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Nexts in Line....Part II...
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Wednesday, 01 November 2017 19:10
Yesterday, we revealed the names and resumes of those talented athletes who just missed receiving MMA nominations in five categories. Today, we'll introduce a few more Nexts-in-Line.
- Most Improved - Men - JOSH MORK, 34, Lino Lakes - Josh had a great season, featuring four podiums in four starts. One of those efforts--Big Lake Sprint--produced a win. Additionally, the only guys that beat him were men who have made Team Minnesota in the past and will make it again this year. Three of the four men who received MI nominations have earned spots on 2017 Team MInnesota. The fourth nominee placed 11th in the Selector's polling, while Josh finished in 12th place.
- Most Improved - Women - Battling for the Next-in-Line acknowledgement in this category were SARA CARLSON (37, Brainerd) and BETTINA KEPPERS (33, Duluth). Though Carlson won three of the four multis she entered this season, Keppers was the next in line for a nomination, and had, in fact, received support from two selectors. What the Committee preferred about Bettina was the fact that she raced well against some of our region's best women, e.g. Elaine Nelson and Lisa Lendway, and in her repeat victory at Timberman Sprint, she outraced that event's deepest women's field ever. Carlson's best effort of the year, according to all of the Selectors, was not one of her wins, but her 6th place effort at wetsuitless Chisago Half IM (4:55:44), though her W at Lakes Country was impressive.
Here is Kepper's 2017 Resume:
- 1st @ Timberman Sprint
- 2nd @ Brewhouse Sprint (Behind Lendway) ...
Nexts in Line...Part I...
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Tuesday, 31 October 2017 23:10
In a recent conversation, a triathlete asked us why there weren't any 45-49 women nominated in the Master of the Year category. Though we were able to give her a plausible explanation, in hindsight, we wished that we had added a 45-49 nominee.
We argued that Hankee and Myers, both 40-44ers, were slam dunk nominees, as were 50-54s Weisbecker and Kippenhan. We stand by these picks.
She then asked us who was the next in line for a nomination. Great question. Not only did we give her an answer--Jody Quesnell--we decided to create a post highlighting the "next-in-liners" for MMA nominations.
- Junior of the Year - MACY IYER, 13, Edina - Macy is going to be a star. We're convinced of this. Had she had one more great effort in 2017, she would have been nominated. Also, she is one several young female triathletes (under 16) who appear destined for greatness. That list includes Bella Buenting and Simone Lundquist.
- Grand Master - MIKE FLYNN, 67, Elk River - Mike had an awesome season, featuring divisional wins at Maple Grove Sprint, Heart of the Lakes, Trinona Sprint and Oakdale Du, but two other men from his AG--perennial GMOY nominee Neil KIng, and Spike Millslagle, who set three AG records--were slam dunk selections. Because of this, if the Committee had chosen a fifth nominee, it would likely have been HELEN GUNTHER, 60, of Excelsior....
2017 MMA Nominees...Complete List...
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Monday, 30 October 2017 19:10
Photo - Gaby Bunten is nominated in three categories this year.
2017 MINNESOTA MULTISPORT AWARDS - Here are all of the 2017 MMA nominees:
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ROOKIE – 1. Jake Braam, 2. Keeghan Hurley, 3. Emily Muellner
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JUNIOR – 1. Anders Broman, 2. Carter Deichman, 3. Taylor Lundquist, 4. Garrett Welsch
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GRAND MASTER – 1. Jan Guenther, 2. Neil King, 3. Daniel Kirk, 4. Pam Stevens
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MASTER – WOMEN – 1. Diane Hankee, 2. Christel Kippenhan, 3. Andrea Myers, 4. Julia Weisbecker
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MASTER – MEN – 1. Brooks Grossinger, 2. David Holden,3. Matthew Payne, 4. Chris Tatton
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MOST IMPROVED – WOMEN – 1. Gaby Bunten, 2. Nicole Heininger, 3. Kelly Trom, 4. Maggie Weiss
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MOST IMPROVED – MEN – 1.Joe Adrieans, 2. Nathan Ansbaugh, 3. Jordan Roby, 4. Andy Wiberg
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DUATHLETE – 1. Wade Cruser, 2. Brian Sames, 3. Kris Spoth, 4. Dani Vsetecka ...
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Long Distance AOY Nominees....
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Sunday, 29 October 2017 19:10
2017 MINNESOTA MULTISPORT AWARDS - The LONG DISTANCE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD (LDAOY) was inaugurated in 2014. A coed category, nominees must have turned in a least TWO outstanding efforts during the season at races that are 70.3 or longer.
In '14, the winner was Matthew Payne, who won three long distance races: Liberty (4:02:46 - CR), Pigman (4:13) and Leadman Bend (OR) 125 (4:07:57 - CR).
In 2015, the LDAOY was won by Dani Vsetecka, who's long course resume featured wins @ Door Country Half IM and Pigman.
Last year, Diane Hankee won the award, albeit narrowly, over Erin Farrens. Diane raced in FIVE halves, winning one (LIberty) and podiuming at Muncie (2nd - 4:38:51) and Steelhead (3rd - 4:41).
Who will be the recipient of the 2017 LDAOY? Here are the nominees and their long course highlights:
- NATHAN ANSBAUGH, 30, Minneapolis
2nd @ LIberty Half
5th @ Superior Man - 4:15:17 ...
Hodgy Podgy Stuff....
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Saturday, 28 October 2017 19:10
Fall in Minnesota, AKA off season. Plus some mini race recaps!
By Julia Weisbecker (julia-gobiggreen.blogspot.com)
I had a dream last night that it snowed. So if i were to end this blog post in just a few sentences it would read " FALL in MN: we think every day over 60 is the last and we wait for snow. Goodbye."
When in reality that isn't true its in the back of our heads.
The leaves are at peak, a bit late, and its cold in the AM and recently gotten into the high 60's and lower 70's for about 1 hour 4-5pm:) I am not quite used to the 35 deg in the AM, but we always say that in a month or two you will wish it was that warm in the AM. So it goes. ..
