Photos - Clockwise - Brian Bich turning the final corner at Brewhouse (Photographer: Greg Fleck), Kortney Haag emerging from Lake Nokomis at Life Time Fitness Elite (Photo by YndeCam), Rhett Bonner finishing triumphantly at Brewhouse (Photo by Minnafota Moments) and Jan Guenther leading all amateur women at Ironman Wisconsin. (Photo by Paul Phillips / Competitive Image)Minnesota Tri News and Peace Coffee are proud to announce its September Athletes of the Month:
OVERALL: Kortney Haag, 30, New Hope & Brian Bich, 43, Duluth
In September, Kortney raced twice--St. Croix Valley and Peregrine Charities--and won convincingly both times. The fact that she set course records on each occasion gave her the slightest edge over Julie Hull, 36, of Farmington, who also posted two wins in September.
Brian also raced twice in September, setting a course record at St. Croix Valley International and placing 7th overall at the more-competitive-than-ever Best of the US National Championship.
Also receiving consideration for the Overall AOM: Matthew Payne, 32, Columbia Heights, Steve Sander, 30, Richfield, Julie Hull, 36, Farmington, Suzie Finger, 26, St. Louis Park, and Greta Simpson, 28, Minneapolis.
AGE GROUP: Jan Guenther, 50, Mound & Rhett Bonner, 45, Duluth
In September, Jan turned in what was arguably the premier effort by an American female AGer this year: An amateur victory, at the age of 50!, at Ironman Wisconsin in a U.S. 50-54W record 10:28:19.
Bonner, 45, won the Square Lake Half Ironman in a brilliant 4:13, which lowered the event's masters record by 11 minutes.
Other AG considerees: Greg Taylor, 55, Mankato; Ben Ewers, 63, North Oaks, Jeanne Fleck, 44, Proctor, and Julia Mairs, 43, St. Paul.
Bich, Haag, Guenther and Bonner will receive Columbian Heavy Pedal Coffee, courtesy of Peace Coffee.
PAST AOM WINNERS:
* August Overall: Devon Palmer & Cathy Yndestad
* August AG: Rhett Bonner, 45 & Jeanne Fleck, 44
* 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
Autumn Eligibility Criteria: Overall AOMs must turn in a minimum of two outstanding performances during the month. AG AOM's need only one outstanding performance. 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.
