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Friday, 15 October 2010 05:00

Minnesota Multisport Awards - Nominations for the Most Improved award go to those whose competitive resumes demonstrate that they deserve to be ranked among the best tri/du-athletes in our region. They are usually athletes who weren't named to Team Minnesota, i.e. the season's Top 10 most...

successful male and female racers, in the past but are deserving of a berth on this year's team. Or they are Team Minnesota members who significantly improve their placings on the list.

Team Minnesota's 2009 Women's Roster: 1. Cathy Yndestad, 2. Kortney Haag, 3. Marlo McGaver, 4. Jeanne Fleck, 5. Jan Guenther, 6. Julie Hull, 7. Heidi Keller-Miler, 8. Brook Mutzenberger, 9. Marnie Walth, 10. Susan Williams.

A glance at this season's results tell us that 2010 Women's Team Minnesota will bear little resemblance to '09s. Jeanne and Heidi were injured this year and thus did not race often enough to receive consideration. Marnie is a North Dakotan who did not race on Minnesota soil this season. Kortney's pregnancy kept her out most of the season and though she still may earn a TM berth, it may not be as close to the top as a year ago.

At least three girls who were not on TM '09 will make this year's roster. All three of these women, plus one other who will come close to making the team, will earn Most Improved nominations.

The MMA Selectors have whittled the list of potential candidates from approximately 20 to seven, from which the final four nominees will be chosen. In alpha order, they are:

* Diane Hankee, 33, Lino Lakes - 2010 Highlights: 13 podium finishes, including four wins.

* Brooke Larsen, 33, Northfield (photo Top R) - 2010 Highlights: Won four races and the Tri Minnesota Series.

* Catherine Lee, 36, Minneapolis - 2010 Highlights: six starts, 4 podiums (2 wins), a 4th at Life Time Fitness-Elite & a 10:28:27 at Kona.

* Sarah Mercer, 42, Golden Valley - 2010 Highlights: Win at Lake Minnetonka, 2nd at Trinona Olympic, 5th at Minneman.

* Katherine Schlaefer, 32, St. Paul (photo Top L) - 2010 Highlights: Four starts, four wins.

* Julia Weisbecker, 44, Mendota Heights - 2010 Highlights: Amateur win at Maple Grove Olympic plus three other podium finishes.

* Jenny Wilcox, 35, Cottage Grove - (Photo Top Center) 2010 Highlights - Jenny won 10 multis this season.

Please utilize the "Add Comment" feature below to let us know who you feel deserves to be nominated; or who you feel best deserves the award.

All MMA nominees will be announced on this site on Tuesday, October 19.