(Photo: Shadowy three-time MSU Tri champ Rachel Busch, we think?)By Jennifer Myers
For the third year in a row, Rachel Busch was crowned MSU Campus Recreation Triathlon Female Champion. She clocked in this year at 1:30.20, squeaking past her dad by 17 seconds.
The men's winner was Neil Schalk, who finished the course in 1:19.03. He was followed very closely by Mike Cullen, who pulled in 2nd place for the men with 1:19.40. Last year's winner, Jose Rosales (1:17 - race record), was sidelined by a broken foot and pulled lap counting duty.
The first of five heats of swimmers began their race at 8 am. By the time the 5th heat was swimming, it was 9:15 am, so the course had thinned out and participants had plenty of space to climb the two hills (same hill, out and back) that rise from the Le Sueur River valley. The wind picked up a bit, but didn't affect racers too much.
As promised, Lady Gaga and Little Debbies were waiting at the finish for all competitors. The spectators were loud and proud, and the Mankato community represented well, as quite a few members from the Mankato Multisport Club competed; some for the first time.
Full race results will be posted on the campus recreation website after the race director takes a much-needed day to recuperate! -JM
