Member Spotlights

I had the chance recently to sit down and talk triathlon with TCSD Vice President, John Hill.  Please join me as we get to know this great guy who has played a key role in making our club the best in the world.

 

 

I had the chance recently to sit down and talk triathlon with TCSD member and owner of Rehab United, Bryan Hill.  Please join me as we get to know this great guy who found his calling to help others at a very young age.

 

I recently had a great time talking triathlon with Renee and Gino Cinco. Over the years they both have done a lot for the Tri Club and our community. I am certain you will enjoy their story and sense of humor.

 

At a Glance

Summary: A former All-American 800m runner from Nebraska, Mike Clinch became one of TCSD’s fastest athletes and its bike coach — a B&L bike fitter and TriJuniors coach driven by faith, friendships, and a refusal to quit even through his most painful races.

Highlights
  • TCSD bike coach and one of the club’s top athletes
  • All-American at 800m (1:51.33) for Nebraska Wesleyan
  • Raced the 2008 ITU Age Group World Championships in Vancouver
  • Assistant coach for the TriJuniors youth program
  • Professional bike fitter at B&L Bike and Sport
Key Takeaways
  • Don’t quit — finishing a painful race can be your proudest moment
  • Practice your transitions so small mistakes don’t derail race day
  • You bond deeply with training partners over long rides and runs
  • Sound fit, pacing, and bike-handling make you a better cyclist

 

I had the opportunity recently to talk triathlon with the TCSD's new Bike Coach, Mike Clinch.  Mike also happens to be a really fast multi-sport athlete.  Please join me as we get to know this great guy.

 

At a Glance

Summary: After an impulse sign-up for his first triathlon, Brian Wrona became TCSD’s race director in 2008 — the certified organizer who fires the start horn, welcomes nervous beginners, and gives credit to the club’s army of volunteers who make every event happen.

Highlights
  • TCSD race director since March 2008 (with Ann Kelly)
  • USA Triathlon Certified Race Director as of 2010
  • Raced Wildflower Half and Escape from Alcatraz on back-to-back days
  • Started triathlon on a whim after seeing a race ad in a magazine
  • Loves directing the beginner races most of all
Key Takeaways
  • Club races run on the generosity of volunteers — thank them
  • Everyone starts as a humbled beginner making rookie mistakes
  • TCSD’s resources and value are unmatched for the price
  • Triathlon is less a sport than a welcoming community

 

I had the opportunity recently to talk triathlon with Brian Wrona.  Brian and Ann Kelly have been the TCSD Race Directors since March 2008.  Please join me as we get to know one of the key people who make the TCSD the best club in the world.

 

At a Glance

Summary: TCSD’s bike coach since 2005 and founder of the club’s youth program, Andy Concors got hooked on triathlon after his car died — and has spent years sharing the sport with local athletes, newcomers, and kids, including his own family.

Highlights
  • TCSD bike coach since 2005
  • Founded the TCSD youth program in 2009
  • USA Triathlon Level 1 certified coach
  • Placed in every race he entered one season; 2nd overall in his Koz Series division
  • Runs an ergonomics and injury-prevention consulting business
Key Takeaways
  • A decent, well-fitting bike from a club shop is worth the investment
  • Every triathlete should learn to change a flat and maintain their bike
  • Know and follow the rules of the road when riding and racing
  • Triathlon builds independence and confidence in kids

I had the opportunity recently to talk triathlon with Andy Concors.  Andy wears at least 2 hats for the Tri Club.  He has been the Bike Coach since since 2005 and began the TCSD youth program in 2009.  Please join me as we get to know this exceptionally giving person.

 

At a Glance

Summary: After a freak driveway accident cost him his right leg, longtime TCSD member Andy Bailey endured 14 months of failed surgeries before choosing a below-knee amputation — then fought his way back to racing triathlons and inspiring other challenged athletes that there is life after amputation.

Highlights
  • Longtime TCSD member and lifetime-membership honoree
  • Returned to triathlon as a below-knee amputee in 2010
  • A former USA Triathlon official who worked two Ironman World Championships in Kona
  • Helped organize what became the Orange County Triathlon Club
  • Mentors others facing amputation decisions
Key Takeaways
  • There is life — and racing — after amputation
  • Connecting with others who’ve faced limb loss aids recovery
  • A supportive partner can carry you through life’s hardest crises
  • Racing lets you show other disabled athletes what’s possible

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with long time TCSD member and friend, Andy Bailey. I am 100% confident you will enjoy getting to know this absolutely great guy.

 

At a Glance

Summary: Former TCSD president Brian Long battled through multiple back surgeries and a dark period of pain and painkillers to finish Ironman Coeur d’Alene in 2010 — all while giving back through TCSD Cares, race sponsorships and his famous branded swim caps.

Highlights
  • Former President of Tri Club San Diego
  • Finished Ironman Coeur d’Alene in 2010 after two back surgeries
  • Founded TCSD Cares to help members and families in need
  • Known for the ubiquitous “Brian Long” branded swim caps
  • Discovered triathlon in the mid-1980s inspired by Julie Moss
Key Takeaways
  • Trust your coaching plan — do what’s asked, nothing more
  • “Stay in the process” to push through the low valleys of an Ironman
  • Read “Going Long” by Friel and Byrn before your first Ironman
  • Giving back to the community is its own greatest reward

I had the opportunity recently to talk triathlon with Brian Long, the former President of the Triathlon Club of San Diego and 2010 Ironman Coeur d'Alene Finisher.  Please join me as we get to know this incredibly great guy.

 

At a Glance

Summary: After a doctor warned she could be in a wheelchair within five years, Dawn Copenhaver lost 115 pounds in ten months, found triathlon and TCSD, completed her first race, and became the club’s beloved “Food Queen” and 2009 Jim McCann Spirit of TCSD Award winner.

Highlights
  • Lost 115 pounds in 10 months through swimming and clean eating
  • Completed her first triathlon at the 2009 Spring Sprint
  • Won the 2009 Jim McCann Spirit of TCSD Award
  • Serves as the club’s “Food Queen,” newsletter editor and expo coordinator
  • A professional voice instructor and certified life coach
Key Takeaways
  • You have to take care of yourself before you can care for others
  • Sometimes it takes a wake-up moment, not just facts, to change
  • Volunteering is the fastest way to find your triathlon family
  • Small, gradual changes in diet and exercise add up to transformation

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

Between helpings at a recent TCSD race I had the privilege of talking triathlon with the 2009 Jim McCann Spirit of TCSD Award winner and superstar volunteer Dawn Copenhaver aka “Food Queen”.  Please join me and get to know this very giving lady.

 

Page 15 of 33

Our Mission

To serve triathletes of all abilities by providing support, education, training and events to encourage  and promote triathlon as a sport that is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Club Info

About TCSD
Training & Clinics
Photos and Videos 
News & Community
New to Triathlons?

Member Links

Member Benefits
Polls/RSVP
Member Directory
Strava Stat Tools
Sponsor Discounts

Community

Calendar of all Events
Find a Training Partner
Sell: Member Classified
Buy:  TCSD Store

 

Contact

Info@triclubsandiego.org
Leadership Team
Media Inquiries
Sponsorship Opportunities

Copyright © 2026 Tri Club San Diego. All Rights Reserved.

Read our privacy policy