (Block Island Triathlon - August 2)

ACCEPTED SLOT: SYDNEY MONSTREAM-QUAS, 40, Barrington

NEW JERSEY (New Jersey State Triathlon - July 27)

WINNER: DAVE SLAVINSKI, 37, Point Park & SUZANNE HUELSTER, 34, Riverton
PASSDOWN #1: Steven Back, 26, Cherry & Maijaleena Zucker, 28, Branchburg
PASSDOWN #2: Brendan Jones, 20 & Sarah Dalfol, 29, Far Rockaway

NEBRASKA (Cornhusker State Games - July 27)

WINNER: Vince Koziol, 20, Fullerton & MORGAN CHAFFIN, 25, Omaha
PASSDOWN #1: Jeremy Davis, 28, Omaha & Jodi Seevers, 32, Greta
PASSDOWN #2: Lucas Marshall, 26, Omaha & Kaelly Simpson, 21, Lincoln
PASSDOWN #3: MARC ELLINGSON, 25, Omaha

MISSISSIPPI (Heart O'Dixie - July 26)

WINNER: Hastings Pluckett, 31, Ridgeland & MARGOT HAIR *, 28, Diamondhead
PASSDOWN #1: Clay Curtis, 34, Plantersville & Alisha Wingerter, 30, Jackson
PASSDOWN #2: Larkin Carter, 46, Jackson & Amanda Cassell, 30, Flowood

WASHINGTON (Chalanman Olympic - July 20)

WINNER: ROGER THOMPSON, Spokane & TRACY ORCUTT *, Seattle
PASSDOWN #1: Kalen Darling, Spokane & Audrey Baldesarri, Redmond
PASSDOWN #2: Rob Webster, jr., Tacoma & Tara Boni, Veradale

ILLINOIS (Evergreen Lake Olympic - July 19)

WINNER: Eric Ott & ELIZABETH OTT
PASSDOWN #1: COLIN REILLY & Jennifer Harrison *
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Sweet & Shevaun Fennell

TENNESSEE (Chattanooga Waterfront - July 13)

WINNER: Donny Forsyth, 42, Memphis & KIRSTEN SASS, 29, MacKenzie
PASSDOWN #1: BRUCE GENNARI *, 42, Brentwood & Margaret Finley, 35, Germantown
PASSDOWN #2: Wil Emery, 29, Nashville & Shelby Sheffield, 35, Nashville

KANSAS (Shawnee Mission - July 13)

WINNER: Bob Schloegel, 44, Leawood & Leeann Reed, 38, Lenexa
PASSDOWN #1: Tim Mezger, 30, Prairie Village & Michelle Bales-Woods, 46, Olathe
PASSDOWN #2: Rocky Remy, 28, Prairie Village & Cathy Wood, 44, Lake Quivira
ACCEPTED SLOT: LESLIE CURLEY, 39, Topeka

NEW YORK (Mini-Musselman - July 12)

WINNER: MATT MIGONIS, 27, Syracuse & Julie Rosa, 34, Lafayette
PASSDOWN #1: Kevin Crossman & Valerie Cross
PASSDOWN #2: Paul Fronhofer & Mary Eggers
ACCEPTED SLOT: KRISTEN BEDNAR (Canton)

IDAHO (YMCA Spudman - July 12)

WINNER: Thomas Liby, Boise & RACHEL COREY, Boise
PASSDOWN #1: PETER NEY, Boise & Lori Harvey, Boise
PASSDOWN #2: Jamey Yanik, Sandpoint & Paige Fetzer, Boise

COLORADO (Loveland Lake to Lake - June 29)

WINNER: CRAIG GREENSLIT *, 39, Berthoud & Brooke Davison, 37, Boulder
PASSDOWN #1: Justin Hurd, Fort Collins & SYDNEY CORNELL, Parker
PASSDOWN #2: Craig Howie, Longmont & Terri Walters, Colorado Springs

MINNESOTA (Lake Waconia - June 29)

WINNER: BRIAN BICH, 42, Duluth & MARLO MCGAVER, 38, Duluth
PASSDOWN #1: Devon Palmer, 21, St. Paul & Julie Hull, 36, Farnington
PASSDOWN #2: Curt Wood, 30, Chaska & Kate McCann, 25, Edina

MICHIGAN (Kensington Triathlon - June 29)

WINNER: Matt Wehrman, 30 & Amy Gluck, 37
PASSDOWN #1: Travis Littlejohn, 18 & Carly Day, 26
PASSDOWN #2: MATTHEW WEST * 33 & Samantha Fugate, 21
PASSDOWN #3: SARAH DEMERLY, 25, Dearborn

WEST VIRGINIA (Mountaineer Olympic - June 29)

WINNER: VINNIE MONSEAU, 39, Mogantown & HANNAH VERNON, 18, Morgantown
PASSDOWN #1:
PASSDOWN #2:

INDIANA (Mideast Optimists - June 28)

WINNER: Nathan Truex, 23, Ossian & CHRIS WICKARD *, 37, Crown Point
PASSDOWN #1: LUKE BEASLEY, 20, Muncie & Sandi Allen, 31, Plymouth, IN
PASSDOWN #2: Josh Smith, 27, Muncie & Laurissa Dalrymple, 25, Bluffton

MONTANA (Janet Clarkson - June 21)

WINNER: Bryan Brosious, 20-24, Missoula & KRISTINA SMITH *, 35-39, Great Falls
PASSDOWN #1: Dan Heil, 40-44, Bozeman & Brooke Nelson, 30-34, Bozeman
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Meffley, 20-24, West Yellowstone & Theresa Colley, 25-29, Helena

WYOMING (Janet Clarkson - June 21)

WINNER: Ben Zeller, 25-29, Lovell & Shaena Berlin, 15-19, Jackson

ARKANSAS (Ozark Valley - June 22)

WINNER: John Williams, 35, & Anna Sanders, 27
PASSDOWN #1: Ken Williams, 41, & MAGGIE PICKHARDT, 16
PASSDOWN #2: Ron Schmidt, 41, & Courtney Eyefurd, 18

SOUTH DAKOTA (Dakota Man - June 21)

WINNER: JASON CRISP, 28, Madison & Kim Fordham-Lien, 40, Aberdeen
PASSDOWN #1: Mark Lavin, 30, Sioux Falls & KATHY GRADY, 42, Sioux Falls
PASSDOWN #2: Matt Maxon, 25, Vermillion & Kara Degroot, 29, Sioux Falls

GEORGIA (West Point Lake Triathlon - June 15)

WINNER: DENNIS REARDON, 36, Canton & KRISTEL MAES *, 32, Savannah
PASSDOWN #1: Andrew Leaonard, 24, Atlanta & Kim Dunker, 25, Athens
PASSDOWN #2: Samuel Morgan, 25, Atlanta & Barbara Chandler, 46, Atlanta

WISCONSIN (Wisconsin Titerium - June 15)

WINNER: Chris Wichert, 24, Milwaukee & CINDI BANNINK *, 31, Middleton
PASSDOWN: #1: George Brophy, 41, Madison & Heather Curnutt, 34, Madison
PASSDOWN: #2: Brian Hetzog, 28, Madison & Sarah Kolpin, 27, Madison
PASSDOWN # 3: MARK HARMS *, 32, Madison

CONNECTICUT (Pat Griskus Olympic - June 14)

WINNER: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS *, 36, Easton & Julie Gliesing, 22, Redding
PASSDOWN #1: Ian Ray, 45, Easton & Pascale Butcher, 47, Southport
PASSDOWN #2: Wolfgang Ermeling, 40, Middletown & REBECCA STEPHENSON, 36, Unionville

NORTH DAKOTA (Bismarck International - June 8)

WINNER: Robert Gilles, 32, Fargo & Marnie Walth, 39, Bismarck
PASSDOWN #1: Justin Smith, 34, Fargo & MELANIE CARVELL, 46, Bismarck
PASSDOWN #2: Dave Burns, 42, Bismarck & Carol Aron, 34, Bismarck

NEW MEXICO (Milkman Triathlon - June 7)

WINNER: CLAY MOSELEY, 38, Los Alamos & Deboroah Kidd, 39, Santa Fe
PASSDOWN #1: Seth Wilkie, 34, Albuquerque & GRETCHEN MCELROY, 44, Santa Teresa
PASSDOWN #2: Perry Toles, 51, Roswell & Tamsen Schurman, 50, El Prado

PENNSYLVANIA (Black Bear Sprint - June 1)

WINNER: RICK FESLER, 27, Camp Hill & BETH SHUTT, 29, Natrona Heights
PASSDOWN #1: Brian Duffy, 20, West Chester & Nancy Smith, 52,
PASSDOWN #2: Mike Marsteller, 26, Glenold & Jessica Chong, 23, Allentown

IOWA (Pigman Sprint - June 1)

WINNER: Nathan White, 25, Des Moines & Tess Taintor, 33, Ankeny
PASSDOWN #1: Tony Nichols, 41, Des Moines & Jenny Jackson, 32, Cedar Rapids
PASSDOWN #2: Jason Maurice *, 23, Fairfield & Christina Marvelas *, 39, Waukee

OKLAHOMA (Route 66 Triathlon - June 1)
WINNER: CHRISTIAN BALLARD, 37, Norman & AMANDA ERWIN, 36, Tulsa
PASSDOWN #1: Aaron Highfill, 32, Choctaw & Shannon Peters *, 30, Moore
PASSDOWN #2: James Hawley, 36, Norman & Desiree Margaliano, 45, Oklahoma City

ARIZONA (Sahuarita Lake Triathlon - May 26)

WINNER: CAM HILL*, 41, Fountain Hills & KATHY RAKEL, 24, Tucson
PASSDOWN #1: Geoff Cleveland, 48, Phoenix & Angela Axmann, 24, Flagstaf
PASSDOWN #2: Brandon Sullivan, 34, Phoenix & Emily Freeman, 26, Phoenix

KENTUCKY (Buffalo Trails Triathlon - May 24)
WINNER: BARRY KNIGHT *, 41, Paducah & ALLISON POE *, 26, Maysville
PASSDOWN #1: Eric Atnip, 31, Lexington & Beth Atnip, 28, Lexington
PASSDOWN #2: Rodney Wesley, 39, Georgetown & Maureen Wiley, 38, Goshen (KY)

MARYLAND/DC (Columbia Triathlon - May 18)
WINNER: PHILIPPE KOZUB, 33, Bethesda & Amy Alexander, 22, Annapolis
PASSDOWN #1: Matias Palevecino, 27, Washington DC & Janelle McIntyre, 43, Ellicott City
PASSDOWN #2: Otho Keller, 31, Baltimore & KRISTA SCHULTZ, 30, Towson

TEXAS (Buffman & Squeaky - May 18)
WINNER: AHMED ZAHER, 44, Dallas & STACY FENNELL, 32, Arlington
PASSDOWN #1: Alberto Lugo *, 36, El Paso & Tanya Taylor, 28, Temple
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Aarhus, 40, San Antonio & Michelle Lester *, 33, Austin

SOUTH CAROLINA (Clemson Triathlon - May 10)

WINNER: Chris Olson, 35, Spartanburg & Jenny McDonagh, 26, Mount Pleasant
PASSDOWN #1: MARK WOODY *, 38, Chapin & Julie Murphy *, 42, Greer
PASSDOWN #2: Parker Rother, 28, Spartanburg & KATHARINE WELLING, 34, Spartanburg

UTAH (St. George Triathlon - May 10)
WINNER: B.J. Christenson, 30, North Salt Lake City & Jannalyn Luttrell, 27, Salt Lake City
PASSDOWN #1: RANDALL OLSEN, 41, St. George & AMBER MOUNDAY, 33, Ogden
PASSDOWN #2: Devan Tandy, 27, Provo & Rachel Cieslewicz *, 29, Salt Lake City

NORTH CAROLINA (White Lake Sprint - May 4)
WINNER: Mason Boyles, 15, Wilmington & CHRIS TOMMERDAHL, 22, Chapel Hill
PASSDOWN #1: David Sokolofsky, 27, Wilmington & Brianne Godwin, 30, Mebane
PASSDOWN #2: Robert Ferris, 26, Cary & Alysia Lovgren, 30, Durham
ACCEPTED SLOT: DAVID WILLIAMS, 31, Durham

LOUISIANA (Hidden Paradise Sprint - May 4)
WINNER: BEN HALL,* 17, Ruston & KATIE WHITE, 39, Monroe
PASSDOWN #1: Nathan Davis, 22, Ruston & Melanie Rowton, 36, West Monroe
PASSDOWN #2: John Bullock, 37, Shreveport & Kim Kippling, 40, Ruston

FLORIDA (Zephyr Sports Sprint - St. Augustine - May 3)
WINNER: EDDIE BRANIGAN *, 36, Vero Beach & Lotte Branigan *, 34, Vero Beach
PASSDOWN #1: Andrea Ugazio, 43, Kissimmee & ANGELA HYGEMA *, 33, Dania Beach
PASSDOWN #2: Evan Evans, 33, Palm Coast & Juie Olsen, 27, Ormond Beach

ALABAMA (Alabam Coastal Triathlon - May 3)
WINNER: Chad Hon, 39, Mobile & Halle Blunck, 24, Mountain Brook
PASSDOWN #1: Johnny Harrison, 48, Fairhope & Lori Goldweber *, 45, Homewood
PASSDOWN #2: MORGAN RAMEY *, 40, Helena & JULIE VANZANDT, 26, Birmingham

NEVADA (Rage in the Sage - April 19)
WINNER: Phillip Glenn *, 32, Reno & DANA GINSBURG *, 43, Reno
PASSDOWN #1: CHRIS FETTER, 30, Las Vegas & Andrea Lindsey, 20, Gardnerville
PASSDOWN #2: Michael Olsen, 39, Las Vegas & Christine Brown, 42, Henderson

HAWAII (Lavaman Triathlon - April 6)
WINNER: LUIS DE LA TORRE, 40, Kailua Kona & Shonny Vanandingham, 39, Captain Cook
PASSDOWN #1: John Flanagan, 33, Mililani & Sandra Ferriera, 39, Kaneohe
PASSDOWN #2: Tai Blechta, 29, Honolulu & Yarden Danker, 51, Keauhou



Accepted Slots are capitalized
* Have raced in prior BOUS Championships

BOUS athletes excelled at the Chicago Elite Triathlon on August 24:

Elizebeth Ott (IL): 1st woman
Cindi Bannink (WI): 2nd Woman
Amanda Erwin (OK): 4th woman
Chris Wickard (IN): 8th woman
Andrea Myers (OH): 10th woman

Mark Harms (WI): 2nd man
Eric Ott (IL): 4th man
Scott Myers (OH): 9th man
Eddie Branigan (FL): 2nd man

BOUS congratulates 2-time CT BOUS representative Chris Thomas on being the top amateur finisher at Timberman 70.3 on August 17. Chris's time was 4:14:01. Chris was the amateur champion at the inaugural Providence 70.3 earlier this season. NJ representative David Slaviniski placed 2nd at Providence. We also congratulate Minnesota's Brian Bich, 42, a 3-time BOUS representative, on being the top amateur finisher (2nd overall) at the Pigman Half near Cedar Rapids, IA on August 17. Bich's 4:11:28 was a new masters record. Additionally, three-time BOUS representative Bruce Gennari placed 2nd at Vineman 70.3. Gennari is a former US Athlete of the Year and US Master of the Year.

(NEW BIOS ADDED WEEKLY)

* REBECCA STEPHENSON (Conecticut)

- Raced in the first Triathlon World Championship (Avignon, 89), when I was 17 (placed 20th)
- Last year won the Park City Mossman Triathlon and the Litchfield Hills Triathlon, and placed 14th in the Age Group World Championship (Olympic distance). Was All-American.
- This year won CT's Women's Triathlon and placed 2nd in the Griskus Triathlon and the Niantic Bay Triathlons. 8th in the Elite Age Group division in the New York City Triathlon
- Have three little children, and am trying to make a comeback!

* COLIN REILLY (Illinois)

* August 24th: Great Buckeye Challenge Half Ironman (first half ironman): Springfield, OH: 4:44.34 (2nd overall out of 122)
* July 27th: Iron Abe Olympic Distance Triathlon: Springfield, IL: 2:03.00 (2nd overall out of 150)
* July 19th: Evergreen Lake Olympic Distance Triathlon: Bloomington, IL: 2:03.53 (8th overall, 1st collegiate)
* June 23rd: HyVee Olympic Distance Triathlon: Des Moines, IA: 2:03.40 (13th out of 1257)
* April 19th: Collegiate Nationals Olympic Distance Triathlon: Tuscaloosa, AL: 2:01.46 (19th overall undergrad, 26th overall with grad students out of about 1000)
* February: Ohio St Indoor Triathlon: Columbus, OH: 1st place overall

* AMBER CULLEN, 26, Concord, NH

* Clough Triathlon: September 8th, 2007: 3rd in age division 25-29
* Top Notch Triathlon: August 4th, 2007 = 1st in age group 20-29
* Hopkinton Season Opener: May 10th 2008 = 2nd Female Overall
* Littleton Appleman Triathlon: July 20th 2008 = 1st in age division 20-29, 4th female overall
* Providence Half Ironman: July 13, 2008 = 5 hours 40 minutes (This was my first ˝ Ironman)
* BOUS Qualifier Clough Triathlon: September 6th, 2008: 1st, New Hampshire State Champion


* LUKE MOORE, Stowe, VT

2008:

* 1st @ Camp Te-Kumpta Sprint
* 2nd @ Lake Dunmore / BOUS Qualifier
* 3rd AG @ Musselman Half
* 3rd @ The Field House Sprint

* JOE COMPANY, Columbia, MO

2008
· Who Tri’s Harder Triathlon (BOUS qualifier), Innsbrook, MO – 1st place overall
· Show-Me State Games Triathlon, Columbia, MO – 1st place overall, course record
· Tri-Shark Triathlon, LeRoy, IL – 2nd overall
· Kansas, Lawrence, KS – 70.3 – 15th overall amateur
o Shortened season due to injury and lack of running January-May. Fortunately held it together enough (on 3 weeks of running) at Kansas 70.3 to qualify for Clearwater 70.3 in November. Seem to be healthy again. J

2007
· Ironman Florida , Panama City Beach, FL – 97th overall
· Ironman Canada, Penticton, BC – 57th overall
· Steelhead 70.3, Benton Harbor, MI – 9th overall
· Missouri State Time Trial Championships, Jefferson City, MO– 6th overall
· Columbia Half Marathon, Columbia, MO – 1st overall
· HUFF 50k Trail Run, Huntington, IN – 7th overall


* SYDNEY CORNELL, Parker, CO

2008

Florida Ironman 70.3- 2nd place age group; 10th overall female
5430 Boulder Long Course- 4th place age group
Loveland Lake to Lake Olympic- 2nd place overall female

2007
Fall Frenzy Sprint Triathlon- 1st place age group, 2nd place overall female
Pacific Crest Long Course Duathlon- 2nd place age group


* SYDNEY MONSTREAM-QUAS, 40, Barrington, RI

2008
3rd overall (1st 40-44 age group), Danskin Women’s Triathlon
2nd overall, Bayside YMCA triathlon
4th overall (1st amateur), Cranberry Country Triathlon
(Note: Sydney has only participated in seven tris to date.)


* KIRSTEN SASS, 29, McKenzie, TN

2008

- 1st @ Steamboat Triathlon (MO)
- 1st amateur @ Memphis In May (MS/TN)
- 1st @ Rock N Roll Half
- 1st @ Dragonfly Sprint (MS)
- 1st @ Du Run Run
- 1st @ Chattanooga Waterfront / BOUS Qualifier

* CRAIG GREENSLIT, 39, Berthoud, CO

4-time CO BOUS Representative:
-2nd @ Lake Winnipesaukee (NH) '05
-11th @ Lake Minnetonka (MN) '06
-5th @ Cypress Gardens (FL) '07

2008
->1st Overall Amateur Boulder Peak
->1st Overall Amateur Summer Sprint
->1st Overall Amateur Loveland Lake to Lake (CO BOUS Qualifier)
->2nd Overall Amateur 5430 Sprint
->3rd Overall Elite Amateur, St. Anthony’s
3rd amateur @ 5430 Half (4:11:51)
->7th Overall, 2nd American, 2nd 35-39 Age Group, ITU Worlds – Vancouver, B.C.

2007
->Voted 2007 USAT Duathlete of the Year
->1st Overall, USAT Duathlon National Championships
->1st Overall, USAT Sprint Distance National Championships
->4th Overall (1st 35-39 Age Group), USAT Long Distance National Championships
->5th Overall Best of the US National Championships
->9th Overall (1st 35-39 Age Group), USAT International Distance
National Championships

* LUKE BEASLEY, 20, Muncie, IN

- 2008 is Luke's first full season of tri racing. He's posted several
top 10 finishes and AG wins, such as:
- 2nd @ Mideast Optimist / BOUS In Qualifier
- 11th overall / 1st 20-24 @ Muncie Endurathon (4:19:17)

* CLAY MOSELEY, 38, Los Alamos, MN

-3-time NM BOUS Representative:
- 8th @ Cypress Gardens (FL) '07
- 12th @ Lake Minnetonka (MN) '06

Career Highlights:

1995 Pan American Games Gold Medal - Individual Time Trial
1994 USA Cycling Championship - Individual Time Trial
1997 USA Cycling Championship - Tandem Time Trial
12x NM State Cycling Champion (Time Trial, Road Race, Criterium, Cyclocross)
2nd overall - 2007 USAT Sprint Nationals
1st overall - 5x Jay Benson Triathlon (03-07)
1st overall - 5x Milkman Triathlon (04-08)
1st overall - 5x Socorro Chile Harvest Triathlon (03-07)
1st overall - 3x Grady Williams Freedom Days Triathlon (03-05)
1st overall - 2x Atomic Man Duathlon (06,08)
1st overall - 2x Los Alamos Triathlon (04-05)
1st overall - 2x Tenderfoot Triathlon (06-07)
1st overall - Rattlesnake Triathlon (07)
1st M35-39 - 2x Vineman 70.3 (06-07)
3rd AG - (M30-34 & M35-39) Buffalo Springs 70.3
3rd overall - 2x Harvest Moon 1/2 IM Triathlon
17th overall - Boulder 5430 1/2 IM Triathlon 2005
2nd overall - 2008 Deuces Wild XTERRA
6th M35-39 - 2008 World Masters XC Ski Championship 10km classic
3rd M35-39 - 2008 World Masters XC Ski Championship Relay (USA Team)

* BROOKE DAVISON (37, Colorado)

2008: 1st @ St. Anthony's Elite
1st amateur @ Boise 70.3
1st @ Boulder Boulder
1st @ 5430 Sprint
1st @ Loveland Lake to Lake / BOUS Qualifier
1st amateur / 3rd overall @ 5430 Half (4:24:14)

* VINNIE MONSEAU, 39 (West Virginia)

* St. Anthony's 6th amateur overall
* St. Croix 3rd in 35-39 (declined Hawaii slot)
* Eagleman 70.3 4th amateur overall
* Rocky Gap Sprint (Cumberland, MD) 1st overall (course record)
* Spirit of Morgantown Olympic 2nd overall (1st WV resident and BOUS qualifier)
* J. Cecil Jarvis Sprint (Bridgeport, WV) 1st overall
* Stonewall Jackson Olympic (Weston, WV) 1st overall
* Sprint Splash and Spin Sprint (Morgantown, WV) 1st overall
* Nation's Triathlon (Wash., DC) 2nd overall


* BRIAN BICH, 42 (Minnesota)

6-time Inside Triathlon All American
2-time USAT Master of the Year Honorable Mention (2007, 2006)
1st place 40-44 at USAT Ae Group Nationals in 2007 & 2006
Perennial USAT All American
2008 Wins (as of July 20): Heart of the Lakes, Pigman Sprint, Dakota Man, Lake Waconia (4 wins/5 starts)

* MATT MIGONIS (New York)

2008 Race Results

1st Place – Mini-Musselman Triathlon, Geneva, NY, July 2008.
1st Place – YMCA Green Lakes Triathlon, Syracuse, NY, June 2008.
39th Place – Florida Ironman 70.3, Orlando, FL, May 2008
1st Place – Camillus Memorial 5k race, Camillus, NY, May 2008
12th Place – Twenty-12 Talent ID Race, Tuscaloosa, AL, April 2008

2007 Race Results
1st Place – Rochester Spring Classic Duathlon, Rochester, NY, May 2007
8th Place – Mooseman International Distance Triathlon, Newfound Lake, NH,
june 2007
1st Place – Keuka Lake Duathlon, Keuka, NY, June 2007
1st Place – YMCA Green Lakes Triathlon, Fayetteville, NY, June 2007
1st Place – Half Tinman Triathlon, Tupper Lake, NY, June 2007
1st Place – Mini Musselman Triathlon, Geneva, NY, July 2007
1st Place – Cayuga Lake Olympic Distance Triathlon, Ithaca, NY, August 2007
1st Place – Cazenovia Lake Triathlon, Cazenovia, NY, August 2007
1st Place – Skinnyman Triathlon, Skaneateles, NY, September 2007

2007 USAT Ranking
29th Overall – USA in 25-29 age-group Triathlon. All-American.
11th Overall – USA in 25-29 age-group Duathlon. Honorable Mention All-American.


* MATTHEW WEST (Michigan)

-3 time USAT All American
-4 time Team USA Short Course World appearances
-24 Overall Triathlon Wins (as of July 7, 2008)
-Broke 2:00 hours in Olympic Distance at the USAT Mideast Regional event 2007
-2008 inaugural Member of Mideast Team Elite
-3-time Michigan BOUS Representative

* BETH SCHUTT (Pennsylvania)

2007
Columbia Triathlon - 1st amateur female
Steelhead 70.3 - 6th amateur female, 1st 25-29 AG
ITU Age Group World Championships (short course) - 11th 25-29 AG, 2nd American
70.3 World Championships @ Clearwater - 12th 25-29 AG

I was again accepted onto the MarkAllenOnline Team this year and thus far have been blessed with a healthy and accident-free season!

2008
St. Anthony's Triathlon - 7th amateur female
Columbia Triathlon - 2nd amateur female
Black Bear Sprint Triathlon - 1st overall female
Philadelphia Triathlon - 2nd amateur female


* CINDI BANNINK (Wisconsin)

2008:1st @ Lake Mills
1st @ Wisconsin Triterium (BOUS Qualifier)
2007: 1st @ Lake Mills (-4:46!)
1st @ Wisconsin Triterium (CR!)
8th—S--@ Nationals
17th @ Spirit of RacineRacine (4:56:22)
2nd—1st amateur--@ Pleasant Prairie Olympic
1st @ St. Croix Valley International– CR-2:09:43!
1st @ Devils Challenge (-5:42)
4th @ Best of the US Championship
2006: 1st @ Lake Mills
1st @ Wisconsin Triterium (CR)
2nd @ High Cliff Half IM (6/25): 4:58:43
13th @ BOUS Championship
2005: 2nd @ Manitou Sprint
1st @ Best of the US/WI Q—WI Triterium (6/19)
5th @ Life Time Fitness Elite
7th/3rd amateur @ Spirit of Racine
1st @ Turtleman (8/13): 2:00: 40 (17th o/a)
9th @ Best of the US (8/20—NH)
2nd @ Chequamegon Fat Tire Tri (8/27)
1st @ Devil’s Challenge (9/18)
2004: 1st @ Gear West Duthlon
2nd! @ Manitou (6/13): 1:09:59 (beat old CR)
1st @ Wisconsin Dells Tinman
3rd @ Timberman - 2:10:19
5th @ Heart of the Lakes / Minnesota State Tri Champs
2nd @ Turtleman
2nd! @ Fat Tire Tri (8/29):

* CHRIS WICHERT (Wisconsin)

2008 1st @ Paper Discover Duathlon
1st @ Wisconsin Triterium / BOUS Qualifier
2nd @ Lake Mills
2007 2nd @ Pewaukee
2nd amateur @ Spirit of Racine
3rd @ Coulee Duathlon
5th @ half Max National Champs

* KATHY RAKEL (Arizona)

First triathlon was in 2005. Background was basketball and golf. Recent article from Tucson Citizen: http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/sports/86646.php. Started seriously training in 2007. Her father is also a triathlete, having completed IM AZ 2008.

Air Force Academy Graduate 2007. Commissioned officer in USAF (Second Lieutenant). Current assignment is Master's Degree Program, Univ of AZ. Follow-on is Intelligence Officer Training, San Angelo, TX.

2007 breakthrough finishes:
- IM AZ (first IM): 11:46; 2nd Age Group
- Soma 1/2IM Triathlon: 4:56; 2nd AG (behind Katie Ellis), 9th amateur woman overall
- El Tour de Tucson (109mi cycle): 4th AG; 22nd woman

2008 breakthrough finishes:
- Desert Classic Duathlon: 1st AG; 2nd amateur woman overall
- Lake Havasu Triathlon: 4th amateur woman overall
- Tri Collegiate Nationals: 2nd grad student, 5th overall -- fastest bike split
- Saguaro Lake Tri: 1st AG; 2nd amateur woman overall (behind Cathy Yndestad)
- Tempe International Tri 2nd amateur woman overall -- fastest bike. Katie Ellis won this one.
- Sahuarita Tri: Amateur Champion -- bike course record (by 1:30)
*Kathy has not placed out of the top 2 in her age group this year.

(Bio provided by Kathy's coach, Brian Grasky, who represented AZ at the 2006 BOUS Championship.)



* AMANDA ERWIN (Oklahoma)

*2006 ITU Age Group World Championships- 3rd Overall U.S. Female

*5-Time Oklahoma State Triathlon Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2008)

*2006 Lone Star Half-Ironman- 2nd Overall Amateur Female

*2006 Soma Half-Ironman - 1st Overall Amateur Female, 3rd Overall

*Oklahoma State Time Trial Champion- 2006, 2008

2008 Hy-Vee Triathlon Amateur Elite Female 2nd
2007 US Open Triathlon Amateur Elite Female 7th
2007 Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon Overall 6th
2007 Midwest Meltdown Triathlon Overall 1st
2007 Memphis in May Overall 7th
2007 St. Anthony's Triathlon Amateur 11th
Elite Female
2006 Memphis in May Overall 4th
2006 St. Anthony's Triathlon Overall Amateur 6th
Female

New Jersey middle school teacher Dave Slavinski is a relative newcomer to triathlon but one look at his brief resume reveals that he is destined for stardom. Though 2008 is his first full season as a triathlete, he has a good chance to reach the podium at the Best of the US Championship next October.

Check out Dave's Scorecard:

2007: 3rd overall is first triathlon
2008: 4th in first Olympic Distrance tri
1st overall! @ New Jersey Devilman Half IM (4:05:36)
2nd amateur @ Ironman Rhode Island 70.3 (4:10:57)
1st @ Wilkes Barre
1st @ NJ State Triathlon / BOUS NJ Qualifier

BOUS congratulates two-time NM BOUS representative Dina Pesenson and her husband Clay Moseley on the recent birth of "Mila," the couple's first child. For pictures and more, visit: www.triatomics.blogspot.com

Have you ever heard of Margot Hair? She's a quiet cancer survivor from Diamondhead, MS who dabbles in triathlon occasionally. She accepted a passdown slot in 2007 and turned some heads in Florida at the Best of the US Championship. Who is this girl who finished a surprising 13th against the deepest US women's head-to-head field of the season?

