By Brad Leonard and Alan Schmeiser (April 2011)
Introduction
An objective of the USAT History Project is to recognize and honor important figures of the sport. Members of the USAT History Project committee compiled three lists of Pioneers of the Sport organized into two categories: Athletes and Founders/Organizers. The Athletes category is divided into two subcategories according to date: Pre-1983 and 1983-1989. The Founders and Organizers category lists individuals active during the 1970s to 1989. The dates 1983 and 1989 were chosen because of the milestones achieved during those two years.
In 1983 Triathlon Federation/USA was recognized as the National Governing Body of the sport and when it formally offered sanctioning of events, insurance and provided rules, officials, newsletters and other benefits for members and race directors. 1989 was the beginning of transition from Tri-Fed/USA to USAT.
The criteria for an individual’s inclusion in the list of Pioneers of the Sport were determined by the members of the USAT History Project committee. However, members of the triathlon community are invited and encouraged to review the lists and submit comments and suggestions to the USAT History Project. See “Note” at the end of the lists.
Criteria for the Pre-1983 Athletes
- Raced often and long enough to have been thoroughly immersed in the sport
- Top 3 to 5 finisher and/or other achievement (i.e. competed in 5 to 10 races per season for several seasons or competed in 15 events in a 20 year period)
- Potential inductee for the USAT Hall of Fame
- Possible participant in USAT History Project (written account/oral history of personal observation of triathlon evolution, especially during the 1970s to 1983 period; may have artifacts or other items of historical importance to donate for USAT History Project Collection)
Abbreviations: WC = Age Group World Champion; NC = Age Group National Champion; IMWC = Pro or Age Group Ironman World Champion
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|
Adams |
Lori |
|
|
Allen |
Mark |
Pro competitor, 6 time winner IMWC, coach, author |
|
Beck |
Robin |
Female winner IMWC 1980 |
|
Bell |
Bill |
Older AG competitor |
|
Bellian |
Vern |
outstanding AG competitor, NC, WC |
|
Bettencourt |
Jack |
Oldest (52) entrant in 1st Escape from Alcatraz, SF Bay 1981, Won by Dave Horning |
|
Bow |
Ardis |
Pro competitor, graphic artist for Rules |
|
Brening |
Juli |
Pro competitor in regional events and HI IM |
|
Buchanan |
Linda |
Pro competitor |
|
Bulman |
Liz |
Pro competitor in regional/national events & later AG winner |
|
Brooks |
Lyn |
AG competitor, Won Nice 1982, 3rd at Ironman 1982 |
|
Cannon |
Colleen |
Pro competitor in local, regional, national events |
|
Chequer-Pfeiffer |
Karen |
Pro and later AG winner in late 70's and 80's |
|
Clark |
Brooks |
Pro competitor |
|
Collins |
John |
Participant in 1974 Mission Bay Tri SD CA - Organized first Hawaii IM Tri in 1978 |
|
Collins |
Judy |
Participant in 1974 Mission Bay Tri SD CA |
|
Davey |
Norton |
Older AG winner |
|
DeBoom |
Tim |
Pro competitor at local, regional & national events, 3 time winner HI IM |
|
Demetriou |
Jim |
AG competitor |
|
Edwards |
Sally |
AG competitor in early 70's in local, regional events and IM, author, motivator |
|
Ernst |
Joanne |
Pro competitor in regional/national events and HI IM winner |
|
Fitch |
Steve |
Pro competitor |
|
Elliott |
Dale |
|
|
Good |
Dennis |
AG competitor in 70's in local, regional events and IM |
|
Gould |
Gordon |
AG competitor in 70's in local & regional events |
|
Graves |
John |
|
|
Graves |
Charlie |
Pro competitor |
|
Haller |
Gordon |
Winner 1st Hawaii Ironman, 1978 |
|
Hanks |
Fletcher |
