Although there are plenty of things that will make a Race Director
frustrated, there are not many that will make him cry.

But as I stood with Wave #7 of the Spudman Triathlon on Saturday
morning at the golf course waiting for clearance to start the swim, Race
Director, Scott Bloxham was facing a decision that had him momentarily (and
rightly so) in tears.

A tri-athlete in a previous wave of swimmers was struggling
(possible medical condition we do not know at this point) and went under. The
dive team was called to locate the body. Thankfully a couple of other swimmers
actually saw him disappear and an immediate search of the water was started.

All the tri-athletes (about 300) from Wave #7 were pulled from the
water and asked to wait as the search continued 30-40 minutes. When the body
was located the decision to either allow the tri-athletes to swim, or just have
them do a duathlon (bike/run) needed to be made.

That decision ultimately falls to the Race Director.

Scott.my hat is off to you. It was not an easy decision as many
wanted to swim and many felt that in respect to the family we should not get
back in the water.

You made the decision in favor of the duathlon and we walked to the
bike transition area. Not everyone was pleased, but long ago you learned that
you cannot please everyone.

One wife is heartbroken today. If they had children, one family is
missing a father and perhaps a grandfather.

Scott, I thank you and the Burley Lions Club for all you do to bring
this event to our area. I stand behind you in your decision. One that you were
totally caught off guard by, one that you had to make alone and quickly and one
that you never could have imagined you'd ever have to make.

You have always endeavored to give your best to this event and today
was no exception.

~Alice Schenk


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]