Margot Hair, 28, has raced perhaps a half-dozen times in her life and except for BOUS, the races were rather anonymous. Her most recent effort was at the Heart O'Dixie / BOUS MS Qualifier on July 26. When the dust cleared at America's oldest short-course triathlon, Margot was 4th overall and more than 11 minutes ahead of the next fastest woman, Tennessee's Ali Rutledge, who every woman in the South knows is no slouch. More impressively, though, was Margot's time. She covered the Olympic-plus (half mile swim - 27 mile bike - 7 mile run) distances in an amazing 2:04:09! With this effort Margot demonstrated that her name deserves to be mentioned with the podium hopefuls at the BOUS Championship in Tempe, AZ on October 26.

Several BOUS invitees turned in stellar efforts in major events in recent weeks:

* Craig Greenslit (CO) & Brooke Davison (CO) were the amateur winners at Boulder Peak (july 20).

* Brian Bich (MN) won the Heart of the Lakes Triathlon (July20.

* Amanda Erwin (OK) and placed 9th at Vineman Ironman 70.3 (July 20).

* Bruce Gennari (TN) placed 2nd at Vineman Ironman 70.3 (July 20).

* Beth Shutt (PA) placed 3rd in the Elite Amateur division of the New York City Triathlon July 20).

* Chrisopher Thomas (CT) won the Rhode Island Ironman 70.3 (July 13)

* Mark Harms (WI) and Cindi Bannink (WI) placed 3rd and 4th respectivelu at the Life Time Fitness Triathlon (July 12).

* Alison Poe (KY) placed 6th @ the Mountaineer Half on June 29.

* Beth Shutt (PA) finished 2nd at the Philadelphia Triathlon on June 22)

* Mark Harms (WI), Amanda Erwin (OK) and Jenny Jackson (IA) placed 1st, 2nd and 4th respectively at the Hy-Vee Triathlon on June 22 in Des Moines, IA.

* Defending BOUS Champ Philippe Kozub won the Lone Star Half on Match 30)

Team Colorado and Team Minnesota were two of the five state teams determined on June 28-29. They are two of the strongest squads to be detrmined thus far in 2008. In fact, Team Colorado--former BOUS runnerup & reigning sprint and duathlon national champ Craig Greenslit and Brooke Davison, undefeated and seemingly invincible in 2008--is aguably the team to beat in this year's Fastest Team Competitive. Team Minnesota, featuring a pair of ultra-talented Duluthians, Brian Bich (two-time national masters champion) and Marlo Crosby McGaver, should vy for a podium spot as well.

Other states that, on paper, are sending podium-worthy (top 5) teams are Florida (Eddie and Lotte Branigan), Pennsylvania (Rick Fesler and Beth Schutt), Wisconsin (Chris Wichert & Cindi Bannink) and Maryland (Philippe Kozub & Krista Schultz). The surprise team this year could well be Team Nortth Carolina (Mason Boyles & Chris Tommerdahl).

Twenty-one Qualifiers have yet to be contested, including Ohio's, Washington's, Alaska's, Virginia's and California's. These state's have historically sent great teams.

The Cheesehead State and the Peach State both bring a high level of state pride to the BOUS Championship. Wisconsin’s 2007 team of Cindi Bannink (4th place) and Mark Harms (3rd place) were amazing individually and, combined, were Fastest State Team Champions, making history in the process. Previous Fastest Team victory margins had been measured in mere seconds. But last year’s power punch of Bannink/Harms bested the field by over 2 minutes. Both athletes targeted the Wisconsin Triterium Olympic Distance race, to return and defend, and most likely would have. But, alas, Mark flatted on the bike and rode his rim in for 4th. Bannink again took the women’s title and this year will be joined by another strong contender, 24-year-old Chris Wickert from Milwaukee.

Meanwhile down South at West Point Lake Triathlon, 32-year-old Kristel Maes, who was Georgia’s inaugural representative in 2005, has repeated. She’ll be joined by new qualifier Dennis Reardon, 36, of Canton, GA. The pair have big BOUS shoes to fill: last year Jeremy Sipos finished 11th, just out of award position and in 2006 Georgia’s own David Silver – now racing pro and focusing on long course – was National Champion.

Georgia Top 3:
1. Kristel Maes, 32, Savannah Dennis Reardon, 36, Canton
2. Kim Dunker, 25, Athens Andrew Leonard, 24, Atlanta
3. Barbara Chandler, 46, Atlanta Samuel Morgan, 25, Atlanta


Wisconsin Top 3:
1. Cindi Bannink, 31 Chris Wickert, 24
2. Heather Curnutt, 34 Brian Brophy, 41
3. Sarah Kolpin, 27 Bran Herzog, 28

Philippe Kozub, 2007 Best of the US National Champion, was the first Maryland resident amateur to finish the Columbia Triathlon / Best of the US Maryland/DC Qualifier thus earning his 3rd consecutive invitation to represent his home state at the BOUS Championship. (Kozub finished 2nd at the 2006 BOUS Championship.) Advancing for the women was USAT All American Amy Alexander, 22, of Annapolis.

NOTE: Philippe Kozub has officially accepted his invitation to represent MD/DC!

MARYLAND/DC (Columbia Triathlon - May 18)
WINNER: PHILIPPE KOZUB, 33, Bethesda & Amy Alexander, 22, Annapolis
PASSDOWN #1: Matias Palevecino, 27, Washington DC & Janelle McIntyre, 43, Ellicott City
PASSDOWN #2: Otho Keller, 31, Baltimore & Krista Schultz, 30, Towson

TEXAS (Buffman & Squeaky - May 18)
WINNER: AHMED ZAHER, 44, Dallas & Stacy Fennell, 32, Arlington
PASSDOWN #1: Alberto Lugo, 36, El Paso & Tanya Taylor, 28, Temple
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Aarhus, 40, San Antonio & Michelle Lester, 33, Austin

BOUS INVITEES TO DATE:: Stay tuned for KY results!

MARYLAND/DC (Columbia Triathlon - May 18)
WINNER: PHILIPPE KOZUB, 33, Bethesda & Amy Alexander, 22, Annapolis
PASSDOWN #1: Matias Palevecino, 27, Washington DC & Janelle McIntyre, 43, Ellicott City
PASSDOWN #2: Otho Keller, 31, Baltimore & Krista Schultz, 30, Towson

TEXAS (Buffman & Squeaky - May 18)
WINNER: Ahmed Zaher, 44, Dallas & Stacy Fennell, 32, Arlington
PASSDOWN #1: Alberto Lugo, 36, El Paso & Tanya Taylor, 28, Temple
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Aarhus, 40, San Antonio & Michelle Lester, 33, Austin

SOUTH CAROLINA (Clemson Triathlon - May 10)
WINNER: Chris Olson, 35, Spartanburg & Jenny McDonagh, 26, Mount Pleasant
PASSDOWN #1: Mark Woody, 38, Chapin & Julie Murphy, 42, Greer
PASSDOWN #2: Parker Rother, 28, Spartanburg & Katharine Welling, 34, Spartanburg

UTAH (St. George Triathlon - May 10)
WINNER: B.J. Christenson, 30, North Salt Lake City & Jannalyn Luttrell, 27, Salt Lake City
PASSDOWN #1: Randall Olsen, 41, St. George & Amber Mounday, 33, Ogden
PASSDOWN #2: Devan Tandy, 27, Provo & Keena Schaerrer, 46, Pleasant Grove

NORTH CAROLINA (White Lake Sprint - May 4)
WINNER: MASON DOYLES, 15, Wilmington & CHRIS TOMMERDAHL, 22, Chapel Hill
PASSDOWN #1: David Sokolofsky, 27, Wilmington & Brianne Godwin, 30, Mebane
PASSDOWN #2: Robert Ferris, 26, Cary & Alysia Lovgrenm 30, Durham

LOUISANA (Hidden Paradise Sprint - May 4)
WINNER: BEN HALL,* 17, Ruston & KATIE WHITE, 39, Monroe
PASSDOWN #1: Nathan Davis, 22, Ruston & Melanie Rowton, 36, West Monroe
PASSDOWN #2: John Bullock, 37, Shreveport & Kim Kippling, 40, Ruston

FLORIDA (Zephyr Sports Sprint - St. Augustine - May 3)
WINNER: EDDIE BRANIGAN, 36, Vero Beach & LOTTE BRANIGAN, 34, Vero Beach
PASSDOWN #1: Andrea Ugazio, 43, Kissimmee & Angela Hygema, 33, Dania Beach
PASSDOWN #2: Evan Evans, 33, Palm Coast & Juie Olsen, 27, Ormond Beach

ALABAMA (Alabam Coastal Triathlon - May 3)
WINNER: Chad Hon, 39, Mobile & Halle Blunck, 24, Mountain Brook
PASSDOWN #1: Johnny Harrison, 48, Fairhope & Lori Goldweber, 45, Homewood
PASSDOWN #2: Morgan Ramey, 40, Helena & JULIE VANZANDT, 26, Birmingham

NEVADA (Rage in the Sage - April 19)
WINNER: Phillip Glenn, 32, Reno & DANA GINSBURG, 43, Reno
PASSDOWN #1: CHRIS FETTER, 30, Las Vegas & Andrea Lindsey, 20, Gardnerville
PASSDOWN #2: Michael Olsen, 39, Las Vegas & Christine Brown, 42, Henderson

HAWAII (Lavaman Triathlon - April 6)
WINNER: LUIS DE LA TORRE, 40, Kailua Kona & Shonny Vanandingham, 39, Captain Cook
PASSDOWN #1: John Flanagan, 33, Mililani & Sandra Ferriera, 39, Kaneohe
PASSDOWN #2: Tai Blechta, 29, Honolulu & Yarden Danker, 51, Keauhou





Accepted Slots are capitalized

Respected event producer Bill Scott of Set-Up Events sent us this e-mail on May 8:

Jerry - Great story from our race (White Lake Sprint / BOUS North Carolina Qualifier). The kid who won is 14! He (Mason Boyles) races in our "Open" (Elite) division this year. He turns 15 in July so per USAT guidelines he races as a 15 year old. We lowered our Open guidelines this year so that this kid could race Open in our North Carolina Triathlon Series events. The kid is about 4'10" and weighs about 90 lbs. He's unbelievable! He blew away the field on the run. Turned in a 16:23 5K . The next fastest 5K split was 17:58. Obvioulsy he's a pretty good swimmer and biker as well (3rd fastest swim split and 17 fastest bike split). This is out of 700 finishers.

....People are going to see him at your championship and wonder why you're letting little kids into the TA. To top it off, he's super excited about coming to your championship. As soon as he finished, he came up to me and said; "Mr. Scott, does this mean that I qualify for the Best of The US"??

Bill

Dear Bill,

We are anxious to meet Mason and can't wait to watch him race. You know, several juniors have excelled at the BOUS Championship. In 1996, Oklahoma's Daniel Agnew placed 6th. He was nominated for USAT Junior of the Year that season. And he is now a 20-year-old pro. Last year, Rob Webster Jr. of Washington placed 4th at the Championship. What an extraordinary young athlete he is! Perhaps this will be Mason Boyles' year to shine at the Championship and get some of the national recognition he deserves.

Thanks for your ongoing support of the Best of the US program.

Sincerly,

Jerry

(St. Paul, MN - 5/6/08) Florida's Lotte and Eddie Branigan have once again earned, and accepted, their invitations to represent themselves and their state at the Best of the US Championship in Tempe, AZ on October 26. This is Eddie's second invitation. He placed 7th at last year's Championship. Lotte has won her qualifier in each of the four seasons that the BOUS Series has been contested. The 2006 US Athlete of the Year placed 2nd in each of the first two Championships but was unable to compete in 2007 due to a collarbone injury. She was replaced by Angela Hygema, who placed 11th at the Championship. Angela finished in the first passdown position at this year's Florida Qualifier (Zepher Hills Sprint - St. Augustine on May 3).

In other weekend qualifier action, 2007 USAT All AMerican Chad Hon and rising star Hallie Blunck were to Alabama finishers at the Alabama Coastal Triathlon on May 3. And 15-year-old Mason Boyles and Chris Tommerdahl, both 2007 All Americans, won the White Lake Sprint Triathlon / North Carolina Qualifier on May 4.

FLORIDA (Zephyr Sports Sprint - St. Augustine - May 3)
WINNER: EDDIE BRANIGAN 36, Vero Beach & LOTTE BRANIGAN, 34, Vero Beach
PASSDOWN #1: Andrea Ugazio, 43, Kissimmee & Angela Hygema, 33, Dania Beach
PASSDOWN #2: Evan Evans, 33, Palm Coast & Juie Olsen, 27, Ormond Beach

ALABAMA (Alabam Coastal Triathlon - May 3)
WINNER: Chad Hon, 39, Mobile & Halle Blunck, 24, Mountain Brook
PASSDOWN #1: Johnny Harrison, 48, Fairhope & Lori Goldweber,* 45, Homewood
PASSDOWN #2: Morgan Ramey*, 40, Helena & Julie Vanzandt, 27, Birmingham

* Goldweber & Ramey are former AL representatives.

NORTH CAROLINA (White Lake Sprint - May 4)
WINNER: MASON DOYLES, 15, Wilmington & CHRIS TOMMERDAHL, 22, Chapel Hill
PASSDOWN #1: David Sokolofsky, 27, Wilmington & Brianne Godwin, 30, Mebane
PASSDOWN #2: Robert Ferris, 26, Cary & Alysia Lovgrenm 30, Durham

LOUISANA (Hidden Paradise Sprint - May 4)

WINNER: BEN HALL,* 17, Ruston & KATIE WHITE, 39, Monroe
PASSDOWN #1: Nathan Davis, 22, Ruston & Melanie Rowton, 36, West Monroe
PASSDOWN #2: John Bullock, 37, Shreveport & Kim Kippling, 40, Ruston

* Ben represented LA at the 2007 BOUS Championship, finishing 19th.

PRIOR QUALIFIERS:

HAWAII (Lavaman Triathlon - April 6)
WINNER: LUIS DE LA TORRE, 40, Kailua Kona & Shonny Vanandingham, 39, Captain Cook
PASSDOWN #1: John Flanagan, 33, Mililani & Sandra Ferriera, 39, Kaneohe
PASSDOWN #2: Tai Blechta, 29, Honolulu & Yarden Danker, 51, Keauhou

NEVADA (Rage in the Sage - April 19)
WINNER: PHILLIP GLENN, 32, Reno & DANA GINSBURG, 43, Reno
PASSDOWN #1: Chris Fetter, 30, Las Vegas & Andrea Lindsey, 20, Gardnerville
PASSDOWN #2: Michael Olsen, 39, Las Vegas & Christine Brown, 42, Henderson


* ACCEPTED INVITATIONS CAPITALIZED

----------------------------------------------------------------

The following BOUS athletes turned in noteworthy performances in the Elite Amateur competition at the 25th annual St. Anthony's Triathlon on April 27:

Men:

Eric Bell (2007 TN representative) finished 2nd.
Craig Greenslit (3-time CO representative) placed 3rd
Philippe Kozub (2-time MD representative; defending BOUS National champ) placed 5th. *

(* Philippe was inadvertantly assessed a stand-down penalty because the official assumed he was a pro. This may have cost Philippe a position or two.)

Women:

Lotte Branigan (2-time FL representative) finished 3rd.
Jennifer Harrison (2007 IL representative) finished 8th.

The elite amateur division drew 214 credentialed triathletes from around the country.

As top Nevada finishers at the Rage in the Sage / Best of the US Nevada Qualifier, 2006 representative Phillip Glenn and 2007 representative Dana Ginsburg, both of Reno, earned the right to return to the Best of the US National Championship, which will be hosted by the Soma Quarterman in Tempe, AZ on October 26. "It's always great to welcome back BOUS alumni," said Trudy Marshall, Best of the US' Executive Director. "We sure hope that they will accept their invitations." If they are unable to do so, the next male athletes in line are Chris Fetter and Michael Olsen. In passdown positions for the women are Andrea Lindsey and Christine Brown.

(April 6, 2008) Former amateur World Champion Luis De La Torre (Kailua Kona) and mountain bike star Shony Vanlandingham (Captain Cook) were the first resident amateur finishers at the 11th annual Lavaman on April 6. De La Torre placed 3rd overall behind Texan James Cotter and Honolulu pro Tim Marr. Vanlandingham, a newcomer to road tris (she placed 7th at the 2007 Xterra Word Champs), was beaten only by professionals Bree Wee (USAT Athlete of the Year in 2007), Tyler Stewart (CA) and Jessica Kirkwood (CAN).

De La Torre, 40, was living in Arizona when he became a triathlete at the age of 13 and was one of the Grand Canyon State's premier triathletes for many years before relocating to Hawaii. He has told BOUS Management that looks forward to returning to his former home state to compete at the 2008 Best of the US Championship on October 26 in Tempe.

De La Torre was brilliant in 2007. His racing highlights include victories at the Honolulu Triathlon and Honolulu 70.3, a 2nd place finish at Lavaman and a top 15 effort at the Hawaiian Ironman World Championship (9:11:23).

"Vanlandingham is an amazing athlete, capable of excelling at any endurance sport she pursues," says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil. "We certainly hope she will accept her invitation to represent Hawaii at this year's Championship."

BOUS Management is grateful to Lavaman Director, Gerry Rott, who will provide travel stipends for Hawaii's BOUS qualifiers.

LAVAMAN / BEST OF THE US HAWAII QUALIFIER:

WINNER: Luis De La Torre, 40, Kailua Kona & Shonny Vanandingham, 39, Captain Cook
PASSDOWN #1: John Flanagan, 33, Mililani & Sandra Ferriera, 39, Kaneohe
PASSDOWN #2: Tai Blechta, 29, Honolulu & Yarden Danker, 51, Keauhou

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 31, 2008

CONTACT: Carrie Rollins 615-414-1876
carrie@team-magic.com; www.team-magic.com



Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon Celebrates 2nd Year with New Qualifier Status as the Best of the USA Amateur Competition Qualifier for the State of Alabama


Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, Alabama — Competitors from weekend warriors to elite-level athletes will converge on Saturday, May 3rd for the 2nd annual Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon. This event is held at a perfect time of year on Alabama's beautiful gulf coast. The main staging area is at the almost new Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion with the swim 1000 yards in the Gulf of Mexico, bike 19.5 miles on the beach front roads and serene Gulf State Park roads, and finish with a 4.5 mile beach front road run. A post race part and award ceremony at a local beach restaurant and bar just down the street from the main staging and race finish will add the final punch for a great race day.

Designated as the USA Triathlon Intermediate Distance State Championship - racers from the State of Alabama will compete for champion status in the male and female categories for overall, junior, masters, grand masters and physically challenged. Additionally, state championship status also gives regional racers a chance at more national ranking points with USA Triathlon.

New $4,990 cash purse offered to attract elite amateur racers – while this event invites all levels of competition, top regional racers will be vying for a cash purse of just under $5k divided between the top five men and women overall and the top three male and female masters (40+.)

Special thanks to new title sponsor Brett Robinson specializing in Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Sales and Development.

For more information on the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon or any of its entrants, contact: Carrie Rollins at carrie@team-magic.com or 615-414-1876.

See the following page for rave reviews for the inaugural 2007 event.
Rave Reviews from 2007 Competitors:

Thanks for a great race this past weekend. It is destined to become a new favorite. You'll did a great job!!!

Nerrin and George Zaharias
Birmingham, AL

Thank you Team Magic for bringing the Alabama Coastal Tri to Gulf Shores. You guys did an outstanding job and I see this event doubling in size next year. The course is perfect and the organization and dedication to this event was the best I’ve seen. I will see you next year.

Sincerely,
Lisa Blount
Mobile, Al

Great race, nice venue and very well organized.

Thanks.
Johnny Harrison

Great event and first class. Thanks. If there is a way to move to saturday in a few years might be better day for event with Sunday church. Thanks again for great event
--------------------------
Sent from john@white-spunner.com

I must say that the race this past weekend in Orange Beach / Gulf Shores had to be one of my all time favorites. I will certainly be back next year and put the word out about how well it was run. Great job by Team Magic and all the volunteers who made it happen. I am looking at the schedule of races that Team Magic's puts on to see if I can make it to any. Awesome job and thanks for a great day.

Matt Leland

I just want to thank both of you for the event this weekend. You couldn’t ask for better weather. Though I was slow, I had a blast! I think everyone did. Team-Magic is so easy to work with and that’s why you all have such a loyal following! Have a great day!

Regards,
Kent Scroggins
Customer Service Representative
American Flow Control

Faye & Therese,
Just a note to say how impressed I was with the Team Magic staff/organization on Sunday. This was the first Team Magic event I've ever participated in but certainly not the last! I'm fairly new to this sport and learn do's and don't's with every event. Not all organizations pay as much attention to detail and safety as yours. I did awful on the run and I must apologize for my frustration at the finish. Heat is a big hindrance to those of us living with MS. There's always next time . . .

Once again, thanks for a great experience! Beth Price #168

(3/31/08) The opening day of the 2008 Best of the US season is less than a week away. Kicking things off, as usual, is Hawaii's popular Lavaman Triathlon on April 6. Hawaii is a small state but boasts a plethora of talented triathletes. At the top of the list is Kailua-Kona's Bree Wee (now a pro), who was named USAT Athlete of the Year in 2007. And then there's Honolulu's Rachel Ross is a two-time USAT AOY Honorable Mention. Among the other stars are former Xterra World Champion Marion Summerer and 1989 amatuer World Champion Luis Delatorre..

BOUS Management recently sent out an e-mail to the top 10 male and female finishers at the 2007 Best of the US Championship asking if they hope to win their respective qualifiers and represent themselves and states at the 2008 Champs. The following triathletes responded positively to our query: The top five men in 2007--Philippe Kozub (MD), Scott Myers (OH), Mark Harms (WI), Rob Webster, Jr. (WA) and Craig Greenslit (CO). Additionally, the 7th place (Florida's Eddie Branigan) and 8th place (New Mexico's Clay Moseley) men are seeking a return engagement. For the women, Wisconsin's Cindi Bannink (4th), Illinois' Jennifer Harrison (7th) and Ohio's Andrea Myers (10th) hope to return. Women's champ Katie Ellis (AZ) and runner-up Kim Webster (MA) contacted us to let us know that they now have pro licenses and are thus ineligible. Minnesota's Cathy Yndestad (MN) also responded, saying that she will bypass BOUS and focus on the Hawaiian Ironman World Championship.

We are also pleased to announce that Tennessee's Bruce Gennari (4th in 2005 & 2006) wishes to return, as does Florida's Lotte Branigan (2nd in 2005 & 2006).

And special congratulations to New Mexico's Clay Moseley and Dina Pesenson, both two-time BOUS representatives, who are expecting their first child in July.

(St. Paul, MN – 2/27/08) Best of the US Management is pleased to announce that five of the triathletes who competed in the 2007 BOUS National Championship in Cypress Gardens, Florida, have earned USA Triathlon post-season honors, four as Honorable Mention in the “Athlete of the Year” category, and one for Honorable Mention “Master of the Year.” They are (alphabetically):

PHILIPPE KOZUB, 32, Bethesda, MD: 2007 USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention
Winner of the BOUS Championship in 2007 and runner-up in the 2006 Championship,
Kozub was given high marks by the USAT AOY Selection Committee for his versatility.
He demonstrated excellence at distances ranging from sprint to 70.3.
2007 Season Highlights:
1st @ Best of the US Championship
1st @ Crawfishman
1st @ Louisiana Triathlon
2nd @ Dallas US Open (behind USAT AOY Daniel Bretscher)
2nd @ Accenture Chicago Triathlon (behind Bretscher)
2nd @ Half Max National Championship (behind Bretscher)
2nd amateur @ Eagleman Ironman 70.3
2nd amateur @ Columbia Triathlon
2nd @ River Cities Triathlon
2nd @ Mini Musselman Half Triathlon
5th @ USAT Age Group National Championship (3rd 30-34M)

KATIE ELLIS, 22, Phoenix, AZ: 2007 USAT AOY Honorable Mention
Only eventual AOY Bree Wee, herself a BOUS alum, got more support that Ellis for Athlete
of the Year honors. Ellis, an age group world champion, won the 2007 Best of the US title.
Like Wee, Katie has recently procured a pro license.
2007 Season Highlights:
1st @ Best of the US Championship
1st @ Soma Half
1st @ Tempe International, Rocky Point, Race for the Cure, Tempe Olympic
and Sahuarita BOUS Arizona Qualifier
2nd @ USAT Collegiate National Championship
3rd @ ITU World Championship-Hamburg, GER (20-24W World Champion)
6th @ USAT Age Group Nationals (3rd 20-24W)


KIM WEBSTER, 31, Framingham, MA: 2007 USAT AOY Honorable Mention
Strong and very versatile, Webster almost caught Ellis at last year’s BOUS Champs.
When the dust cleared, only two seconds separated these two talented athletes. In addition
to her success in road tris, Kim is also an accomplished Xterra, i.e. off-road, triathlete.
2007 Season Highlights:
1st amateur @ Timberman 70.3
1st amateur @ Lake Stevens 70.3
1st amateur @ Philadelphia Triathlon
2nd @ Best of the US Championship
2nd amateur @ Mooseman Half
2nd @ Lobsterman Triathlon

CATHY YNDESTAD, 29, Apple Valley, MN: 2007 USAT AOY Honorable Mention
Cathy enjoyed a breakout season in 2007, winning eight of the twelve races she entered. She
won the prestigious Life Time Fitness Series handily, triumphing by big margins against talented
fields at Minneapolis and Dallas, and taking second at Chicago. In the most exciting finish
in BOUS’s brief history, Cathy placed third at the Best of the US Championship, only 10
seconds behind Ellis and eight behind Webster.
2007 Season Highlights:
1st @ Life Time Fitness – Minneapolis
1st @ Dallas US Open – Life Time Fitness Series Championship
1st amateur @ Newfoundland 70.3
1st @ Heart of the Lakes / Minnesota State Triathlon Championship
(the day after she won Life Time Fitness – Minneapolis)
1st @ Pigman Sprint, Manitou Sprint & Timberman (MN) Olympic
2nd @ Accenture Chicago (Life Time Fitness Elite Series)
3rd @ Best of the US Championship
3rd @ ITU Hy-Vee Des Moines
10:12 @ Ironman Florida

STACY ORCUTT, 41, Seattle, WA: 2007 USAT Master of the Year Honorable Mention
Regionally invincible, Stacy is one of a handful of American “Super Masters.” A fourth place
overall finish at USAT Age Group Nationals was the highlight of her season.
2007 Season Highlights (National level):
1st master / 4th overall @ USAT Age Group Nationals
1st master / 2nd overall @ Seafair
1st master / 12th overall @ Best of the US Championship



The Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition is produced by Midwest Events, LLC of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

More info:
Jerry MacNeil, PR Director: 651-714-1829 or jerry@midwestevents.com
www.bestoftheustriathletes.com

Like fellow BOUS Champions Margie Shapiro and Heidi Grimm, Arizona's Katie Ellis has procured a pro license. In the first three years of the program's existence, an estimated 20-25 BOUS alumni have made the jump from elite age-group to pro status. Other noteables in this group include Georgia's David Silver, 2006 BOUS men's champ, Hawaii's Bree Wee, California's Jim Vance, Missouri's Jillian Peterson, Idaho's Kevin Everett and Washington's Chris Tremonte,

Attention BOUS Athletes: If you have gotten your pro license, let us know (jerry@midwestevents.com) so that we may publish your names here and in future press releases.

“BEST OF THE US” INVITES HAWAII’S BEST TO RACE AT THE
LAVAMAN TRIATHLON ON APRIL 6!

(St. Paul, MN – 2/2/2008)–– “Best of the US” Management and the Hawaii Sports Connection invite the talented triathletes of the Aloha State to race at the 11th annual LAVAMAN / BEST OF THE US HAWAII QUALIFIER at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast on April 6. This annual classic is billed as “The Best & Most Scenic Post Race Party in Triathlon!!!” “We are thrilled with our continuing relationship with Gerry Rott and her Lavaman crew, “ says BOUS Executive Director Trudy Marshall. “They produce a model event.”

Three Hawaiian triathletes, Ben Collins, Bree Wee and Rachel Ross, are being considered for 2007 USAT Athlete of the Year honors. Collins and Ross earned AOY Honorable Mention status in 2006. Collins and Wee have now entered the pro ranks, but Ross and 2007 Lavaman resident amateur winner Luis Delatorre, 1989 Amateur World Champion, are expected to toe the line at Lavaman ’08. Delatorre grew up in Arizona and is anxious to return for the 2008 Best of the US Championship in Tempe, AZ on October 26. “Ross and Delatorre would give Hawaii a podium-worthy team in Tempe,” says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil. “But the Aloha State has many other great triathletes—Kurt Chambers, Kalen Darling, Tai Blechta, Peter Hursty, Marion Summerer, Susan Burr, Emily King, Katherine Nichols, to name a few—and will field a formidable team, no matter who advances.”

BOUS Management is indebted to the Hawaii Sports Connection, who will provide their advancing athletes with a stipend to help defray some of their travel costs.

For more information on the Lavaman Triathlon, vist http://www.bestoftheustriathletes.com/states/HI or http://www.lavamantriathlon.com.

RAGE IN THE SAGE TRIATHLON INVITES NEVADA’S BEST
TO COMPETE AT THE 2008 “BEST OF THE US” NEVADA QUALIFIER!

(St. Paul, MN – 2/2/2008)–– ”Best of the US” Management is pleased to announce that the 5th annual RAGE IN THE SAGE TRIATHLON will once again host the official 2008 “Best of the US” Nevada State Qualifier. The fastest male and female resident amateurs will earn the right to represent the Silver State at the 4th “Best of the US Championship,” which will be hosted by the Soma Quarterman in Tempe, Arizona on October 26.

The RAGE IN THE SAGE TRIATHLON, which features very challenging Olympic and sprint distance races (the Olympic race is the qualifier), is slated for April 19 and will me staged at majestic Lake Mead National Recreation Area southeast of Las Vegas. RAGE IN THE SAGE, which hosted every past edition of the “Best of the US” Nevada Qualifier is expertly produced by BBSC Endurance Sports. “BBSC Endurance Sports will also produce the 2008 SGTRI / Utah Qualifier on May 10. We’re very pleased to have a continuing relationship with Brogg Sterrett and his BBSC team,” says Trudy Marshall, “Best of the US” Executive Director. “We anticipate super events on April 19 and May 10.”

There is no shortage of triathlon talent in Nevada. Las Vegas and Reno, especially, boast thriving triathlon communities. Some of the athletes we hope to see on May include past representatives Danny Murphy (2005, 2007), Cynthia Platko (2005), Philip Glenn (2006), Karen Lasko (2006) and Dana Ginsburg (2007) plus the talented likes of Chris Fetter, Al Thresher, James Ketron, super-masters Darrin Rohr and Shannon Cutting, Kim Watson, Colleen Knutson, Becky Lamph, Michelle Behm and Kim Jefferson. Any male/female combination of these athletes (and others who will emerge in 2008) would provide a strong Nevada presence at the “Best of the US Championship” on October 26.”

