Collegiate Nationals Results

Tough day for the athletes racing in Lubbock. Heavy rains, cold lake water, and extreme wind all created very difficult conditions for the athletes. The swim course was shortened, race organizers threatened mandatory bike dismounts at low water crossings, and the run was changed to (2) loops with a significant off-road muddy section.

Alexandra Weber led out of the water, had difficulty on the bike but held steady on the run to finish 9th overall (7th undergrad).

Keith Yoho has no idea where he finished since he managed to leave his timing chip in his bag. He did cross the start and finish lines and but wasn't in the top 3.

Mark Saroni benefited from the short swim to come out with the race leaders. However, the day before bustle of finding a hotel room (when the realization that camping in the frigid, wet conditions wasn't the best plan) cost him valuable pre-event training/stretching and ultimately the ability to maximize performance on the bike. He came across in a disappointing 32nd. The good news is that he ran quite well!

Jennifer Kennedy guided blind athlete Tiffany Kohnen to a successful finish and time of 3:16! AWESOME.

Today was a pivotal event for all athletes and each experienced Ups, downs, and steep learning curves. Congrats to each of you for working through a less than optimal day and for embracing its challenges. That is what champions are made of.
Complete Results
ZumTri

Youth Olympic Games Qualifier

Congratulations to Daniel Vertiz and Hunter Overly on their performance in Monterrey, Mexico last night.

Daniel came out of the water with the front pack but experienced a bit of trouble on the very technical bike course and found himself in a tough position coming into T2. He quickly set onto the run and completed the 3rd fastest run split of the day to move into 7th. Even though his performance was great, USA athlete Kevin McDowell took the overall Gold and the American Youth Olympic Games opportunity.


Meanwhile, Hunter Overly found himself in the middle of the second pack swim and maintained his position throughout the race finishing 29th overall out of 79 total competitors. We are looking forward to building on his experience.



Great Performance for both athletes and an amazing start to the season. Full Results

USAT All-American Honors

Congratulations to all IconOne team members who were given All-American and Honorable Mention Age-Group honors by USA Triathlon for their 2009 Performances.

All-American

Alexandra Weber F18-19 Overall top athlete
Keith Yoho M18-19

Maggie Pickhardt F16-17

Daniel Vertiz M16-17

Honorable Mention

Audrey Manchester F15&under

Hunter Overly M16-17

Kevin Keenum M15&under

Best wishes to all athletes for a safe and successful 2010 season

Good Luck this weekend!

This weekend is Action Packed for the IconOne team with 7 members competing in National & International events.

Shelley Probber will be in Nevada at the Rage Triathlon racing to earn a spot on Team USA that will compete in Immedstadt, Germany later this year.

Alexandra Weber, Keith Yoho, Mark Saroni, and Jennifer Kennedy will all be competing at the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships in Lubbock, Texas. Alex will be competing for an overall win and a chance to race at the World University Games in late May. Keith and Mark need a top 5 performance to earn their elite/pro status. Jen is going to be guiding Tiffany Kohnan, a participating blind athlete and helping her in the goal of becoming a national champion.

Daniel Vertiz and Hunter Overly are traveling to Monterrey, Mexico to compete in the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier event. Only (1) athlete per gender can represent the USA in Singapore in August. Go get 'em guys!

Follow me on twitter for updates throughout the weekend! I'm very excited for all of these athletes!!!

Weekend Race Report April 12, 2010

At the Texas State Triathlon, Jen Kennedy and Shelley Probber continue their winning streaks by winning 2nd overall female and 1st AG respectively.

Meanwhile, Patrick LaBrode dominated the field in his season opening Gateway to the Bay (Sprint) performance.

Great Job everyone!

The 2010 Season

I can already tell that this is going to be a very tough year for me. The growth is wonderful and athletes are amazing but I simply can not travel to all the races and be in multiple places at once. This weekend was a sure sign as I sat WAITING for athlete results to be posted or text to me. Gosh that is so hard!

Mark Saroni made a statement winning the 25th Annual Athens triathlon by nearly 1:30 after 18month away from multisport. It is good to have you back!

Shelley Probber sent a message to her competitors that injury last fall was merely a speedbump. She set a PR at Moe's better Half Marathon by over 5minutes!

Alex Weber rocked her first pro race at Florida's Great Escape Triathlon finishing 6th in a field that included Olympian Sarah Haskins-Korteum. She now holds the elusive Pro/Elite status with USAT and has an amazing year planned.

Great Job Athletes!

Next Up:
March 13/14
All youth & junior are coming to San Antonio for spring break team training camp
Check out results for Blue Norther Duathlon for Shelley Probber & Jennifer Kennedy
March 19-21
IconOne helps host the SMW Regional Collegiate Triathlon Camp in Lubbock, Texas
April 11
Texas State Triathlon
April 17th
Youth Olympic Games Qualifier. Daniel Vertiz & Hunter Overly in Monterray, Mexico
Rage Triathlon. Shelley Probber, USAT Long Course World Qualifer
2010 USAT Collegiate Nationals. Alex Weber, Keith Yoho, Mark Saroni

A LIFE CHAPTER NOW CLOSED

Groovy October 2007 a the age of 32.

Although inevitable and expected, the loss of a great friend is never easy. Today I find myself shedding tears of sorrow and relief at the news of Groovy's passing this past weekend.

The story began the summer of 1989 when I was working at a hunter/jumper barn in Crescent, Iowa. One day I needed a horse for an event and the barn owner was gracious enough to lend me one from the stable. As luck would have it, the horse I was suppose to take was missing a shoe and unridable. "Groovy" had just arrived that week and supposedly experienced so he was loaded in the trailer and off we went. Since I hadn't ridden him before, I didn't know what to expect but quickly found him very energetic, willing, athletic and an absolute blast to ride. We did have trouble turning and stopping (which some observers found unacceptable) but I fell in love with the big, bay, thoroughbred gelding with soft brown eyes and a huge heart who hadn't been treated very nicely in his past.

Shortly thereafter, Groovy became mine and over the next 14months countless hours drifted in salute to the tranquil bond we shared. We were a dynamic duo earning each other's trust and developing a friendship that time will never erase. Memories of sailing over large jumper fences, racing effortlessly through a cross-country course, carefully brushing and grooming the powerful 16.3 body with a face brush because his skin was too sensitive for anything else, feeling protective as he was chased by another horse since he didn't want to fight, seeing the joy in his eyes at the sight of a carrot, watching his zest for life that always created drama, and other momentarily forgotten moments will always bring a smile.

As fate would have it, my dreams of having Groovy in the same city never materialized as I pursued a career in sport. I will forever be grateful for the loving care my parents gave to him for 20 years and the opportunity to spend time with him in short interludes. Each visit gave us a chance to re-aquaint and we always maximized the moments not worrying about the future. During the past 2 years with his advancing age, I began to feel as though our time was limited and each moment could be our last. Almost defiantly, he always assured me that he wasn't ready to go and valiantly faced the elements until I could return. However, this past spring was different, and he didn't fight the good-bye. As I walked out of the barn I knew that the next step we took together wouldn't be in this life. Last week, he finally showed signs of fatigue that couldn't be overlooked and on Saturday he was laid to rest.

Groovy- Thank you for the many gifts you unconditionally gave in this life. For those, you will forever be missed and never forgotten. It is a relief to know that you that you will not be pained by the physical limitations of an aging body and the high energy of your spirit can now roam free. May God Bless your continued journey.