Arizona State triathlon competing for sixth-straight national title
Arizona State's triathlon teamis seeking its sixth-straight national title this Saturday with all three collegiate divisions set to compete at the 2022 Women's Collegiate Triathlon Championship at Tempe Town Lake North Park.
The Sun Devils took first at the NCAA West Regional Qualifier on Oct. 15.
ASU graduated last year's top finisher, Hannah Henry, who crossed the line in second.
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The newcomers are taking the lead this season with a talented group of freshmen led by Heidi Jurankova and Naomi Ruff. Jurankova claimed her first collegiate title at regionals and was named West All-Region DI Freshman of the Year.
Ruff won her first collegiate race at Oktoberfest and finished fourth at the NCAA qualifying meet. Both were named to the West All-Region Team, along with junior Amber Schlebusch and senior Liberty Ricca.
ASU will be represented in the championship by sophomore Alexe Coursol, sophomore Camille Buchanan, sophomore Evan Welch, Ricca, Schlebusch, Ruff, and Jurankova. The top five will be counted for the final score.
The Sun Devils will compete in the Division I race at 1:30 p.m. and will start at North Shore Beach.
Many on ASU's current team could be competing for an NCAA title soon.
While triathlon is still recognized as an NCAA emerging sport for women, it might not be under that title for much longer. USA Triathlon reached the deadline of 40 schools in February and was well before its 2024 deadline. This will lead to a recommendation and likely a vote to officially add women’s triathlon as an NCAA championship sport.
Reach the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or 602-647-4122. Follow her on Twitter @jennarortiz.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU triathlon competing in Tempe for sixth-straight national title
