"My dad and I are very excited that Bethel has decided to start a triathlon team and that we are going to be involved," said Ms. Sass. "Triathlon is a passion that we share and, between the two of us, have gotten many people involved in. We do a lot of training together and help each other out with training schedules - as well as for others that we train."

Dr. Winkler, the managing partner of McKenzie Medical Center, has been in general practice for the last 31 years. During that time, the practice has delivered over 11,000 babies and is an employer of 170. Dr. Winkler in college was the captain of his medical school's football team which on the school championship. Since that time he has competed in over 30 marathons and 7 ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run) competitions. He has been an avid runner for over 30 years and has been competing in triathlons for 20 years. He estimates that he has competed in over 1,000 events. He also stated that although he often places in his age group, his expertise is more in organizing and training schedules.

Ms. Sass had an interest in running, but began her triathlon venture while at the University of Western Ontario when she joined the school club. Returning home for summer break, Dr. Winkler was excited about her new endeavor and signed her up for the Memphis in May Triathlon in 1999. From that point, her interest and participation continued to build; she took part in her 10^th Memphis in May Triathlon this year and has only missed one, when she was out of the country competing in an ironman event.

Ms. Sass added to an already impressive triathlon resume in 2008. She took part in 15 triathlons and won every race she participated in the Southeast Region - including all Regional Championships (Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman) and the Memphis in May Triathlon. On the national level, Ms. Sass won the Half Ironman Championship, and placed 7^th overall (2^nd in her age group) in the Olympic Distance National Championship. In the "Best of the US", which took the top male and female triathletes from each state, she finished 5^th. She also placed 3^rd in her age division at Ironman France. Between triathlons, Ms. Sass enjoys bicycle road racing and placed 10^th in the National Time Trail Championships. In 2007, she raced in the Women's Category 2 Division and earned the "TN Best Area Rider" award. She has also won the TN State Time Trial Championship in 2007 and 2008. After triathlon seasons, she focuses more on running and won the TN State Parks Running Tour in 2007-08 and 2008-09. She has finished 5 Ironmans (including the World Championships in Hawaii) and countless other races of all distances.

Triathlon is considered a sport of all around fitness and self discipline. Many triathletes come from a single sport background. Recruitment for the Bethel triathlon teams will come from high school runners, swimmers and cyclers with an interest in triathlons. It is noted that often motivated students who are good but not great in a single sport transition to excellent triathletes.

The governing body of triathlon in the United States is the USA Triathlon Organization. Within this organization is the Collegiate Triathlon Conference, which is subdivided into geographical regions: Southeast, West Central, Northeast and Midwest. Bethel would fall into the Southeast Region which includes the states of: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle. Events generally run from August to May, with a national collegiate championship every year. Collegiate participants are given points based on where they place in races throughout the year. Most divisions include individual awards for the top five male and females, as well as team awards based on the total number of participants for male, female and co-ed.

The collegiate division of triathlon is growing and most local races now include a collegiate category. In addition, most of the states neighboring Tenn. include a collegiate category. With Gaines Pool (indoor), it would be feasible for Bethel to host a triathlon event.

Ms. Sass concluded saying, "I am very fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with my father; we work well and train well together. We often bike to or from work together and enjoy planning what races with will participate in - spurring each other on. He has served as my coach and inspiration over the years. He has a true talent for setting up training schedules/programs. I believe that this is going to a great venture for Bethel and for us!"