Tuesday, August 18, 2009

MORE ON NATIONALS ..WHO'S FAVORED & WHY..

Who are some of the favorites to win the overall National title in Tuscaloosa on Saturday? Here are some of the top guys and girls to consider, and why:

The Boys (in alpha order):

Brian Duffy, Jr. (PA) - 2009 winner at Philadelphia and New York City
Sam Hauck (MN) - 2009 winner at RochesterFest (Course Record) and Cornhusker State Games, 2nd amateur at Heart of the Lakes
Mark Harms (WI) - 2008 National 30-34 Champion. Two-time USAT AOY Honorable Mention. 2nd at HyVee '09.
Daniel Moss (SC) - 2009 amateur champion at New Orleans 70.3. A former pro, he returned to the amateur ranks this season.
Devon Palmer (MN) - 2009 Winner at Life Time Fitness-Minneapolis, Heart of the Lakes / Minnesota State Triathlon Championship, Turtleman
Jason Schott (GA) - Jason won the 2009 National AG Championship. He lives and trains in the sultry south.
Nathan White (IA) - 2009 winner at HyVee and Big Creek. He finished 3rd overall at Nationals in 2008.

Darkhorses: Kirk Framke (CO), Brandon Del Campo (CA), Rick Fesler (PA)

The Girls (alpha order):

Linda Robb (FL) - 2009 victories at New York City, St. Anthony's and Nautica Miami
Lindsay Whalen (IL) - 2009 wins at Memphis in May, Miami International, HyVee
Cathy Yndestad (MN) - 2009 wins at Life Time Fitness-Minneapolis, Heart of the Lakes / Minnesota State Championship (Course Record), Turtleman; 2nd overall at 2008 USAT AG Nationals

Darkhorses: Mandy McLane (FL), Michelle Shoup (GA), Margaret Finley (TN)