Older AG competitor, RD in Maryland, Deceased |
|
Hansen |
Joy |
Pro competitor in local, regional/national events and IM |
|
Harper |
Dean |
NC as Pro, later WC as AG competitor |
|
Hinshaw |
Chris |
Pro competitor in regional/national events and IM, son of Ed |
|
Hinshaw |
Ed |
AG competitor in early 80's & HI IM, father of Chris |
|
Horning |
Dave |
Pro competitor in IM, noted open water swimming competitor, RD Enviro Series |
|
Howard |
John |
1982 IMWC, three time Olympic cyclist |
|
Huddle |
Paul |
Pro competitor in regional/national events & in IM, TV announcer |
|
Israel |
Diane |
Pro competitor |
|
Jacobs |
Todd |
Pro competitor |
|
Jones |
Eney |
Pro competitor, noted swimmer |
|
Jones |
Russ |
Won 2nd & 3rd Mission Bay Tri in 1975, 1976, Later older AG competitor |
|
Langone |
Kenneth |
Pro competitor |
|
Laramie |
Mike |
Older AG competitor |
|
Leach |
Bill |
AG Competitor, NC, WC |
|
Leach |
Julie |
Female winner Hawaii Ironman, Oct 1982 |
|
Lemaire |
Lynn |
Female winner 2nd Hawaii Ironman, 1979 |
|
Lemucchi |
Tim |
Older AG competitor |
|
Lloyd |
Cheryl |
AG competitor |
|
MacIntyre |
Mark |
Pro competitor |
|
Madden |
Kurt |
Pro competitor |
|
McCarty |
Claire |
Pro competitor |
|
McCartney |
Kathleen |
Female winner Hawaii Ironman, Feb 1982 |
|
Molina |
Scott |
Pro winner in USAT series & regional/national events & competitor in IM |
|
Moller |
Greg |
Pro competitor in early 80s |
|
Montgomery |
Mark |
Pro competitor |
|
Marshall |
Bill |
AG competitor in early 80's |
|
Moss |
Julie |
Pro IM competitor in early 80's |
|
Munn |
Susan |
Older AG competitor in early 80’s and winner in local and regional events |
|
Newby-Fraser |
Paula |
Pro competitor in local, regional, national events & 8 time winner HI IM |
|
Olson |
Julie |
Pro competitor |
|
Peoples |
Patty |
Pro competitor |
|
Phillips |
Bill |
Male winner 1st San Diego Triathlon 1974 |
|
Riccitello |
Jimmy |
Pro competitor in regional and national events and IM |
|
Ruth |
Bill |
"Beast of the East" candidate, early AG competitor |
|
Schmeiser |
Alan |
Older AG competitor, placed in 297 Triathlons |
|
Schuster |
Rudi |
Older AG competitor |
|
Scott |
Dave |
Pro competitor, 1st triathlon 1976 SF CA 1976; 6 time winner IMWC; coach & fitness consultant, writer, father Verne |
|
Scott |
Verne |
Older AG competitor, 1st triathlon SF CA 1976, son Dave |
|
Shanahan |
Don |
|
|
Smith |
Ron |
AG competitor in late 70's & early 80's |
|
Smyers |
Karen |
Pro competitor in regional/national events and HI IM winner |
|
Stack |
Walt |
Older AG competitor, oldest finisher in 1981 Hawaii Ironman at 73 yrs |
|
Suprenant |
Marc |
Pro competitor in regional/national events & in IM; deceased |
|
Sweeney |
Linda |
Female winner 1981 IMWC |
|
Taylor |
Thomas |
AG competitor, writer for Triathlon Magazine |
|
Tinley |
Scott |
Pro competitor, IMWC, author, column writer |
|
Valdez |
Orlando |
Writer (athlete?) |
|
Warren |
Tom |
Male winner 1st Hawaii Ironman 1978 1979 & numerous local and regional events |
|
Water |
Eileen |
Female winner 1st San Diego Triathlon 1974 |
|
Wells |
Richard |
Pro competitor |
|
Yates |
Carl |
Older AG competitor |
Criteria for the 1983-1989 Notable Athletes
- Raced often and long enough to have been thoroughly immersed in the sport
- Top 3 to 5 finisher and/or other achievement (i.e. competed in 5 to 10 races per season for several seasons)
- Potential inductee for USAT Hall of Fame
- Possible participant in USAT History Project (written account/oral history of personal observation of triathlon evolution, especially during the 1983-1989 period; may have artifacts or other items of historical importance to donate for USAT History Project Collection)
