(YndeCam Photos - Clockwise - Cathy Yndestad dolphining at Pigman, Devon Palmer running at Nationals, Rhett Bonner finishing at LTF Elite and Jeanne Fleck blasting off the starting line at Minneapolis Du.)Minnesota Tri News and Peace Coffee are proud to announce its August Athletes of the Month:
OVERALL: Cathy Yndestad, 31, Apple Valley & Devon Palmer, 22, St. Paul
In August, Cathy won the duathlified Turtleman in thrilling come-from-behind fashion. Two weeks later she finished 3rd overall at USAT Nationals, winning the 30-34W crown for the 2nd consecutive year. Yndestad is a shoo-in to earn her 3rd straight US Athlete of the Year nomination.
Like Cathy, Devon was victorious at the altered Turtleman. Also like Cathy, he finished 3rd overall at Nationals (he took home the 20-24M's silver medal). And like Cathy, he should receive consideration for US AOY at season's end.
Also receiving consideration for the Overall AOM: Kevin O'Connor, 38, Medina, Dan Cohen, 35, Eden Prairie, Steve Sander, 30, Richfield, Jeanne Fleck, 44, Proctor and Marlo McGaver, 38, Duluth.
AGE GROUP: Jeanne Fleck, 44, Proctor & Rhett Bonner, 45, Duluth
In August, Jeanne won two races--Brewhouse Short Course and Lake Marion--and placed 2nd at the Minneapolis Duathlon.
Bonner's August featured a 5th place overall finish at Brewhouse, where he lowered the 45-49M course record by 6:57, and a divisional win at the USAT National Championships. His margin of victory at Nationals was 3:11.
Other AG considerees: Christel Kippenhan, 44, Bemidji; Charlie Roach, 51, Lakeville; Lauren Rantala, 19, Eden Prairie; Pam Stevens, 57, Sartell; Jim Graif, 47, Elk River.
Yndestad, Palmer, Fleck and Bonner will receive Columbian Heavy Pedal Coffee, courtesy of Peace Coffee.
PAST AOM WINNERS:
* July Overall - Devon Palmer & Cathy Yndestad
* July AG - Greg Taylor, 55 & Jan Guenther, 50
* June Overall - Kevin O'Connor & Cathy Yndestad
* June AG - Ben Ewers, 63 & Jan Guenther, 50
* May Overall - Matthew Payne & Marlo McGaver
* May AG - Todd Firebaugh, 47 & Jan Guenther, 50
Eligibility Criteria: Athletes must turn in a minimum of two outstanding performances during the month. Athletes age 19 & under and 40 & over are eligible for AG award consideration.
Three members of the Minnesota Multisport Awards Selection Committee--Heidi Keller-Miler, Stephen Bullard and Jerry MacNeil--serve on the MTN AOM Selection Committee.
