Willamette Seeks Honorary Alumni for New Triathlon Program

SALEM, Ore. -- Brett Franz, head coach of Willamette University's newest team, women's triathlon, knows that many former Bearcats have competed in triathlons since graduating. He would like to encourage those alums to be involved with Willamette's newest team. The Bearcats will begin competing in women's triathlon in the fall of 2021. Willamette will have the first NCAA varsity triathlon team in Oregon.

During the 2020-21 academic year, Franz will be recruiting and preparing for the program's first season.

"I am hoping to find alumni who have taken to the triathlon since being at Willamette, or have been looking at a way to connect back to the University," Franz said. "I want to find some honorary triathlon alumni who want to be a part of this new program!

"In my previous time coaching at Willamette, one of the most rewarding times has been watching former student-athletes become alums and take on the world," Franz continued. "Alumni support will help show the current student-athletes the importance of being in the program and letting them know there are other people who care about the work they are doing."

Individuals who are interested in supporting the women's triathlon team or want to learn more about the new program should contact Brett Franz at bfranz@willamette.edu

The fall triathlon season includes three regional qualifiers and a national championship. In all races, athletes cover a 750-meter open-water swim, a draft-legal 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run. The addition of women's triathlon gives Willamette a total of 20 intercollegiate sports teams.