Since 2016, no championship banners had been hung in the University of Arizona’s history. That changed on Jan. 23 when Arizona’s triathlon team was honored for its victorious season after the Wildcats placed first in the USA Triathlon Championship, scoring 942 points in the program’s second year of existence.
A crowd of Wildcats, both fans and athletes alike, gathered in front of the Davis Sports Complex in Tucson to welcome and congratulate the newest batch of national champions.
A motorcade rolled down the street led by the Tucson Police Department. The team was transported by multiple TPD quads. Behind them, a large fire engine blared its sirens with Arizona mascots Wilbur and Wilma waving from the window.
Before the unveiling, a slew of speakers gave words about. Head coach Wes Johnson spoke about the creation of the mantra “Why not us?” Kelly Lyn Wetteland, Margareta Vrablova and Molly Lakustiak, the three All-Americans, gave personal excerpts of their time being recruited and joining the team.
“Hopefully we can add a few more here,” said Johnson, talking about his aspirations for the program’s future.
When the moment came to unveil the banner, it took the team a minute to figure out how to remove the cover. Finally, a strong tug lifted it, revealing the Wildcats’ hard-earned championship banner- a lasting monument of their unforgettable season.
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