Profiles of members of our DC Triathlon Club Elite Team
March, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Bryan Frank
Bryan got his start in triathlon back in 2008 when a good friend wanted to go to the informational meeting for the New Triathlete Program with the DC Triathlon Club and told him that she did not want to go alone. After his interest was piqued at the meeting, he joined the club and competed....
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Liz Baugher
Liz comes from a competitive background of College Soccer, Track running and swimming. After pursing a graduate degree in Meteorology, Liz missed having teammates and decided to join the Texas A&M Club triathlon team. Things escalated fast and she went from no aero bars, and no clip in pedals to...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Cindy Hutchings
Cindy began her triathlon career in 1987 with 2 BudLight tris with a very fun group of friends. There was no training, a borrowed hybrid bike and a visit to the medical tent. Apparently hydration is important, especially in heat. Then life got in the way with grad school and family. As I was try...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Alex Murray
ALEX MURRAY Date of Birth/Location: February 18 in Seattle, WA Years Racing: 10 years Height: 5’ 11” Strengths on the course: Swim/Run Goals for 2016: Spend more time in the saddle and shave some minutes off the bike Nickname: Taking suggestions Favorite Races: Nation’s Tri, Ironman Lak...

June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Bart Forsyth
BART FORSYTH Bart is the Snapple Team Director and is so excited to have been with the program from the start. In 2010, Bart tooked third overall at the Black Fly Lord of the Flies Competition–stringing together 3rd place in a Friday TT, 3rd place in a Saturday Olympic Distance race, and the...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Brian Bachor
“Taking myself seriously is not my strong suit”. Brian Bachor Date of Birth/Location: 1983 in Suffern, NY Years Racing: 10 Athletic Background: Eating Height: 5’11” Strengths on the course: Eating Goals for 2018: Make it back to Kona in 2018 Favorite Places To Train: Bike trainer (I...

June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Emily Richard
EMILY RICHARD I started doing triathlon after years of competitive running through high school, college and post-college. I made the switch to triathlon because I wanted a way to continue to be competitive and a chance to set some PRs and see improvements that were no longer coming in the open run...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Heather Prochnow
Heather grew up a swimmer but was introduced to triathlon in 2007. After doing a couple of sprints, she retired and went to veterinary school where she continued doing road running races. Swayed by peer pressure during a Ragnar race in 2013, she signed up to volunteer for IMWI 2013 and later sig...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Holli Finneren
After playing D1 soccer and trying a few months of normal college life, Holli quickly realized she needed a competitive and athletic outlet. She surprised herself with a 2nd place finish in her first race at the Georgia Southern Sprint triathlon with a borrowed bike and head up swimming. A year ...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Joe Munchak
JOE MUNCHAK Joe came to the sport of triathlon from a background of Cross Country and Track in high school and just enough swimming in elementary school to make it across the pool in something resembling freestyle. After a running injury sidelined him in his freshman year of college at Penn State, h...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
John Chambers
John is thoughtlessly attempting to qualify at both sprint and half-IM distances this year! Can he do it??? Look out for him at area bike races this spring.. hopefully rubber side down. Thank you Xterra/Rudi and Siobhán for keeping me going! Hometown: Arcadia, New York Current Residence: Sil...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Justin Bauer
Justin completed his first triathlon in 2010 and joined the DC Triathlon Club the following year. He has participated in the club’s Olympic Distance, Half Ironman, and Ironman programs. Justin credits these programs, fellow club members, and his current coach for his success in the spor...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Kelly Lefler
Kelly tried several sports growing up before settling on swimming and cross country. She was nowhere near the front of the pack in either, but had fun and continued to do both, occasionally running and 5k or 10k with friends and family and swimming as cross training. After becoming a bike commuter, ...

