New Triathlon Program Wins National Championship In just four short years, the St. Xavier TriBombers went from a vision of a new student club to national champs. The club’s journey has been filled with success and growth thanks to support across the country. In April 2019, St. Xavier’s triathlon team won the USA Triathlon High School National Championship in Tempe, Arizona. The “TriBombers” finished first in the Independent Club (individual high school) category. The team also finished third in the Male Club category, impressive in that St. X competed against regional teams in this category. The club holds the title of Ohio State Champs in their respective category for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons as well. It is a surprise that the team has achieved such a high honor since it really is still in its infancy. Coach Jim Murphy ’92 explained an exploratory meeting was first held in late 2016 when just eight interested students attended. From there, Murphy organized a
committee, where he and the St. X administration worked together to make the program feasible. The TriBombers are a triathlon club that does not compete locally with other schools but supports St. Xavier athletes who participate in publicly held triathlon events. After just a few years, the TriBombers have a great model for high school triathlon clubs which gives nearly 20-30 students the opportunity to participate in this competitive sport. “There are many to thank for the quick rise to success the team has had,” said Murphy. There are many parents, students, alumni and many at St. X that have supported this club since the beginning.” This emerging sport has support from the Long Blue Line all across the country and is always looking for support from fellow Bombers. For more information on the TriBombers triathlon club please visit www.stxavier.org/triathlon.
National Champs! Seated (L-R): Coach Colin Riley, Ted Lockett, Caleb Schmidt, Liam Dwyer, Coach Jim Murphy (’92) Standing (L-R): Christian Wall, Coach Ed Baier (’91), Christopher Langenderfer, Alex Baier, Nate Baier, Sam Hinnenkamp, Sam Beutel, Rachel Langenderfer.
Winter 2020
St. Xavier High School Magazine
11
