News and Community

We will be moivng the many years of Craig Zelent's TCSD Converations section of our newsletter to this area.  We will announce to the Members when it's been completed.

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with TCSD member Diane Ridgway. Diane has accomplished a lot in her endurance career from ultramarathons to Ironman. Diane recently won her age group at Ironman Wisconsin and is already qualified to race Ironman Hawaii in 2018. I know you will enjoy getting to know Diane.

Hiro Iwamoto and his guide Rich Anderson at Miyakojima Strongman

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with TCSD member Hiro Iwamoto. Hiro has led an amazing life. His story is sure to inspire you when you face your next challenge. I am so glad I had the chance to get to know him and I know you will feel the same way once you hear his story.

I had the real pleasure of talking triathlon with Ian Kelly. Not only did I get to know this great guy in the process, but I learned some funny new words. Among other things, Ian leads the TCSD Beginning Open Water Swim workouts as well as serves as a race referee. I know you’ll enjoy his story.

I recently talked triathlon with long time TCSD member and USA Triathlon Age Group Committee Chairman Steve Sutherland. Steve gives a ton of his time to our sport and he is absolutely someone you should know, despite occasionally wearing his bike helmet backwards. I know you will enjoy reading Steve’s story and getting to know this great guy.

2012 USA Triathlon Hall of Fame ceremony: left to right: Judge Jones, Dave Scott, Scott Molina, Mark Allen, Chuck Graziano, Kat Donatello, Steve Sutherland. Scott Tinley.

I had the pleasure recently of getting to know Monica Sberna, the Volunteer Coordinator for the Triathlon Club of San Diego. Monica has a huge heart as you will see with all the money she has raised for important causes. You are sure to enjoy her story below.

Jim McCann was the TCSD President 10 years ago. Many, including me would say Jim built the TCSD. Jim passed away unexpectedly in June 2007 and to honor Jim and Dee Dee, they are the focus of this TCSD Conversation. If you knew them, then you will love this interview. If you didn’t know them, you will love getting to know them. Grab some Kleenex and enjoy.

I recently got to talk triathlon with TCSD member Carl Johnson. Carl has always led an active lifestyle and he just wrapped up another stellar performance representing the TCSD in the USA Triathlon National Challenge Competition. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know this guy who really puts in the miles.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the chance to talk triathlon with James Ismailoglu. James does a lot of heavy lifting for the TCSD as he is our Membership Director and one of our beginner coaches. If you are at a Tri Club event, then James is probably there, too. I know you will enjoy getting to know James.

Recently I got to talk triathlon with TCSD member and TCSD Track and Kids Coach Holly Stroschine. Holly has been a real trail blazer in her athletic career so I know you’ll enjoy her story.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with Tim Price who has given his heart and soul to the TCSD. Tim is our newly elected TCSD Events and Program Director.  We are so lucky to have Tim as he has been a central figure in putting on our very successful club races over the last couple of years.  

Tim Price and his son Oliver before a TCSD Aquathlon

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of chatting with some of the TCSD members who raced in a variety of World Championship events during 2016.  These include the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mooloolaba, Australia, the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Aviles, Spain and the ITU Triathlon World Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.  I asked them 3 questions and I thought you’d enjoy the answers of our elite members.

Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mooloolaba, Australia.  Top Row from left to right:  Ray Stainbeck, Darcy Eaton, Laurie Kearney, Brian Makarowski, Craig Zelent, Randy Schmitz.  Bottom Row from left to right:  Wendy Schmitz, Diana Noble. 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking to Richard Duquette, Bicycle attorney, triathlete and longtime sponsor, member and supporter of the Triathlon Club of San Diego.  The TCSD and our local community are both really lucky to have Richard on our team.  Just as I did; I know you will enjoy getting to know Richard.

"Richard Duquette and his wife, Kim"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the opportunity to talk triathlon and everything under the sun with TCSD Treasurer Melissa Sosnowski.  I could not be happier for this great lady who has become my friend over the past couple of years.  Read below and you will see how Melissa has used running and triathlon to improve her life.

"Melissa and Marc Sosnowski on their wedding day at the 2015 AFC Half Marathon"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with TCSD member Reg Whatley who will represent us in the Rio Olympic Games.  Reg has paid his dues and been selected to be a Technical Official for men’s triathlon on August 18 and the women’s triathlon on August 20.  Reg is a 5x cancer survivor with a great perspective on life.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Reg.

"Reg Whatley taking a short time out in the Technical Officials Lounge Chicago 2015 WTS Grand Final"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently to talk triathlon with the legendary funky dude, Bob Babbitt.  Bob is a TCSD member as well as a member of the Ironman Hall of Fame and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.  It is an honor and a thrill to share Bob’s story.  We are so lucky to have this guy in our club!
 

  "Bob Babbitt in his frog outfit at the Mini Muddy Buddy Austin event with double above knee amputee Cody McCasland"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the pleasure of talking triathlon with Erin Hunter, who has worn many hats for the Tri Club over the years from Potluck Coordinator to Head Swim Coach.  Please join me in getting to know one of our best volunteers.  And you will see that she is also a pretty accomplished athlete.

 "Erin Hunter on her way to a 5th place age group finish at the 2015 Ironman Coeur d'Alene"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 I was privileged recently to talk triathlon with TCSD volunteer extraordinaire, Alexis Barnes.  Alexis has taken on leadership roles as a TCSD Newsletter Editor and our club’s Coordinator for the USA Triathlon National Challenge Competition.  I know you will enjoy getting to know this lady.

 "Alexis Barnes finishing the Nautica NYC Triathlon"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with Brannen Henn who is the TCSD Secretary and finished Ironman Hawaii last October in 11:18.  Brannen does a lot for the TCSD and she is definitely someone you should know. 

 "Brannen Henn on the run at the 2015 Ironman Hawaii"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have wanted to interview Eric Davidson for 2 years now.  Eric wanted to wait until he finished Ironman Hawaii.  The time has come.  On October 10^th Eric joined the very select club of triathletes to have finished the most famous race in our sport.  Eric’s story was worth the wait.

 "Eric Davidson competing in the 2015 Ironman World Championship in Kona"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the TCSD members who finished Ironman Hawaii on October 10^th.  I asked them 3 questions and I thought you’d enjoy the answers of our elite members.

  "Katherine Adler moments before her 1st Ironman"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have seen the Triathlon Club of San Diego make some great improvements this year largely due to the efforts of Tassia Bezdeka, our Marketing Director.  I hardly knew Tassia before interviewing her, but I’m so glad I reached out to her.  Tassia is clearly a TCSD Superstar as you will soon discover.

 Oceanside 70.3: Paula Munoz took this photo... it was my first loop of the run, and the TCSD Cheer Tent was in full force!