Posted: June 14, 2005

Triathlon: Mckeatchie Is "Best Of.." Michigan!

On June 12, age group icon, Karen Mckeatchie, 52, of Ann Arbor, earned the right to represent Michigan at the "Best of the US Champs." Finishing 2nd behind Canadian star Blaire Kniaziew at the Ann Arbor/Best of the US Qualifier, the former US Triathlete of the Year (1999) and US Master of the Year (2000), out-performed many of her state's most accomplished open-class women. Karen, if she accepts her championship invitation, will likely be the "Best of the US's" oldest and most decorated participant. She is a 19-time TT/IT All American and is a 5-time World Champion.

Michigan's male representative is 26-year-old Matt Wehrman of Birmingham. Wehrman managed to stay in front of the formidable likes of Joe Deighan, Parker Roth and Eric Fernando, all of whom make frequent visits to the Winners Circle. Ann Arbor Triathlon results can be found at www.eliteendeavors.com.

MICHIGAN STATE CHAMPIONS: Matthew Wehrman (26, Birmingham) & Karen McKeatchie (52, Ann Arbor)
MALE PASS-DOWN SLOTS: #1 - Joe Deighan (34, Beverly Hills), #2 - Parker Roth (24, #3 - Eric Fernando (37, West Bloomfield) and #4 - Matt West (30, Ypsilanti). FEMALE PASS-DOWN SLOTS: #1 - Cheryl Klotkowski, #2 - Katherine Decavit, #3 - Karen Walls and #4 - Julie Bellerose.

Also on June 12, the Buster Britton Triathlon, expertly produced by Team Magic and staged in breathtaking Oak Mountain State Park, determined Alabama's "Best of the US" representatives. Advancing were Morgan Ramey, 36, of Helena, and Lori Goldweber, 41, of Homewood. For Buster Britton results, visit www.team-magic.com.

ALABAMA STATE CHAMPIONS: Morgan Ramey (36, Helena) & Lori Goldweber (41, Homewood)
MALE PASS-DOWN SLOTS: #1 - Jason Frey (27, Birmingham), #2 - Casey Fannin (44, Birmingham), #3 - Philip Hake (23, Birmingham) and #4 - Mark Jacobs (47, Birmingham).

On June 11, the YMCA Spudman Triathlon hosted the "Best of the US" Idaho qualifier. Pre-race favorites, Kevin Everett and Margaret Hepworth, both Boise residents, were crowned state champions. For Spudman results, visit www.spudmantriathlon.com.

IDAHO STATE CHAMPIONS: Kevin Everett (Boise) & Margaret Hepworth (Boise)
MALE PASS-DOWN SLOTS: #1 - Tom Liby (Boise), #2 - Grant Folske (Ketchum), #3 - Keith Folske (Boise) and #4 - Bryan Hart (Boise). FEMALE PASS-DOWN SLOTS: #1 - Lori Harvey (Boise), #2 - Jeanne McFall (Boise), #3 - Kim Pepin (Moscow) and Kristina Mitchell (Boise)

For more information on the "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," contact Jerry at 651-714-1829 or jerry@midwestevents.com.