For more information on RAGE IN THE SAGE, visit http://www.bbscendurancesports.com/.

(St. Paul, MN - 12/26/2007) BOUS Management is pleased to announce that the
Soma Quarterman will host the 4th annual Best of the US Championship in
Tempe, Arizona. Race date is Sunday, October 26, 2008. Together with the
accompanying half-distance race, the event attracts over 1,700 athletes.

"Red Rock Company produces first class events," said BOUS Executive Director
Trudy Marshall. "We're excited to be working with their team and expect
nothing but the best for the Best of the U.S. Representatives from the 50
states."

The Soma event is staged at Tempe Town Lake, site of Ironman Arizona. It is
located just minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport, and blocks from
Tempe's dynamic Mill Avenue attractions and Arizona State University.


2008 BOUS Schedule by date:

April 6-HAWAII--Lavaman Triathlon (lavamantriathlon.com)
April 19-NEVADA-Rage in the Sage Triathlon (www.bbscendurnacesports.com)
May 3-FLORIDA-Zephyr Sport Sprint (www.familyfitnessweekend.com)
May 4-LOUISIANA-Hidden Paradise Triathlon (www.dltmultisport.com)
May 4-NORTH CAROLINA-White Lake Sprint Triathlon (www.setupevents.com)
May 10-SOUTH CAROLINA-Clemson Triathlon (www.setupevents.com)
May 10-UTAH-St. George Triathlon (SGTRI) (www.bbscendurancesports.com)
May 18-MARYLAND / DC-Columbia Triathlon (www.tricolumbia.org)
May 18-TEXAS-Buffman & Squeaky (www.buffalospringslaketriathlon.com)
May 24-KENTUCKY-Bufalo Trails Triathlon (www.buffalotrialsraces.com)
May 26-ARIZONA-Sahuarita Lake Triathlon (www.tritucson.com)
June 1-IOWA-Pigman Sprint Triathlon (www.pigmantri.com)
June 1-PENNSYLVANIA-Black Bear Sprint Triathlon (to be confirmed) (www.cgiracing.com)
June 2-OKLAHOMA-Route 66 Triathlon (www.triokc.org)
June 7 (date tentative)-IDAHO-Ymca Spudman Triathlon (www.ymcatvidaho.org)
June 7-NEW MEXICO-Milkman Triathlon (www.milkmantriathlon.com)
June 8-ALABAMA-Buster Britton Memorial (www.team-magic.com)
June 8-NORTH DAKOTA-Bismarck Triathlon (www.bestoftheustriathletes.com/states/ND)
June 14-CONNECTICUT-Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon (www.patgriskustri.com)
June 15-WISCONSIN-Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon (www.triloop.org)
June 21-MONTANA-Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon (www.janetstriathlon.org)
June 21-SOUTH DAKOTA-Dakota Man Triathlon (www.bestoftheustriathletes.com/states/ND)
June 21-WYOMING-Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon (www.janetstriathlon.org)
June 22-ARKANSAS-Ozark Valley Triathlon (www.ozarkvalleytriathlon.com)
June 28-COLORADO-Loveland lake to Lake Triathlon (www.lovelandlaketolake.com)
June 28-INDIANA-Midwest Sprint Optismist Triathlon (www.warsawoptimist.org/pages/triathlon.htm)
June 29-MICHIGAN-Kensington Triathlon (www.theelementevents.com)
June 29-MINNESOTA-Lake Waconia Triathlon (www.lakewaconiatriathlon.net)
June 29-WEST VIRGINIA-Med Express Mountaineer International (www.mountaineertri.com)
July 12-NEW YORK-Mini-Musselman Triathlon (www.musselmantri.com)
July 13-KANSAS-Shawnee Mission Triathlon (www.jcprd.com)
July 13-TENNESSEE-Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon (www.team-magic.com)
July 13-GEORGIA-West Point Lake Triathlon (www.gamultisports.com)
July 19-ILLINOIS-Evergreen Lake International Triathlon (http://tri-shark.org/web/EvergreenTri2)
July 19-WASHINGTON-Chelanman International Triathlon (www.chelanman.com)
July 26-MISSISSIPPI-Heart O' Dixie Triathlon (www.heartodixietri.racesonline.com)
July 27-NEBRASKA-Cornhusker State Games Triathlon (www.cornhuskerstategames.com/index.sp)
July 27-NEW JERSEY-New Jersey State Triathlon (www.cgiracing.com)
August 2-RHODE ISLAND-Block Island Triathlon (www.blockislandchamber.com)
August 2-MISSOURI-Quartermax Triathlon (www.ultramaxtri.com)
August 2-VERMONT-Lake Dunmore Triathlon (www.vermontsun.com)
August 3-ALASKA-Northern Trust Triathlon (www.akstatetriathlon.com)
August 16-VIRGINIA-Luray International Triathlon (www.setupevents.com)
August 17-OHIO-Vermilion Harbor Triathlon (www.hfpracing.com)
August 24-MAINE-Fireman Sprint Triathlon (www.wkfiretri.com)
August 31-OREGON-Oregon Trout City of Portland Triathlon (www.portlandtri.com)
September 6-NEW HAMPSHIRE-YMCA Triathlon at Clough State Park (http://concordymca.org/event/cloughtri.asp)
September 7-CALIFORNIA-Pacific Coast Triathlon (www.pacificcoasttriathlon.com)
September 20--MASSACHUSETTS-Duxbury Beach Triathlon (www.duxburybeachtriathlon.com)
September 21-Make-A-Wish Triathlon at Sea Colony (www.tricolumbia.org)
OCTOBER 26-BEST OF THE US CHAMPIONSHIP hosted by the Soma Quarterman (www.redrockco.com)

For more information on the Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition, contact
Jerry Macneil at 651-246-5128 or jerry@midwestevents.com.

“BEST OF THE US” ANNOUNCES 2008 STATE QUALIFIERS

(St. Paul, MN – 12/17/07) The following races are the official qualifying events for the 2008 Best of the US National Championship, which will be hosted by the Soma Quarterman in Tempe, Arizona on October 26. The top male and female resident amateurs at each event will earn the right to represent themselves and their states at the Championship.

ALABAMA – Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon on June 8 at Oak Mountain State Park south of Birmingham, AL. Distances: 400 yard swim – 12.6 mile bike – 3 mile run. Race Director: Team-Magic / Therese Bynum @ 205-595-8633 (therese@team-magic.com)

ALASKA – Northern Trust Triathlon / Alaska State Triathlon Championship on August 3 at Knik Lake in Knik, AK. Intermediate distance. Race Director: Turkey Toe Events @ 907-243-4709 (moflem@acsalaska.net)

ARIZONA – Sahuarita Lake Triathlon, Presented by Rancho Sahuarita, on Monday, May 26 in Sahuarita, south of Tucson, AZ. Distances: 1K swim – 25K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Tri Tucson / Jim & Rane Stites (racedirector@tritucson.com)

ARKANSAS – Ozark Valley Triathlon on June 22 at Lake Wedington Park near Fayetteville, AR. Distances: 1000 yard swim – 19 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: All Sports Productions, Inc. / Bruce Dunn @ 479-521-7766 (bruce@misterguy.com)

CALIFORNIA – Pacific Coast Triathlon on September 7 at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach. Distances: ˝ mile swim – 12 mile bike – 3 mile run. Race Director: Bill Leach @ 949-701-5590 (billleach@sbcglobal.net)

COLORADO – Loveland Lake to Lake Triathlon on June 28 at North Lake Park in Loveland, CO. Distances: Swim 1.5K – bike 30 miles – Run 10K). Race Director: Peggy Shockley @ 970-669-6372 (peggy@lovelandlaketolake.com)

CONNECTICUT – Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon on June 14 at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT. Distances: 1 mile swim – 25 mile bike – 10K run. Race Director: Tom Wilkas @ 860-868-0540 (twilkas@snet.net)

DELAWARE – Make-A-Wish Triathlon at Sea Colony on September 21 at Bethany Beach, DE. Distances: Swim 1.5K – bike 36K – run 10K. Race Director: Columbia Triathlon Association / Rob Vigorito @ 410-964-1246 (events@tricolumbia.org)

FLORIDA – Zephyr Sport Sprint Triathlon on May 3 at Crescent Beach in St. Augustine, FL. Distances: .5 mile swim – 13 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Exclusive Sports Marketing @ 561-241-3801 (ffw@exclusivesports.com)

GEORGIA – West Point Lake Triathlon on June 15 at West Point Lake near LeGrange, GA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Georgia Multisports / Jim Rainey (jim@gamultisports.com)

HAWAII – 11th Anniversary Lavaman Triathlon on April 6 at Waikoloa Beach on the Kohala Coast. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Gerry Rott (racedirector@lavamantriathlon.com)

IDAHO – YMCA Spudman Triathlon on June 7 (date tentative) at Springs Shores Marina in Boise. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tim Severa @ 208-859-7953 (tim.severa@ymcatvidaho.org)

ILLINOIS – Evergreen Lake International Triathlon, presented by Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission, on July 19 at Comlara County Park in Hudson, IL. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tri-Mom Events, LLC / Colleen Klein @ 309-212-6830 (trimomevents@verizon.net)

INDIANA – Mideast Sprint Optimists Triathlon on June 28 at Lake Winona Park near Warsaw, IN. Distances: Ľ mile swim – 13.5 mile bike – 3 mile run. Race Director: Ron Donkers (rondonkers@hotmail.com)

IOWA – Pigman Sprint Triathlon on June 1 at Pleasant Creek State Park near Cedar Rapids, IA. Distances: .5K swim – 25K bike – 5K run. Race Director: John Snitko at 319-373-0741 (john@pigmantri.com)

KANSAS – Shawnee Mission Triathlon on July 13 at Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee Mission, KS. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Chad Tower @ 913-236-1231 (chad.tower@jocogov.org)

KENTUCKY – Buffalo Trails Triathlon on May 24 in Maysville, KY. Distances: .5 mile swim – 22 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Mark Day (activedc@maysvilleky.net)

LOUISIANA – Hidden Paradise Triathlon on May 4 at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA. Distances: 600 yard swim – 13 mile bike – 3.2 mile run. Race Director: DLT Event Management, Inc. / Fred Phillips @ 870-246-6686 (DLTevents@yahoo.com)

MAINE – Fireman Sprint Triathlon, the official triathlon of the Maine Games, on August 24 in Kennebunk, ME. Race Director: Jeff Cole (jdcole@coleharrison.com)

MARYLAND / DC – Columbia Triathlon, presented by Under Armour, on May 18 at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Columbia Triathlon Association / Rob Vigorito (info@tricolumbia.org)

MASSACHUSETTS – Duxbury Beach Triathlon on September 20 (date tentative) at Duxbury Beach, MA. Distances: 1/2 mile swim - 13.7 mile bike - 3.3 mile run. Race Director: Brian Noyes at 781-706-1166 (director@duxburybeachtriathlon.com)

MICHIGAN – Kensington Triathlon on June 29 at Kensington Metropark/Maple Beach in Milford, MI. Distances: 800m swim – 15 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: Jim Jackson (jim@theelementevents.com)

MINNESOTA – Lake Waconia Triathlon on June 29 in Waconia, MN. Distances: .5 mile swim – 16.5 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: Tom Konrardy at 952-442-2825 (waconiatriathlon@aol.com).

MISSISSIPPI – Heart O’ Dixie Triathlon, presented by the Philadelphia Sertoma Club, on July 26 at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Louisville, MS and finishes at Neshoba County Fairgrounds in Philadelphia, MS. Distances: .5 mile swim – 25.7 mile bike – 7 mile run. Race Director: John Williams at 601-562-2266 (john.willims2@cingular.com)

MISSOURI – Quartermax Triathlon at the Innsbrook Resort near St. Louis, MO on August 2. Distances: 1000 yard swim – 28 mile bike – 6.5 mile run. Race Director: Ultramax Events / Mark Livesay at 573-443-7036 (mark@ultramaxtri.com)

MONTANA – Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon on June 21 at the Madison Arm Resort near West Yellowstone, MT. Distances: .65 mile swim – bike 13.3 miles – run 4.2 miles. Race Director: Jack Clarkson @ 406-646-9328 (janetstriathlon@earthlink.net)

NEBRASKA – Nebraska State Games Triathlon, presented by Tiger Coaching and Villager Hotel, on July 27 at Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln. Distances: 1K swim – 20K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Gary Bredehoft of Tiger Coaching & Personal Training @ 402-488-8280 (coach@tigercoaching.com)

NEW HAMPSHIRE – YMCA Triathlon at Clough State Park on September 6 at Clough State Park in Weare, NH. Distances: ˝ mile swim – Bike 14 miles – Run 3 miles. Race Director: Jeff Litchfield (nhactive@lycos.com)

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey State Triathlon on July 27 at Mercer County Park, NJ. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: CGI Racing / Larry & Michelle Redrow at 856-468-0925 (lredrow@cgievents.com)

NEW MEXICO – 24th Annual Milkman Triathlon on June 7 at Lake Van in Dexter, NM. Distances: .5K swim - 20K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Larry Marshall (lmarshall@fbfs.com)

NEVADA – Rage in the Sage Triathlon on April 19 at Lake Mead Recreational Area near Las Vegas, NV. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: BBSC Endurance Sports / Brogg Sterrett (race@bbscenduranesports.com)

NEW YORK – Mini Musselman Triathlon on July 12 in Geveva, NY. Distances: 500 yard swim – bike 15 miles – 3 mile run. Director: Jeff Henderson (jeff@onemillionrevolutions.com) or (jeff@portlandtri.com)

NORTH CAROLINA – White Lake Sprint Triathlon on May 4 at North Carolina FFA Center in White Lake, NC. Distances: 750m swim – 14 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Set Up Events / Bill Scott (bill@setupevents.com)

NORTH DAKOTA – Bismarck Triathlon on June 8 at Misty Waters Marina three miles north of Bismarck. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Dennis Kemmesat (dennisk@frontierprecision.com)

OHIO – Vermilion Harbour Triathlon on August 17 at Linwood Park in Vermilion, OH. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: HFP Racing / Shannon Kurek (customerservice@hfpracing.com)

OKLAHOMA – Route 66 Triathlon, presented by Tri-OKC and the City of El Reno, on June 2 at Lake El Reno in El Reno. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tri-OKC / Steve Bussjaeger (steveb@hispaint.com)

OREGON – Oregon Trout City of Portland Triathlon on August 31 in Portland, OR. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Jeff Henderson (jeff@portlandtri.com)

PENNSYLVANIA – Black Bear Sprint Triathlon on June 1 at Beltzeville State Park. Distances: 750m swim – 18 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: CGI Racing / Larry & Michelle Redrow (info@cgiracing.com)

RHODE ISLAND – Block Island Triathlon on August 2 at Fred Benson Town Beach in Block Island. Distances: Ľ mile swim – 12 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: Robbie Closter (ecreation@new-shoreham.com)

SOUTH CAROLINA – Clemson Triathlon on May 10 at Foothills Family YMCA in Seneca, SC. Distances: 750m swim – 11 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Set Up Events / Jeremey Davis (jdavis@setupevents.com)

SOUTH DAKOTA – Dakota Man Triathlon on Saturday, June 21 at Lake Alvin near Harrisburg, SD. Distances: 600m swim – 16 mile bike – 3.5 mile run. Race Director: Howard Bich (habich@sio.midco.net)

TENNESSEE – Chattanooga Riverfront Triathlon on July 13 in downtown Chattooga. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Team-Magic / Faye Yates @ 415-460-9927 (faye@team-magic.com)

TEXAS – Buffman & Squeaky Triathlon on May 18 at Buffalo Springs Lake southeast of Lubbock, TX. Intermediate Distance. Race Directors: Mike & Marti Greer (marti@buffalospringslaketriathlon.com)

UTAH – St. George Triathlon (SGTRI) on May 10 at Sand Hollow Reservoir near St. George, UT. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: BBSC Endurance Sports / Brogg Sterrett (race@bbscendurancesports.com)

VERMONT – Lake Dunmore Triathlon on August 2 at Branbury State Park in Salisbury, VT. Distances: Swim .9 mile – Bike 28 miles – Run 10K. Race Director: Jerrod Rushton @ 802-388-6888 (vtsun@together.net)

VIRGINIA – Luray International Triathlon on August 16 at Lake Arrowhead Park in Luray, VA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Set Up Events / Greg Hawkins at 336-577-2801 (greg@setupevents.com)

WASHINGTON - Chelanman Multisport Weekend on July 19 at Lake Chelan in Chelan, WA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Total Health Events / Jonathan Hoskins at 360-325-0715 (info@totalhealthevents.com) (www.chalanman.com)

WEST VIRGINIA – Med Express Mountaineer International Triathlon on June 29 in Morgantown, WV. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Scott Erdman / HFP Racing (scott2007@hfpracing.com)

WISCONSIN – Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon on June 15 at Fireman’s Park in Verona, WI. Intermediate Distance. Race Directors: Jim Bruskewitz & Dan Seymour (ep1@charter.net)

WYOMING – Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon on June 21 at the Madison Arm Resort near West Yellowstone, MT. Distances: .65 mile swim – bike 13.3 miles – run 4.2 miles. Race Director: Jack Clarkson @ 406-646-9328 (janetstriathlon@earthlink.net)

The 4th Annual BEST OF THE US NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP will be staged on October 26 at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, AZ. Distances. 1000m swim – 30 mile bike – 6.55 mile run. Race Director: Red Rock Company / Jeff Suffolk @ 480-226-4729 (jeff@redrockco.com)

Note: Event dates are subject to change. Consult officlal event websites for updates.


The Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition is produced by Midwest Events, LLC of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

More info:
Jerry MacNeil, PR Director: 651-714-1829 or 651-246-5128 (cell) or jerry@midwestevents.com
www.bestoftheustriathletes.com

Though the majority of state qualifying events remain unchanged, BOUS management is excited to welcome the following new races to the Best of the US program for 2008: Bismarck Olympic Triathlon (ND), City of Portland Triathlon (OR), Mini-Musselman (NY), Lake Dunmore Triathlon (VT), Loveland Lake to Lake Triathlon (CO), Buffman & Squeaky (TX), Fireman Sprint (ME), YMCA Triathlon at Clough State Park (NH), Block Island Sprint (RI), Chattanooga Waterfront (TN) and the St. George Triathlon (UT). New races serving Pennsylvania, Kansas, Delaware, Michigan and California will be announced soon, as well as the new Championship site. Hint: it will be staged at a Southwestern destination. Stay tuned for more news.

The following athletes who excelled in BOUS Championships turned in sterling efforts at the inaugural Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon in Dallas on October 14. The race served at the Life Time Fitness Series Championship and featured invited athletes who qualified at one of the following major tris: LTF-Minneapolis, New Yort City, Chicago and Los Angeles.

* Cathy Yndestad (MN) - 3rd @ BOUS '07; 6th @ BOUS '06 - won the women's race by 1:35!

* Philippe Kozub (MD) - 2007 BOUS Champion; 2nd @ BOUS '06 - placed 2nd
* Mark Harms (WI) - 3rd @ BOUS '07; 5th @ BOUS '06 - placed 4th
* Bruce Gennari (TN) - 4th at BOUS 2005 & 2006 - placed 3rd

Also...Hawaii's Bree Wee, 7th @ the 2005 BOUS Champs, was the fastest female amateur at the Hawaiian Ironman World Championship on Saturday, October 13. She placed 13th overall in 9:47:40, which lowered Kate Major's amateur mark by 1:53!

Fantastic photo galleries are up at these two sites:

http://www.bluecreekphotography.com

http://www.yndecam.com/Archive/Archive2007/BOUS.html
Check back frequently, as the gallery is being updated.

RESULTS:
http://www.stateofmindsports.com

Congratulations to all BOUS participants! (We apologize for the problems that prevented us posting earlier. We are entering the information by hand tonight - Sunday. Thanks for your patience. PS - Visit yndecam.com for text updates of the race & great photography!)

MEN:

1. PHILIPPE KOZUB (MD) S - 22:07 B - 0:59:08 R - 34:37 1:56:54
2. SCOTT MYERS (OH) S - 23:02 B - 0:59:22 R - 34:03 1:57:46
3. MARK HARMS (WI) S - 22:13 B - 1:00:46 R - 34:28 1:59:33
4. ROB WEBSTER, JR, 17 (WA) S - 22:30 B - 1:02:44 R - 33:10 1:59:41
5. CRAIG GREENSLIT (CO) S - 25:36 B - 0:59:30 R - 33:57 2:00:04
6. KELLY WILLIAMSON (WA) S - 25:03 B - 0:58:44 R - 36:06 2:01:01
7. EDDIE BRANIGAN (FL) S - 22:53 B - 1:01:00 R - 36:48 2:01:39
8. CLAY MOSELEY (NM) S - 26:08 B - 0:59:54 R - 35:28 2:02:29
9. JONATHAN KRICHEV (AL) S - 22:10 B - 1:02:34 R - 36:40 2:02:34
10. PATRICK BALDWIN (CA) S - 24:08 B - 1:02:50 R - 34:42 2:02:52
11. JEREMY SIPOS (GA) S - 26:07 B - 0:59:49 R - 36:01 2:03:11
12. CHRIS THOMAS (CT) S - 24:56 B - 1:02:08 R - 35:22 2:03:35
13. CAM HILL, 40 (AZ) S - 21:31 B - 1:02:51 R - 38:49 2:04:06
14. MARK WOODY (SC) S - 22:10 B - 1:03:02 R - 37:58 2:04:33
15. JEREMY SARTAIN (MN) S - 26:37 B - 0:57:59 R - 38:58 2:05:02
16. SONNI DYER, 40 (NC) S - 22:40 B - 1:02:08 R - 39:35 2:05:34
17. TODD SMITH (NY) S - 26:00 B - 1:05:13 R - 34:24 2:06:47
18. SAM DANNENBRING, 19 (SD) S - 27:14 B - 1:06:13 R - 35:10 2:09:34
19. BEN HALL, 16 (LA) S - 26:01 B - 1:04:53 R - 37:26 2:09:43
20. DANNY MURPHY, 42 (NV) S - 25:48 B - 1:04:16 R - 39:14 2:10:52
21. TOMMY MCWALTERS (ME) S - 29:06 B - 1:05:43 R - 35:24 2:11:38
22. ANTONIO GONZALES (ID) S - 27:39 B - 1:03:56 R - 39:01 2: 12:00
23. GARY TAYLOR, 44 (AR) S - 25:06 B - 1:06:28 R - 39:25 2:12:14
24. WILL ROSS, 18 (AK) S - 25:58 B - 1:04:20 R - 42:37 2:14:15
25. COLIN GINDLING (PA) S - 22:22 B - 1:06:57 R - 45:06 2:15:34
26. JON ARNE ENEVOLDSEN, 45 (VT) S - 31:11 B - 1:07:24 R - 37:16 2:17:20
27. ALBERTO LUGO (TX) S - 26:59 B - 1:06:17 R - 53:46 2:28:28
28. DEAN MCGOVERN (MT) S - 31:22 B - 1:12:08 R - 48:17 2:33:37
29. JEFF WILCOX (WY) S - 35:43 B - 1:19:09 R - 49:19 2:47:39

DNF: DANIEL AGNEW (OK), JASON MAURICE (IA), TIM CROWLEY (MA), ERIC BELL (TN)

WOMEN:

1. KATIE ELLIS (AZ) S - 23:40 B - 1:07:07 R - 37:08 2:09:23
2. KIM WEBSTER (MA) S - 25:27 B - 1:07:12 R - 35:39 2:09:31
3. CATHY YNDESTAD S - 22:50 B - 1:05:52 R - 40:02 2:09:33
4. CINDI BANNINK (WI) S - 22:30 B - 1:08:39 R - 39:56 2:12:00
5. AMANDA PAGON (VA) S - 22:23 B - 1:10:48 R - 38:53 2:13:07
6. HEATHER LEIGGI (PA) S - 26:35 B - 1:07:52 R - 39:41 2:15:07
7. JENNIFER HARRISON (IL) S - 23:23 B - 1:09:34 R - 41:14 2:15:40
8. LORI DESCHAMPS (AK) S - 27:33 B - 1:06:58 R - 39:59 2:15:52
9. STACEY RICHARDSON (NC) S - 24:15 B - 1:07:42 R - 43:12 2:16:17
10. ANDREA MYERS (OH) S - 26:05 B - 1:08:42 R - 40:34 2:16:34
11. ANGELA HYGEMA (FL) S - 26:49 B - 1:05:55 R - 44:32 2:18:38
12. TRACY ORCUTT, 40 (WA) S - 25:04 B - 1:07:35 R - 44:57 2:18:53
13. MARGOT HAIR (MS) 2:19:42
14. LOUISE NUNAN, 40 (NJ) S - 23:41 B - 1:10:57 R - 43:59 2:19:58
15. ALISON POE (KY) S - 27:18 B - 1:10:31 R - 40:39 2:20:15
16. CHRIS WICKARD (IN) S - 27:15 B - 1:09:46 R - 43:11 2:21:38
17. KIM FORDHAM-LIEN (SD) S - 25:25 B - 1:10:02 R - 45:02 2:21:38
18. KATE BARNOSKIE (KS) S - 25:30 B - 1:12:11 R - 42:50 2:22:18
19. KATHLEEN JOHNSTON, 48 (TN)S - 27:23 B - 1:10:02 R - 44:17 2:23:05
20. ELIZABETH HALL (NH) S - 26:45 B - 1:13:51 R - 41:41 2:23:53
21. MAIYA ANDERSON (CO) S - 23:37 B - 1:13:47 R - 45:19 2:23:56
22. KRISTA SCHULTZ (MD) S - 26:53 B - 1:11:53 R - 43:57 2:24:08
23. RACHEL CIESLEWSKI (UT) S - 32:10 B - 1:10:51 R - 40:03 2:24:45
24. PAOLA PASQUALINI (CA) S - 26:00 B - 1:11:34 R - 46:36 2:25:14
25. JULIE MURPHY, 42 (SC) S - 24:18 B - 1:18:26 R - 42:53 2:27:06
26. DANA GINSBURG, 42 (NV) S - 28:44 B - 1:11:21 R - 46:26 2:29:12
27. TRISH DEIM (ID) S - 30:36 B - 1:12:39 R - 44:56 2:29:47
28. BRITT HULBERT (ME) S - 28:36 B - 1:10:53 R - 48:23 2:30:06
29. JANIE DAVIS, 44 (AL) S - 28:44 B - 1:17:04 R - 48:45 2:36:34
30. DINA PESENSON (NM) S - 28:30 B - 1:15:15 R - 52:33 2:38:25
31. LAURIE PEMBERTON (WV) S - 28:37 B - 1:24:00 R - 45:43 2:38:31
32. JENNIFER HIRSCH (TX) S - 33:37 B - 1:20:14 R - 49:16 2:45:01

DNF: SHANNON CHASTEEN (OK), JENNIFER NEWELL (NE)

FASTEST STATE TEAMS:

1. WISONSIN – Mark Harms / Cynthia Bannink 4:11:34
2. ARIZONA – Cam Hill / Katie Ellis 4:13:30
3. VIRGINIA – Kelly Williamson / Amanda Pagon 4:14:08
4. OHIO – Scott Myers / Andrea Myers 4:14:41
5. MINNESOTA - Jeremy Sartain /Cathy Yndestad 4:14:36
6. WASHINGTON - Rob Webster Jr / Tracy Orcutt 4:18:35
7. FLORIDA - Eddie Branigan / Angela Hygema 4:20:18
8. MARYLAND – Philippe Kozub / Krista Schultz 4:21:03
9. NORTH CAROLINA – Sonni Dyer / Stacey Richardson 4:21:52
10. COLORADO – Craig Greenslit / Maiya Anderson 4:24:00
11. CALIFORNIA – Patrick Baldwin / Paola Pasqualini 4:28:07
12. ALASKA – Will Ross / Lori Deschamps 4:30:08
13. PENNSYLVANIA – Colin Gundling / Heather Leiggi 4:30:41
14. SOUTH DAKOTA – Sam Dannenbring / Kim Fordham-Lein 4:31:12
15. SOUTH CAROLINA – Mark Woody / Julie Murphy 4:31:39
16. ALABAMA – Jonathan Krichev / Janie Davis 4:39:09
17. NEVADA – Danny Murphy /Dana Ginsburg 4:40:04
18. NEW MEXICO – Clay Moseley / Dina Pesenson 4:40:54
19. MAINE – Tommy McWalters / Britt Hulbert 4:41:44
20. IDAHO – Antonio Gonzalez / Trish Deim 4:41:48
21. TEXAS – Alberto Lugo / Jennifer Hirsch 5:13:30

Link to: http://www.stateofmindsports.com


Results do not include transition splits. Raceday weather: hot (85-91 degrees), very humid, breezy

October 6, 2007 - Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven, FL - A year ago, Philippe Kozub emerged from the abyss of apparently career-ending injuries, taking the Best of the U.S. race by storm and finishing second. The 32-year-old from Bethesda, Maryland vowed on the spot to come back in 2007, with the intention of winning. Today he made good––on a wheel borrowed from a citizen racer, no less.

The lead group of men came out of the water fast and furious, led by 40-year-old former pro from Arizona, Cam Hill. But by the first loop of the bike Kozub had taken control, and he held it til the finish. Victory was no guarantee, however, as Ohio’s Scott Myers turned in what Kozub called “the performance of the day”, steadily making up ground. By about a mile into the first 5K loop, Myers had closed the gap to about a minute, ran the second 5K faster than the first and ended 52 seconds back. “I wasn’t sure I could hold on,” said Kozub. “I went out too hard, I didn’t pace myself well, and I wasn’t sure I could hold on.” An elated Scott Myers, meanwhile, is on his way to Kona, having qualified just a few weeks ago at Ironman Louisville, with his wife and BOUS teammate Andrea, who likewise qualified at Louisville and placed 10th today. Team Ohio took home 4th Fastest State Team trophies.

Wisconsin’s Mark Harms was third and – together with teammate Cynthia Bannink who was fourth for women, took home the Fastest State Team honors, making BOUS history in the process. In prior years, the top teams have been separated by just 1 to 2 seconds; Team Wisconsin’s margin was 1:56 over 2nd place Team Arizona. Team Virginia followed in third place, with Team Ohio 4th and Team Minnesota taking 5th.

The women’s race takes the honors for high drama, though, with just 10 seconds separating the top three. Phoenix' 22-year-old Katie Ellis was favored going into the race, but it was no gimme, as she had to run down several women, including then-leader Cathy Yndestad of Minnesota, for the victory. Meanwhile, Massachusetts' Kim Webster, well back starting the final leg, ran a blistering 35:39 to climb into second. Ellis' final time was 2:09:23; Webster came in at 2:09:31; Yndestad at 2:09:33.

