Posted: April 2, 2005

Triathlon: "Best Of The US Amateur Triathlete Competition" North Carolina Qualifier Boasts Deep Field

(St. Paul, MN - 4/2/05) The White Lake Sprint on May 22 is the North Carolina Qualifier for the inaugural "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," and promises to be one of the most hotly contested events in the program. The fastest male and female resident amateurs will advance to the "Best of the US Championships" in picturesque Gilford, NH on August 20, where they'll race head-to-head with the winners of the other 49 state qualifiers. For more information on the White Lake Sprint Triathlon, visit www.set-upinc.com or www.bestoftheustriathletes.com.

In order to insure that all states will be represented at the Championship, a 5-deep passdown system will be in effect. If the "Best of the US.." state champion is unable to attend the championship, his or her slot will be offered to the next in line, and so on.

Below are some of athletes that will vie for the top spots at White Lake Sprint. Don't be too surprised if a heretofore unknown, or two, upsets some of the established elites.

SONNI DYER (37, Valdese)

A Triathlon Today All American in 1991, Sonni has been setting multisport standards in his region for more than a decade and a half. His 2004 resume featured wins at Lake Hickory and Azalea Festival. He placed 2nd at White Lake Sprint last year.

DANIEL WILLIAMS (22, Durham)

This young triathlete enjoyed a great season in 2004, chalking up wins at White Lake Sprint, Pinehurst, Hurley, Triangle and Kure Beach.

AARON KEIFER (24, DURHAM)

Another of North Carolina's rising young stars, Keifer's 2004 scorecard featured wins at Mission Man and Woodlake, a 2nd at Pinehurst, a 3rd at Azalea Festival and a 4th at Wilmington YMCA. Aaron placed 3rd at White Lake Sprint in 2003.

NAT SWEARINGEN (33, Durham)

Nat is coming off a very successful season in 2004, one which included a win at Bandits Challenge, 2nds at Hurley, Kure Beach, Surf & Turf and Metrolina AIDS Project and 4ths at Lake Norman and Triangle.

Others deserving consideration include BRIAN SMITH (32, Durham), MATTHEW CLANCY (31, Wilmington) and JAMIE COLLINS (29, Whittier).

SUZIE HOSMAN (42, Chapel Hill)

On paper, masters star Hosman is a prohibitive favorite. Winner of the White Lake Sprint two years ago, Suzie's 2004 resume includes a 2nd at Mission Man, a 4th at Kure Beach and an 8th at Triangle.

Some of the other NC women who could give Hosman a run for her money or have a shot at claiming a passdown position are ERIKA BRITT (31, Clinton), ELIZEBETH SANCHEZ (37, Cary), CHERYL CARDELLO (40, Raleigh) and CHRIS TOMMERDAHL (19, Chapel Hill).