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Tuesday, 28 August 2012 03:40

NAME DROPPAGE - Brett Lovaas' victory on Sunday at the 12th Lakes Country Triathlon was his 26th win since he exiled himself from the Cheesehead State in 1997 and became a Minnesota guy. Over the 15-year period that he has been a Twin Citizen, only St. Paul's David Thompson (80), Cathy Yndestad (58), Brian Bich (43), and Jan Guenther (41, we think?) have won more multisport races. Lovaas is currently tied with Patrick Parish, who has also won 26 trs & dus, for 5th place on this august list.

DU-ING WELL THESE DAYS - Dan Arlandson, who is nice guy, kinda tall and doesn't say much, and Jasmine Carlson, who is also very nice, in addition to being arrestingly pretty, won the 4th annual Minneapolis Duathlon on Sunday. As you can see, Jasmine (phone L) has an impressive "six pack." With two wins, a 3rd and a 5th in 2012 du action, Dan may be looking at a Duathlete of the Year nomination. MPLS DU RESULTS...

REV-ING HIS ENGINE - On the heels of his 80th career win at Pigman Half on the 19th, David Thompson placed 5th last Sunday at the Rev 3 - Maine Olympic Triathlon at a place called Old Orchard Beach, which may or may not be near a town. DKT probably earned some good money (is there any other kind?), but we don't know how much. RESULTS

EMMA AWARDS STUFF - The 2012 MMA Selection Committee will begin its scrutiny of athlete resumes this week. Though premature, it looks like some new names will be among the nominees.

Like who, for instance, you inquire?

It appears that Jane Koch, 15, of Burnsville will receive serious consideration for a Junior of the Year nomination. Buffalo's Jamie Heying, 42, is on the short list of female masters whose scorecards will be evaluated. Carol Markham-Cousins, 57, of Minneapolis, may be looking at a Grand Master nomination.

As for this year's rookies, it appears that Heather Lendway, whose older sister Lisa was a ROY candidate in 2005, may be the frontrunner for the award. On Sunday she placed 3rd overall at the ever-awesome Maple Grove Olympic Triathlon behind Cathy Yndestad, and Christina Roberts (who will be discussed in the Most Improved category), and ahead of several girls who, on paper, should have finished in front of her. Going into the race, she appeared to be running neck-and-neck with Brian Sames, who unfortunately had a disappointing performance at Maple Grove, finishing 25th. A glance at his uncharacteristic bike split suggests that he may have experienced mechanical difficulties. (But his run was smokin'.)

FYI, Heather has podiumed in all four of the tris she's raced in this season. Brian has cracked the overall Top 3 thricely in 2012. Both athletes are expected t race again this year.

The committee is anxious to get started.

REGIONAL CHAMP - Forest Lake's diminutive, cutely so, Gaby Bunten, 20 (photo above R), was crowned collegiate female champion at Maple Grove Olympic, which hosted the the Midwest Regional College Qualifier for USAT Collegiate Nationals, the 2013 date and location of which have yet to be determined. Probably a money deal. Gaby's time (2:24:56) placed her 4th in the overall women's standings behind CY, Christina Roberts and Heather Lendway.