A link to complete results will be available on Sunday, Oct. 7

View live streaming reports: http://yndecam.com/Archive/Archive2007/BOUSLive.html


Partial results:


WOMEN
1. Katie Ellis, Arizona 2:09:23
2. Kim Webster, Massachusetts 2:09:31
3. Cathy Yndestad, Minnesota 2:09:33
4. Cindi Bannink, Wisconsin 2:12:00
5. Amanda Pagon, Virginia 2:13:07
6. Heather Leiggi, Pennsylvania 2:15:07
7. Jennifer Harrison, Illinois 2:15:40
8. Lori Deschamps, Alaska 2:15:52
9. Stacey Richardson, North Carolina 2:16:17
10. Andrea Myers, Ohio 2:16:34

MEN
1. Philippe Kozub, Maryland 1:56:54
2. Scott Myers, Ohio 1:57:46
3. Mark Harms, Wisconsin 1:59:33
4. Rob Webster, Jr., Washington 1:59:41
5. Craig Greenslit, Colorado 2:00:04
6. Kelly Williamson, Virginia 2:01:01
7. Eddie Branigan, Florida 2:01:39
8. Clay Moseley, New Mexico 2:02:29
9. Jonathan Krichev, Alabama 2:02:34
10. Patrick Baldwin, California 2:02:52

TOP 5 TEAMS
1. Team Wisconsin 4:11:34
2. Team Arizona 4:13:30
3. Team Virginia 4:14:08
4. Team Ohio 4:14:21
5. Team Minnesota 4:14:36



FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Trudy Marshall 651-235-8820 or 651-714-1829
trudy@midwestevents.com or Jerry MacNeil at jerry@midwestevents.com

The 3rd annual BEST OF THE US CHAMPIONSHIP will be contested on Saturday (Oct.6) at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. The men will start at 9:00 AM. The women will start at 9:05 AM. Race story and results will be available on this site Saturday afternoon. Exciting images of the event will be available on http://www.yndecam.com.

Who do you think will be crowned "Best of the US?"

Kim Webster, the women's amateur champion at the Duxbury Beach / Best of the US Massachusetts Qualifier, has accepted her invitation to race at the Best of the US Championship. "Kim was at the top of our Massachusetts "Wish List" and we couldn't be happier that she'll be racing at Cypress Gardens," says Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director. "Because she doesn't race often outside of the northeast region, she may have the national reputation enjoyed by some of the others who will be competing, but make no mistake, Kim is definitely a podium contender."

Kim's Massachustts teammate will be Tim Crowley, 42. Crowley, coincidently is Kim's coach, and represented the Bay State at last year's BOUS Championship.

The final qualifying race of the 2007 BOUS season is the Duxbury Beach / Best of the US Massachusetts Triathlon on Saturday, September 22. Good luck Bay Staters!

Places 2nd through 4th at the 2007 Halfmax National Chamionship on September 15 in St. Louis, MO were taken by 2007 BOUS representatives JEREMY SIPOS (GA - 4:07:02), PHILIPPE KOZUB (MD-4:09:14) and CRAIG GREENSLIT (CO - 4:09:27). Kozub finished 2nd at last year's BOUS Champs; Greenslit was runner-up in 2005.

Women's prohibitive favorite to win the 2007 BOUS Championship, Florida's Lotte Branigan, recently broke her collarbone and will be unable to race on October 6. Branigan, the 2006 USAT Athete of the Year and runner-up for that award in 2005, has finished 2nd in each of the last two BOUS Championship. She'll be replaced by Key Biscayne's Angela Hygema, who also possesses impressive racing credentials.

"We're bummed," states Trudy Marshall, BOUS CEO. "We love Lotte and she has truly enhanced the Best of the US program with her stellar racing. We wish her a speedy recovery and know that Eddie and Angela will be great representatives for the state of Florida."

2007 Invitees:
(Accepted berths in capital letters)


FLORIDA: EDDIE BRANIGAN, Vero Beach & Lotte Branigan, 31, Vero Beach
Passdown #1: John Reback & ANGELA HYGEMA, 32, Key Biscayne
Passdown #2: Chris Huff & Krystal Bemman, 18
NEVADA: DANNY MURPHY, 42, Las Vegas & DANA GINSBURG, 42, Las Vegas
Passdown #1: Patrick Grosse & Reenie Griffin
Passdown #2: Phillip Glenn & Coleen Knutson
LOUISIANA: Lawson Fall, 27, Alexandria & Linzie Hebert, 24, Shreveport
Passdown #1: BEN HALL, 16, Ruston & Lisa Colvin, 41, Monroe
Passdown #2: Brian Coyne, 36, Ruston & Jennifer Sutton, 34, Shreveport
NORTH CAROLINA: SONNI DYER, 40, Valdese & STACEY RICHARDSON, 35, Chapel Hill
Passdown #1: Brian Smith, 36, Durham & Alicia Parr, 37, Durham
Passdown #2: Aaron Keifer, 27, Morrisville & Kristin Price, 26, Chapel Hill
SOUTH CAROLINA: MARK WOODY, 37, Chapin & JULIE MURPHY, 41, Greer
Passdown #1: Gregg Cromer, 38, Somerville & Tracy McKee, 35, Charleston
Passdown #2: Brian Hamby, 32, Greenville & Kimberley Westbury, 44, Greenville
MARYLAND / DC: PHILIPPE KOZUB, 32, Bethesda & KRISTA SCHULTZ, 29, Baltimore
Passdown #1: Dan MacKenzie, 25, Rockville & Elizabeth Flynn, 36, Ellicott City
Passdown #2: Tommy Brown, 22, Annapolis & Paula Pels, 40, Bethesda
KENTUCKY: BARRY KNIGHT, 41, Paducah & ALLISON POE, 26, Maysville
Passdown #1: Brian Collier, 33, Burlington & Laura Fogt, 29, Louisville
Passdown #2: Rodney Wesley, 39, Georgetown & Stephanie Darnell, 35, Paris
ARIZONA: CAM HILL, 40, Fountain Hills & KATIE ELLIS, 22, Phoenix
Passdown #1: Ryan Lindsay, 28, Glendale & Karen Walls, 37, Tucson
Passdown #2: Michael Hast, 37, Tucson & Erica McClurg, 37, Phoenix
IOWA: Mike Morrison, 33, Des Moines & Mia Richter, 25, Iowa City
Passdown #1: JASON MAURICE, 21, Iowa City & CHRIS MARAVELAS, 38, Waukee
Passdown #2: Doug Vander Weide, 41, West Des Moines & Jenny Jackson, 31, Cedar Rapids
NEX MEXICO: CLAY MOSELEY, 34, Los Alamos & DINA PESENSON, 31, Los Alamos
Passdown #1: Shaun Burns, 29, Las Lunas & Lorraine Palmer, 45, Santa Fe
Passdown #2: Mike Montoya, 38, Las Cruces & Jamie Proncho, 24, Albuquerque
KANSAS: Kevin Nickel, 26, Goessel & Ginny Lee, 41, Fort Riley
Passdown #1: Ross Freese, 44, Lawrence & KATIE BARNOSKIE, 20, Lawrence
Passdown #2: Matt Morrow, 40, Wichita & Kelly Dippold, 45, Overland Park
OKLAHOMA: DANIEL AGNEW, 20, Edmond & SHANNON CHASTEEN, 29, Moore
Passdown #1: Philip Van Kandingham, 31, Oklahoma City & Marlene Shugart, 42, Oklahoma City
Passdown #2: Joshua Baucom, 29, Oklahoma City & Kristin Killgore, 36, Bethany
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Ryan Kelly, 26, Concord & ELIZABETH HALL, 34, Merrimack
Passdown #1: SCOTT MAY, 38, Lyme Center & Danielle Keaney, 35, Seabrook
Passdown #2: Matt Boobar, 35, Plymouth
VERMONT: JON ARNE ENEVOLDSEN, 45, Waitsfield & Maria Cimonetti, 42, Shelburne
Passdown #1: & MARIANA LARA PLANAS
Passdown #2:
ALABAMA: JONATHAN KRICHEV, Huntsville & Deanna Frank, Birmingham
Passdown #1: Conrad Taylor, Birmingham & Lori Goldweber, Homewood
Passdown #2: Morgan Ramey, Helena & JANIE DAVIS, 44, Birmingham
DELAWARE: Jeff Boehmer, 20, Newark & ASHLEY MADRAY, 33, Wilmington
Passdown #1: Michael Hamberger, 28, Bear & Bridgette Loburk, 31, Wilmington
Passdown #2: Frank McGurk, 33, Newark
IDAHO: Adam Wirth, Boise & Margaret Hepworth. Boise
Passdown #1: ANTONIO GONZALES, 24, Boise & Lori Harvey, Boise
Passdown #2: Rolph Decker, Boise & Kathy Morell, Boise
Passdown #3: & TRISH DEIM, 27, Meridian
CONNECTICUT: CHRIS THOMAS, 35, Easton & Julie Gleising, 21, Redding
Passdown #1: Mitch West, 37, Wilton & Pascale Butcher, 46, Southport
Passdown #2: Rob McHardy, 33, West Hartford & Dana Carbone, 36, Watertown
MONTANA: Jeremy Oury, Hamilton & KRISTINA SMITH, Great Falls
Passdown #1: Robert Haseman, Helena & Nicole Luberda, Bozeman
Passdown #2: DEAN MCGOVERN, Missoula & Grace Hammond, Bozeman
WYOMING: JEFF WILCOX, Jackson & ANGIE CONCANNON, Jackson
Passdown #1: Ben Zeller, Lovell & Erica Periman, Moose
Passdown #2: Dick Weinbrandt, Jackson & Laura Santomauro, Jackson
SOUTH DAKOTA: SAM DANNENBRING, 19, Yankton & KIM FORDHAM-LIEN, 39, Aberdeen
Passdown #1: Jason Crisp, 27, Madison & Kathy Grady, 41, Sioux Falls
Passdown #2: David Farnsworth, 28, Chamberlain & Monica Porter, 40, Sioux Falls
UTAH: Greg Deyle, Salt Lake City & Colleen Rue, Cedar City
Passdown #1: RANDY OLSEN, St. George & RACHEL CIESLEWSKIi, Salt Lake City
Passdown #2: Devan Tandy, Provo & Chanda Jeppson, Cedar City
RHODE ISLAND: MATTHEW KNIGHT, 31, Newport
Passdown #1: Stephen Schonning, 44, Westerly
Passdown #2: Gregg Field, 43, East Greenwich
WISCONSIN: MARK HARMS, 31, Madison & CINDI BANNINK, 30, Middleton
Passdown: Michael Boehmer, 26, Oconomowoc & Srah Kolpin, 26, Madison
Passdown #2: Brian Herzog, 27, Madison & Heather Curnutt, 33, Madison
INDIANA: Nathan Truex, 22, Ossian & CHRIS WICKARD, 37, Crown Point
Passdown #1: Paul Richardson, 35, Auburn & Diane Schow, 43, Auburn
Passdown #2: Jesse Cleaver, 23, Bloomington & Katherine Semeritt, 30, Harlan
Passdown #3: JOHN LAPEHN, 50, Granger
TENNESSEE: ERIC BELL, 28, Nashville & KATHLEEN JOHNSTON, 48, Nashville
Passdown #1: Zach Winchester, Chattanooga & Leslie Trussler, Manchester
Passdown #2: Joseph Welsh, Cordova & Rachel Biber, Nashville
MISSOURI: Delbert Marriot, Charleston & Kristin Moore, St. Charles
Passdown #1: Jay Orr, St. Louis & Amber Mounday, St. Louis
Passdown #2: Ted Zderic, Columbia & AMY LIVESAY, Columbia
MINNESOTA: Brian Bich, 41, Duluth & CATHY YNDESTAD, 29, Apple Valley
Passdown #1: Curt Wood, 29, Chaska & Marlo Crosby-McGaver, 37, Duluth
Passdown #3: JEREMY SARTAIN, 33, St. Paul & Marta Lewinski, 34, Edina
TEXAS: ALBERTO LUGO, 35, El Paso & Shanna Armstrong, 32, Lubbock
Passdown #1: Jim Ryan, 44, Austin & Angie Balentine, 26, Austin
Passdown #2: Christopher Gausepohl, 25, Abilene & JENNIFER HIRSCH, 25, Lubbock
COLORADO: John Ryan, 25, Erie & Suzanne Snyder, 25, Colorado Springs
Passdown #1: Karol Kristov, 28, Boulder & MAIYA ANDERSON, 32, Monument
Passdown #2: Joe McDaniel, 25, Colorado Springs & Alicia Kendig, 25, Colorado Springs
Passdown #3: CRAIG GREESNSLIT, 39, Berthoud
ARKANSAS: GARY TAYLOR, 44, Little Rock & Anna Sanders, 25, Fayetteville
Passdown #1: Jasso Corra, 18, Fayetteville & Debra Dunn, 51, Fayetteville
Passdown #2: Mavoureen Hogue, 41, Rogers
CALIFORNIA: PATRICK BALDWIN & Beatrix Blattman
Passdown #1: David Meyers & Beatrix Blattmann
Passdown #2: Mitchell Hall & PAOLA PASQUALINI
WEST VIRGINIA: KENNETH LAVICTOIRE, 38, Bridgeport & Candy Hawks, Morgantown
Passdown #1: Jonathan Niemiec, Morgantown & LAURIE PEMBERTON, Morgantown
MICHIGAN: Joe Deighan, 36, Beverly Hills & Rebecca Walter, 23, Beverly Hills
Passdown #1: MATT WEST, 32, Ypsilanti & Kate Winklehaus, 25, Ann Arbor
Passdown #2: Tichard Swor, 24, Dearborn & Rebecca Kurtz, 21, Northville
PENNSYVANIA: John Brockenbrough, 49, Murrysville & HEATHER LEIGGI, 32, Bryn Mawr
Passdown #1: COLIN GUNDLING, 21, Murrysville & Beth Shutt, 28, Natrona Heights
Passdown #2: Dan Pierce, 29, Erie & Kimberly Schwabenbauer, 28, Baden
OHIO: SCOTT MYERS, 31, Wellston & ANDREA MYERS, 30, Wellston
Passdown #1: Alex Etchill, 27, Sandusky & Carrie Smith, 29, Zanesville
Passdown #2: Ryan Bates, 26, Copley & Andrea Frueh, 33
MISSISSIPPI: LARKIN CARTER, 45, Jackson & Alisha Wingerter, 29, Madison
Passdown #1: Clay Curtis, 33, Plantersville & Kelly White, 28, Starkville
Passdown #2: Chuck Rose, 35, Grenada & MARGOT HAIR, 27, Diamondhead
ILLINOIS: Brian Hague, 22, Chicago & JENNIFER HARRISON, 36, West Dundee
Passdown #1: Jerome Harrison, 34, West Dundee & Carolyn Atwood, 21, Rockford
Passdown #2: Andrew Mueller, 19, Champaign & Shevaun Pennell, 40, Peoria
WASHINGTON: ROB WEBSTER, JR., 17, Puyallup & TRACY ORCUTT, 40, Seattle
Passdown #1: Fred Mason, Pasco & Lynda Finegold
Passdown #2: & Sonnia Tonnemaker, Royal City
NEW JERSEY: Christopher Martin, 31, Lawrenceville & LOUISE NUNAN 40, Ocean
Passdown #1: Joshua Wall. 31, Beach Haven & Suzanne Hielster, 33, Riverton
Passdown #2: MATT ELLIS, 42, Bridgewater & Maijaleena Zucker, 31, Branchburg
OREGON: David Cloninger, Bend & Karen Oppenheimer, Bend
Passdown #1: John "JT" Lehman, Bend & Danika Williams, Eugene
Passdown #2: Hans Bielat, Bend & Jill Waskom, Bend
NEBRASKA: James Lundberg, 30, Omaha & DR. JENNIFER NEWELL, 37, Lincoln
Passdown #1: Nolen Hansen, 25, Lincoln & Jennifer Lundberg, 27, Omaha
Passdown #2: Michael Clinch, 25, Lincoln & Mercy Dinwiddie, 20, Lincoln
NEW YORK: Carl Johnston, 42, Ontario & Donna Wheeler, 37, Webster
Passdown #1: TODD SMITH, 32, Rochester & Heather Wolfe, 21, Honeoye Falls
Passdown #2: Steven Rosinski, 22, Rochester & Debbie Lovoili, 43, Victor
MAINE: TOMMY MCWALTERS, Thorndike & BRITT HULBERT, 37, Bar Harbor
Passdown #1: Stephen Judice. Dayton & Kate Goupee, Ellsworth
Passdown #2: Mark Brault, York & Denise Goode, Portland
ALASKA: Damian Hill, Anchorage & Shannon Donley, 37, Anchorage
Passdown #1: WILL ROSS, 18, Anchorage & LORI DESCHAMPS, Anchorage
Passdown #2: Fred West & Jenny Kimball
NORTH DAKOTA: Mark Knutson, 37, West Fargo & Marnie Walth, 38, Bismarck
Passdown #1: Justin Smith, 33, Fargo & Lisa Knudson, 45, Portland
Passdown #2: Adam Holscher, 28, Fargo & Jennifer Stark, 36, Fargo
VIRGINIA: KELLY WILLIAMSON, 37, Manassas & AMANDA PAGON, 32, South Riding
Passdown #1: Doug Marocco, 43, Montclair & Julie Gibbons, 38, Fairfax
Passdown #2: David Cascio, 30, Reston & Amy Adcock, 38, Alexandria
GEORGIA: JEREMY SIPOS, 33, Alpharetta & Michelle Shoup, 35, Buford
Passdown #1: Dennis Reardon, 35, Canton & Alexandra Lonergan, 31, Atlanta
Passdown #2: Kevin Patton, 36, Roswell & Kristel Maes, 31, Savannah
MASSACHUSETTS: Peter Abdinoor, 39, North Andover & KIM WEBSTER, 31, Framingham
Passdown #1: Chris Ramsey, 34, Acton & JHeather Westerman, 35, Bellingham
Passdown #2: Steven Bostic, 39, South Lawrence & Jessica Ackerman, 29, Canton
Passdown #3: TIM CROWLEY, 42, Marlboro

Amanda Pagon, a former US Junior of the Year (1995) who went on to enjoy a successful pro career, has accepted her invitation to represent Virginia at the Best of the US Championship. She'll be teamed with Kelly Williamson, who placed 7th at last year's championship. "Team Virginia may be the quad to beat this year," says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil, adding, "though there's a long list of challengers for those podium slots. Look for Wisconsin, Maryland, Florida, Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, North Carolina--among others--to be tough, too."

BOUS congratulates Katie Ellis and Lotte Branigan on their stallar performances at the ITU World Championships in Hamburg, Germany on September 2. Ellis, who will be representing Arizona at this year's BOUS Championship, finished 3rd overall/2nd 20-24 at Hamburg; Branigan, a 3-time Florida representative, placed 5th overall and won the women's 30-34 division. North Carolina's female representative, Stacey Richardson, earned the bronze medal in the 25-29 age group.

BOUS congratulates Jeremy Sipos and Michelle Shoup on the victories at the West Point Lake / Best of the US Georgia Qualifier on August 26! Shoup was listed as the women's champion, though 2nd placing Alexandra Lonergan turned in the same time (2:17:05).

Next up on the BOUS schedule is the West Point Lake / Best of the US Georgia Qualifier on Sunday, August 26. (Mableton, Georgia's David Silver won the 2006 Best of the US Championship!)

Kelly Williamson, who raced for Idaho at last year's BOUS Championship, where he finished 7th, has earned the right to represent his adopted Virginia at this year's grand finale. And he did so convincingly, winning the Luray International / Best of the US Virginia Qualifier by a margin of 5:45. He was joined in the winners circle by former US Junior of the Year and longtime pro Amanda Pagon.
"We're crossing our fingers," says Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR coordinator. "If Williamson and Pagon accept their invitations, Virginia will be one of the favorites to win the Fastest State Team title at the October 6 Championship."

UPDATE: Kelly Williamson has accepted his invitation!

With 46 of the qualifiers already contested, races #47 & #48 are slated for Saturday, August 18: The Young Life Triathlon in Detroit Lakes, MN will determine North Dakota's representatives--the new Bismarck Olympic Triathlon will host the ND Qualifier in 2008!--and the Luray International Triathlon will determine Virginia's delegates. The final two qualifiers of the 2007 season will be the West Point Lake / GA Qualifier on August 26, and the Duxbury Beach Triathlon / MA Qualifier on September 22.

Foot surgery, sheduled for Wednesday, August 15, will prevent two-time Team Minnesota representative Brian Bich from racing at the 2007 Best of the US Championship in Florida on October 6. Bich, a two-time masters National Champion, placed 3rd at the 2005 BOUS Championship and 9th at last year's contest. It should be noted that Team Minnesota (5th in 2005, 3rd in 2006) will still be formidable as Bich's spot will now go to rising star Jeremy Sartain, the 2005 Minnesota Rookie of the Year. Sartain, who is also a professional cyclist, has won five triathlons thus far this season and will be teamed with Cathy Yndestad, who placed 6th at the 2007 BOUS Championship and is a definite podium contender this year.

2006 35-39 national Champion (silver medalist in 2007) and one half (with Jens Beck) of the Fastest State Team winners at last year's BOUS Champs, Shannon Donley, has once again won the Alaska State Triathlon Championships / Best of the US Alaska Qualifier. Joining her on the top step of the podium this year was rising star Damian Hill. "If Donley and Hill claim their slots, Alaska will send another dynamite team to the Championship!" exclaims Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director.

The Alaska State Triathlon Championship / Best of the US Alaska Qualifier will be contested on Sunday, August 5. In 2006, Team Alaska, comprised of Jens Beck and Shannon Donley, won the Fastest State Team competition.

Next up on the BOUS Qualifying schedule are the Pine Tree Triathlon (Maine), the Nebraska State Games Triathlon & the Shoreline Triathlon (New York) on Sunday, July 29.

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Chistopher Martin, winner of the inaugural BOUS Champs and 3rd at last year's edition, has, once again, earned the right to represent New Jersey at the Best of the US Championship. He was joined in the winner's circle at the 2nd annual New Jersey State / BOUS NJ Qualifier on July 22 by prolific winner, Louise Nunan. "If Martin and Nunan accept their invitations, New Jersey will take a podium-worthy duet to Florida," says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil.

Seattle's Tracy Orcutt, 3rd at the 2006 BOUS Championship, was the women's winner at the Chelanman Olympic / Best of the US Washington Qualifier on July 22. The fastest resident male was Rob Webster, Jr., of Tacoma.

NOUS Management congratulate Brian Hague and Jennifer Harrison for being the top Land of Lincoln finishers at the Evergreen Lake International / Best of the US Illinois Qualifier on July 21!

Larkin Carter, 45, of Jackson & Alisha Wingeter, 29, of Madison, were the top Mississippi finishers at the Heart O' Dixie / Best of the US Mississippi Qualifier on July 21. Weekend results from the qualifiers for IL, WA, GA, NJ and OR will follow!

With their victorious performances at Buckeye Lake International on July 15, Scott and Andrea Myers of Wellston, Ohio, have for the third straight year earned the right to represent their home state at the Best of the US Championship. The couple have always fared well at the Champs. Scott placed 6th in 2005 and 10th last year. Andrea was 15th two years ago and 12th last October. They finished 6th in the fastest State Team Competetion last year.

Also earning a third consecutive invitation is Pennsylvania's Heather Leggi, who won the Pittsburgh Triathlon / BOUS PA Qualifier on July 15. Heather placed 11th at the 2005 Championship and 9th last year.

The following outstanding triathletes earned BOUS invitations on July 15:

MICHIGAN: Joe Dieghan & Rebecca Walter
OHIO: Scott Myers & Andrea Myers
PENNSYLVANIA: John Brockenbrough & Heather Leiggi

The Michigan (Waterloo Triathlon), Ohio (Buckeye Lake International) and Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Triathlon) Qualifiers will be contested on Sunday, July 15. Stay tuned for results!

Six past or present female and male BOUS representatives cracked their gender's overall top 10 at the USAT Age Group National Championship in Portland, OR on June 30:

Men:

4. Christopher Martin (NJ)...Won 2005 BOUS National Champs; 3rd in 2006
5. Philippe Kozub (MD)....2nd at 2006 BOUS Champs; 2007 MD Representative
6. John Ryan (CO)....2007 CO Representative
7. Brian Bich, 41 (MN)....3rd at 2005 BOUS Champs, 9th at 2006 BOUS Champs, 2007 MN Representative
8. Mark Harms (WI)...5th at 2006 BOUS Champs; 2007 WI Representative
9. Craig Greenslit (CO)...2nd at 2005 BOUS Champs; 11th at 2006 BOUS Champs

Also:

15. Daniel Agnew (OK)...6th at 2006 BOUS Champs; 2007 OK Representative
21. Eric Bell (TN)...2007 TN Representative
24. Patrick Badwin (CA)...2007 CA Representative

Women:

2. Bree Wee (HI)...7th at 2005 BOUS Champs; declined HI slot in 2007
3. Stacey Richardson (NC)...2007 SC Representative
4. Tracy Orcutt, 41 (WA)...3rd at 2006 BOUS Champs
6. Katie Ellis (AZ)....2007 AZ Representative
8. Cindi Bannink (WI)...9th at 2005 BOUS Champs; 13th at 2006 BOUS Champs; 2007 WI Representative
9. Shannon Donley (AK)....7th at 2006 BOUS Champs

Also:

16. Suzanne Snyder (CO)...2007 CO Representative
32. Kristin Moore (NO)...2007 MO Representative

(Note: Men's and women's national champions, Ben Collins of Hawaii and Jennifer Garrison of Illinois, won their state's qualifiers in 2006 but declined their Championship invitations.)

Other BOUS Athletes that earned Team USA berths:

Linzie Hebert (LA-'07)
Daniel Agnew (OK-'06, '07)
Eric Bell (TN - '07)
Chris Ganter (PA- '05, '06)
Kristin Moore (MO - '07)
Chris Wickard (IN - '06, '07)
John Reback (FL - '05)
Eddie Branigan (FL - '07)
Maria Cimonetti (VT - '07)
Ginny Lee (KS - '06)
Bruce Gennari - '05, '06)
Margaret Hepworth (ID - '07)

To date, Chris Wickard of Crown Point, IN is one of 17 athletes with prior BOUS Championship experience who have earned the right to, and have accepted his/her invitation to, compete in this year's Championship on October 6. Wickard placed 11th at the 2006 BOUS Champs. Joining the "recidivist's" list on June 24 were Minnesota's Brian Bich and Cathy Yndestad.

One of the fastest rising amateur stars in triathlon, Eric Bell, 28, of Nashville, has won the McMinnville City / Best of the US Tennessee Qualifier. Bell kicked off the 2007 season with a victory at Powerman Alabama and later placed 3rd against a Who's Who field at St. Anthony's. UPDATE: Eric Bell has accepted his BOUS slot!

This Weekend's Invitees (June 23-24):

INDIANA - Nathan Truex & Chris Wickard (Qualifier: Mideast Sprint Optimist Triathlon)
TENNESSEE - Eric Bell & Kathleen Johnston (Qualifier: McMinnville City Triathlon)
MISSOURI - Delbert Marriot & Kristin Moore (Qualifier: Quartermax)
MINNESOTA - Brian Bich & Cathy Yndestad (Qualifier: Lake Waconia Triathlon)
TEXAS - Alberto Lugo & Shanna Armstrong (Qualifier: Tri Raider Sprint)
COLORADO - John Ryan & Suzanne Snyder (Qualifier: Prospect Lake Triathlon)
CALIFORNIA - Patrick Bladwin & Paola Pasqualini (Qualifier: San Diego International)
ARKANSAS - Gary Taylor, 44, Little Rock & Anna Sanders, 25, Fayetteville

Seven qualifiers were contested on June 16-17. Eight will be staged this weekend. They are: Mideast Sprint Optimists (IN). Who Tris Harder? (MO), McMinnville City (TN), Ozark Valley (AR), San Diego International (CA), Prospect lake (CO), Lake Waconia (MN) and Tri-Raider (TX). Stay tuned for news and results.

Cynthia Bannink has made it three in a row and brings last year's teammate Mark Harms back with her to represent Wisconsin at Best of the US. The two were once again dominant at the Wisconsin Triterium on June 17. Montana also returns its "Best" in the team of Jeremy Oury and Kristine Smith, who qualified at Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon.

South Dakota's Dakotaman Triathlon sends 19-year old Sam Dannenbring back for a return engagement at BOUS -- provided the Navy doesn't have other plans for him in October, that is. He's stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71. Bumping 41-year-old Kathy Grady from last year's 1st to this year's 2nd is the formidable Kim Fordham-Lien. The 39 year old is a former track runner and was a dominant force in midwestern racing until injuries bounced her out of contention in the last few years. New therapies have her back on the course and getting fit.

The Janet Clarkson Tri also serves as the Wyoming Qualifier, and sends Jeff Wilcox and Angela Concannon, both of Jackson, WY.

Results are still pending from the Pat Griskus Triathlon, which qualifies Connecticut and Rhode Island. News will be posted when available.

Seven Qualifiers will be contested on the weekend of June 16-17. They are: Connecticut, Montana, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming & Wisconsin!

BOUS congratulated and extends invitations to the following athletes, who earned the right to represent their respective states at the Best of the US Championship on October 6 in Winter Haven, FL:

ALABAMA (BUSTER BRITTON MEMORIAL): Jonathan Krichev (Huntsville) & Deanna Frank (Birmingham)
DELAWARE (ESCAPE FROM FORT DELAWARE): Jeffery Boehmer (Newark) & Ashlet Madray (Wilmington)

On June 3, Mike Morrison, 33, of Des Moines, became the 2nd athlete to date to have earned BOUS berths in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The other is Florida's Lotte Branigan, 2006 USAT Female Triathlete of the Year. Also earning an invitation at the Pigman Sprint / Best of the US Iowa Qualifier was Mia Richter of Iowa City. Richter has been the top Iowan the last three seasons at the BOUS Qualifier but has thus far been unable to accept her invitation. "Mia's a terrific triathlete. We certainly hope she'll be able to accept her slot this year," says Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director.

As top New Mexicans at the Milkman / BOUS NM Qualifier on June 2, Clay Moseley and Dina Pesenson have earned the right to represent New Mexico at the BOUS Championship for the second consecutive year. UPDATE: Moseley & Pesenson have officially accepted their slots!

The season is still young, but BOUS athletes are making their mark around the country. Some notable performances:

• Idaho’s Kelly Williamson was 2nd overall male amateur and North Carolina’s Marit-Chrislock-Lauterback was 5th for amateur women at California 70.3 (March 31)

• A number of BOUS athletes posted great performances at St. Anthony’s Triathlon April 29, including:
1st Place and a CR 2:03:15 by 3X Florida BOUS rep Lotte Branigan
3rd Place finish for Bree Wee of Hawaii (BOUS rep in ’05 and ’07)
4th Place male finish for John Reback, Florida’s rep in 2005
8th Place male finish for 2007 Florida rep Eddie Branigan
9th Place female finish for Marit Chrislock-Lauterback of NC
12th Place Pro Male for Kevin Everett, who was Idaho’s BOUS rep in 2005

• NC’s Marit Chrislock-Lauterback won the amateur division and was 5th woman overall at Gulf Coast, while Tennessee’s Bruce Gennari was 4th overall and 1st Master. Gennari also took the Masters win and was 5th overall at Memphis In May.

