Posted: March 21, 2005

Triathlon: Hawaii Qualifier Kicks Off The Inaugural "Best Of The Us Amateur Triathlete Competition" On April 3

Hursty, Cotter & Myers Top Long List Of Favorites

(St. Paul, MN - 3/17/05) The Hawaii Sports Connection, producers of the Lavaman Triathlon, and "Best of the US.." management invite Hawaii's voracious triathlon community to participate in the 8th annual Lavaman on April 3. This Olympic distance triathlon kicks off the inaugural "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition." For more information on the Lavaman, visit www.lavamantriathlon.com or www.bestoftheustriathletes.com

A special invitation is extended to the elite amateur athletes of the Aloha State, as the Lavaman is the official Hawaii Qualifier for the "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition." The fastest male and female resident amateurs will advance to the "Best of the US Championships" in picturesque Gilford, NH on August 20, where they'll race head-to-head with the winners of the other 49 state qualifiers.

In order to insure that all states will be represented at the Championship, a 5-deep passdown system will be in effect. If the "Best of the US.." state champion is unable to attend the championship, his or her slot will be offered to the next in line, and so on.

Below are some of athletes that set the tri standards in Hawaii. We hope to see them on the Lavaman starting line on April 3. Keep in mind that every new season produces new stars. Don't be surprised if a heretofore unknown, or two, upsets some of the established elites.

JAMES COTTER (23, Kailua Kona)

Since 2000, this 2002 Inside Triathlon All American and three-time Team USA member has never finished out of the top 5 at Lavaman. In fact, he won this race in 2003. He attracted national attention in 2002 with a silver medal/5th place overall effort at the USAT Age Group National Championship in Coeur D'Alane, ID. His 2004 highlights include a victory at Hawaii Tinman, and a 4th at Lavaman. His 3rd at Keauhou Kona in 2003 clearly demonstrated that he has excellent long course aptitude as well.

PETER HURSTY (32, Honolulu)

Winner of the Lavaman by convincing margins in 2002, 2001 & 2000, it would be unwise to bet against Peter on this course.

TIMOTHY MARR (26, Mililani)

Marr placed 3rd at Lavaman 2002 and 5th at Lavaman '03. In 2004, he was victorious at MAG-24 and runner-up at Honolulu & Lanikai.

CHAD SEYMOUR (22, Honolulu)

Chad's 2004 scorecard featured impressive efforts at Honolulu (3rd), MAG-24 (2nd), Ko Olina (3rd), Lanikai (4th) & Keahou Kona (9th).

BREE MYERS (25, Kailua Kona)

An inside Triathlon All American, Myers enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2004. In addition to winning the Lavaman by a corpulent 7:28 margin, Bree also reached the podium at Honolulu and Tinman. She was also one of three Hawaiian women to crack the Top 30 at USAT Nationals.

SUSAN BURR (35, Honolulu)

An Inside Triathlon All American in 2000, this talented triathlete won the prestigious Honolulu Triathlon last year.

SHERRY COONS (40, Kihei)

A consideree for US Amateur of the Year in 2002 and US Master of the Year in 2004, Sherry is one of America's premier amateur triathletes. She is a former 35-39 national champ and has twice earned medals in World Championship competition.

JENNA YANCEY (31, Honolulu)

A two-time member of Team USA, Jenna is among Hawaii's more prolific & successful racers. In 2004, she enjoyed top 3 finishes at Lanikai, Tinman and MAG-24, which she won. She also won the Lavaman in 2003.

INGRID ROLLES (31, Honolulu)

An Inside Triathlon All American, Ingrid was the top Hawaiin at USAT Nationals last year, where she earned a bronze medal in her age group and finished 11th overall. Perhaps the highlight of her 2004 season, which included a 2nd place effort at Lavaman, was her amateur victory at the Xterra Worlds Championships.