Posted: April 1, 2005

Triathlon: Expect Talent Galore At "Best Of The Us Amateur Triathlete Competition" South Carolina Qualifier

(St. Paul, MN - 3/31/05) Set-Up Inc., producers of the Clemson Sprint Triathlon, and "Best of the US.." management invite South Carolina's avid triathlon community to participate in the 2005 Clemson Triathlon on May 14. This sprint distance triathlon is part of the inaugural "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," and promises to be hotly contested. For more information on the Clemson Triathlon, visit www.set-upinc.com or www.bestoftheustriathletes.com.

A special invitation is extended to the elite amateur athletes of the Palmetto State, as 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 South Carolina. We hope to see them on the Clemson Sprint starting line on May 14. 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 VAVRA (35, Florence)

South Carolina's winningest triathlete in 2004, Vavra chalked up wins at Parris Island, Cheraw Sprint, Clemson Sprint, Hartsville YMCA and Hickory Knob, to name a few. He was victorious earlier this season at Parris Island.

RADEK PARNICA (28, Savannah)

Parnica's 2004 resume rivaled Vavra's. He was victorious at the Triathlon at Hilton Head, Lake Murray, Festival of Flowers and Tri the Pee Dee. He also reached the podium at Cheraw Sprint. Radek placed second behind Vavra last month at Parris island.

GREGG CROMER (Summerville)

Gregg's 2004 scorecard features podium finishes at the second race of the Charleston Sprint Series (1st), Festival of Flowers (2nd), Hickory Knob (2nd) and Tri the Pee Dee (3rd).

JAMIE CHURCH (24, Greenville)

Church races frequently and is no stranger to the podium. Wins at Greenville Sprint and the third race of the Charleston Sprint Series, as well as a 2nd at Clemson and a 3rd at Lake Murray highlight his 2004 season. He was 4th last month at Parris Island.

Others who would challenge for passdown spots include MARK WOODY (35, Columbia), FRED REINHARDT (Hendersonville) and BRYAN BENITEZ-NELSON (Columbia)

JENNY LEISER (25, Charleston)

If Jenny races at Clemson, she will undoubtedly be favored, Her 2004 resume shows that she's nearly invincible in regional racing. She kicked off her 2005 season with a convincing win at Parris Island.

NIKI MINCKLER (31, Hilton Head Island)

In 2004, Niki won the Triathlon at Hilton Head and placed 2nd in three Charleston Sprint Series events.

TRACY DEWITT (Charleston)

Dewitt's 2004 scorecard is highlighted by three "backyard" victories in Charleston Sprint Series races.

Other names to keep in mind include KATIE LEVENTIS (Columbia), AMY PIERSON (Greenville) and super master PATT LOGGINS (Charleston), who still holds the US Female Masters Half IM record and has won more than her share of Palmetto State Tri Series events over the years.