The UCSD triathlon team opened its season Sunday, February 14^th, at the UC-Irvine Zot Trot reverse triathlon with an impressive demonstration of depth and speed. This race marked the Team’s first official competition of the season with many new team members competing in a triathlon for the first time. The reverse course consisted of a 5k run, a very technical 12mi bike, and 400m pool swim. The team brought an impressive 45 members to the race and claimed both the Men’s and Women’s collegiate races with very impressive finishes!

The majority of the team made the drive to Irvine on Saturday staying in various team members’ houses. Nevertheless, wake-up time was still at 5 am, to ensure adequate time for transition set up and a good warm-up. The weather was near perfect and anticipation was high as the Tritons toed the line with easily the largest team of the field.

After an agonizing 30 minute start time delay, UCSD’s Nick Sigmon took off as soon as the gun sounded, with a large pack of Tritons not far behind. Team veteran Robert Krohn made his way up near the front of the UCSD pack through the tight turns and rolling hills of the challenging bike course. Moving up still further in the swim, he touched the wall as UCSD’s top finisher at 58:06. Robert was closely followed by Marc Schommer (59:10) and Tim Ray (59:36). With an impressive demonstration of its depth, the UCSD men claimed 7 of the top 11 spots and had 11 finishers in the top 30. New comers to the team who had strong finishes and will be worth watching as at the season progresses include Peter Borak, Nick Sigmon, William Jones, Daniel Heineck and Ben Horne.

The Triton Women had an equally impressive showing on Sunday with an outstanding first race. UCSD’s Allison Johnston claimed the top spot in the collegiate race with a time of 1:06.48. Sarah Kavaler (1:08.03) and Lisa Fong (1:09.51) rounded out the Triton’s top three. New comers Michaela Danek, Gina Horath, Talina Konotchick and Whitney McFadden raced fast and contributed to UCSD’s top finish.

Article: Bill Jones
Photos: Luke Keenen & Chris Manuele

Women's Results

Men's Results

Full Results