FEATURES

Minnesota's Female Rockstars...

Friday, 22 November 2013 02:00

Team Minnesota - Women - Here is some of the rationale determining the 2013 women's Team:

1. RUTH BRENNAN MORREY - In 2013 Ruther established herself at America's premier female duathlete and one of our nation's best 70.3 racers. Her 4:15 at Augusta 70.3 and her podium at the Zofingen Long Distance Duathlon World Championship were highlights unprecedented in Minnesota multisport history....

2. HEATHER LENDWAY - Eight wins, three MMAs, a national title, a record-setting LD debut and being a shoo-in US AOY HM set her apart from her amateur peers in Minnesota.

3. CATHY YNDESTAD - A resume worthy of another AOY HM, which would be her 3rd to go along with her 2009 AOY win, made her the easy choice for #3 here.

4. DIANE HANKEE - The 2013 HOLT State Champion, Diane amassed four wins, two of them halves and two successful IM performances during her breakout season. Her selection in the #4 spot was a slam dunk.

5. SUZIE FOX - Suzie and Claire duked it out for the 5th and 6th spots. Suzie's versatility, e.g. success in long and short tris and duathlon, gave her the edge.

6. CLAIRE BOOTSMA - Boots only had one victory this season, but landed on the podium a total of five times. Her 13th at Nationals (2:10:05) against a field that USAT's Tim Yount believes to be twice as deep as in any prior year, was also noteworthy.

7. EMILY KRATZ - A long distance specialist, her amateur victory at Ironman Texas was the highlight of her season.

8. JENNIFER SCUDIERO - Reigning Duathlon National Champion, Jenn is the first dedicated duathlete to earn a spot on Team Minnesota.

9. NICOLE HEININGER - Minnesota's Rooke of the Year won two races and excelled at a variety of distances. Places 7-10 on this list were virually interchangeable. As impressive as her wins were her 2nd at Lake Waconia and 3rd at Heart of the Lakes.

10. KORTNEY HAAG - Injured for almost two-thirds of the season, Kort nevertheless managed to turn in enough fine performances--her win at Pigman Half, especially--to earn her a spot on the Team.

NEXT FIVE PLACES: 11. Olivia Bagnall (photo above R), 12. Cathy Lee. 13. Stephanie Solfelt, 14. Christina Roberts, 15. Jan Guenther.

NOTE - By rule, an athlete must have a minimum of three outstanding performances on their resume to be eligible for award nominations (Performance of the Year notwithstanding) and placement on Team Minnesota. It is for this reason that Michelle Andres, whose scorecard featured two outstanding performances, did not make the 2013 Team.

ALSO - The MMA Selectors have yet to determine whether athletes who specialize in ITU draft legal racing are eligible for Team Minnesota status. This is why America's premier ITU racer, Gwen Jorgenson (photo L), who has a home in St. Paul, had not made the squad the last two years. That could change in 2014. The Selectors welcome the thoughts and opinions of members of the Minnesota multisport community on this issue. Patrick Parish made his position clear after the MMA presentation, when on Facebook, he said "he almost pulled a Kanye."