Abbreviations: WC=Age Group World Champion; NC=Age Group National Champion; IMWC=Age Group Ironman Champion
1983-1989 Notable Athletes |
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|
Adamson |
Jon |
NC |
|
Albrecht |
William |
|
|
Alt |
Robert |
NC |
|
Ardell |
Don |
NC |
|
Autorino |
Ethel |
NC |
|
Barth |
Klaus |
IMWC (at 37 finished 4th at 1986 IMWC behind D.Scott, M. Allen, & S. Tinley), Deceased |
|
Basescu |
Dale |
IMWC Dale was a Pro from 1983-1985 |
|
Bell |
Bill |
NC |
|
Belzer |
Bob |
NC |
|
Bond |
Forest |
NC |
|
Bradley-Cox |
Susan |
WC 1989, NC |
|
Brockenbrough |
John |
NC |
|
Brockenbrough |
Rodger |
WC 1989, NC, IMWC |
|
Bruskewitz |
Bruce |
NC |
|
Buchanan |
Bruce |
NC |
|
Buckingham |
Wally |
NC, Frequent age group winner, twin of Wayne |
|
Buckingham |
Wayne |
WC, NC, IMWC, twin of Wally |
|
Buder |
Madonna |
WC 1989, NC, IMWC |
|
Bulman |
Liz |
Pro turned successful age group winner, NC |
|
Cens-McDowell |
Lesley |
NC, Frequent age group winner |
|
Clark |
Richard |
Competed in 17 consecutive IMWC |
|
Cuddeback |
Jeff |
WC 1989, NC, IMWC |
|
Daniels |
Paul |
WC 1989 |
|
Demetriou |
Jim |
|
|
Eliot |
Dale |
|
|
Elliott |
Dale |
|
|
Ersey |
Jack |
Active AG competitor in 80's. Deceased 1986 |
|
Finch |
John |
IMWC |
|
Flannery |
Judy |
NC,WC, Deceased, USAT Hall of Fame 2008 |
|
French |
Charlie |
WC, NC |
|
Fuxa |
Leonard |
WC 1989, NC |
|
Garuccio |
Jo |
WC, NC, |
|
Gaughran |
Jim |
AG competitor, Stanford Univ Swim Coach |
| Girard-Rives | Diane | Pro competitor in regional/national events and IM, twin sister of Jann |
| Girard-Rives | Jann | Pro competitor in regional/national events and IM, twin sister of Diane |
| Glah | Ken |
Pro competitor in regional/national events and in IM |
|
Haase |
John |
NC |
|
Hackney |
Gar |
NC |
|
Hinshaw |
Ed |
AG competitor |
|
Ito |
Diane |
WC, NC |
|
Jeter |
Joan |
WC, NC |
|
Kain |
Pete |
WC, NC |
|
Kenny |
Jerry |
NC |
|
Knight-Perry |
Katie |
WC 1989 |
|
Laramie |
Mike |
AG competitor |
|
Larson |
Paula |
NC |
|
Leach |
Bill |
WC 1989 |
|
Lemucchi |
Tim |
NC |
|
LeStrange |
Missy |
NC, IMWC |
|
Llerandi |
Mike |
WC 1989 |
|
Mackle |
Rob |
|
|
MacLaren |
Jim |
AG competitor, physically challenged IMWC |
|
Marshall |
Bill |
WC, NC, IMWC |
|
Martin |
Mac |
Originally a pro turned successful age group winner |
|
McCary |
Kirsten |
WC 1989 |
|
McIntyre |
Mark |
WC 1989 |
|
McKeachie |
Karen |
NC, IMWC, early RD in MI |
|
McLaughlin |
William |
WC, NC |
|
McSheehy |
Wayne |
WC, NC |
| Mitchell | Beth |
Pro competitor |
|
Moats |
Kevin |
NC |
|
Nash |
Ken |
WC,NC, IMWC (started in mid 1990s) |
|
Newell |
Jane |
WC 1989, NC |
|
Panatelas |
Harry |
AG competitor, NC |
|
Phillips |
Bob |
WC, NC |
| Pigg | Mike | Pro winner in USAT series & regional/national events & competitor in HI IM |
|
Plant |
Robert |
NC |
|
Riley |
William |
WC 1989, NC |
|
Ripple |
Jan |
Pro competitor & winner in regional & national events and HI IM |
|
Robinson |
Dick |
WC, NC |
| Robinson | Harold | Pro competitor |
|
Ruckert |
Steve |
WC 1989 |
|
Schiller |
Tony |
WC 1989, NC |
|
Schuster |
Rudi |
Senior AG competitor |
|
Schweizer |
Bill |
WC, NC |
|
Smith |
Ron |
NC |
|
Smith |
William |
NC |
|
Snyder |
Jane |
WC 1989, NC |
|
Sophiea |
Laura |
NC |
|
Stevenson |
Dave |
NC |
|
Tomlin |
Dick |
NC, Deceased |
|
Truskett |
Brooks |
NC |
|
Turner |
Linda |
IMWC 1989, Deceased |
|
Val |
Graciela |
NC |
|
Wadell |
Les |
AG winner |
|
Wageman |
Ray |
NC, WC 1989 |
|
Ward |
Jim |
WC, NC, Deceased |
|
Warren |
Larry |
WC 1989 |
|
Wessels |
John |
NC |
|
Wiley |
Todd |
IMWC |
|
Wright |
George |
40-44 AG NC, 45-49 AG WC in 1989, Deceased |
|
Yates |
Carl |
Senior AG competitor, endurance runner |
