Josiah Harris (left) runs out of Lake Anna after the 1.5-kilometer swim stage before Alex Schimmer races in the 40K cycling stage and Natalie Rowell enjoys a refreshing drink during the 10K run. (Photos courtesy of Leigh Ann Tannar)
Triathletes brave elements to compete against strong fields in Giant Acorn Olympic distance races
9/26/2023 4:46:00 PM | Triathlon
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The Flames and Lady Flames competed against three other teams ranked among the top 10 teams in the nation: Queens University of Charlotte, Wingate University, and the Naval Academy.
Members of Liberty University's triathlon team weathered the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia as they raced in the collegiate divisions of Saturday's Giant Acorn Olympic Distance Triathlon in Spotsylvania, Va.
"We were really proud of the entire team for many reasons," Liberty Head Coach Heather Gollnick said. "The conditions were less than favorable with rain and cold, but they persevered. Having faith from the Lord above and in their training, they attacked the course with vigor."
The course started with a 1.5-kilometer swim on Lake Anna before continuing with a 40K (24.6-mile) cycling stage and concluding with a 10K run.
The Flames and Lady Flames were in an extremely competitive field that featured triathletes from three other schools that, like Liberty, were ranked by "Triathlon" magazine among the top 10 collegiate triathlon programs in the United States — Queens University of Charlotte (N.C.), Wingate (N.C.) University, and the Naval Academy (Md.). Â
Liberty's men were paced by freshman Gabe Shreve, who completed the course in 2 hours, 7 minutes. 18.8 seconds to finish 16th out of 52 competitors.
"Gabe comes from a draft legal background and we were really proud of his competitiveness for an Olympic distance race," Gollnick said.
"I found strength in remembering, 'I am a child of God,'" Schreve added. "When I repeated this statement in my head, I ran faster and felt the Holy Spirit pushing me forward."
Freshmen brothers Alex Schimmel (21st in 2:10:39.7) and Brandon Schimmel (30th in 2:15:45.4) finished second and third, respectively, followed by freshmen Brady Schwartz (37th in 2:20:16.9) and John Decker (40th in 2:21:44.4) and junior Skylar Waechter (41st in 2:25:54.6).
Leading the Lady Flames, freshman Kendall Leininger finished fifth out of 30 collegiate women in 2:26.14.5 followed by seniors Mackenzie Foy (11th in 2:35:19.9) and Natalie Rowell (12th in 2:38:17.6), freshmen Kalina Frick (15th in 2:40:38.8) and Morgan Dalton (20th in 2:46:33.3), junior Isabella Lang (21st in 2:46:52.1), senior Laney Plimpton (24th in 2:55:40.8), and sophomore Sarah Russo (26th in 3:07.35.6).
"Despite the low temperature and rainy conditions, I can easily say this was my favorite Olympic distance race yet," Plimpton said. "The team camaraderie is unmatched. The night before the race we all went around and told the team what our goals were for the race. Following the race, we took turns explaining how we each met or didn't meet our personal goals. It was incredibly special to hear about each athlete's successes as well as the areas they look to improve on as the season progresses."
Liberty Assistant Coach Todd Gollnick said the race provided a good challenge for the many freshmen recruits on the team this year, with the next time they are likely to compete at that distance coming at the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships in April.
"It's been a pleasure to see this team gel so early in the year," he said. "It's always exciting when a wave of new athletes joins the team and brings with them a new level of excitement. This team has high aspirations, and I can't wait to see their development leading into Nationals this coming spring."
Members of the Lady Flames line up at the start of the women's Olympic distance for Saturday's Giant Acorn Triathlon at Lake Anna.
