Connellsville Triathlon a success
CONNELLSVILLE – Organizers were elated Saturday with the outcome of events that drew more than 80 to compete in the city’s first sprint triathlon, dozens of others to take part in an anything that floats contest and hundreds of spectators that cheered the participants. “I went from frazzled nerves last night (Friday) to elation today,” said Councilman Tom Karpiak, who along with residents Patty Firestone and Gino Gallo spearheaded the event. “I think the triathlon contestants liked the course. It was challenging.”
The competition that included a brief swim in the Youghiogheny River, a 10-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run, drew participants from across the country, including those from Portland, Ore., Frostburg, Md., and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., along with those from Morgantown, Clairton, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Connellsville.
McClellandtown resident Lori Rodeheaver walked down to the river’s edge prior to the start of the race where the swimmers would exit the water. She was anxious for the competition to begin.
“It exercise and it’s outdoors,” she said of her reasons for coming to Connellsville.
An avid bicyclist and experienced competitor in various triathlons, bicycle races and similar events said she was motivated by Uniontown resident Bill Ulmer to become involved in the sporting events.
“He taught me how to swim under water; what I needed to compete,” she said. “He’s pretty much been my coach.”
Ulmer has competed in many events across the country and was selected last fall to take part in the Kona, Hawaii Ford Ironman Competition. He finished second in Saturday’s event, just a little over one minute behind overall winner Bob Nedley of Monessen.
“I was very pleased with the course,” he said. “I loved the way it finished in Yough Park.”
The bike course, said Ulmer, was challenging as it included several uphill climbs for riders. The 64-degree temperature of the Youghiogheny River also provided the spark needed to take part in the bike ride and run.
“Tom Karpiak and his crew did a great job and by all means this should continue,” he said.
Pennsylvania Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Scot Sage of South Connellsville said that his training, in addition to his daily bicycle commute from his home to the Connellsville Readiness Center prepared him to take part in his first triathlon.
“My goal is to just finish,” he said as he awaited final instructions.
It took nearly two hours for all the participants to cross the finish line with each one receiving applause from spectators that lined the last few yards of the course or sat at nearby tables.
On the sidelines was Phillip Kimball of Greensburg, who was offering support to his daughter, Stephanie, as she completed the three-mile run. Her teammates, Joe and Sonya Yunetz, also of Greensburg, had earlier competed in the swimming and biking portion of the race.
To Phillip Kimball, his daughter’s participation in the competition was no less than extraordinary.
Stephanie Kimball’s life was nearly ended shortly after it began 28 years ago due to several medical problems.
“It’s an incredible story,” he said as tears welled in his eyes. “The doctor said she would likely never be able to walk or talk clearly among other things.
“And, here she is today taking part in this event.”
Her other accomplishments also include a special education degree from Edinboro University. She is currently enrolled at Westmoreland County Community College.
Saturday’s triathlon was the second event for Stephanie Kimball. “It felt good,” she said. “My time was better today.”
Of the five teams competing, the Kimball/Yunetz team placed second, finishing in 1:16:46.
George Roskos of Connellsville said he was pleased with his time of 1:24:04, placing him first in his age category and 59th overall.
“I had so much fun,” he said. “The swim was hard for me because I am still learning how to swim.
“The biking part went well and the run was a little tough. I kept getting cramps, but I went slowly, and I made it to the finish line.”
The 62-year-old Westmoreland Hospital x-ray technician has been an ardent athlete, but only recently began to take part in competitions.
In January, he started spending three days a week training at the YMCA in order to learn to swim.
“I was doggy paddling,” he said of his prior swimming style.
Weeks prior to the Connellsville triathlon, he began practicing in the open water of the Youghiogheny.
“It is a lot different that swimming in a pool,” he said.
Roskos said that he is blessed to have good health and the ability to regularly exercise. “I feel fortunate to be this age and still do this,” he said.
Connellsville Area School Board Director and member of the Yough River Trail Gary Wandell said the event had brought the community together to welcome its visitors and enjoy their hometown.
“You couldn’t ask for a better day,” he said. “Most of these people are not from our town and they are getting the opportunity to see our community, see our trail and our river.
“Hopefully they’ll want to come back again.”
Connellsville Mayor Charles Matthews, who arrived shortly after 6 a.m. to help with setting up for the events, also shared the master of ceremonies duties with Karpiak.
“This is amazing,” he said as he looked over the crowds that had already begun to congregate in Yough Park. “Once this gets established, it has the makings of being something very big. It is something good for the city.”