By Nancy McElwain, M.S., J.D
The latest news is that the Louisville Landsharks Triathlon Club has been revived!
On Feb. 7, more than 40 people attended the first meeting of the rejuvenated club at Jersey Mike's in Stonybrook. The new membership elected officers and committee heads. Enthusiastic and capable people stepped forward to take leadership of the club. The mission of club is “to promote multi-sport activities for all ages and abilities throughout Metro Louisville and the surrounding communities.”
We became acquainted by introducing ourselves one at a time and stating why we wanted to be part of the club. A common theme quickly emerged. No matter what level of triathlon experience, everyone wanted group rides, runs and swims so that they would have company to enjoy — or endure — workouts together. It was inspiring to hear each person's hopes and plans for the future.
The club's new officers are a talented bunch. The club president is Mike Kresge. Mike is returning to Louisville after spending several years in New York State . Mike was part of the Landsharks in the “olden days” (circa 1999) and is a talented triathlete. Since returning to town, he won his age group in the 2006 Kentuckiana HealthFitness Duathlon Series, and was the overall winner of the 2006 Oldham County triathlon. Mike is motivated to get the club going again because “it was a great club when I lived here before and to come back to town and see it not have the same presence in the community was disheartening.” His goals are to create a fun environment, raise awareness for those who don't know that much about the sport, and to support not only today's triathletes but tomorrow's triathletes as well.
Vice President Cheryl Scanlon is a fitness professional. With a master's degree in exercise physiology, Cheryl is currently working in the Health Promotion Schools for Excellence program. She is the overall female winner of the 2005 E.P. Tom Sawyer Park Triathlon. Club Secretary Laura Fogt has extensive coaching experience as the assistant coach for the University of Louisville Women 's Rowing Team. A gifted athlete in her own right, she was third woman overall in the 2006 TriAmerica Louisville triathlon. Laura's energy is infectious — any conversation with her just seems like a pep talk.
Treasurer Glenn Reed is currently training for the 2007 National Senior Games Triathlon (and archery competition) to be held here in Louisville . Glen shared his feelings about the future of the club: “I'm enthused. The club is a really, really good vehicle for getting people involved in physical fitness. It's a way to get people together to train for triathlon, and I think it will be a very popular club.”
If you are fear that this group is too hardcore, you will be pleased to learn that a very crucial part — the social element — has not been overlooked.
Alan Vaesa heads the club's social committee. Alan is a rock climber who is totally new to triathlon. His goals are to 1) have fun and 2) to complete his first triathlon. Alan was off to a good start in reaching his No. 1 goal at the first meeting by holding drawings for door prizes and giving away energy bars. Finally, it was exciting to see strong interest in multisport for youth, and the membership created a committee tasked with developing youth triathlon/duathlon, led by Mike Shadoan. Children who follow their parents' footsteps to become involved in triathlon are the future of this fast growing sport.
If you are interested in learning more about the club or would like to download an application form, visit the Web site at www.louisvillelandsharks.org. If you are interested in sponsoring the club, contact Brian Menz, head of the sponsorship committee, at bckzmenz@insightbb.com.
