The course is cleaned up, bags have been packed and unpacked, and the athletes are back at their respective schools focusing on finals instead of race splits. But we're still thinking about "our" athletes, happy for the ones that made their goals, sad for those who had unforeseen setbacks, proud of all the work they all put into the preparation and execution, and jealous we didn't get to go to Arizona.
Thirty-nine triathletes traveled from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University to Tempe, Arizona to compete in the 2013 USAT Collegiate Nationals, held Friday and Saturday, April 12–13. You can read their bios and goals in part one of our coverage.
Here in Iowa the cross-state rivalry is always a big deal, so we have to start by reporting that, with over 100 schools represented, the University of Iowa Trihawks took 18th with 3003 points in the combined team totals and Iowa State University Triclones took 20th with 2805 points. On the women's side, the Triclones beat the Trihawks 1403 points (27th place) to 1156 points (33rd place). The Trihawk men had a superb finish on this national stage winning 5th place with 1847 points. The Triclone men scored 1402 points for 22nd place.
The 2013 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship is almost here. This Friday and Saturday, April 12–13, over 1000 athletes from 108 schools across the US will compete for honors and prize money.