Originally Posted: March 18, 2021
This past fall triathlon season with the Dartmouth Triathlon Team was eventful to say the least! Our season began in September with a race the first weekend back to school at Buzzard’s Bay in Westport, MA. 20 members of our team raced, including three first timers! We all caravanned down the day before the race in two vans packed with bikes and gear and two more loaded with people. We rolled into the race early the next morning, blasting our favorite pump-up tunes and taking care of some last-minute flat tires before checking into transition. Despite the gigantic waves threatening to bury us under mountains of water, our team powered through, ending up with impressive finishes all around.
Sonia Rowley ’19 on the podium
Sonia Rowley ’19 was 2nd woman overall, leading the women’s team to a top spot on the podium.
The women’s team posing after their first place finish!
Following the race high, we returned to campus for our first week of practices, only to be overwhelmed by a storm of new members. Our first few practices of the term were absolutely packed, causing us to have to rearrange our practice schedule early on as our team doubled in size. The ‘21s’ enthusiasm was contagious as we tailored our practices to focus on technique and strength building, and we have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming them to our team!
Strength practice in the BEMA
We kicked off our list of social events this term with an early morning hike up Cardigan Mountain, feat. Coach Jeff and his dog, Dozer.
Coach Jeff and Dozer
Leaf peeping was definitely in order as the team bonded while breathing in the beautiful New England air and appreciating the brilliant fall foliage.
The ‘18s pose on top of Mt. Cardigan
Soon after, our team was thrilled to participate in the annual Homecoming parade as we piled into the back of Coach Jeff’s truck and waved to the crowds around Hanover. Our seniors and coaches then gathered on the steps of Dartmouth Hall to have our captains and coaches honored in the Dartmouth Night ceremony, followed by cheering on the ‘21s as they did dutifully ran twenty-one laps around the homecoming bonfire.
Seniors and coach Jim on the steps of Dartmouth Hall during Homecoming
Our next social event was my personal favorite and a well-established tri team tradition: new member wake ups! All the upperclassmen dressed up in their best flair to wake up the new members and welcome them to the team. After gathering from all corners of campus, we met up in Tom Dent cabin by the Connecticut River to enjoy freshly cooked breakfast from our amazing team captain, Katie Clayton ‘18, and crew.
Everyone dressed in flair post-breakfast
That same weekend, many members of our team, including all three coaches, participated in the CHAD half-marathon and 5k events to raise money for our local children’s hospital. After once again donning our (superhero themed) flair, we enjoyed a beautiful fall day for a race with many impressive performances, including Evan Wetzel ’19 taking 1st place overall in the 5k!
CHAD superheroes
We finished out the season with an exciting indoor triathlon hosted on campus, composed of a 700-yard swim in the pool, 9 miles on the spin bike, and a 3.4-mile outdoor run. For many of our new members, it was their first triathlon experience, and they did nothing but impress. From the cheers and encouragement all throughout the race, to all-out sprint photo finishes, to high-fives and hugs at the finish line, I couldn’t think of a better group of people to race and train with, and I can’t wait to see how everyone improves throughout the off-season!
The team prepares to start the first leg of the indoor triathlon
All in all, we couldn’t be happier with the results of this season. With so many new members and exciting events in the works, I can’t wait to see what next term holds for the tri team!
Team brunch following the indoor tri.
SBR,
Matt
About the Author
Matthew Goff ’18 from Hanover, NH, is a Neuroscience major and Anthropology of Global Health minor on the pre-med track. When not training for triathlons, he loves to play cello, ice hockey, explore the outdoors with family and friends, and perfect his pre-race playlist and dance moves.