• Cathy Yndestad, Minnesota’s 2006 BOUS rep was 2nd overall at Tri for the Cure in Scottsdale, AZ. That race was won by Katie Ellis, who has also taken 2nd at USAT Collegiate Nationals, and won the AZ BOUS slot for 2007.

• 2005 BOUS National Champion Christopher Martin of NJ was 2nd amateur at Columbia Tri May 20.

• Two-time Ohio representative Andrea Myers won the amateur race at Bradenton One O One on May 6

* Cathy Yndestad, Minnesota's 2006 BOUS rep, set a course record at the Pigman Sprint on June 3 then outraced the deepest field in the region the next weekend at Manitou Sprint.

* Hawaii's 2007 BOUS reps, Luis De La Torre and Bree Wee were the amateur champions at Hawaii 70.3 on June 2.

* 2006 Maryland rep Philippe Kozub and two-time Pennsylvania rep Heather Leiggi excelled at Eagleman 70.3 on June 10. Kozub was 2nd amateur in a blazing 3:59:51. Leiggi was 4th amateur female in 4:37:31. It was her first attempt at the 70.3 distance.

2007 Invitees to date:
(Accepted berths in capital letters)

HAWAII: Luis De La Torre, 39, Kailua-Kona Bree Wee, 28, Kailua-Kona
Passdown #1: Jimmy Davis & Sandra Ferriera
Passdown #2: Kurt Chambers & Mariane Uehara
FLORIDA: EDDIE BRANIGAN, Vero Beach & LOTTE BRANIGAN, Vero Beach
Passdown #1: John Reback & Angela Hygema
Passdown #2: Chris Huff & Krystal Bemman, 18
NEVADA: DANNY MURPHY, 42, Las Vegas & DANA GINSBURG, 42, Las Vegas
Passdown #1: Patrick Grosse & Reenie Griffin
Passdown #2: Phillip Glenn & Coleen Knutson
LOUISIANA: Lawson Fall, 27, Alexandria & LINZIE HEBERT, 24, Shreveport
Passdown #1: BEN HALL, 16, Ruston & Lisa Colvin, 41, Monroe
Passdown #2: Brian Coyne, 36, Ruston & Jennifer Sutton, 34, Shreveport
NORTH CAROLINA: SONNI DYER, 40, Valdese & STACEY RICHARDSON, 35, Chapel Hill
Passdown #1: Brian Smith, 36, Durham & Alicia Parr, 37, Durham
Passdown #2: Aaron Keifer, 27, Morrisville & Kristin Price, 26, Chapel Hill
SOUTH CAROLINA: MARK WOODY, 37, Chapin & JULIE MURPHY, 41, Greer
Passdown #1: Gregg Cromer, 38, Somerville & Tracy McKee, 35, Charleston
Passdown #2: Brian Hamby, 32, Greenville & Kimberley Westbury, 44, Greenville
MARYLAND / DC: PHILIPPE KOZUB, 32, Bethesda & KRISTA SCHULTZ, 29, Baltimore
Passdown #1: Dan MacKenzie, 25, Rockville & Elizabeth Flynn, 36, Ellicott City
Passdown #2: Tommy Brown, 22, Annapolis & Paula Pels, 40, Bethesda
KENTUCKY: BARRY KNIGHT, 41, Paducah & ALLISON POE, 26, Maysville
Passdown #1: Brian Collier, 33, Burlington & Laura Fogt, 29, Louisville
Passdown #2: Rodney Wesley, 39, Georgetown & Stephanie Darnell, 35, Paris
ARIZONA: CAM HILL, 40, Fountain Hills & KATIE ELLIS, 22, Phoenix
Passdown #1: Ryan Lindsay, 28, Glendale & Karen Walls, 37, Tucson
Passdown #2: Michael Hast, 37, Tucson & Erica McClurg, 37, Phoenix
IOWA: Mike Morrison, 33, Des Moines & Mia Richter, 25, Iowa City
Passdown #1: JASON MAURICE, 21, Iowa City & CHRIS MARAVELAS, 38, Waukee
Passdown #2: Doug Vander Weide, 41, West Des Moines & Jenny Jackson, 31, Cedar Rapids
NEX MEXICO: CLAY MOSELEY, 34, Los Alamos & DINA PESENSON, 31, Los Alamos
Passdown #1: Shaun Burns, 29, Las Lunas & Lorraine Palmer, 45, Santa Fe
Passdown #2: Mike Montoya, 38, Las Cruces & Jamie Proncho, 24, Albuquerque
KANSAS: Kevin Nickel, 26, Goessel & Ginny Lee, 41, Fort Riley
Passdown #1: Ross Freese, 44, Lawrence & KATIE BARNOSKIE, 20, Lawrence
Passdown #2: Matt Morrow, 40, Wichita & Kelly Dippold, 45, Overland Park
OKLAHOMA: Daniel Agnew, 20, Edmond & SHANNON CHASTEEN, 29, Moore
Passdown #1: Philip Van Kandingham, 31, Oklahoma City & Marlene Shugart, 42, Oklahoma City
Passdown #2: Joshua Baucom, 29, Oklahoma City & Kristin Killgore, 36, Bethany
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Ryan Kelly, 26, Concord & ELIZABETH HALL, 34, Merrimack
Passdown #1: Scott May, 38, Lyme Center & Danielle Keaney, 35, Seabrook
Passdown #2: Matt Boobar, 35, Plymouth
VERMONT: JON ARNE ENEVOLDSEN, 45, Waitsfield & MARIA CIMONETTI, 42, Shelburne
Passdown #1:
Passdown #2:
ALABAMA: JONATHAN KRICHEV, Huntsville & Deanna Frank, Birmingham
Passdown #1: Conrad Taylor, Birmingham & Lori Goldweber, Homewood
Passdown #2: Morgan Ramey, Helena & Janie Davis, Birmingham
DELAWARE: JEFF BOEHMER, 20, Newark & ASHLEY MADRAY, 33, Wilmington
Passdown #1: Michael Hamberger, 28, Bear & Bridgette Loburk, 31, Wilmington
Passdown #2: Frank McGursk, 33, Newark
IDAHO: Adam Wirth, Boise & Margaret Hepworth. Boise
Passdown #1: ANTONIO GONZALES, 24, Boise & Lori Harvey, Boise
Passdown #2: Rolph Decker, Boise & Kathy Morell, Boise
CONNECTICUT: CHRIS THOMAS, 35, Easton & Julie Gleising, 21, Redding
Passdown #1: Mitch West, 37, Wilton & Pascale Butcher, 46, Southport
Passdown #2: Rob McHardy, 33, West Hartford & Dana Carbone, 36, Watertown
MONTANA: Jeremy Oury, Hamilton & KRISTINA SMITH, Great Falls
Passdown #1: Robert Haseman, Helena & Nicole Luberda, Bozeman
Passdown #2: Dean McGovern, Missoula & Grace Hammond, Bozeman
WYOMING: JEFF WILCOX, Jackson & Angela Concannon, Jackson
Passdown #1: Ben Zeller, Lovell & Erica Periman, Moose
Passdown #2: Dick Weinbrandt, Jackson & Laura Santomauro, Jackson
SOUTH DAKOTA: SAM DANNENBRING, 19, Yankton & KIM FORDHAM-LIEN, 39, Aberdeen
Passdown #1: Jason Crisp, 27, Madison & Kathy Grady, 41, Sioux Falls
Passdown #2: David Farnsworth, 28, Chamberlain & Monica Porter, 40, Sioux Falls
UTAH: Greg Deyle, Salt Lake City & Colleen Rue, Cedar City
Passdown #1: Eandall Olsen, St. George & Rachel Cieslewski, Salt Lake City
Passdown #2: Devan Tandy, Provo & Chanda Jeppson, Cedar City
RHODE ISLAND: MATTHEW KNIGHT, 31, Newport
Passdown #1: Stephen Schonning, 44, Westerly
Passdown #2: Gregg Field, 43, East Greenwich
WISCONSIN: MARK HARMS, 31, Madison & CINDI BANNINK, 30, Middleton
Passdown: Michael Boehmer, 26, Oconomowoc & Srah Kolpin, 26, Madison
Passdown #2: Brian Herzog, 27, Madison & Heather Curnutt, 33, Madison
INDIANA: Nathan Truex, 22, Ossian & CHRIS WICKARD, 37, Crown Point
Passdown #1: Paul Richardson, 35, Auburn & Diane Schow, 43, Auburn
Passdown #1: Jesse Cleaver, 23, Bloomington & Katherine Semeritt, 30, Harlan
TENNESSEE: ERIC BELL, 28, Nashville & KATHLEEN JOHNSTON, 48, Nashville
Passdown #1: Zach Winchester, Chattanooga & Leslie Trussler, Manchester
Passdown #2: Joseph Welsh, Cordova & Rachel Biber, Nashville
MISSOURI: DELBERT MARRIOTT, Charleston & Kristin Moore
MINNESOTA: BRIAN BICH, 41, Duluth & CATHY YNDESTAD, 29, Apple Valley
Passdown #1: Curt Wood, 29, Chaska & Marlo Crosby-McGaver, 37, Duluth
Passdown #3: Jeremy Sartain, 33, St. Paul & Marta Lewinski, 34, Edina
TEXAS: Alberto Lugo, 35, El Paso & Shanna Armstrong, 32, Lubbock
Passdown #1: Jim Ryan, 44, Austin & Angie Balentine, 26, Austin
Passdown #2: Christopher Gausepohl, 25, Abilene & Jennifer Hirsch, 25, Lubbock
COLORADO: John Ryan, 25, Erie & Suzanne Snyder, 25, Colorado Springs
Passdown #1: Karol Kristov, 28, Boulder & Mauha Anderson, 32, Monument
Passdown #2: Joe McDaniel, 25, Colorado Springs & Alicia Kendig, 25, Colorado Springs
ARKANSAS: GARY TAYLOR, 44, Little Rock & Anna Sanders, 25, Fayetteville
Passdown #1: Jasso Corra, 18, Fayetteville & Debra Dunn, 51, Fayetteville
Passdown #2: Mavoureen Hogue, 41, Rogers
CALIFORNIA: PATRICK BALDWIN & Beatrix Blattman
Passdown #1: David Meyers & Beatrix Blattmann
Passsdown #2: Mitchell Hall & Paola Pasqualini

Arizona multisport pioneer Cam Hill, 40, of Fountain Hills, and talented newcomer Katie Ellis, 22, of Phoenix, have earned invitations to represent the Grand Canyon State at the Best of the US Championship on October 6 in Winter Haven, FL. "We're especially excited about Katie Ellis," says Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director. "She beat the 2nd place woman at the Sahuarita Lake Qualifier by over four minutes. She could be the fastest rising new star on the US amateur tri scene!"

UPDATE: Cam Hill and Katie Ellis have accepted their invitations to represent Arizona!

Paducah's Barry Knight was dominant at the Buffalo Trails / Best of the US Kentucky Qualifier on May 26. His margin of victory was almost eight minutes. This is the second consecutive BOUS invitation for Knight, who finished 13th at the 2006 Championship. The women's champ at Buffalo Trails was Alison Poe of Maysville. This is Poe's first BOUS invitation.

Update: Barry Knight has officially accepted his invitation!

The Buffalo Trails KY Qualifier is slated for Saturday, May 26. The Sahuarita Lake AZ Qualifier willbe contested on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28. Stay tuned for results!

As top resident amateur at the Columbia Triathlon / BOUS Maryland Qualifier in Ellicott City on May 20, Philippe Kozub was invited to represent his state at the BOUS Championships on October. Series management couldn't be more pleased to announce that Philippe has accepted his slot. Kozub finished 2nd at the 2006 Best of the US Championship. Top female MD finisher on May 20 was Krista Schultz, who represented Maryland last year. She finished an impressive 10th at the Championship. Schultz and Kozub placed 4th in the Fast State Team Competition.

UPDATE: Krista Schultz has accepted her invitation!

Top SC resident amateurs at the Clemson Sprint / BOUS SC Qualifier on May 12 were Mark Woody, 37 of Chapin, and Julie Murphy, 41, of Greer.

Stay tuned for results of the May 12 Clemson Triathlon / Best of the US SC Qualifier!

North Carolina's Sonni Dyer and Stacey Richardson have accepted their invitations to represent North Carolina at the Best of the US Championship in Florida on October 6. All but one of the 10 athletes invited to date have accepted their slots. Dyer joins Hawaii's Luis De La Torre, 1989 Amateur World Champion, Nevada's Danny Murphy, his state's most consistent elite performaner for almost two decades, and Eddie Branigan of Florida, who's coming off a great effort (8th Elite Amateur) at St. Anthony's. Richardson, who placed 4th overall at Nationals in 2006, joins Hawaii's Bree Wee, 7th at the 2005 BOUS Championship, 2006 USAT Athlete of the Year Lotte Branigan of Florida (2nd at the BOUS Champs in 2005 & 2006), Louisiana's Linzie Hebert, a young and fast rising star, and Dana Ginsburg of Nevada.

BOUS Management couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of the White Lake Sprint / BOUS NC Qualifier on May 6. National class stars Sonni Dyer and Stacey Richardson (Stacey placed 4th overall at Nationals last year!) won the event, thus earning invitations to represent North Carolina at the Best of the US Championship in Winter Haven, FL on October 6. Excellent athletes also finished in the passdown positions. For the men, Brian Smith (2005 NC BOUS Representative) was 2nd, followed by the talented Aaron Keifer. For the women, Alice Parr and Kristin Price took 2nd and 3rd respectively. Any male/femalecombination of the abovementioned triathletes with give North Carolina a formidable presence in Florida.

BOUS Management congratulates Lawson Fall, 27, of Alexandria, and Linzie Hebert, 24, of Shreveport, for being the top resident amateurs at the Hidden Paradise Sprint / Best of the US Louisiana Qualifier in Ruston on April 29.

Three-time FL Representative Lotte Branigan, the reigning USAT Athlete of the Year, won the prestigious St. Anthony's Triathlon on April 29 in a course record 2:03:15. Two-time Hawaii Representative (2005 & 2007) Bree Wee placed 3rd in 2:05:06, which incidently is the 3rd fastest women's amateur time in the 24-year history of the event. Also cracking the women's top 10 was 2006 NC Representative Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach, who took 9th. In the men's Elite Amateur competition, 2005 Florida Representative John Reback placed 4th and 2007 Florida Rep Eddie Branigan took 8th.

The intermediate-distance Rage in the Sage Triathlon became a 40K bike / 10K run Duathlon Sunday (4/22) when forty-five mph winds swept across Lake Mead, generating 6’ swells and sending a dozen [extremely well-weighted] buoys off to the nether reaches of the man-made lake. “This is a huge body of water,” said Race Director Brogg Sterrett. “You can’t underestimate the effects of the wind. Even when it dies down a bit, there are vicious undercurrents.”

Interestingly, the race became the 2nd of 2 BOUS qualifiers this weekend forced to run as a Du; the other being thousands of miles away in Florida.

Emerging from the revised event as the Fastest Nevadans were Danny Murphy and Dana Ginsburg, both well-respected 42 years old triathletes. In the first-passdown position were Patrick Gosse (45) and Reenie Griffin (37), followed by Phillip Glenn (31), who represented Nevada at the 2006 Championship, and Coleen Knutson (39).

It’s all in the family as husband-wife team Eddie (age 34) and Lotte (33) Branigan were the fastest male and female Floridians at the Zephryhills St.Augustine/Best of the US Florida Qualifier on Saturday, April 21. Following for the men were John Reback, 36, who was Florida’s 2005 representative and placed 8th at the Championship and Chris Huff, 33. Angela Hygema, 31 and 18-year-old Krystal Bemman were 2nd and 3rd Florida females.

Unexpected high winds blew in on Friday and stuck around, stirring up 4-5’ surf and causing cancellation of the swim leg by County Park officials. [Also cancelled was a separate 1 mile ocean swim competition, part of the Publix Family Fitness Weekend activities.] Cancellation of the swim turned the Qualifier Race into a 2 mile run/13.5 mile bike/5K run Duathlon.

Reigning USAT Athlete of the Year, Lotte was heavily favored going in to the race. She’s now 3-for-3, having won the women’s BOUS slot for her home state since the inception of the program in ’05. She has performed spectacularly at both prior National Championships, placing 2nd each time, behind women who shortly thereafter became pros. With home course advantage this year, the rest the women’s field best watch out.

The Branigans are the second husband and wife team to qualify for the Championship, joining Scott and Andrea Myers of Ohio,who represented their state in 2005 and 2006.

The Florida Qualifier will be staged in St. Augustine on Saturday, April 21. The Nevade Qualifier will be contested on Sunday, April 22. Competing in the FL Qualifier is two-time BOUS representative--2nd at both the 2005 & 2005 Championships!--Lotte Branigan, who was named USAT Female Athlete of the Year in 2006. Other notables include former age group World Champion Ashley Carusone, Graham Steele, winner of last weekend's Escape From Fort DeSoto, and 2003 US Triathlete of the Year, John Reback. Reback represented Florida at the 2005 BOUS Champs & finished 8th overall. He and Lotte took home the Fastest State Team trophy that year.

Luis De La Torre and Bree Wee, both of Kailua-Kona, have accepted their invitations to represent Hawaii at the "Best of the US Championship" in Winter Haven, FL on October 6. Second place amateur male at Lavaman, De La Torre is replacing top amateur Ben Collins, who declined his invitation because he plans to get his pro license later this season. "With Collins and De La Torre going 1-2 at Lavaman, BOUS was in a no-lose situation," says PR Director Jerry MacNeil. "Few people recall that De La Torre is one of America's triathlon pioneers. In fact, he was the overall amateur winner at the inaugural ITU World Champioships in Avignon, France in 1989. He and Bree Wee, who is one othe best female amateurs in the U.S., will make a truly podium-worthy team."

Ben Collins, a nominee for US Amateur Triathlete of the Year in 2006, and Bree Wee, 7th at the BOUS Champs in 2005, were the amateur champions at the 10th annual Lavaman / BOUS Hawaii Qualifier on April 1. "We are so excited," said BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil." "If Collins and Wee accept their invitations, Hawaii will be one of the favorites to win the Fastest State Competition. Ben and Bree are world-class amateur triathletes!"

Lavaman 2007 (10th anniversary)

Fastest Amateur: BEN COLLINS, 24, Honolulu (2nd overall) ; BREE WEE, 28, Kailua-Kona (4th woman overall)
1st Passdown: Luis De La Torre, 39, Kailua-Kona (3rd overall); Sandra Ferreira, 38, Kaneohe (7th woman overall)
2nd Passdown: Jimmy Davis, 30, Honolulu (4th overall); Mariane Uehara, 26, Honolulu (9th woman overall)

The popular Lavaman Triathlon will kick off the competitive season on this year's BOUS tour. 2006 US Triathlete of the Year nominee Ben Collins, and Bree Wee, who was 7th at the inaugural BOUS Championship will be racing. Other April races include Florida's Zephyrhills Sprint Triathlon in St. Augustine on the 21st, Nevada's Rage in the Sage and Louisiana's Hidden Paradise Sprint on the 29th.

&Every few days we'll post a new quote from a 2006 BOUS athlete. Here's the latest installment:

"Dina and I want to say how fantastic this event was. You did an amazing job at making us feel special and that this was one of the greatest events in which we've ever participated. The entire time we were there, it was just plain fun. Minnesota is a unique place on the endurance sports map, and for good reason….BOUS….is just a great formula for an exciting outcome, and that is really what you had. We feel honored and happy that we were there and part of it." – Clay Moseley & Dina Pesenson (NM)

- BOUS congratulates Kelly Williamson on his 2nd place overall amateur finish at California 70.3 on March 31!
- BOUS congratulates Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach, NC representative in 2006, on her 5th place overall amateur finish at California 70.3 on March 31!
- BOUS Congratulates the follow BOUS athletes on their performances at St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL on April 29: 3-time FL representative Lotte Branigan (1st in women's CR 2:03:15), 2005 & 2007 HI representative Bree Wee (3rd woman), 2005 FL representative John Reback (4th man), 2007 FL representative Eddie Branigan (8th man), 2006 NC representative Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach (9th woman), 2005 ID representative Kevin Everett (12th in men's pro race).
-BOUS congratulates Tennessee's Bruce Gennari, 4th at the 2005 & 2006 BOUS Champs, on his 4th place finish (1st master) at Gulf Coast. We also congratulate 2006 NC Represenative Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach on her amateur victory (5th woman overall) at Gulf Coast.

2007 Invitees:
HAWAII: LUIS DE LA TORRE 39, Kailua-Kona BREE WEE, 28, Kailua-Kona
Passdown #1: Jimmy Davis & Sandra Ferriera
Passdown #2: Kurt Chambers & Mariane Uehara
FLORIDA: EDDIE BRANIGAN, Vero Beach & LOTTE BRANIGAN, Vero Beach
Passdown #1: John Reback & Angela Hygema
Passdown #2: Chris Huff & Krystal Bemman, 18
NEVADA: DANNY MURPHY, 42, Las Vegas & DANA GINSBURG, 42, Las Vegas
Passdown #1: Patrick Grosse & Reenie Griffin
Passdown #2: Phillip Glenn & Coleen Knutson
LOUISIANA: Lawson Fall, 27, Alexandria & LINZIE HEBERT, 24, Shreveport
Passdown #1: Ben Hall, 16, Ruston & Lisa Colvin, 41, Monroe
Passdown #2: Brian Coyne, 36, Ruston & Jennifer Sutton, 34, Shreveport
NORTH CAROLINA: SONNI DYER, 40, Valdese & STACEY RICHARDSON, 35, Chapel Hill
Passdown #1: Brian Smith, 36, Durham & Alicia Parr, 37, Durham
Passdown #2: Aaron Keifer, 27, Morrisville & Kristin Price, 26, Chapel Hill
SOUTH CAROLINA: Mark Woody, 27, Chapin & Julie Murphy, 41, Greer
Passdown #1: Gregg Cromer, 38, Somerville & Tracy McKee, 35, Charleston
Passdown #2: Brian Hamby, 32, Greenville & Kimberley Westbury, 44, Greenville


(Accepted berths in capital letters)

(St. Paul, MN – 1/04/07) Best of the US Management and Exclusive Sports Marketing are partnering to produce the 2007 Best of the US Amateur National Championship at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven, FL on October 6. The international distance “Championship for Champions” (50 men and 50 women who have earned invitations to compete by winning their respective state qualifiers) will headline “Championship Weekend” that will include the 21st annual Coca-Cola Classic Sprint Triathlon Series Championship.

Friends and family of BOUS participants are invited to race in the sprint race or any of the many other special events—duathlon, open water swim, 5K run, inline skate, Sprintkids Duathlon etc.--that are part of Championship weekend. Entry in any of these events includes a weekend wristband for Cypress Gardens.

“We couldn’t be happier that the 2007 Championship will be staged in one of America’s premier vacation destinations,” said BOUS Executive Director Trudy Marshall. “Cypress Gardens offers a lush and uniquely beautiful race course. The historic gardens and newer amusement and water park attractions make for an ideal weekend for Best of the U.S. athletes and their families. And nowhere in the U.S. is the sport of triathlon more healthy and dynamic than in Central Florida. Exclusive Sports Marketing produces to-notch, technically excellent events in premier locations; we look forward to working with them to produce our best Championship Weekend yet.”

Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, Florida, halfway between Tampa and Orlando. [cypressgardens.com]

The Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition is produced by Midwest Events, LLC of Saint Paul, Minnesota.


More info:
Jerry MacNeil, PR Director: 651-714-1829 or jerry@midwestevents.com
www.bestoftheustriathletes.com

(St. Paul, MN – 12/11/07) The following races are the official qualifying events for the 2007 Best of the US National Championship at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park near Tampa, FL on October 6.

ALABAMA – Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon on June 9 at Oak Mountain State Park south of Birmingham, AL. Distances: 400 yard swim – 12.6 mile bike – 3 mile run. Race Director: Team-Magic / Therese Bynum @ 205-595-8633 (therese@team-magic.com)

ALASKA – Northern Trust Triathlon / Alaska State Triathlon Championship on August 5 at Knik Lake in Knik, AK. Intermediate distance. Race Director: Turkey Toe Events @ 907-243-4709 (moflem@acsalaska.net)

ARIZONA – Sahuarita Lake Triathlon, Presented by Rancho Sahuarita, on Monday, May 28 in Sahuarita, south of Tucson, AZ. Distances: 1K swim – 25K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Tri Tucson / Jim & Rane Stites (racedirector@tritucson.com)

ARKANSAS – Ozark Valley Triathlon on June 24 at Lake Wedington Park near Fayetteville, AR. Distances: 1000 yard swim – 19 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: All Sports Productions, Inc. / Bruce Dunn @ 479-521-7766 (bruce@misterguy.com)

CALIFORNIA – Fr. Joe's San Diego International on June 24 at Spanish Landing Park in San Diego. Distances: 1K swim – 30K bike – 10K run. Race Director: Koz Enterprises / Rick Kozlowski @ 858-268-1250 (kozent@earthlink.net)

COLORADO – Prospect Lake Triathlon, presented by ProCylcing & Colorado Running Co., on June 24 at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, CO. Distances: Swim 750m – bike 13.1 miles – Run 5K). Race Director: Prospect Lake Events / Lisa Rainsberger & Sonya Norris @ 719-337-2737 (lrainsberger@adelphia.net)

CONNECTICUT – Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon on June 16 at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT. Distances: 1 mile swim – 25 mile bike – 10K run. Race Director: Tom Wilkas @ 860-868-0540 (twilkas@snet.net)

DELAWARE – Escape From Fort Delaware on June 9. Starts at Pea Patch Island and transitions and finishes at Battery Park in Delaware City. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Piranha-Sports / Neil Semmel (nsemmel@piranha-sports.com)

FLORIDA – Coca-Cola Sprint Triathlon – St. Augustine on April 21 at Crescent Beach in St. Augustine, FL. Distances: .5 mile swim – 13 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Exclusive Sports Marketing / Chris Carusone (carusone@exclusivesports.com)

GEORGIA – West Point Lake Triathlon on July 22 at West Point Lake near LeGrange, GA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Georgia Multisports / Jim Rainey (jim@gamultisports.com)

HAWAII – 10th Anniversary Lavaman Triathlon on April 1 at Waikoloa Beach on the Kohala Coast. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Gerry Rott (racedirector@lavamantriathlon.com)

IDAHO – YMCA Spudman Triathlon on June 9 at Springs Shores Marina in Boise. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tim Severa @ 208-859-7953 (tim.severa@ymcatvidaho.org)

ILLINOIS – Evergreen Lake International Triathlon, presented by Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission, on July 21 at Comlara County Park in Hudson, IL. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tri-Mom Events, LLC / Colleen Klein @ 309-212-6830 (trimomevents@verizon.net)

INDIANA – Mideast Sprint Optimists Triathlon on June 23 at Lake Winona Park near Warsaw, IN. Distances: ¼ mile swim – 13.5 mile bike – 3 mile run. Race Director: Ron Donkers (rondonkers@hotmail.com)

IOWA – Pigman Sprint Triathlon on June 3 at Pleasant Creek State Park near Cedar Rapids, IA. Distances: .5K swim – 25K bike – 5K run. Race Director: John Snitko at 319-373-0741 (john@pigmantri.com)

KANSAS – Flint Hills Triathlon on June 3 at Tuttle Creek State Park north of Manhattan, KS. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Blue Hills Adventures @ 785-410-3319 (clay@bluehillsadventures.com)

KENTUCKY – Buffalo Trails Triathlon on May 26 in Maysville, KY. Distances: .5 mile swim – 22 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Mark Day (activedc@maysvilleky.net)

LOUISIANA – Hidden Paradise Triathlon on April 29 at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA. Distances: 600 yard swim – 13 mile bike – 3.2 mile run. Race Director: DLT Event Management, Inc. / Fred Phillips @ 870-246-6686 (DLTevents@yahoo.com)

MAINE – Pine Tree Triathlon, the official triathlon of the Maine Games, on July 29 in Brewer/Orrington, ME. Distances: .5 mile swim – 12 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Ron Lawson @ 207-990-2013 (ron@triathletesports.com or jscully@maine.rr.com)

MARYLAND / DC – Columbia Triathlon, presented by Under Armor, on May 20 at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Columbia Triathlon Association / Rob Vigorito (info@tricolumbia.org)

MASSACHUSETTS – Duxbury Beach Triathlon on September 22 at Duxbury Beach, MA. Distances: 1/2 mile swim - 13.7 mile bike - 3.3 mile run. Race Director: Brian Noyes at 781-706-1166 (director@duxburybeachtriathlon.com)

MICHIGAN – Waterloo Triathlon on July 15 at Waterloo Recreation Area near Grass Lake, MI. Distances: .5 mile swim – 16 mile bike – 5 mile run. Race Director: Elite Endeavors at 419-829-2398 (jdjp@sev.org)

MINNESOTA – Lake Waconia Triathlon on June 24 in Waconia, MN. Distances: .5 mile swim – 16.5 mile bike – 4 mile run. Race Director: Tom Konrardy at 952-442-2825 (waconiatriathlon@aol.com).