Criteria for Founders and Organizers active during the 1970s to 1989
- Organizing/managing a first time and/or unique event or series of events that moved the sport forward
- Contributing to establishing and maintaining the sport
- Serving on important committees of the sport and as management staff of the sport
- Establishing a significant milestone for the sport
- Being recognized as an outstanding writer/author/publisher and/or speaker/announcer
- Potential inductee for USAT Hall of Fame
Abbreviations: AG = Age Group; Bd = Board Member; RD = Race director
Founders and Organizers 1970s-1989
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|
Alton |
Mark |
RD On Your Mark series |
| Babbit |
Bob |
Long-time writer on triathlon topics from early 1980's to present, now publisher of Competitor magazine |
| Backer |
Dave |
One of the organizers of the Bud Light Indy Triathlon in 1980's, Board member and President, Tri-Fed/USA 1989-93. Long-time service on Legal Committee |
|
Blanchard |
Charlie |
Bd member Tri-Fed/USA, RD |
|
Brooks |
Lyn |
Bd member Tri-Fed/USA,RD, IM competitor |
|
Caille |
Jan |
RD Chicago Triathlon series |
|
Charron |
Ray |
RD Mighty Hamptons |
|
Collins |
John |
Competitor 1974 San Diego CA Tri, Founder HI Ironman Triathlon 1978 |
| Cooney |
Tom |
Partner of Jan Caille in starting Chicago Triathlon, race director for several other major events, including America's Paradise and Ironman Hawaii |
|
Curl |
Jim |
Co-founder & manager USTS Series |
|
Curnow |
Dave |
Bd member Tri-Fed/USA & Vice Chair, AG athlete, authored & presented application of membership in USOC |
|
Edwards |
Sally |
RD, Entrepreneur, author, athlete, motivator of women, consultant Danskin Womens Triathlon Series |
| Evans |
Marc |
Coach of the US Team to the first Triathlon World Championships in Avignon, France, in 1989, coach of various pro's, authored three books on triathlon training |
| Davis |
Don |
Founder and director of the New York City Triathlon and Survival of the the Shawangunks in the 1980's and early 1990's. |
|
Donaldson |
Jim |
RD, AG athlete, Bd member USAT, RD, AG athlete |
| Franzen |
Marilyn |
Race director of US Swim & Fitness Triathlon (now Lifetime Fitness Triathlon) starting in mid-1980's; silver, F35-39, 1989 WC |
|
Friel |
Joe |
Co-Chair Masters Comm 1989, author, trainer & coach |
|
Friem |
Jim |
Exec.Dir late 1980's USAT, AG athlete |
|
Gayton |
James F. |
President USTA 1982-83 |
|
Gilmore |
Mike |
Publisher editor Triathlete magazine, writer |
| Goulard |
Frank |
Early race director in Oregon (Hagg Lake Tri, Blue Lake Tri) |
|
Hanks |
Fletcher |
RD First long course, NC 1983, AG athlete, Deceased |
|
Hegge |
Steve |
Rocky Mtnreg President, Tri-Fed/USA youth program |
|
Honig |
Dan |
founder of Big Apple Triathlon Club, director of numerous races in the New York City area since the early 1980's, Tri-Fed/USA Board of Directors member in 1980's. |
|
Horning |
Dave |
RD, Envirosports races, NYC to Liberty race, Pro athlete |
| Houlihan |
Charlie |
Founder of the Crawfishman Triathlon in LA, one of earliest Ironman Qualifiers |
|
Hunter |
Chris |
Chief USAT Official, AG athlete |
|
Isom |
George |
RD, USTA Series in TX, AG athlete |
|
James |
Al |
Bd member & VP Tri-Fed/USA 1984-87, author of 1st Triathlon Rule Book, Founder/RD Tampa Bay Tri |
|
Jimison |
Jim |
Bd member,Tri-Fed/USA Chief official, AG athlete |
|
Johnson |
Harald |
Founder Triathlon magazine & Tri-Fed/USA, writer and promoter |
|
Johnstone |
Jack |
Early triathlon organizer & RD, manager San Diego Track Club |
|
Jonas |
Steve |
Author, columnist, AG athlete |
|
Kidder |
Lew |
Tri Fed/USA Bd member, founder Triathlon Today magazine, AG athlete, coach, early RD in MI |
|
Kirkland |
Al |
