Arizona Triathlon beats Arizona State in program’s first-ever home race | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Arizona Triathlon beat Arizona State in the Duel in the Desert!

The reigning national champion Wildcats scored 60 points to edge out the Sun Devils, who finished with 54 points. 

Saturday’s event was the U of A’s first-ever home race. Dozens of fans came to Hillenbrand Aquatic Center and lined the U of A mall to cheer on the Cats.

“I’m pretty sure there’s never been something like this in the history of the sport in the whole world for a collegiate setting,” Arizona Triathlon Head Coach Wes Johnson said. 

It was a pinch-me moment for Johnson.

“It was loud,” he said. “There was so much energy. That exceeded my expectations honestly.”

“I’ve actually never had a home race before even in my country, so this felt very special,” Sophomore Margareta Vrablova said. 

“My parents are here,” Senior Kelly Wetteland said. “Just to make it a family affair is one of a kind. We’re so grateful.”

This wasn’t your typical NCAA Triathlon meet. There aren’t any open bodies of water nearby, so athletes swam laps in the pool at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. There was also a relay portion, though it didn’t count toward the final score.

“It’s always a different format, a different set of circumstances that make it,” Wetteland said. “That’s why it’s so much fun. It’s controlled chaos.”

Wetteland crossed the finish line first with a time of 29:43:76. She remains undefeated this NCAA season.

“The more you race the better you get at racing,” she said. “I’m also surrounded by the most amazing people ever. Shoutout to our coach Wes. He believes and invests so much in every single one of us.”

“There’s no distractions for her,” Johnson said. “She’s clear-headed. She just executes. She knows what to do. It’s a skill to learn how to win and she knows how to win.”

Vrablova followed Wetteland closely, taking second place at 29:59:30.

Five Wildcats finished in the top 10, showcasing a strong team performance. Ellison Wolfe secured fifth place, Ruth Pardy finished eighth, Mia Wentzy took ninth, Molly Lakustiak placed 10th, and Sara Crociani rounded out the team in 12th place.

Individual Results:

1. Kelly Wetteland – 29:43:76

2. Margareta Vrablova – 29:59:30

5. Ellison Wolfe – 30:14:57

8. Ruth Pardy – 30:35:00

9. Mia Wentzy – 30:41:31

10. Molly Lakustiak – 30:46:59

12. Sara Crociani – 31:14:49

Team Results: 

1. Arizona – 60 points

2. Arizona State – 54 points

Next, the Wildcats will compete in the NCAA West National Qualifier on Sunday, October 26, in Fort Worth, Texas.