MISSISSIPPI – Heart O’ Dixie Triathlon, presented by the Philadelphia Sertoma Club, on July 21 at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Louisville, MS and finishes at Neshoba County Fairgrounds in Philadelphia, MS. Distances: .5 mile swim – 25.7 mile bike – 7 mile run. Race Director: John Williams at 601-562-2266 (john.willims2@cingular.com)

MISSOURI – Who Tris Harder? Multisport Weekend on June 23-24 at the Innsbrook Resort near St. Louis, MO. Distances: 1000 yard swim – 28 mile bike – 6.5 mile run. Race Director: Ultramax Events / Mark Livesay at 573-443-7036 (mark@ultramaxtri.com)

MONTANA – Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon on June 16 at the Madison Arm Resort near West Yellowstone, MT. Distances: .65 mile swim – bike 13.3 miles – run 4.2 miles. Race Director: Jack Clarkson @ 406-646-9328 (janetstriathlon@earthlink.net)

NEBRASKA – Nebraska State Games Triathlon, presented by Tiger Coaching and Villager Hotel, on July 29 at Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln. Distances: 1K swim – 20K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Gary Bredehoft of Tiger Coaching & Personal Training @ 402-488-8280 (coach@tigercoaching.com)

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Mooseman International Triathlon on June 2-3 at Wellington State Park in Bristol, NH. Distances: Swim 1.5K – Bike 44K – Run 10K. Race Director: Endorfun Sports / Keith Jordan (keith@endorfunsports.com)

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey State Triathlon on July 22 at Mercer County Park, NJ. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: CGI Racing / Larry & Michelle Redrow at 856-468-0925 (lredrow@cgievents.com)

NEW MEXICO – 23rd Annual Milkman Triathlon, a.k.a. the Southwest Regional Sprint Championship, on June 2 at Lake Van in Dexter, NM. Distances: .5K swim - 20K bike – 5K run. Race Director: Larry Marshall (lmarshall@fbfs.com)

NEVADA – Rage in the Sage Triathlon on April 22 at Lake Mead Recreational Area near Las Vegas, NV. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: BBSC Endurance Sports / Brogg Sterrett (race@bbscenduranesports.com)

NEW YORK – Shoreline Triathlon Race on July 29 at Hamlin Beach State Park near Rochester, NY. Distances: .5 mile swim – bike 22 miles – 5 mile run. Director: YelloJacket Racing / Dave & Ellen Boutillier (YellowJacketRacing@hotmail.com)

NORTH CAROLINA – White Lake Sprint Triathlon on May 6 at North Carolina FFA Center in White Lake, NC. Distances: 750m swim – 14 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Set Up Events / Bill Scott (bills@setupevents.com)

NORTH DAKOTA – Young Life Triathlon on August 18 at City Park in Detroit Lakes, MN. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: LuAnn Milner @ 218-532-2262 (lmilner@castaway.younglife.org)

OHIO – Buckeye Lake Triathlon on July 15 at Buckeye Lake State Park in Millersport, OH. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: HFP Racing / Shannon Kurek (shannon@hfpracing.com)

OKLAHOMA – Route 66 Triathlon, presented by Tri-OKC and the City of El Reno, on June 3 at Lake El Reno in El Reno. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Tri-OKC / Steve Bussjaeger (steveb@hispaint.com)

OREGON – Deschutes Dash on July 22 in Bend, OR. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Fresh Air Sports / Gina Miller (gina@freshairsports.com)

PENNSYLVANIA – Seagate Pittsburgh Triathlon on July 15 at North Shore Riverfront Park in Pittsburgh. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Piranha-Sports / Neil Semmel (nsemmel@piranha-sports.com)

RHODE ISLAND – Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon on June 16 at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury. Distances: 1 mile swim – 25 mile bike – 10K run. Race Director: Tom Wilkas @ 860-868-0540 (twilkas@snet.net)

SOUTH CAROLINA – Clemson Triathlon on May 12 at Foothills Family YMCA in Seneca, SC. Distances: 750m swim – 11 mile bike – 5K run. Race Director: Set Up Events / Jeremey Davis (jdavis@setupevents.com)

SOUTH DAKOTA – Dakota Man Triathlon on June 16 at Lake Alvin near Harrisburg, SD. Distances: 600m swim – 16 mile bike – 3.5 mile run. Race Director: Howard Bich (habich@sio.midco.net)

TENNESSEE – McMinnville City Triathlon (350m swim – 15.25 mile bike – 5K run) on June 23 at McMinnville Civic Center. Race Director: Team-Magic / Faye Yates @ 415-460-9927 (faye@team-magic.com)

TEXAS – Tri Raider Sprint Triathlon, part of the Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3 Festival, on June 24 at Buffalo Springs Lake east of Lubbock, TX. Distances: 750m swim – 20K bike – 5K run. Race Directors: Mike & Marti Greer (martigreer1@aol.com)

UTAH – Utah State Games Triathlon on June 16 at The New Sand Hollow Reservior near St. George, UT. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: SGTRI / Jared Stanley (Jared@sgtri.com) at 435-770-3122 (www.sgtrifecta.com)

VERMONT - Mooseman International Triathlon on June 2-3 at Wellington State Park in Bristol, NH. Distances: Swim 1.5K – Bike 44K – Run 10K. Race Director: Endorfun Sports / Keith Jordan (keith@endorfunsports.com)

VIRGINIA – Luray International Triathlon on August 18 at Lake Arrowhead Park in Luray, VA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Set Up Events / Greg Hawkins at 336-577-2801 (greg@setupevents.com)

WASHINGTON - Chelanman Multisport Weekend on July 21-22 at Lake Chelan in Chelan, WA. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Total Health Events / Jonathan Hoskins at 360-325-0715 (info@totalhealthevents.com) (www.chelanman.com)

WEST VIRGINIA – Med Express Mountaineer International Triathlon on July 1 in Morgantown, WV. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: HFP Racing (scott@hfpracing.com)

WISCONSIN – Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon on June 17 at Fireman’s Park in Verona, WI. Intermediate Distance. Race Directors: Jim Bruskewitz & Dan Seymour (ep1@charter.net)

WYOMING – Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon on June 16 at the Madison Arm Resort near West Yellowstone, MT. Distances: .65 mile swim – bike 13.3 miles – run 4.2 miles. Race Director: Jack Clarkson @ 406-646-9328 (janetstriathlon@earthlink.net)

The 3rd Annual BEST OF THE US NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP will be staged on October 6 at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park near Tampa, FL. Intermediate Distance. Race Director: Exclusive Sports Marketing / Chris Carusone at 888-ESM-SPORTS (carusone@exclusivesports.com)

Florida's Lotte Branigan, two-time BOUS National Championship runner-up, was the top female amateur at the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, FL on November 11. Her astonishing 4:19:51 landed her in sixth place overall and knocked 1:25 off Donna Kay-Ness's US records, set at Eagleman 70.3 in 2000!

Missy LeStrange's 13-year-old masters record (10:05) at the Hawaiian Ironman World Championship finally fell. It was lowered by Connecticutt's Donna Kay-Ness (10:03:06), who placed 4th the the 2005 BOUS Championship. Kay-Ness is a three-time USAT Athlete of the Year.

California's Jim Vance, 5th at the 2005 BOUS Championship, finished 3rd overall in his iron debut at Florida on November 4. His time was an amazing 8:37:09! Tennessee's Ginger Smith, 18th at this year's BOUS Champs, was the fastest amateur woman (10:20:46) at Florida, and Kristel Maes, who represented Georia at the 2005 BOUS Championship, won the women's 25-29 division (10:32:20).

(10/7/06) 2006 Qualifiers have until November 1 to declare their intention to return, or not to return, to the BOUS program in 2007. To date, 45 of last year's qualifying events have confirmed their participation for 2007: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL *, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN *, TX, UT, VA, WA *, WV, WI and WY. Add to this the new qualifiers that have been awarded in CA (San Diego International), PA (Pittsburgh International Triathlon) and MS (Event TBA, produced by, or in association with, the Mississippi State Games). Also, venue changes are in place for Illinois (2007 Evergreen International Triathlon, produced by Tri-Mom), Tennessee (Team-Magic site TBA, perhaps Chattanooga), Michigan (Waterloo Triathlon produced by Elite Endeavors) and Washington (new site closer to Seattle, produced by Total Health Events).

SILVER & GRIMM ARE “BEST OF THE US!”
Team Alaska Takes Team Title

EXCELSIOR, MN—September 16, 2006—Eighty-one invited triathletes took on gales and high seas at the 2nd annual Best of the US Championship in bucolic Excelsior, MN on September 16. The thrilling women's contest was won in surprisingly dominating fashion by New York’s Lt. Col. Heidi Grimm, 38, who was 3rd last year. Grimm will follow last year’s women’s champion (Margie Shapiro of Virginia) in announcing that at the end of this season she will make the leap to professional status and thus no longer be eligible for Best of the U.S. amateur competition. As Shapiro was in 2005, Grimm is undefeated in 2006. Florida’s Lotte Branigan, who placed 3rd at the ITU World Championships two weeks earlier, took 2nd for the second year in a row. Third went to Seattle, WA's Tracy Orcutt, who will turn 40 before the end of the year. Grimm and Branigan appear to be shoo-ins for post-season "Athlete of the Year" consideration.

David Silver, 27, of Mableton, Georgia took the overall men’s win. Silver, 9th a year ago, has had a tremendous season in '06, including his amateur victory at the venerable Escape From Alcatraz race earlier this year. Don't be surprised if David garners an AOY nomination.

If USAT offered a "Comeback of the Year" award, it would have to go to Philippe Kozub, 31, representing Maryland. Kozub, who finished 2nd at BOUS, is returning to competition after a drastic foot injury knocked him out for FIVE full seasons. Prior to the injury, in 2000, Philippe was highly competitive and aspiring to professional status. Taking 3rd was 2005 Men’s Champion Christopher Martin, 30, of New Jersey. Martin is a two-time AOY nominee. Fourth for the second year in a row was earned by 2001 Triathlete of the Year Bruce Gennari, 40, of Tennessee. Gennari's effort at BOUS, plus his sterling performances at Memphis In May, Los Angeles, Gulf Coast, and the US Sprint Champs, should make him the frontrunner for "US Master of the Year."

Placing an impressive 6th was Oklahoma's 19-year-old Daniel Agnew, who continues to demonstrate that he is worthy of a "US Junior of the Year" nomination.

Team Alaska, consisting of Jen's Beck and Shannon Donley (reigning 35-39 Women's National Champion), won the Team Title by a 2 second margin over Team Colorado (Craig Greenslit, last year's BOUS men’s runner-up, and Wendy Mader, 2005 30-34 World Champion). Another 2 seconds back was the "home team," i.e.Team Minnesota (Brian Bich, 3-time AOY Honorable Mention, and rising star Cathy Yndestad)."

The "Break-Out Athlete of the Day" in 2005 was Iowa's Mike Morrison, an unlikely contender for an award, who nevertheless managed to crack the Top 10. This year's "Break-Out" athlete was relative newcomer Krista Schultz of Baltimore, who outraced a "Who's Who" of talented women and finished 10th. She and teammate Philippe Kozub placed 4th in the Team Competition. (The top five teams received crystal awards.)

2006 BOUS AWARD Winners: Men:

1. David Silver, 27, Mableton, GA - 1:56:55
2. Philippe Kozub, 31, Bethesda, MD - 1:57:17
3. Christopher Martin, 30, Lawrenceville, NJ - 1:57:28
4. Bruce Gennari, 40, Brentwood, TN - 1:57:51
5. Mark Harms, 31, Madison, WI - 1:58:08
6. Daniel Agnew, 19, Edmond, OK - 1:58:11
7. Kelly Williamson, 36, Boise, ID - 1:59:23
8. Jens Beck, 36, Anchorage, AK - 1:59:44
9. Brian Bich, 40, Duluth - 1:59:53
10. Scott Myers, 31, Wellston, OH - 2:00:19

Women:

1. Heidi Grimm, 39, Rochester, NY - 2:09:49
2. Lotte Branigan, 32, Vero Beach, FL - 2:12:56
3. Tracy Orcutt, 40, Seattle - 2:13:33
4. Jillian Peterson, 23, St. Louis, MO - 2:14:10
5. Wendy Mader, 33, Fort Collins, CO - 2:14:10
6. Cathy Yndestad, 28, Apple Valley, MN - 2:14:47
7. Shannon Donley, 35, Anchorage, AK - 2:14:51
8. Christina Wolfe, 31, Norman, OK - 2:17:11
9. Heather Lieggi, 31, Bryn Mawr, PA - 2:17:51
10. Krista Schultz, 28, Baltimore, MD - 2:17:52

TEAM AWARD WINNERS:

1. ALASKA - Jens Beck & Shannon Donley - 4:14:35
2. COLORADO - Craig Greenslit & Wendy Mader - 4:14:37 (+:02)
3. MINNESOTA - Brian Bich & Cathy Yndestad - 4:14:40 (+:06)
4. MARYLAND - Philippe Kozub & Krista Schultz - 4:15:09 (+:29)
5. OKLAHOMA - Daniel Agnew, 19 & Christina Wolfe - 4:15:22 (+:42)

Results will be available here on Saturday, as well as on www.pickleevents.com, onlineraceresults.com and www.midwestevents.com.

Florida's Lotte Branigan, runner-up at last year's BOUS Championship, placed 3rd overall in the women's amateur race at the World Triathlon Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland on September 2. Branigan received a gold medal for winning the women's 30-34 age group. Her margin of victory over divisional runner-up Fiona MacKay of New Zealand was an impressive 3:29!

Branigan comes into this year's BOUS Championship as the prohibitive women's favorite, though a victory would demand a supreme effort against the talented likes of US National Champion Jennifer Garrison (IL), 2005 30-34 World Champ Wendy Mader (CO), Jillian Peterson (MO) and Christina Wolfe, auguably the fastest rising new female stars on the American tri scene, Heidi Grimm (NY), a podium finisher at last year's BOUS Champs, and several others who hope to make a name for themselves on September 16.

2006 BOUS Field!

HAWAII: Benjamin Collins & Marion Summerer
FLORIDA: KEVIN GROGAN & LOTTE BRANIGAN *
NEVADA: PHILLIP GLENN & KAREN LASKO
VIRGINIA/DC: DOUGLAS MAROCCO & LYNN SCHARF
LOUISIANA: Brian Coyne & Amy Simonetta
NORTH CAROLINA: CID CARDOSO, JR. & MARIT CHRISLOCK-LAUTERBACH
SOUTH CAROLINA: JOHN ALVAREZ & KIMBERLEY WESTBURY
UTAH: DAVE FERENCE & DEBBIE PERRY
MARYLAND: PHILIPPE KOZUB & KRISTA SCHULTZ
KENTUCKY: BARRY KNIGHT & Lisbeth Kenyon
ARIZONA: BRIAN GRASKY & ERICA McCLURG *
ILLINOIS: DAVE IRION & JENNIFER GARRISON
NEW HAMPSHIRE: RYAN KELLY * & SHARON JOHNSON
VERMONT: DON HADDOX * & LESLIE MYERS
NEW MEXICO: CLAY MOSELEY & DINA PESENSON
IOWA: MIKE MORRISON * & CHRISTINA MARAVELAS-KILLIAN
KANSAS: KEVIN SAMPSON & GINNY LEE
OKLAHOMA: DANIEL AGNEW, 19 & CHRISTINA WOLFE
ALABAMA: Jonathan Krichev & LORI GOLDWEBER
DELAWARE: David Luscan & KATELYN EALER
MISSOURI: SAM YOUNT & JILLIAN PETERSON
CONNECTICUT: Chris Thomas & Lisa Dunn
RHODE ISLAND: James Anderson & Amy Rice
MONTANA: JEREMY OURY * & KRISTINA HILTABRAND
WYOMING: DAN WEATHERBEE & RACHAEL CASPER
SOUTH DAKOTA: SAMUEL DANNENBRING, 18 & KATHY GRADY
IDAHO: KELLY WILLIAMSON & KARRN GUSTAFSON
WISCONSIN: MARK HARMS & CYNDI BANNINK *
INDIANA: D.J. HANBACK & CHRIS WICKARD
MISSISSIPPI: JOHN NOBLIN & KATIE POVOLO
TENNESSEE: BRUCE GENNARI * & GINGER SMITH
ARKANSAS: Beau Theriot & Anna Sanders
COLORADO: CRAIG GREENSLIT * & WENDY MADER *
MINNESOTA: BRIAN BICH * & CATHY YNDESTAD
PENNSYLVANIA: CHRIS GANTER * & HEATHER LEIGGI (Formerly Housenecht) *
TEXAS: RUSSELL AVERY & AMANDA RUSSELL, 15
WEST VIRGINIA: Thomas Wood & HANNAH VERNON
OHIO: SCOTT MYERS * & ANDREA MYERS *
NEW JERSEY: CHRISTOPHER MARTIN * & LORI FREELAND MORRIS
NEBRASKA: SCOTT BREDEHOFT @ CAROL SMOLSKY
GEORGIA: DAVID SILVER * & Carrie Brady
OREGON: Joel Wirtz & Peggy Oppenheimer *
NEW YORK: CarL Johnston & HEIDI GRIMM *
ALASKA: JENS BECK & SHANNON DONLEY
MICHIGAN: MATTHEW WEST & LAVINIA RAFFOUL
WASHINGTON: JOHN "Johnny Mexico" DALRYMPLE & TRACY ORCUTT
CALIFORNIA: JAMES NEILSON & AMITY HALL
NORTH DAKOTA: TIM CLAUSNITZER & MELANIE CARVELL
MAINE: STEPHEN JUDICE * & KATIE HERBINE
MASSACHUSETTS: TIM CROWLEY & NANCY THOMSON

* Also represented their state in 2005.
Names of confirmed athletes are capitalized

Two-time BOUS representative from Arizona, Erica McClurg, won the Elite Amateur Olympic race at the Accenture Chicago Triathlon on August 27. Indiana's 2005 female representative, Chris Wickard, won Chicago's International Individuals Triathlon. In other BOUS News, two-time Ohio representative Andrea Myers won the Steelhead 70.3 in Benton Harbor, MI on August 5. Utah's Debbie Perry placed 2nd.

Matt Nuffort and Juli Jones won the Cranberry Country / Best of the US Massachusetts Qualifier on August 27 and have received invitations to represent the Bay State at the BOUS Championship in Minnesota on September 26. "Massachusetts will send a great team to Lake Minnetonka," says Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director. "Juli is making her second trip to the Championship and Matt Nuffort is not only one of the most talented triathletes in America, he's also one of the classiest."

The final qualifying event of the 2006 BOUS will be the popular Cranberry Country Triathlon in Lakeville on Sunday, August 27!

(St. Paul, MN - 8/21/06) Only the top 10 women will receive awards at the Best of the US Championship in Excelsior, MN on September 16, and the battle for those positions will be fierce, with more than a few stars going away empty handed. In 2005, for instance, the talented likes of Tennessee's Shelby Sheffield (two-time USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention) and Arizona's Erica McClurg (2002 Athlete of the Year nominee) were upset by lesser known athletes. McClurg is back in 2006 and will try to avenge that disheartening experience, although earning an award will be even more difficult this time around, thanks to the emergence of athletes like Christina Wolfe (OK) and Jillian Peterson (MO), who were unknowns in 2005. Then there's the return of Jennifer Arbetman, who had left the tri scene several years ago only to return in 2006 with a new name--Garrison--and significantly more speed. Jennifer has numerous big wins this year, including her convincing triumph at the USAT National Championship.

Next, BOUS' lengthy list of established stars is one that features last year's 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 9th place finishers, i.e. Lotte Branigan (FL), Heidi Grimm (NY), Wendy Mader (CO) and Cyndi Bannink (WI).

Finally, three "award-worthy" athletes that were on last year's wish list--Tracy Orcutt (WA), Shannon Donley (AK) and Marlina Walth (ND)--did win their respective state qualifiers this year, and, more importantly, accepted their invitations to compete in Minnesota.

Representatives from 49 of the 50 state qualifiers have been determined. The final qualifier--Cranberry Country / Best of the US Massachusetts Qualifier--is slated for August 27.

HAWAII: Benjamin Collins & Marion Summerer
FLORIDA: KEVIN GROGAN & LOTTE BRANIGAN *
NEVADA: PHILLIP GLENN & KAREN LASKO
VIRGINIA/DC: DOUGLAS MAROCCO & LYNN SCHARF
LOUISIANA: Brian Coyne & Amy Simonetta
NORTH CAROLINA: CID CARDOSO, JR. & MARIT CHRISLOCK-LAUTERBACH
SOUTH CAROLINA: JOHN ALVAREZ & KIMBERLEY WESTBURY
UTAH: DAVE FERENCE & DEBBIE PERRY
MARYLAND: PHILIPPE KOZUB & KRISTA SCHULTZ
KENTUCKY: BARRY KNIGHT & Lisbeth Kenyon
ARIZONA: BRIAN GRASKY & ERICA McCLURG *
ILLINOIS: DAVE IRION & JENNIFER GARRISON
NEW HAMPSHIRE: RYAN KELLY * & SHARON JOHNSON
VERMONT: DON HADDOX * & LESLIE MYERS
NEW MEXICO: CLAY MOSELEY & DINA PESENSON
IOWA: MIKE MORRISON * & CHRISTINA MARAVELAS-KILLIAN
KANSAS: KEVIN SAMPSON & GINNY LEE
OKLAHOMA: DANIEL AGNEW, 19 & CHRISTINA WOLFE
ALABAMA: JASON FREY & LORI GOLDWEBER
DELAWARE: DAVID LUSCAN & KATELYN EALER
MISSOURI: SAM YOUNT & JILLIAN PETERSON
CONNECTICUT: Chris Thomas & Lisa Dunn
RHODE ISLAND: James Anderson & Amy Rice
MONTANA: JEREMY OURY * & KRISTINA HILTABRAND
WYOMING: DAN WEATHERBEE & RACHAEL CASPER
SOUTH DAKOTA: SAMUEL DANNENBRING, 18 & KATHY GRADY
IDAHO: KELLY WILLIAMSON & KARRN GUSTAFSON
WISCONSIN: MARK HARMS & CYNDI BANNINK *
INDIANA: D.J. HANBACK & CHRIS WICKARD
MISSISSIPPI: JOHN NOBLIN & KATIE POVOLO
TENNESSEE: BRUCE GENNARI * & GINGER SMITH
ARKANSAS: Beau Theriot & Anna Sanders
COLORADO: CRAIG GREENSLIT * & WENDY MADER *
MINNESOTA: BRIAN BICH * & CATHY YNDESTAD
PENNSYLVANIA: CHRIS GANTER * & HEATHER LEIGGI (Formerly Housenecht) *
TEXAS: RUSSELL AVERY & AMANDA RUSSELL, 15
WEST VIRGINIA: Thomas Wood & HANNAH VERNON
OHIO: SCOTT MYERS * & ANDREA MYERS *
NEW JERSEY: CHRISTOPHER MARTIN * & LORI FREELAND MORRIS
NEBRASKA: SCOTT BREDEHOFT @ CAROL SMOLSKY
GEORGIA: DAVID SILVER * & Carrie Brady
OREGON: Joel Wirtz & SHERI LEHMER *
NEW YORK: Cark Johnston & HEIDI GRIMM *
ALASKA: JENS BECK & SHANNON DONLEY
MICHIGAN: MATTHEW WEST & Nicole Minnier
WASHINGTON: JOHN "Johnny Mexico" DALRYMPLE & TRACY ORCUTT
CALIFORNIA: Pete Kain & Amity Hall
NORTH DAKOTA: TIM CLAUSNITZER & MARNIE WALTH
MAINE: STEPHEN JUDICE * & KATIE HERBINE
MASSACHUSETTS: Matt Nuffort & Juli Jones *

* Also represented their state in 2005.
Names of confirmed athletes are capitalized

With their victories at the Folsom International Triathlon / Best of the US California Qualifier, Steven Sexton and Bridget Potts have earned invitations to represent the Golden State at the Best of the US Championship. In the men's passdown positions were former USAT Triathlete of the Year Pete Kain, and Mike Inguardia. Eileen Swanson and Amity Hall finished in the women's pasddown slots.

BOUS congratulates Matthew West of Ypsilanti, and Nicole Minnier of Ann Arbor. They were the top Michigan finishers at the Sylvania Olympic Triathlon / BOUS Michigan Qualifier on August 13.

The following qualifiers will be staged on August 13: California (Folsom International), Michigan (Sylvania Olympic) and Washington (Tri Without Borders).

BOUS Management is grateful to the organizers of Oregon's and Alaska's qualifying eventsfor providing travel assistance to their advancing athletes!

Alaska's premier triathletes, Jens Beck and Shannon Donley dominated the Alaska State Triathlon Championship / Best of the US Alaska Qualifier on August 9. "Beck has accepted his BOUS invitation and Donley is giving serious thought to accepting hers. If she does, Alaska will be sending a podium-worthy twosome to the Championship in September," claims Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director. "If Donley, who plans to race at Lausanne Worlds two weeks before the BOUS Champs, declines her invitation, Lori Deschamps will receive the passdown. She's also a tremendously talented athlete. Alaska will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in Excelsior."

Andrea Myers, BOUS Representive for Ohio in both 2005 & 2006, and Debby Perry, Utah's 2006 BOUS Representative, were the top two amateurs--2nd & 3rd women overall--at the Steelhead Ironman 70.3 in Benton Harbor, MI on August 5! Myers PR time was as sizzling 4:39:09; Perry popped a 4:45:14. Utah's 2006 male BOUS rep, Dave Ference, finished 9th in the men's race. Scott Myers, who like his wife Andrea, is a two-time BOUS rep., finished in the men's 10th spot.

Heidi Grimm, 3rd place woman at the 2005 BOUS Champs, won the Shoreline Triathlon / NY State BOUS Qualifier on July 30. She and Shoreline's male winner, Carl Johnston, have received invitations to represent NY at the 2006 Championship. "We couldn't be happier that Heidi will be racing on September 16. She's not only one of the best amateur triathletes in the world, she one of the tri lifetsyle's classiest ambassadors. And we're aware of Carl Johnston's credentials, too. No one wins more races in northern New York than Carl," claims Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director.

The next stop on the BOUS tour is the Shoreline Triathlon / NY Qualifier. Among those expected to race on July 30 is Heidi Grimm, who placed 3rd in last year's BOUS Championship. Grimm, a Lt. Colonel in the Army, represented the state of Washington in 2005, but has since relocated to New York.

The following confirmed BOUS invitees turned in superlative performances in major events on the weekend of July 22-23:

* Vermont's Leslie Myers placed 3rd overall in the women's race at ironman Lake Placid!
* Wisconsin Mark Harms was top amateur (again!) the Spirit of Racine Half IM in race record time!
* Colorado's Wendy Mader was 2nd female amateur at Boulder Peak!
* Pennsylvania's Heather Leiggi won the women's race at the New Jersey State Triathlon!

Christopher Martin, winner of the 2005 BOUS Championship, was convincingly victorious at the New Jersey State Triathlon / Best of the US NJ Qualifier on July 23. Top NJ female finisher was the decorated Pippa Michaels. "The Ocean State has fielded a truly podium-worthy team in Martin & Michael. They're both great athletes and tremendous people," says BOUS PR director Jerry MacNeil.

Martin wasn't the only 2005 BOUS representative last weekend who earned the right to return to the Championship. Georgia's David Silver, who was 9th in New Hampshire last fall, won his qualifying event (West Point Lake Triathlon). Thus far, seven of the top 10 male finishers & four of the top 10 women at last year's championship will return to this year's Champs:

Men:

Christopher Martin (NJ)(1st in 2005)
Craig Greenslit (CO) (2nd in 2005)
Brian Bich (MN) (3rd in 2005)
Bruce Gennari (TN) (4th in 2005)
Scott Myers (OH (6th in 2005)
David Silver (GA) (9th in 2005)
Mike Morrison (IA) (10th in 2005)

Other 2005 Returnees:
Ryan Kelly (NH)
Chris Ganter (PA)

Women:

Lotte Branigan (FL) (2nd in 2005)
Heidi Grimm (NY) (3rd in 2005)
Wendy Mader (CO) (6th in 2005)
Cyndi Bannink (WI) (9th in 2005)

Other 2005 Returnees:
Erica McClurg (AZ)
Kristel Maes (GA)

In other BOUS qualifying action on July 23, Scott Bredehoft and Jodi Fourgeron earned invitations to represent Nebraska at the BOUS Championship on September 16; and Joel Wirtz and Karen Oppenheimer were top Oregonians at the Deshutes Dash & have been invited to represent the Beaver State.

Four states will stage their qualifying events on Sunday, July 23. They are: Georgia (West Point Lake International), Nebraska (Nebraska State Games Triathlon), New Jersey (New jersey State Triathlon) and Oregon (Deschutes Dash).

HAWAII: BENJAMIN COLLINS & Jennifer Nottage
FLORIDA: KEVIN GROGAN & LOTTE BRANIGAN *
NEVADA: PHILLIP GLENN & KAREN LASKO
VIRGINIA/DC: DOUGLAS MAROCCO & LYNN SCHARF
LOUISIANA: Brian Coyne & Amy Simonetta
NORTH CAROLINA: CID CARDOSO, JR. & MARIT CHRISLOCK-LAUTERBACH
SOUTH CAROLINA: JOHN ALVAREZ & KIMBERLEY WESTBURY
UTAH: DAVE FERENCE & DEBBIE PERRY
MARYLAND: PHILIPPE KOZUB & KRISTA SCHULTZ
KENTUCKY: BARRY KNIGHT & LISBETH KENYON
ARIZONA: BRIAN GRASKY & ERICA McCLURG *
ILLINOIS: DAVE IRION & JENNIFER GARRISON
NEW HAMPSHIRE: RYAN KELLY * & SHARON JOHNSON
VERMONT: DON HADDOX * & LESLIE MYERS
NEW MEXICO: CLAY MOSELEY & DINA PESENSON
IOWA: MIKE MORRISON * & CHRISTINA MARAVELAS-KILLIAN
KANSAS: KEVIN SAMPSON & GINNY LEE
OKLAHOMA: DANIEL AGNEW, 19 & CHRISTINA WOLFE
ALABAMA: JASON FREY & LORI GOLDWEBER
DELAWARE: DAVID LUSCAN & KATELYN EALER
MISSOURI: SAM YOUNT & JILLIAN PETERSON
CONNECTICUT: Chris Thomas & LISA DUNN
RHODE ISLAND: James Anderson & Amy Rice
MONTANA: JEREMY OURY * & KRISTINA HILTABRAND
WYOMING: DAN WEATHERBEE & RACHAEL CASPER
SOUTH DAKOTA: SAMUEL DANNENBRING, 18 & KATHY GRADY
IDAHO: KELLY WILLIAMSON & KARRN GUSTAFSON
WISCONSIN: MARK HARMS & CYNDI BANNINK *
INDIANA: D.J. HANBACK & CHRIS WICKARD
MISSISSIPPI: JOHN NOBLIN & KATIE POVOLO
TENNESSEE: BRUCE GENNARI * & GINGER SMITH
ARKANSAS: Beau Theriot & Anna Sanders
COLORADO: CRAIG GREENSLIT * & WENDY MADER *
MINNESOTA: BRIAN BICH * & CATHY YNDESTAD
PENNSYLVANIA: CHRIS GANTER * & HEATHER LEIGGI (Formerly Housenecht) *
TEXAS: RUSSELL AVERY & AMANDA RUSSELL, 15
WEST VIRGINIA: THOMAS WOOD & HANNAH VERNON
OHIO: SCOTT MYERS * & ANDREA MYERS *
NEW JERSEY: CHRISTOPHER MARTIN * & LORI FREELAND MORRIS
NEBRASKA: SCOTT BREDEHOFT @ CAROL SMOLSKY
GEORGIA: DAVID SILVER * & Carrie Brady
OREGON: Joel Wirtz & Karen Oppenheimer
NEW YORK: Cark Johnston & HEIDI GRIMM *
ALASKA: JENS BECK & SHANNON DONLEY
MICHIGAN: MATTHEW WEST & Nicole Minnier
WASHINGTON: JOHN "Johnny Mexico" DALRYMPLE
CALIFORNIA: Steven Sexton & Bridget Potts

* Also represented their state in 2005.
Names of confirmed athletes are capitalized

With their convincing wins at the Buckeye Lake Olympic Triathlon on July 10, married couple Scott & Andrea Myers will once again represent Ohio at the Best of the US Championship. Scott, a top 10 finisher at both the duathlon and triathlon National Champs this season, placed 6th at last year's BOUS Championship. Andrea has been similarly successful this season & was 14th at the 2005 BOUS finale.

The next qualifier on the calendar is the Buckeye Lake International / Best of the US Ohio Qualifier in Millersport, OH on July 16.

(St. Paul, MN - 7/10/06) Though we've only seen partial results, July 9 was a successful day from many BOUS invitees. Illinois representative Jennifer Garrison WON the USAT Age Group National Championships women's race and two-time Colorado BOUS rep, Wendy Mader placed 2nd. Missouri's Jillian Peterson (8th) also cracked the top ten. In the men's competition, Hawaii's Ben Collins placed 2nd overall, Wisconsin's Mark Harms took 4th, Craig Greenslit, a two-time BOUS recidivist from Colorado, grabbed 6th and 40-year-old phenom Brian Bich of Minnesota won the masters division by 3 1/2 minutes and placed 11th overall.

