The University of Arizona triathlon team won its second consecutive Women’s Collegiate National Championship. The team competed in Tempe on Nov. 8. This marks the Wildcats’ second national championship in just the program’s third year of existence, as well as the 24th national championship in Arizona history.

Prior to the race, the favorite to win was Arizona senior Kelly Wetteland. Wetteland had been undefeated all season and showed clear dominance leading up to the race. She placed second at the National Championships last year, as part of the team win.

Wetteland did not disappoint as she was awarded as an individual champion for the first time in her career, crossing the finish line in first place with a time of 1:02:09 to cap off her undefeated season.

Following closely behind, was another Arizona athlete, Margareta Vrablova, who finished just 10 seconds behind Wetteland, with a time of 1:02:19.

Arizona showed incredible depth, having five athletes place in the top 10. Sophomore Ellison Wolfe placed seventh, sophomore Mia Wentzy placed eighth and sophomore Ruth Pardy rounded out the top 10 with a 10th place finish.

Wildcat athletes sophomore Sara Crociani and senior Molly Lakustiak placed 16th and 18th, respectively.

Arizona won with a comfortable lead of 927 points. ASU followed by placing second overall with 900 points, and TCU placed third with 843 points.

This race showed incredible depth and even more hope for the Arizona triathlon in the future. In the top seven racers for Arizona, only two were seniors. The rest were only sophomores. There may be a dynasty building in Tucson.

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