George Washington University

Dec. 1, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - The George Washington Rowing, Swimming, and Cross Country teams squared off in the second GW Athletic Department Triathlon on Tuesday, November 25, 2008.

The event consisted of a 600 yard swim, a six-kilometer "erg" (short for "ergometer" or indoor rowing machine) and a five-kilometer run. The Colonials athletes participated in an all out competition for departmental bragging rights.

"This event is a great way to measure athletes in an event combining their specialty with two other events far less familiar to them, with the idea that top athletes will rise to the top," said head men's rowing coach Greg Myhr. "It was terrific to see so many good athletes competing, regardless of their proficiency in a given discipline."

"The triathlon brings the different teams together and gives everyone something to talk about with their fellow student-athletes," said head women's rowing coach Rob McCracken. "It also provides them with an opportunity to compete in an event that is different from what they do day in and day out during practice. Everyone learned something about themselves and other sports here at GW while having a great time in the process."

The popularity of the event grew from last year with over 90 competitors, up from 62 last year. In addition to the student-athletes, a number of coaches and departmental staff members also participated in the event.

"Any time you get a group of athletes involved in a competition where scores are being kept, it's going to be intense," Cross Country coach Brian Biel commented after the event. "And though it certainly was, I got a strong sense that the overall attitude out there was one of camaraderie. I think everyone who finished the event now appreciates the other two sports much more than they did beforehand. I know I certainly do! Next year I'll be making a bid for the coaches to compete in teams so we can keep up with these young guns!"

Swimming and Diving head coach Dan Rhinehart added, "It was a fun time for all the teams. A little chilly, but everyone survived and I think had a great time the second year around.

Benjamin Lookner of men's rowing won the men's title with a total time of 51:29 while Bess Austin of women's rowing won the women's side with a time of 1:02.52. Men's rowing took the team title (combined top five scores), while the women's swimming team won the women's team title.

Top 10 men's student-athlete finishers
1 Benjamin Lookner Men's Rowing 0:51:29.0
2 Robert Berns Men's Rowing 0:51:51.0
3 Konrad Kopczinsky Men's Swimming 0:53:06.0
4 Collin Stevenson Men's Cross Country 0:53:56.0
5 Max Greenblum Men's Rowing 0:54:23.0
8 Andrew Maguire Men's Swimming 0:55:25.0
9 Tom Pullen Men's Swimming 0:55:32.0
11 David Morgenstern Men's Rowing 0:55:55.0
12 Keith Moody Men's Cross Country 0:56:01.0
13 Jake Miner Men's Rowing 0:56:06.0

Top 10 women's student-athlete finishers
40 Bess Austin Women's Rowing 1:02:52.0
41 Bonnie Scott Women's Rowing 1:02:53.0
46 Michelle Cino Women's Swimming 1:04:00.0
47 Cissey Ye Women's Swimming 1:04:20.0
48 Emily Leik Women's Swimming 1:05:04.0
50 Katrina Timlin Women's Swimming 1:05:51.0
51 Lauren Fuchs Women's Swimming 1:06:22.0
53 Kyla Sommers Women's Cross Country 1:06:54.0
54 Sarah Richard Women's Swimming 1:07:04.0
55 Sarah Mei-Ling Beggs Women's Swimming 1:07:56.0