2005 BOUS attendees Scott Myers from Ohio (6th at the '05 Championship) and New Jersey's Christopher Martin (1st at the 2005 BOUS Championship!) also placed in the top 10 at Nationals. Myers and Martin are heavy favorites to earn BOUS invitations at their respective qualifiers, which will be contested later in July.

CONGRATULATIONS BOUS TRIATHLETES!

BOUS Management invites the family and friends of the state qualifiers (and anyone else who wants to be a part of this spectacular weekend) to race in the Best of the US Citizen's Sprint Triathlon, which will start one hour before the Best of the US Championship. The Citizen's event consists of a 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike and 3 mile run (the Championship event is Olympic distance). Because the citizen's event is limited to 450 particpants, we encourage prospective attendees to act quickly to secure their spots on the starting line.

For more information, or to register for on the Best of the US Citizen's Sprint Triathlon, visit http://www.lakeminnetonkatriathlon.com.

(St. Paul, MN - 7/3/2006) BOUS Management is grateful to J & A Productions, LLC for agreeing to have their popular Folsom International Triathlon host the 2006 Best of the US California Qualifier. The original host event was the Santa Cruz Triathlon, which sent an excellent team--James Vance and Christen King--to the inaugural BOUS Championship in 2005, recently announced the cancellation of its 2006 event. " J & A is an internationally renown event management company," says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil. "We couldn't be happier that they will be hosting the California Qualifier."

Known as one of the fastest Olympic distance triathlons in America, the Folsom International Triathlon, which will be contested on August 13 at Lake Natoma at California State Park, has an enrollment ceiling of 1200 athletes and is filling fast.

To learn more about the Folsom International Triathlon and other great J & A events, visit http://www.japroductions.com.

For business reasons, the 2006 Santa Cruz Triathlon / Best of the US California Qualifier has been cancelled. BOUS is currently in contact with several replacement options. They also welcome the suggestions of California athletes and event promoters. They expect to announce the new California Qalifier no later than July 7.

The following state qualifiers will be staged on Saturday, June 24: Indiana, Mississippi & Tennessee. Qualifiers for Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas & West Virginia will be contested on Sunday, June 25.

Super Master Amy Rice was the women's champion at the Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon / Best of the US Rhode Island Qualifier on June 17. "Rice is a phenomenal triathlete. We sure hope she accepts her invitation," says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil.

Samuel Dannenbring, 18, won the inaugural Dakota Man on June 18, thereby becoming the first teen male to advance to the BOUS Championship. Katie Barnoskie, 18, who represented Kansas in 2005, is the only other junior to have earned the right to compete at the Championship.

Kathy Grady was the women's winner at Dakota Man and has accepted her invitation to represent South Dakota in September..

Kelly Williamson of Boise has accepted his invitation to represent Idaho at the BOUS Championship in September. "When 2005 Idaho representative Kevin Everett got his pro license, Kelly Williamson shot to the top of our Wish List," says Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director. "Then he won the prestigious Wildflower Half last May. We are delighted that Kelly will be coming to Minnesota!"

With her course-record-setting win at the Wisconsin Triterium on June 18, 2005 Wisconsin BOUS representative Cyndi Bannink has earned the right to return to the BOUS Championship in September. She'll be accompanied by her talented boyfriend Mark Harms, who rewrote the men's course record at WTT.

HAWAII: Benjamin Collins & Marion Summerer
FLORIDA: Bill Picciano & Lotte Branigan *
NEVADA: Phillip Glenn & Karen Lasko
VIRGINIA/DC: Doug Marocco & Lynn Scharf
LOUISIANA: Brian Coyne & Amy Simonetta
NORTH CAROLINA: Cid Cardoso, Jr & Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach
SOUTH CAROLINA: John Alvarez & Tracy McKee
UTAH: Dave Ference & Debbie Perry
MARYLAND: Philippe Kozub & Krista Schultz
KENTUCKY: Barry Knight & Lisbeth Kenyon
ARIZONA: Brian Grasky & Christine Jeffery
ILLINOIS: Dave Irion & Jennifer Garrison
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Peter Mallett & Kristi Judd
VERMONT: Don Haddox * & Leslie Myers
MEW MEXICO: Clay Moseley & Elisabeth Desmond
IOWA: Mike Morrison * & Mia Richter
KANSAS: Matt Morrow & Ginny Lee
OKLAHOMA: Lee Guthrie & Christina Wolfe
ALABAMA: Jason Frey & Lori Goldweber
DELAWARE: David Luscan & Michelle Fields
MISSOURI: Sam Yount & Jillian Peterson
CONNECTICUT: Chris Thomas & Lisa Dunn
RHODE ISLAND: James Anderson & Amy Rice
MONTANA: Jeremy Oury * & Kristina Hiltabrand
WYOMING: Dan Weatherbee & Rachael Casper
SOUTH DATOKA: Samuel Dannenbring, 18, & Kathy Grady
IDAHO: Kelly Williamson & Karrn Gustafson
WISCONSIN: Mark Harms & Cyndi Bannink *
INDIANA: Adam Truex & Chris Wickard
MISSISSIPPI: John Noblin & Katie Pavolo
TENNESSEE: Bruce Gennari * & Shelby Sheffield *
ARKANSAS: Beau Theriot & Anna Sanders
COLORADO: Craig Greenslit * & Wendy Mader *
MINNESOTA: Brian Bich * & Cathy Yndestad
PENNSYLVANIA: Chris Ganter * & Heather Housenecht *
TEXAS: Russell Avery & Amanda Russell, 15
WEST VIRGINIA: Derek Clark * & Hannah Vernon

* Also represented their state in 2005.

Qualifiers for Alabama, Delaware and Missouri were contested on the weekend of June 10-11. Jason Frey and Lori Goldweber have accepted their invitations to represent Alabama with their victorious efforts at Buster Britton. Golderweber earned a berth in 2005 as well. Top resident amateurs at the Escape From Fort Delaware / Best of the US Delaware Qualifier were David Luscan and Michelle Fields. Former Pro Sam Yount and rising star Jillian Peterson were top resident amateurs at Quartermax and have been invited to represent Missouri at the BOUS Championship in September.

June 3-4 was busy indeed as seven states determined their 2006 BOUS Representatives. The following athletes have been extended invitations to represent their respective states at the September 16 Championship:

KANSAS: Matt Morrow & Ginny Lee
ILLINOIS: Dave Irion & Jennifer Garrison
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Peter Mallett & Kristi Judd
VERMONT: John Spinney & Leslie Myers
NEW MEXICO: Clay Moseley & Tamsen Shurmen
IOWA: Mike Morrison & Mia Richter
OKLAHOMA: Chuck Sloan & Christina Wolfe

Notes: Oklahoma's Chuck Sloan won the USAT National Duathlon Championship earlier this season. Christina Wolfe, also of Oklahoma was the women's amateur champion (3rd overall woman) at Memphis in May on May 23. Mike Morrison and Mia Richter were Iowa's representatives in 2005. Morrison placed 10th at the Championship event. John Spinney of Vermont an Clay Moseley of New Mexico were top finishers at their respective Qualifiers in 2005, too.

The following Qualifiers will be staged this weekend: Illinois, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Mexico, Iowa, Kansas & Oklahoma! Saty tuned for results,

Brian Grasky and Christine Jeffery were the top resident amateurs at the Sahuarita Lake Triathlon / Best of the US Arizona Qualifier on May 29. They have been invited to represent the Grand Canyon State at the "Best of the US Championship" in Excelsior, MN on September 16. "Jeffery, who blew away Erica McClurg's course record at Sahuarita Lake, will be one of the women's favorites at Lake Minnetonka," says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil, adding, "If she accepts her invitation, I'd be surprised if she didn't reach the podium. If she doesn't, her slot will go to Erica McClurg, who represented Arizona last year. The highly decorated McClurg was a USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention i n 2002."

On Grasky, MacNeil had these comments: "Brian missed an invitation in 2005 by only 14 seconds. He's a great triathlete and, with Jeffery or McClurg, Arizona should be very competitive in the Fastest Team Competition."

WINNERS: Brian Grasky & Christine Jeffery
PASSDOWN #1: Brandon Sullivan & Erica McClurg
PASSDOWN #2: Marty Mares & Karen Chequer-Pfeifer

Barry Knight of Paducah, and Lisbeth Kenyon of Lexington, posted convincing victories at the 2nd annual Buffalo Trails Triathlon on May 27, thus earning invitations to represent Kentucky at the "Best of the US Championship" on September 16 in Excelsior, Minnesota. "Barry and Lisbeth were at the top of our 'Kentucky Wish List,'" said Jerry MacNeil, BOUS PR Director, adding "These athletes have been their state's premier triathletes for a long time. And Kenyon was especially impressive at St. Anthony's this year. (She placed 3rd overall!). We couldn't be more pleased that they will be coming to Minnesota."

(St. Paul, MN -5/22) For the 2nd consectutive year, Connie Chow Dowler has earned the right to represent Maryland at the "Best of the US Championship." She was the top Maryland finish at the venrable Columbia Triathlon on May 23. Chow Dowler is the 2nd repeat invitee. The other is Lotte Branigan of Florida. Philippe Kozub, a pro prospect until injuries and resultant surgeries kept him off the race course for the last five years, earned the men's invitation.

WINNER: Philippe Kozub, 31, Bethesda & Connie Chow Dowler, 31, Kensington
PASSDOWN #1: Eric Tourville, 32, Baltimore & Krista Schultz, 28, Baltimore
PASSDOWN #2: Brian Benda, 36, Parkton & Jenny Harvey, 29, Timonium

Dave Ference and Sarah Jarvis were the winners of the St. George Triathlon on May 13 and have received invitations to represent Utah at the "Best of the US Championship."

WINNER: Dave Ference & Sarah Jarvis
PASSDOWN #1: Heath Thurston & Debby Perry
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Blackburn & Rachel Cjeslewicz

The Warsaw Optimist Club, sponsor of the Mideast Sprint Championship Optimist Triathlon / Best of the US Indiana Qualifier regrets to announce that it has become necessary to change our designated Race Director for the June 24, 2006 competition due to the unexpected death of Phil Eherenman on May 3, 2006. Phil has been serving as the founder and Race Director of this event since its inception 13 years ago. The Warsaw Optimist Club is committed to permanently continuing this event as a legacy of Phil Eherenman’s commitment to serving the youth of our area.

BOUS management congratulates John Alvarez of Bluffton and Tracy McKee of Charleston who were top resident amateurs at the Clemson Triathlon / Best of the US South Carolina Qualifier on May 13 and have received invitations to represent SC at the BOUS Championship in Excelsior, MN on September 16.

WINNERS: John Alvarez (4th overall/1st SC/Bluffton) & Tracy McKee (Chalreston)
PASSDOWN #1: Christopher Giordanelli (Simpsonville) & Laura DeChamplain (Georgetown)
PASSDOWN #2: Chris Wilhelm (Simpsonville) & Kimberley Westbury (Greenville)

2005 BOUS standouts Heidi Grimm (WA), Bruce Gennari (TN), David Silver (GA) and Kristel Maes (GA) turned in outstanding performances at the Gulf Coast Triathlon on May 13. Grimm, 3rd at BOUS, won the women's event in 4:31:12, the 2nd fastest amateur women's clocking in the 24 year history of this popular half IM. Gennari, now 40 (4th @ BOUS), placed 4th at GCT in a masters record time of 4:05:24. Silver (9th at BOUS) and Maes (19th @ BOUS) placed 7th and 9th overall in their respective races.

Brian LeJeune and Amy Simonetta are invited to represent Louisiana at the "Best of the US Championship" at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior , MN on September 16. Simonetta was actually the 2nd resident amateur female at the Hidden Paradise Sprint / BOUS Louisiana Qualifier in Ruston on May 7. The first woman, Krisi Darby declined her invitation due to previous obligations.

LOUISIANA:

WINNERS: Brian LeJeune, 23, Baton Rouge & Kristi Darby, 32, Baton Rouge
PASSDOWN #1: Brian Coyne, 35, Ruston & Amy Simonetta, 34, Molnsa
PASSDOWN #2: Taylor Mencacci, 24, Ruston & Stacy McMickens, 35, Boyce

Mulitsport pioneer Cid Cardoso, Jr. of Cary, NC and talented upstart Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach of Havelock, NC have earned the right to represent North Carolina at the "Best of the US Championship" in Excelsior, MN on September 16. Cardoso, Jr.'s margin of victory in the men's race at the White Lake Sprint / Best of the US NC Qualifier was a hefty 1:01. Chrislock-Lauterback, who is in her 2nd season of serious tri racing and has already amassed a half dozen victories, outdueled runner-up Brianne Godwin by 26 seconds. For complete results, visit http://www.set-upinc.com/rp5/wlsprint/wlsprint.shtml.

NORTH CAROLINA:

Winners: Cid Cardoso, Jr., 37, Cary & Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach, 25, Havelock
Passdown #1: Benji Jones, 26, Greensboro & Brianne Godwin, 28, Chapel Hill
Passdown #2: Erik Zach, 28, Apex, NC & Chris Tommerdahl, 20, Chapel Hill

(St. Paul, MN – 5/9/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Race Directors Jim Bruskewitz and Dan Seymour invite the triathletes of the Dairy State to race at the Twenty-first annual WISCONSIN TRITERIUM TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US WISCONSIN QUALIFIER, an Olympic distance classic contested at Fireman’s Park in Verona, WI on June 18.

Wisconsin boasts a plethora of talented triathletes. Among those that we hope to see at Wisconsin Triterium, are 2005 Representative Cynthia Bannink (9th at BOUS Championship), Blake Becker, Wendy Bengsten, Karla Bock, Michael Boehmer, Brianna Boehmer, Laura Coleman, Heather Curnutt, Philip Bzdusek, Kim Dunker, Dale Humphrey, Laurel Kielber, Sarah Kolpin, Jaime Kulbel, Kimberly Kuphal, Terry Labinski, Michael Meteyer (2005 Representative/12th at BOUS Championship), Brian Shaning and Tim Valley.

Any male/female combination of the abovementioned athletes will give Wisconisn a strong presence at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 5/9/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Race Director Tim Severa invite the triathletes of the Gem State to race at the Twenty-first annual SPUDMAN TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US IDAHO QUALIFIER, an Olympic distance classic contested at Spring Shores Marina in Boise on June 17.

Some of the talented triathletes we hope to see at Spudman, include Kelsey Backen, Becky Bjork, Lori Harvey, Margaret Hepworth, Thomas Liby, Ryan Lindsay, Jeanne McFall, Kristina Mitchell, Leigh Morse (2005 ID BOUS Representative), Roger Thompson, Kelly Williamson. Kevin Everett, last year’s Idaho male representative, who finished 7th at the Championship, has since secured a pro license, thus is ineligible to advance in 2006.

Any male/female combination of the abovementioned athletes will give Idaho a strong presence at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 5/9/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Race Director Howard Bich invite the triathletes of the Sunshine State to race at the first annual DAKOTA MAN / BEST OF THE US SOUTH DAKOTA QUALIFIER, a sprint course event at Lake Alvin, south of Sioux Falls on June 17.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent South Dakota at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN.

(St. Paul, MN – 5/9/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Race Director Jack Clarkson invite the triathletes of the Big Sky and Cowboy States to race at the fifth annual JANET CLARKSON MEMORIAL TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US MONTANA & WYOMING QUALIFIERS at the Madison Arm Resort near West Yellowstone, Montana on June 17.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs from Montana will receive invitations to represent their state at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Likewise, the fastest male and female amateur residents from Wyoming will also receive invitations.

(St. Paul, MN – 5/9/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Race Director Tom Wilkas invite the triathletes of the Constitution and Ocean States to race at the four annual PAT GRISKUS OLYMPIC TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US CONNECTICUT & RHODE ISLAND QUALIFIERS at Quassy Amusement Park in Middleburt, CT on June 17.

Some of the talented Connecticut male triathletes we hope to see at Griskus Olympic, include Thomas Christopher, Peter Daly, Eric Hodska, Mike Nahom, Steve Pyle, Alister Ratcliff, Ian Ray and Greg Stewart. Top women include Rachel Beckmann, Pascale Butcher, Deborah Cashin, Donna Kay-Ness, 4th at last year’s BOUS Championship, Robyn Passander, Marisa Ryan, Patsy Thomas, Silke Wunderwald and Amy Zindell. Any male/female combination of the abovementioned athletes will give Connecticut a formidable presence at the “Best of the US Championship” at Lake Minnetonka, MN on September 16.

Top Rhode Islanders he hope to see on June 17 include Emily Anderson, Abigail Anthony, John Hirsch and super-master Amy Rice.

(St. Paul, MN – 5/2/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Ultramax Events invite the triathletes of the Show Me State to race at the QUARTERMAX TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US MISSOURI QUALIFIER at the Innsbruck Resort near St. Louis on Sunday, June 10-11. Women will compete on Saturday. The men’s race will be staged on Sunday.

Missouri has a plethora fine triathletes. Female standouts include Helen Alexander-Kratz, Leah Baiotto, Mary Blandford, Laurie Kreienheder, Karla Lang, Kristin Moore, Jennifer Meyer, Mary Sundy. For the men, there’s Jeff Allen, Timothy Battles, Matt Bonastia, Mathew Brier, Landon Hough, Delbert Marriott, Michael Miller, Ryan Roth, Ben Schloegel, Allyn Smith, Nate Smith, Stephen Taylor, Richard Wierzba, Ted Zderic.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Missouri at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any combination of the abovementioned male and female triathletes will insure a strong presence for Missouri at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 5/2/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Race Director Howard Bich invite the triathletes of the Sunshine State to race at the first annual DAKOTA MAN / BEST OF THE US DELAWARE QUALIFIER, a sprint course event at Lake Alvin, south of Sioux Falls on June 17.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent South Dakota at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN.

(St. Paul, MN – 5/2/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Team Magic invite the triathletes of the Heart of Dixie to race at the BUSTER BRITTON TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US ALABAMA QUALIFIER at Oak Mountain State Park near Pelham, AL on Sunday, June 10.

Alabama has many fine triathletes. Female standouts include Aytree Barnett, Janie Davis, Lori Goldweber, and Mallory Slaughter. For the men, Ed Carraway, Jason Frey, Chad Hon, Jonathan Krichev, Morgan Ramey (2005 AL BOUS Representative), Chris Roberts and Matt Winstead.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Alabama at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any combination of the abovementioned male and female triathletes will insure a strong presence for Alabama at the Championship.

Midwest Events, LLC and "Best of the US" Management congratulate the following athletes, who have earned invitations to represent themselves and their home state at the 2006 "Best of the US Championship" in Excelsior, MN on September 16:

FLORIDA: Dustin McLarty (Deland) & Lotte Branigan (Juno Beach)
NEVADA: Phillip Glenn (Reno) & Karen Lasko (Henderson)
VIRGINIA/DC: Doug Marocco (Montclair) & Lynn Scharf (Falls Church)

PASSDOWN SLOTS:

FLORIDA: 1. Bill Picciano, 2. Kevin Grogan
1. Ashley Carusone, 2. Kelly Stemp
NEVADA: 1. James Ketron (Las Vegas), 2. Nathan Brown (Reno)
1. Dana Ginsburg (Reno), 2. Kim Watson (Las Vegas)
VIRGINIA/DC: 1. Mike Rasmussen (DC), 2. Marcus Wright (Lynchburg)
1. Anna McKay (DC), 2. Kriten Vlaun (Bristow)

* Lotte Branigan, who was runner-up in the 2005 USAT Female Athlete of the Year polling, represented Florida at the Championship in 2005, finishing 2nd overall in the women's race.

* Lynn Scharf, 23, VA/DC female representative, was racing for the first time at Kinetic Sprint on April 23. She recently received an M.S. from the University of Maryland, where she was the staring goalkeeper on the women's soccer team.

* Top Floridian Dustin McLarty is only 19 years old, the youngest advance male athlete in the brief history of the "Best of the US" competition. Katie Barnoskie, 18, is the youngest advancing female. She represented KS in 2005.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/24/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Tri OKC invite the triathletes of the the Sooner State to race at the ROUTE 66 TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US OKLAHOMA QUALIFIER at El Reno, OK near Oklahoma City, OK on Sunday, June 4.

Oklahoma has many fine triathletes. Female standouts include Dana Chance (2005 OK BOUS Representative), Julie Curry, Jennifer Johnson, Martha Royall and Darcy Simpson. For the men, there’s Carter Johnson, Chuck Sloan, Scott Ostrem and Greg Rouault. “We’ve been watching Greg Rouault for the last year and believe he’s a special talent. If he represents Oklahoma, we believe he’ll be a podium contender at the National Championship next September,” claims Jerry MacNeil, “Best of the US” PR Director.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Oklahoma at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any combination of the abovementioned male and female triathletes will insure a strong presence for Oklahoma at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/23/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Blue Hills Adventures invite the triathletes of the the Sunflower State to race at the FLINT HILLS TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US KANSAS QUALIFIER at Tuttle Creek State Park near Manhattan, KS on Sunday, June 4.

Kansas has many fine triathletes. Female standouts include Katie Barnoski, 19, 2005 KS State BOUS Representative, Leslie Curley, Chrissy Hilgers, Mary Lea Kieffer, Ginny Lee and Sara Rosenkranz. For the men, there’s Gregg Buehler, Kevin Sampson, Bob Schloegel, Nick Schultz, 2005 KS BOUS Representative, and Michael White.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Kansas at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any combination of the abovementioned male and female triathletes will insure a strong presence for Kansas at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/23/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and RMS Racing invite the triathletes of the the Hawkeye State to race at the PIGMAN TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US IOWA QUALIFIER near Cedar Rapids, IA on Sunday, June 4.

Iowa has many fine triathletes. Female standouts include Tina Friday, Jennifer Halfpap, L.A. Lowe, Chris Maravelas-Killian, MacKenzie Madison, 19, Mia Richter, Rachel Stauffer and Kulie Zierke-Clark. For the men, there’s J.J. Baily, Barry Breffle, Roger Busch, Jason Halfpap, Mike Morrison, 2005 IA Representative (10th male), Brian Shadle, Craig Spence, Loran Storts, and Doug Vanderweide.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Iowa at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any combination of the abovementioned male and female triathletes will insure a strong presence for Iowa at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/23/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and EndorFun Sports invite the triathletes of the Green Mountain State to race at the MOOSEMAN INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US VERMONT QUALIFIER at picturesque Newfound Lake near Bristol, NH on Saturday, June 3.

Vermont has many fine triathletes. Female standouts include Maria Cimonetti, Angie Defilippi and super-master Donna Smyers. For the men, there’s Jason Frank, Masaru Furukawa, Steve Hare, Andrea Nolte, Zachary Soucy and John Spinney.
The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent New Hampshire at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/23/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and EndorFun Sports invite the triathletes of the Granite State to race at the MOOSEMAN INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US NEW HAMPSHIRE QUALIFIER at picturesque Newfound Lake near Bristol, NH on Saturday, June 3.

New Hampshire has many fine triathletes. Two stand out above the rest: Bill Reeves of Durham and Randy Swormstedt of Laconia. Swormstedt was a top 10 finisher at last year’s “Best of the US Championship” in Gilford, NH. “Reeves and Swormstedt are special athletes. Individually, they could finish in the top five at the Championship. Together they have a legitmate shot at reaching the podium in the Fastest Team Competition,” claims Jerry MacNeil, “Best of the US” PR Director. Other viable representatives include Matt Boobar, Vaughn Cooper, Ryan Kelley (2005 BOUS Representative), Celeste St. Pierre, Sean Snow and Kimberly Walsh.
The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent New Hampshire at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/23/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Tri-Mom Events invite the triathletes of the Land of Lincoln to race at the TRI-SHARK CLASSIC TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US ILLINOIS QUALIFIER in Moraine View State Park near LeRoy, IL on Saturday, June 3.

Illinois has a plethora of great triathletes. In addition to their 2005 representatives, Christian Waterstraat and Kim Genenebacher, here are some of the other athletes that we hope to see at the 13-year-old sprint course classic (in alphabetical order): Elizabeth Attig, Jeremy Borling, Elizabeth Fedofsky, David Fix, Karen Grabowski, Gabe Hamer, Jennifer Harrison, David Irion, Eric Ott, Jennifer Schife, Tara Sheetz, John Wiberg and Brad Zoller.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Illinois at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any male/female combination of the abovementioned athletes would ensure a dynamic presence for Illinois at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/16/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Race Director Larry Marshall invite the triathletes of the Land of Enchantment to race at the MILKMAN TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US NEW MEXICO QUALIFIER in Dexter, NM on Saturday, June 3.

New Mexico has many fine triathletes. Female standouts include Terry Moore, Tamsen Schurman and Elizabeth Weidling (2005 NM Representative) . For the men, there’s Shaun Burns, 2005 NM Representative, Danny Montoya, Clay Moseley and Hector Tovar.

The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent New Mexico at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN.

For more information on the Milkman Triathlon, vist http://www.bestoftheustriathletes.com/states/NM or http://www.milkmantriathlon.com.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/15/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Set-Up Inc. invite the triathletes of the Tar Heel State to race at the 11th annual WHITE LAKE SPRINT / BEST OF THE US NORTH CAROLINA QUALIFIER in White Lake, NC on May 7.

North Carolina has no shortage of great triathletes. In addition to 2005 representatives Brian Smith and Sian Hunter, who placed a respectable 17th in the Fastest Team competition, here are some of the men that we hope to see at this sprint course event (in alphabetical order): Cid Cardoso, Jr., John Dewey, Chuck Dumke, Donni Dyer, Duncan Hoge, Benji Jones, Aaron Kiefer, Trent Kirk, David Sokolofsky,Tim Starets, Nat Swearingen, Daniel Williams and Eric Zack. Top NC women we hope to see on May 7 include Anne Basso, Kat Clewley, Cheryl Cardello, Lori Harkey, Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach, Brennan Liming, Kathleen Malone, Mary Lynne McElhaney, Kelly McLaughlin, Alicia Parr, Stacey Richardson, Tracy Sproule and Michelle Steiner. Set-Up Inc. invite these and all the other great athletes of North Carolina to race in White Lake on May 7.
The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent North Carolina at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any male/female combination of the abovementioned athletes would ensure a formidable presence for North Carolina at the Championship.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/15/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and DLT Events invite the triathletes of the Pelican State to race at the 3rd annual HIDDEN PARADISE SPRINT / BEST OF THE US LOUISIANA QUALIFIER at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston on May 7.

Louisiana has an abundance of great triathletes. Some of those that we hope to see at this sprint course event include Brett Reagan, Caroline Smith, Nicola Appleton, Neill Rowland, Tara Lemoine, John Deshotel, Kevin Cart, Beth Donohue, Lisa Colvin and national class masters Andrew Kenworthy, 41, an Pen Clark, 45. DLT Events invite these and all the other great athletes of Louisiana to race in Ruston on May 7. Register soon, however, as the race is limited to 300 competitors.
The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Louisiana at the “Best of the US National Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. Any male/female combination of the abovementioned athletes would ensure a formidable presence for Louisiana at the Championship.

Midwest Events, LLC is pleased to announce that Benjamin Collins and Marion Summerer, amateur winners at the Lavaman, have accepted their invitations to represent Hawaii at the "Best of the US Championship" in September.

(St. Paul, MN – 4/7/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and Set-Up Inc. invite the triathletes of Virginia and Washington DC to race at the 2rd annual KINETIC SPRINT / BEST OF THE US VIRGINIAQUALIFIER at Lake Anna State Park near Spotsylvania on April 23. In 2005, DC athletes competed with Maryland athletes.
Virginia was well-represented at the “Best of the US Championship” last year. Michael Harlow and Margie Shapiro, placed 6th the Fastest State Competition. Harlow, a rising young star, finished 22nd in the men’s race; Shapiro thoroughly dominated the women’s contest, winning by 1:43. Shapiro was later named US Female Triathlete of the Year by USA Triathlon, Inside triathlon, Triathlete and Midwest Events Magazine. After winning the ITU World Championships last fall, Shapiro entered the pro ranks.
Though Shapiro will be missed, Virginia can still be expected to send a very strong team to Minnesota. Below is an alphabetical listing of some of the great Virginia and DC athletes that we hope to see on April 23:

Men: Women:
Dan Bellin Elizabeth Andrew
Brian Bortell Marit Chrislock-Laute
John Chambers (DC) Andrea Dvorak
Matt Chrabot Karen Fralen
Dan Frost Diane Haupt
Michael Harlow Julie Lestyan
Darren Hertell Jinx Mancini
Ryan Hyslop Andrea marsh (DC)
Mark Junkermann Rebecca Moore
Matt Lauinger Connie Peterson
John McGarva Shandra Wrinkle
Stephen Smith
Billy Edwards

(St. Paul, MN – 4/7/2006)–– “Best of the US” Management and BBSC Endurance Sports invite the triathletes of Nevada to race at the 3rd annual RAGE IN THE SAGE/BEST OF THE US NEVADA QUALIFIER at Lake Mead Recreation Area southeast of Las Vegas on April 23. Rage in the Sage features international and sprint distance triathlons and a duathlon. The international distance event hosts the Nevada qualifier.
“There is no shortage of multisport talent in the Silver State. Las Vegas and Reno, especially, boast thriving triathlon communities. Some of the athletes we hope to see on April 23 include Danny Murphy and Cynthia Platko, Nevada’s “Best of the US” representatives in 2005, Chris Fetter, Al Thresher, James Ketron, Sean Silverman, super-masters Darrin Rohr and Shannon Cutting, Kim Watson, Colleen Knutson, Becky Lamph, Michelle Behm and Kim Jefferson. Any male/female combination of these athletes would provide a strong Nevada presence at the “Best of the US Championship” on September 16 at Lake Minnetonka,” says Jerry MacNeil, “Best of the US” PR Director.

Rising stars Benjamin Collins, 23, of Haleiwa, and Marion Summerer, 25, of Honolulu, were the top resident amateur finishers at the 9th annual Lavaman Triathlon / Best of the US Hawaii Qualifier on April 2. Collins finished 3rd overall behind pros Tim Marr and Gordo Byrn. Summerer finished fourth for the women behind Canadian pros Carolyn Murray, Lisa Mensink and Jessica Kirkwood.