June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Leslie Puzio
LESLIE PUZIO Leslie grew up not really succeeding in team sports as a kid, but as she grew older she truly found an outlet and passion for the sport of triathlon. Leslie started in 2009 with her first race, but didn’t have a full real season until 2012. With 4 strong seasons behind her, she......
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Matt Sarge
Date of Birth/Location: August 18. San Jose, CA Years Racing: 5 Athletic Background: Middle-distance running, collegiate rowing Height: 5’ 9 5/8” (But my dating profile says 6’4”) Strength on the course: Run Weaknesses on the course: transitions, race photos Goals for 2019: ...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Michael Hepp
MICHAEL HEPP Date of Birth/Location: May 11; Washington, DC Years Racing: since 2010 (Shout out the UMD Tri Club and Team FTY) Strengths on the course: Swimming Goals for 2016: Race more, do different races, and go fast. Family Status: Mom, Dad, 2 Brothers, 4 Bikes Favorite Races: Rumpus in Bu...

June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Mikal Davis
MIKAL DAVIS Date of Birth/Location: September 7 in Hobbs, New Mexico Years Racing: 3rd season racing triathlon. Strengths on the course: The run… it’s all mental, and having long legs can help. Goals for 2016: Win AG nationals in Xterra and Long Course Duathlon Nickname: Mikaaaaaaaa...

June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Mindy Ko
MINDY KO Mindy needed an outlet for her endless energy after playing DI tennis at university and living abroad for several years, so she signed up for her first triathlon in 2009 with Team in Training. She’s fallen in love with the sport ever since and become quite pleased to know that all tho...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Paige Wooden
Date of Birth/Location: October 2, Kailua HI Years Racing: 6 Athletic Background: Pretty close to none. I tried out for the swim team in high school and almost got cut. Also did 1 year of cross country and track but was one of the slowest on the team. Then a “casual jogger” and gym goer...
June, 2018 | BLOG: Elite Team
Pat Dougherty
Pat grew up playing baseball and football then began dabbling in endurance sports as a college junior. After his first (and only) stand alone marathon in 2000 went famously wrong, he swore off running altogether only to come to his senses several months (and pounds) later. He attempted his first tri...
Waiver of Responsibility
By checking the box below, you agree, warrant and covenant as follows: I acknowledge that a triathlon or multisport event or training can be an extreme test of a person's physical and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury, and property loss. I HEREBY ASSUME THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN ALL DC TRIATHLON CLUB FUNCTIONS, including training, educational and social events (collectively, "Events"). I certify that I am physically fit, have sufficiently trained for participation in DC Triathlon Club Events and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person. I acknowledge that my statements are being accepted by the DC Triathlon Club and are being relied on by the DC Triathlon Club Organizers and the administrators in permitting me to participate in any organized Club Event. In consideration for allowing me to become a Club Member in the DC Triathlon Club and allowing me to participate in Club Events, I hereby take the following action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors and assigns: a) I AGREE to abide by the Competitive Rules adopted by USA Triathlon, including the Medical Control Rules, as they may be amended from time to time, and I acknowledge that my Club membership may be revoked or suspended for violation of the Competitive Rules; b) I AGREE to abide by DC Triathlon Club rules and code of conduct, as they may be modified at any time and at DC Triathlon Club's sole discretion, and by the rules established for any DC Triathlon Club Event; c) I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE, from any and all claims or liabilities for death, personal injury, property damage, theft or damages of any kind, which arise out of or relate to my participation in, or my traveling to and from an organized Club Event, THE FOLLOWING PERSONS OR ENTITIES: DC Triathlon Club, Club Sponsors, DC Triathlon Club volunteers, all states, cities, countries or localities in which Club functions or segments of Club functions and held, and the officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents of any of the above; d) I AGREE NOT TO SUE any of the persons or entities mentioned above for any of the claims or liabilities that I have waived, released or discharged herein; and e) I INDEMINIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the persons or entities mentioned above from any claims made or liabilities assessed against them as a result of my actions during an organized Club function. I HEREBY AFFIRM THAT I AM EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT, AND I UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS. If the applicant is under eighteen (18) years of age, their parent/guardian must sign this annual waiver and release form and an additional release available from the Club.