RD SkyHigh series |
| Lange |
Hank |
Founder of the Steelman Triathlon in VT, an early IQ, top AG athlete, coach of top athletes |
| Leidersdorf | Bill | Founder and director of the Steven Lynn Triathlon in GA, one of the first triathlons in the South and an early IQ |
|
Locke |
Steve |
Exec Dir USAT 1990's, RD, AG athlete |
|
Leonard |
Brad |
Bd member Tri-Fed 1985-89, AGC 1993-200 CoChair, consultant to USATstaff with IT, Team USA 2000-2004, AG athlete |
|
Margiotta |
Rick |
RD in TX, Tri Fed Bd member & President, RD in TX, AG athlete |
|
MacLaren |
Jim |
Founder Paratriathlon, Para athlete, Deceased |
|
McCray |
Jim |
RD Redwood Coast Series, AG athlete |
|
McGillivery |
Dave |
Tri-Fed/USA Bd., Founder/RD NE Tri series, endurance athlete, consultant Boston Marathon |
|
Miramontes |
Dave |
RD Change of Pace series |
| Moore | Mark | Founder and director of Wendy's Triathlon, a major midwestern event in the 1980's; later owner of Timberline Timing, which handled Tri-Fed/USA membership and race results in the 1990's. |
|
Noll |
Jon |
RD Iron Horse Tri, Co-Founder & President Tri-Fed/USA 1982-89, AG athlete |
| Owens | Carl | Founder and producer of the Texas Hill Country Triathlon, an early IQ |
|
Pain |
Dave |
Founder Dave Pain Birthday Biathalon 1972 Swim-run |
|
Peters |
Lloyd |
RD, Revised RD manual |
|
Phillips |
Bill |
Male winner 1974 San Diego CA Triathlon |
|
Plant |
Mike |
Triathlon announcer 1980’s, author, announcer |
|
Porter |
Paul |
Tri-Fed/USA Bd., RD Muncie Endurathlon, AG athlete, developed insurance program for Tri-Fed/USA |
|
Rainey |
Dave |
RD TX, TX Regional Bd. |
|
Reinschreiber |
Murphy |
Co-organizer US Triathlon Assoc. 1982, Pro athlete, competitor HI IM |
|
Ryan |
Mike |
Tri-Fed/USA Bd member & chair Board of Governors 1983-89, HI IM AG competitor |
| Rzymek | Fred | Pioneer race director and organizer of sprint triathlon races in FL and the Southeast |
|
Scott |
Gary |
Tri-Fed/USA Dep. Dir., Developed Youth Program, Team USA Manager 1989-90 |
|
Scott |
Verne |
Co-Founder Tri-Fed/USA, Exec Dir Tr-Fed 1983-86, RD Davis CA Tri 1979,World Senior Games SF, AG athlete |
|
Shanahan |
Don |
RD 1st Triathlon, by San Diego Track Club |
| Sheard | Jeff | Organized most of the early big races in Ohio, including the Bud Light Columbus |
|
Siff |
Barry |
RD Endurance series triathlons, AG athlete, author/writer |
|
Silk |
Valerie |
Tri-Fed/USA Bd, RD HI IM |
|
Sisson |
Mark |
USAT Exec. Dir., IM athlete 1981, author, ITU official |
|
Sommers |
Fred |
Tri-Fed/USA BD member 1980's, RD, President FL Region |
|
Spagnogle |
Eric |
Lead official 1980's, AG athlete |
|
Taylor |
Thomas |
1st staff writer, Triathlete magazine |
| Tebon | Steve and Dennis | Active early organizers of triathlons in south Florida, including several of the early sprint distance national championships |
|
Thomas |
Carl |
Tri-Fed/USA Founder & Bd member, Founder and organizer USTS series, Representative to ITU |
|
Vigorito |
Bob |
Tri Fed/USA Bd member & President, President MidAtlantic Regions, RD |
|
Weyrich |
Carroll |
Co-Chair Masters Comm. 1989 |
| West | Gloria | Founded and directed the early major races in WI and was the original race director of Danskin Series |
|
White |
Dennis |
Tri-Fed/USA Exec Dir 1982-83 |
|
Yount |
Tim |
20+ years as USAT administrator as Deputy Director, Senior VP-Sport Development, Chief Operations Officer |
|
Zagarino |
Scott |
Tri-Fe/USA Bd member, promoter, AG athlete |
|
Zolkowski |
Bill |
Inside Triathlon Magazine publisher |
Note: Comments and suggestions are welcome and should be sent to:
Brad Leonard
608 Highview Way
Missoula, MT, 59804
brad.leonard@att.net
Please include your full name, address, email and phone.