The 2nd through 5th male and female resident amateurs are in line for passdodwn slots. Hawaii's passdowns:

2. Tai Blechta, 27, Honolulu............2, Jennifer Nottage, 39, Kailua-Kona
3. Kurt Chambers, 25, Honolulu......3. Millie Cook, 49, Hilo
4. Kalen Darling, 19, Honoulu.........4. Melinda Hayman, 44, Honolulu
5. John Pink, 37, Kailua-Kona..........5. Patricia McAndrew, 25, Honolulu

(St. Paul, MN – 3/26/2006)––The male and female champions of the 2005 Coca-Cola Sprint Triathlon – St. Augustine won the Fastest Team Competition at the inaugural “Best of the US Championship” at Lake Winnipesaukee. North Palm Beach’s John Reback, 2003 USAT Triathlete of the Year, placed 8th in the men’s contest, and Vero Beach’s Lotte Branigan, 2005 USAT Female Triathlete of the Year runner-up, finished a spectacular 2nd for the women.
Can Florida be as formidable at the 2006 Championship? “Absolutely!” says Jerry MacNeil, “Best of the US” PR Director. “There’s so much talent in Florida right now. Just check out the 2005 USAT Athlete of the Year Awards, which were dominated by Floridians: Marc Bonnet-Eymard won Male Triathlete of the Year, Branigan placed second in the Female TOTY voting, Linda Robb ran away with the Female Master of the Year award and Joe Bonness was Male Master of the Year runner-up. And let’s not forget about Reback, Boris Fenrnandez, Robert Skaggs, Anton Van Zyl, Kevin Grogan, , Ashley Carusone, Sarah Quinty and Texas transplant Sharon Beltrandelrio. We’d love to see these and all the other great Florida triathletes at St. Augustine on April 22.”
The “Best of the US Championship” is slated for September 16 at beautiful Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN.

“Best of the US” Management and the Hawaii Sports Connection invite the triathletes of the Aloha State to race at the 9rd annual LAVAMAN / BEST OF THE US HAWAII QUALIFIER at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast on April 2. This annual classic is billed as “The Best & Most Scenic Post Race Party in Triathlon!!!”

Hawaii was well-represented at the “Best of the US Championship” last year. Peter Hursty and Bree Wee, two of America’s most decorated amateur triathetes, cracked the top 10 in the Fastest State Competition, though neither athlete claimed to be in top form. Hursty finished 19th in the men’s race; Wee placed 7th among the women. Wee became pregnant while vacationing in New Hampshire after last year’s championship and will be unable to defend her Lavaman title and thus earn an invitation to the 2006 “Best of the US Championship” in Excelsior, MN on September 16. Though Wee will be missed, Hawaii can still be expected to send a strong team to the Minnesota. Among of the great athletes we hope to see at Lavaman on April 2 are perennial Lavaman champ Hursty, Tai Blechta, Rachel Ross, Susan Burr and Marion Summerer.

Seven of the top finishers at the 2005 Best of the US Championship have received special post-season honors. They are:

MARGIE SHAPIRO (1st @ BOUS): Female Triathlete of the Year: USA Triathlon, Triathlete, Triathlon Today, Midwest Events

LOTTE BRANIGAN (2nd @ BOUS): Runner-Up USA Triathlon Female Triathlete of the Year

WENDY MADER (6th @ BOUS): 30-34 ITU World Champion

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN (1st @ BOUS): Midwest Events' Triathlete of the Year; USA Triathlon Triathlete of the Year HM (Rank: 5th)

JIM VANCE (5th @ BOUS): Inside Triathlon Triathlete of the Year; Runner-Up USA Triathlon Triathlete of the Year; 25-29 ITU World Champion

MICHAEL METEYER (12th/1st Master @ BOUS): USA Triathlon Master of the Year; Midwest Events Master of the Year

BRIAN BICH (3rd @ BOUS): USA Triathlon Triathlete of the Year HM (Rank: 7th)

(St. Paul, MN – 1/11/2006)–– ”Best of the US” Management is pleased to announce that, all 50 State Qualifiers for the 2006 “Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition” have been determined. They are:

AL - Buster Britton Triathlon at Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL on June 10 (400 yd swim – 12 mile bike – 3 mile run).
AK - The Alaska State Triathlon Championship in Knik, AK, on August 6 (Intermediate Distance).
AZ –Sahuarita Lake Triathlon in Sahuarita, AZ on May 29 (1K swim – 25K bike – 5K run).
AR – Ozark Valley Triathlon/AR State Triathlon Championships near Fayetteville, AR on June 25 (1000 yd swim – 19 mile bike -4 mile run).
CA – Santa Cruz Triathlon in Aptos, CA on July 9 (Intermediate Distance).
CO – Prospect Park Triathlon at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs on June 25 (Swim 750m - Bike 13.1 miles - Run 5K).
CT – Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon in Middlebury, CT on June 17 (1 mile swim – 25 mile bike – 10K run).
DE - Escape from Fort Delaware finishing in Delaware City on June 10 (Intermediate Distance).
FL – Coca-Cola Classic Sprint Triathlon in St. Augustine, FL on April 22 (.5 mile swim – 13 mile bike – 5K run).
GA – West Point Lake Triathlon near LaGrange, GA on July 23 (Intermediate Distance).
HI – Lavaman Triathlon at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii on April 2 (Intermediate Distance).
ID –Spudman Triathlon in Boise, ID on June 17 (Intermediate Distance)
IL - Tri Shark Classic at Moraine View State Park near LeRoy, IL on June 3 (600 yd swim – 13 mile bike – 5K run).
IN – Optimists Triathlon at Lake Winona Park near Warsaw, IN on June 24 (1/4 mile swim - 13.5 mile bike - 3 mile run).
IA – Pigman Sprint Triathlon near Cedar Rapids, IA on June 4 (,5K swim – 25K bike – 5K run).
KS - Flint Hills Triathlon at Tuttle Creek State Park north of Manhattan, KS on June 4 (Olympic Distance).
KY – Buffalo Trails Triathlon in Maysville, KY on May 27 (.5 mile swim - 22 mile bike -5K run).
LA – Hidden Paradise Sprint Triathlon at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA on May 7.
ME - Maine Games/Pine Tree Triathlon in Brewer/Orrinton, ME on August 20 (Swim .5 mile - Bike 12 miles - Run 5K).
MD – Columbia Triathlon in Ellicott City, MD on May 21 (Inteermediate Distance).
MA - Cranberry Country Triathlon in Lakeville, MA on August 27 (Intermediate Distance).
MI – Sylvania Triathlon in Sylvania, OH on August 13 (Intermediate Distance).
MN – Lake Waconia Triathlon in Waconia, MN on June 25 (.5 mile swim – 16.5 mile bike – 4 mile run).
MS – Tri 4 God in Madison, MS on June 24 (1/3 mile swim - 18 mile bike - 3 mile run).
MO – Quartermax Triathlon at the Innsbruck Resort near St. Slouis, MO on June 10-11 (1K swim – 28 mile bike – 6.5 mile run).
MT – Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon near West Yellowstone, MT on June 17 (.64 mile swim – 7.3 mile bike – 5.2 mile run).
NE - Cornhusker State Games Triathlon at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, NE on July 23 (Swim 1K – Bike 21K – Run 5K).
NV – Rage in the Sage Triathlon at Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Las Vegas, NV on April 23 (Intermediate Distance).
NH - Mooseman Triathlon Festival at Wellington State Park, Bristol, NH on June 3 (Swim 1.5K – Bike 44K – Run 10K).
NJ – New Jersey State Triathlon at Mercer County Park, NJ on July 23 (Intermediate Distance).
NM – Milkman Triathlon in Dexter, NM on June 3 (500m swim – 20K bike – 5K run).
NY – Shoreline Triathlon at Hamlin Beach State Park near Rochester, NY in July (date TBA) (.5 mile swim – 15 mile bike – 4 mile run).
NC - White Lake Sprint Triathlon in White Lake, NC on May 7 (750m swim – 14 mile bike – 5K run)
ND – Castaway Club Triathlon in Detroit Lakes, MN on August 19 (2/3 mile swim – 20 mile bike – 5 mile run).
OH – Buckeye Lake Triathlon in Millersport, OH on July 16 (Internediate Distance)
OK – Route 66 Triathlon in El Reno, OK on June 4 (Intermediate Distance).
OR – Deschutes Dash in Bend, OR on July 23 (1300yd swim – 14 mile bike – 5K run).
PA – Philadelphia Triathlon in Fairmount Park on June 25 (Intermediate Distance).
RI – Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon in Middlebury, CT on June 17 (1 mile swim – 25 mile bike – 10K run).
SC – Clemson Triathlon in Clemson, NC on May 13 (750m swim – 11 mile bike – 5K run).
SD – Dakota Man Triathlon near Sioux Falls, SD on June 17 (600 yd swim – 16 mile bike – 3.5 mile run).
TN – McMinnville City Triathlon in McMinnville, TN on June 24 (350 yd swim – 15.3 mile bike – 3 mile run).
TX – Tri Raider Sprint Triathlon at Buffalo Springs Lake in Lubbock, TX on June 25 (750m swim – 20K bike – 5K run).
UT - St. George Triathlon in St. George, UT on May 13 (Intermediate Distance).
VT – Mooseman Triathlon Festival at Wellington State Park, Bristol, NH on June 3 (Swim 1.5K – Bike 44K – Run 10K).
VA/DC – Kinetic Sprint Triathlon in Spotsylvania, VA on April 23 (750m swim – 18 mile bike – 5K run).
WA – Tri Without Borders at White Roc, BC / Blaine WA on August 13 (Intermediate Distance).
WV – MedExpress Mountaineer Triathlon in Morgantown, WV on June 25 (Intermediate Distance).
WI – Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon in Verona, WI on June 18 (Intermediate Distance).
WY - Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon near West Yellowstone, MT on June 17 (.64 mile swim – 7.3 mile bike – 5.2 mile run).

The "Best of the US" Management is pleased to welcome the following new qualifiying events for 2006:

ALASKA - The Alaska State Triathlon Championship in Knik on August 6 (Intermediate Distance).
ARKANSAS - Ozark Valley Triathlon / Arkansas State Triathlon Championship near Fayetteville, AR on June 25 (1000 yd swim - 19 mile bike, 4 mile run).
COLORADO - Prospect Lake Triathlon at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs on June 25 (750m swim - 13.1 mile bike - 5K run).
ILLINOIS - Tri-Shark Classic near LeRoy, IL on June 3 (600 yd swim - 13 mile bike - 5K run).
INDIANA - Optimist Triathlon at Winona Lake Park nearWarsaw, IN on June 24 (1/4 mile swim - 13.5 mile bike - 3 mile run).
KANSAS - Flint Hills Triathlon at Tuttle Creek State Park north of Manhattan, KS on June 4 (Olympic Distance).
KENTUCKY - The Buffalo Trails Triathlon in Maysville, KY on May 27 (.5 mile swim - 22 mile bike - 5K run).
LOUISIANA - Hidden Paradise Sprint Triathlon at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA on May 7 (800 yard swim -13 mile bike - 3.2 mile run).
MAINE - Maine Games/Pine Tree Triathlon in Brewer/Orrinton, ME on August 20 (Swim .5 mile - Bike 12 miles - Run 5K).
MASSACHUSETTS - Cranberry Country Triathlon in Lakeville, MA on August 27 (Intermediate Distance).
MICHIGAN - Sylvania Triathlon in Sylvania, OH on August 13 (Intermediate Distance).
MISSISSIPPI - Tri 4 God in Madison, MS on June 24 (1/3 mile swim - 18 mile bike - 3 mile run).
NEBRASKA - Cornhusker State Games Triathlon at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, NE on July 23 (Swim 1K - Bike 21K - Run 5K).
NEW JERSEY - New Jersey State Triathlon at Mercer County Park, NJ on July 23 (Intermediate Distance).
NEVADA - Rage in the Sage Triathlon near Las Vegas, NV on April 23 (Intermediate Distance).
NORTH DAKOTA - Castaway Club Triathlon in Detroit Lakes, MN on August 19 (2/3 mile swim - 20 mile bike - 5 mile run).
OHIO - Buckeye Lake Triathlon in Millersport, OH on July 16 (Intermediate Distance).
SOUTH DAKOTA - Dakota Man Triathlon near Sioux Falls, SD on June 17 (600 yd swim - 16 mile bike - 3.5 mile run).
UTAH - St. George Triathlon in St. George, UT on May 13 (Intermediate Distance).
VIRGINIA/DC - Kinetic Sprint Triathlon in Spotsylvania, VA on April 23 (750m swim - 18 mile bike - 5K run).
WASHINGTON - Tri Without Borders at White Roc, BC / Blaine WA on August 13 (Intermediate Distance).
WYOMING - Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon near West Yellowstone, MT on June 17 (.64 mile swim – 7.3 mile bike – 5.2 mile run).

(St. Paul, MN - 12/1/2005)––One male & one female representative from all 50 states--having earned the right to compete by winning their state's Qualifier race--will congregate on the scenic southern shore of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, Minnesota on September 16, 2006.

What will follow is the launching of the most talent-rich men's and women's amateur waves ever assembled for an American triathlon. The first man & woman to cover the spectator-friendly International Distance course will be crowned the “Best of the U.S.” 2006.

The inaugural Best of the US Championship was gloriously staged and thrillingly contested at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, last August, hosted by the Timberman Triathlon Festival. New Jersey's Christopher Martin and 2005 Amateur World Champion Margie Shapiro of Virginia were crowned "Best of the US" in 2005.

“Though we had a wonderful experience in New Hampshire, we are ecstatic that the Championship is coming to Minnesota,” says “Best of the US” Executive Director Trudy Marshall, adding, “At 14,310 acres, Lake Minnetonka is the largest and most majestic of over 200 lakes within the Twin Cities metro. The City of Excelsior is downright bucolic, the venue is spectacular and the community support is tremendous.” The venue is overlooked by Excelsior's historic downtown district.

To view aerial photographs of Lake Minnetonka, visit http://www.photography-plus.com/Minnetonka/
To view a map of Excelsior, visit http://www.maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=excelsior,+mn&output=html

The event, which will feature a citizens’ sprint triathlon as well as the international-distance Championship, will be staged at Excelsior Commons. Located on a point separating Gideon Bay and Excelsior Bay, the Commons is both beautiful and spectator-friendly. The two-loop bike and run courses offer ample opportunity to witness the country’s best amateurs racing for the coveted Top 10 positions. Likewise, the point-to-point swim offers great viewing from the cliffside.

The citizens’ sprint, like the popular Lake Minnetonka Triathlon which is staged in June, will consist of a half mile swim followed by a 15 mile bike and three mile run. This late-season addition to the Minnesota racing calendar offers local athletes the unique opportunity to test themselves on the same course at the start of the season (June 17) and at the end (September 16).

In addition to individual scoring, “Best of the US” athletes are racing for Fastest State honors, with trophies to the 3 teams whose times combine for the fastest finishes. Florida (John Reback & Lotte Branigan), Colorado (Craig Greenslit & Wendy Mader) and Washington (Chris Tremonte & Heidi Grimm) took the Sate awards last year.

2006 Qualifier races begin in April (Hawaii’s Lavaman on April 2) and extend into August. Each state has a single designated Qualifier race, the resident amateur winners of which may claim their berth at the Championship.

The Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition is produced by Midwest Events, LLC of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Virginia's Margie Shapiro, winner of the inaugural "Best of the US Championship," proved that she is not just America's best but the best on the planet at the ITU Honolulu World Age Group Championships on October 9. She won the women's race by 3:01, the largest margin of victory in the 17-year history of the AG Worlds.

Other athletes who excelled at both the "Best of..Champs" and Worlds:

California's Jim Vance (5th at "Best of.."; 3rd @ Worlds--G-25-29)
New Jersey's Christopher Martin (1st @ "Best of.."; 8th @ Worlds)
Wisconsin's Mike Meteyer (12th @ "Best of.."; B-45-49 @ Worlds)
Colorado's Wendy Mader (6th @ "Best of.."; 12th @ Worlds--G-30-34)
California's Christen King (5th @ "Best of.."; 16th @ Worlds)
Minnesota's Emily Deppe (8th @ "Best of.."; 23rd @ Worlds)

There will be many exciting announcements in the coming weeks. We'll introduce some new state qualifying events as well as the site for the 2006 National Championship. And you'll be introduced to some major new sponsors, whose involvement will significantly upgrade this exciting program. Stay tuned!

GILFORD, NH, August 20, 2005. Twenty-eight-year old Margaret Shapiro of Annandale, Virginia and Christopher Martin, 30, of Princeton, NJ earned the title "2005 Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathletes" by besting a field consisting of one man and one woman from each state, in the first-ever Championship competition. State representatives won qualifying races in their home states earlier in the year and raced head-to-head in the non-age-graded Championship.

Placing second were Craig Greenslit, 35, of Colorado and Lotte Branigan, 37, of Florida. Brian Bich, 39, Duluth, MN and Lt. Col. Heidi Grimm of Steilacom, Washington took third.

“I wasn’t sure about coming to the Championship,” said Shapiro. “But when I talked with organizers about the athletes and competition that would be here, I decided I had to come.”

The event also featured a Fastest State Competition, awarded by combining the times of the man and woman from each state. The Top 3 Teams were Florida [Lotte Branigan and John Reback], Colorado (Wendy Mader & Craig Greenslit) and Washington [Heidi Grimm and Chris Tremonte]. A post-race adjustment affected the top teams as well as the women’s Top 10. Colorado’s Wendy Mader lost her timing chip and was not initially scored. The USAT Official’s ruling allowed her time from the back-up system to count, recording her actual 6th place finish and launching Colorado in 2nd place in the Team Competition.

“The athletes’ response to this Championship concept has been overwhelming,” said Best of the U.S. Executive Director Trudy Marshall. “What a turnout, and what a show they put on for us!”

The Championship was hosted this year by the Timberman Triathlon Festival, New England’s largest triathlon races. The Championship race consisted of a 1K swim, 15 mile bike and 4 mile run.

Photo Caption - Christopher Martin, Princeton NJ, takes the title of the Best Male Amateur Triathlete in the US in 1:15:04 at the Best of the US Championship in Gilford NH. Champion Margaret Shapiro of Virginia was only 5 minutes behind in 1:20:54 to win the female's title.
Photo Credit : Paul Phillips / Competitive Image


Top Ten Men
1. Christopher Martin, 30, New Jersey 1:15:04
2. Craig Greenslit, 35,Colorado 1:15:15
3. Brian Bich, 39,Minnesota 1:15:35
4. Bruce Gennari, 39,Tennessee 1:16:02
5. Jim Vance, 28, California 1:16:34
6. Scott Myers, 30, Ohio 1:16:52
7. Kevin Everett, 30,Idaho 1:17:24
8. John Reback, 35, Florida 1:17:32
9. David Silver, 25, Georgie 1:17:38
10. Mike Morrison, 32, Iowa 1:17:57

Top Ten Women
1. Margaret Shapiro, 28,Virginia 1:20:54
2. Lotte Branigan, 30, Florida 1:22:37
3. Heidi Grimm, 37, Washington 1:22:43
4. Donna Kay-Ness, 42, Connecticut 1:23:12
5. Christen King, 28, California 1:24:15
6. Wendy Mader, 32, Colorado 1:24:59
7. Bree Wee, 25, Hawaii 1:25:21
8. Emily Deppe, 25,Minnesota 1:25:29
9. Cynthia Bannink, 28, Wisconsin 1:25:37
10. Randy Swormstedt, 34, NH 1:27:22


Top Ten FASTEST STATES

1. Florida Lotte Branigan & John Reback
2. Colorado Wendy Mader & Craig Greenslit
3. Washington Heidi Grimm & Chris Tremonte
4. California Christen King & Jim Vance-Moeser
5. Minnesota Emily Deppe & Brian Bich
6. Virginia Margaret Shapiro & Michael Harlow
7. Wisconsin Cynthia Bannink & Michael Meteyer
8. Tennessee Shelby Sheffield & Bruce Gennari
9. Ohio Andrea Myers & Scott Myers
10. Hawaii Bree Wee & Peter Hursty


Complete Results: http://www.lin-mark.com/best.txt

(St. Paul, MN - 8/11/05) The Timberman Triathlon Festival in Gilford, NH on August 20-21 will host more that 2500 athletes. Approximately 85 of these athletes will be competing in the inaugural "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition Championship," which kicks off the TTF at 7:10 AM on Saturday, August 20. The "Best of the US" event consists of a 1K swim, a hilly 15 mile bike leg and a 4 mile run.

The top 10 male and female "Best of..." finishers will receive special awards. Moreover, the top 3 "State Teams" (combined times of the male and female state representatives) will also receive awards.

Participants range in age from 18 (rising star Katie Barnoskie of Kansas) to 52 (the amazing Karen McKeachie of Michigan). Ten of the entrants are 40 (12%) or older. Married couple Scott and Andrea Myers will represent Ohio.

Here are some of the favorites in the individual competition:

MEN:

Christopher Martin, 29, Princeton Jct., NJ (2004 25-29 National Champion)
John Reback, 35, North Palm Beach, FL (2003 USAT Triathlete of the Year)
Brian Bich, 39, Duluth, MN (2004 35-39 National Champion)
Bruce Gennari, 39, Brentwood, TN (2001 USAT Triathlete of the Year)
Jim Vance, 28, San Diego, CA
Kevin Everett, 30, Boise, ID
Peter Hursty, 32, Honolulu, HI
Dameon Hahn, 27, Tempe, AZ
David Silver, 25, Mableton, GA
Craig Greenslit, 35, Berthoud, CO
Scott Myers, 30, Wellston, OH
Ryan Kelly, 23, New Hampshire
Bobby Gonzalez, 44, El Paso, TX

WOMEN:

Margie Shapiro, 28, Annandale, VA
Shelby Sheffield, 31, Nashville, TN
Wendy Mader, 32, Fort Collins, CO (2004 30-34 National Champion)
Donna Kay-Ness, 42, Somers, CT (3 x US Triathlete of the Year)
Lotte Branigan, 30, Vero Beach, FL
Christen King, 28, Huntington Beach, CA
Emily Deppe, 25, Minnetonka, MN (2003 20-24 National Champion)
Erica McClurg, 35, Phoenix, AZ
Bree Myers-Wee, 24, Kailua-Kona, HI
Heidi Grimm, 37, Steilacom, WA
Cynthia Bannink, 28, Madison, WI
Kristel Maes, 28, Savannah, GA
Heather Housenecht, 29, Bryn Mawr, PA
Randy Swormstedt, 34, Laconia, NH

Here are some of the top State Teams:

Tennessee (Bruce Gennari & Shelby Sheffield)
Florida (John Reback & Lotte Branigan)
Minnesota (Brian Bich & Emily Deppe)
Colorado (Craig Greenslit & Wendy Mader)
Hawaii (Peter Hursty & Bree Myers-Wee)
Arizona (Dameon Hahn & Erica McClurg)
Georgia (David Silver & Kristel Maes)
Ohio (Scott Myers & Andrea Myers)
Washington (Chris Tremonte & Heidi Grimm)

For more information on the "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," contact Jerry at 651-714-1829 or jerry@midwestevents.com.

"Best of the US" Management thank the directors and sponsors of the Minnesota, Colorado, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, California & Oregon qualifiying events for providing travel stipends for their Championship-bound athletes. Minnesota representatives will each receive $300, courtesy of Rainbow Resort; Colorado's top amateur male & female will receive $400 apiece, thanks to director Peggy Shockley and sponsors Raptor Industries, Inc. and Advanced Oil Services, Inc.; Maryland's advancing athletes--Anthony Van Lierop & Connie Chow Dowler--will both receive $200, courtesy of director Robert Vigorito and the Columbia Triathlon Association; Wisconsin's winners--Blake Becker & Cynthia Bannink--will receive $200, provided by "The Jim & Dan Show" (tri-legends Jim Bruskewitz & Dan Seymour), directors of the Wisconsin Triterium/Best of the US Qualifier; Team-Magic, producers of the TN @ AL qualifiers, are giving $100 apiece to Bruce Gennari, Shelby Sheffield, Morgan Ramey & Lori Goldweber; By the Beach Productions are awarding California's advancing athletes--Jim Vance & Christen King--$250 each; and Fresh Air Sports are presenting Oregon's advancing triathletes--Jeremy Bloom & either Sheri Lehmer or Linnea Alvord (Alvord will advance if Lehmer doesn't claim her slot)--with checks for $150.

Scott & Andrea Myers of Wellston, will represent Ohio at the "Best of the US Championship" on August 20. Scott won the men's race at the Caesar Creek International/Hio Qualifier; Andrea finished 2nd for the women but advanced when Dayton's Missy Kuck, due to a schedule conflict, declined her invitation.

Congratulations to the following athletes, who have earned the right to represent their respective states at the "Best of the US Championship" in Gilford, NH on August 20:

HAWAII: * Peter Hursty (32, Honolulu) & * Bree Myers (24, Kailua-Kona)
NEVADA: Danny Murphy (39, Las Vegas) & * Cynthia Platko (35, Las Vegas)
UTAH: * Rich Hurd (40, Ivins) & Sara Watchorn (24, Sandy)
FLORIDA: * John Reback (35, North Palm Beach) & * Lotte Branigan (30, Vero Beach)
NORTH CAROLINA: * Brian Smith (32, Durham) & * Sian Hunter (38, North Carolina)
SOUTH CAROLINA: * Brooks Keys (24, Central) & * Michelle Stone (32, Spartanburg)
MARYLAND: * Anthony Van Lierop (31, Baltimore) & * Connie Chow Dowler (30, Kensington)
VIRGINIA: * Michael Harlow (23, Richmond) & * Margaret Shapiro (28, Annandale)
ARIZONA: * Dameon Hahn (27, Tempe) & * Erica Jones-McClurg (34, Phoenix)
MISSISSIPPI: * Chuck Engel (34, Jackson) & * Kara Hobart (Clarksdale)
NEW MEXICO: * Shaun Burns (Albuquerque) & * Elizabeth Wiedling (27, Rio Rancho)
IOWA: * Mike Morrison (31, Urbandale) & * Mia Richter (23, Iowa City)
NEBRASKA: Dave Bracken (36, Omaha) & Carol Smolsky (45, Papillion)
LOUISIANA: * Brett Reagan (34, New Orleans) & Nicola Appleton (Vinton)
NEW HAMPSHIRE: * Ryan Kelly (23, Concord) & * Randy Swormstedt (34, Laconia)
MASSACHUSETTS: * Jean-Paul Gowdy (28, Norton) & * Julie Jones (30, Watertown)
VERMONT: * Don Haddox (35, Waterbury Center) & * Angie DeFilippi (28, South Burlington)
MAINE: * Stephen Judice (37, Sanford) & * Elizabeth Martin (40, York)
IDAHO: * Kevin Everett (30, Boise) & * Leigh Morse (42, Boise)
MICHIGAN: * Parker Roth (Grosse Point Park) & * Karen McKeachie (52, Ann Arbor)
ALABAMA: * Morgan Ramey (36, Helena) & * Lori Goldweber (41, Homewood)
OKLAHOMA: Greg Rouault (24, Tulsa) & * Dana Chance (36, Tulsa)
ARKANSAS: * Christopher Reynolds (36, Hot Springs)
MONTANA: * Jeremy Oury (41, Hamilton) & Laura Morin (Helena)
WISCONSIN: * Mike Meteyer (45, Madison) & * Cynthia Bannink (28, Madison)
ALASKA: * Jason Potsander (28, Anchorage) & * Kelly Quinn (21, Wasilla)
NEW JERSEY: * Christopher Martin (29, Princeton Junction) & * Kristen Donohue (37, Cape May Court)
DELAWARE: * Michael Clark (49, Wilmington) & Marianne Moore (51, Wilmington)
ILLINOIS: * Christian Waterstraat (31, Lisle) & * Kimberly Ann Genebacher (Decatur)
CONNECTICUT: Mike Nahom (37, New Milford) & * Donna Kay-Ness (42, Somers)
RHODE ISLAND: * Jeremy Palac (24, Coventry)
COLORADO: * Craig Greenslit (Berthoud) & * Wendy Mader (Fort Collins)
TENNESSEE: * Bruce Gennari (Brentwood) & * Shelby Sheffield (Nashville)
MINNESOTA: * Brian Bich (38, Duluth) & * Emily Deppe (25, Minneapolis)
PENNSYLVANIA: * Chris Ganter (26, Doylestown) & * Heather Housenecht (29, Bryn Mawr)
TEXAS: * Bobby Gonzales (44, El Paso) & * Michelle Lester (30, San Antonio)
WEST VIRGINIA: * Derek Clark (24, Albright) & * Amy Czesnowski (24, Morgantown)
WYOMING: * Jason Bird (Cheyenne) & * Molly Breslin (Jackson)
NORTH DAKOTA: Rob Gilles (29, Fargo) & Marnie Walth (36, Bismarck)
SOUTH DAKOTA: Cathy Deics (37, Aberdeen, SD)
OHIO: * Scott Myers (29, Wellton) & * Andrea Myers (28, Wellton)
CALIFORNIA: * Jim Vance (28, San Diego) & * Christen King (Huntington Beach)
KENTUCKY: * Lee Ransdell (42, Villa Hills) & Amanda Bestfelt (24, Independence)
OREGON: Jeremy Bloom (24, Bend) & * Sheri Lehmer (37, Bend)
GEORGIA: * David Silver (25, Marbleton) & * Kristel Maes (28, Savannah)
NEW YORK: * Trevor Syverson (36, Rockport) & * Kathleen Hayden (39, Rochester)
KANSAS: * Nick Schultz (Overland Park) & * Katie Barnoskie (18, Lawrence)
MISSOURI: * Matt Bonastia & * Kristin Moore (32, St. Charles)
WASHINGTON: * Chris Tremonte (Redmond) & * Heidi Grimm (37, Steilacom)
INDIANA: Michael Henry & Erika Cottrell


* Championship berth confirmed

Scott Myers & Missy Kuck were victorious on July 10 at the Caesar Creek International/Best of the US Ohio Qualifier. Says "Best of.." PR Director Jerry MacNeil, "Missy & Scott are great athetes. Kuck's been awesome this season; just look at her results at St Croix (4th) and Escape from Alcatraz (2nd). And Myers, who was 5th at Duathlon Nationals on June 11, has won more races on Buckeye soil than anyone over the last 2-3 seasons. Team Ohio will be VERY competitive on August 20."

Unsurprisingly, Rob Gilles of Fargo & Marnie Walth of Bismarck, won the Timberman Triathlon/Best of the US North Dakota Qualifier on July 9.

The weekend of July 9-10 will feature the qualifying events for California, Ohio, North Dakota & South Dakota. California is certain to send a truly competitive tandem to NH; and don't be surprised if Ohio sends a Husband/Wife team (Scott & Andrea Myers); and Rob Gilles, 2-time USAT Triathlete of the Year Honorable Mention (1998, 2001) and either Marnie Walth of 4-time IT All American Melanie Carvell are at ones-to-beat from North Dakata. In the absense of former age-group World Champion, Kim Fordham-Lien, Amy Blackstone is favored to advance from South Dakota.

Tennessee's Shelby Sheffield will race at the "Best of the US Championship" on August 20. Since her auspicious debut in 2002, Sheffield has consistently demonstrated that she is one of America's most talented and versatile triathletes. At Lake Winnipeasukee, she'll face fellow superstars, Margie Shapiro (VA), Donna Kay-Ness (CT), Wendy Mader (CO), Emily Deppe (MN), Erica Jones-McClurg (AZ), Bree Myers-Wee (HI), as well as dozens of other national & regional standouts in what is certain to be the most competitive amateur women's contest to date.

The official distances for the 2005 Best of the US Championship will be: 1K swim, 15 mile bike (very hilly!) and 4 mile run.

Bruce Gennari, one of our sport's most decorated & versatile