Starting in June, students from Shaler Area Elementary School began to prepare for the Habitat for Humanity Youth Triathlon. The endless enthusiasm that filled our Kids of Steel running season had continued throughout the summer and carried this group of mostly novice triathletes through some brutally hot practices. We held four practices for 29 aspiring triathletes which included two BIKE-RUN-TRANSITION practices at Shaler Area Elementary, and two SWIM-TRANSITION practices at Kiwanis Pool in Shaler. Despite the extreme heat and added demands, the kids eagerly met the challenges. My assistant coaches Mike Barber, Kevin Luksik, Allyson Rust and I were blown away by their enthusiasm, willingness to try something new, and drive to improve each and every week.
The race on July 19th, exceeded our expectations. Every one of our triathletes teemed with excitement, cheered on their teammates, and found strength from the comradery within the group of 29 athletes who trained for this event. The day was filled with smiles, overcoming obstacles, and accomplishment as they eagerly crossed the finish line. The coaches, parents, and supporters burst with pride while watching all of these kids compete and accomplish an amazing challenge.
Maura Rizzo completed her first triathlon. At the initial practice on June 25, she had to use training wheels to ride her bike and had no plans of competing in the race. However, after practicing with her Kids of Steel peers, she was determined to ditch the training wheels. Within a week, the aspiring triathlete was successful and registered for the race. Smiling from ear to ear, Maura conquered the course to achieve her goal of becoming a triathlete.
Andrew Whitco beams with pride as he stands with his two coaches, Kelly Himes and Mike Barber. He was eager to compete in this event because it encompasses three of his favorite hobbies: swimming, biking, and running. He enjoys all three and loved how he could race his friends and improve his time at each attempt while training. On race day, he put all of his hard work together to power through the swim, fly around the bike course and rip through the running route!
Kelly Himes and her assistant coaches Mike Barber and Kevin Luksik stand with their triathletes on the day of the big race. They couldn’t be happier to have 29 athletes registered for the race. For many of these kids, it was their first triathlon, stepping out of their comfort zone to overcome this momentous feat.
Submitted by Kelly Himes
