April 14, 2010 (Lubbock, TX) – With Collegiate Nationals a few days away, triathletes from across the country are preparing for the trek to Lubbock, hoping they have the speed and endurance to win an individual title. Three former winners, Barrett Brandon (2004), Kevin Collington (2007) and Steve Sexton (2008) look back at their collegiate triathlon experiences and how those experiences prepared them for the world of ITU racing.

Kevin Collington crosses the finish line at
2007 Collegiate Nationals | Photo by USATUSA Triathlon: How is the atmosphere at Collegiate Nationals different from other races you've done?

Barrett Brandon: Collegiate Nationals is one of the most enjoyable races I have done. The atmosphere, especially post race, was great. It is a very relaxed, celebratory vibe throughout the whole weekend.  It was also a great way for me to meet many other triathletes from around the country.

Steve Sexton: What is interesting about collegiate nationals is that it attracts a wide range of athletes from the serious elites who hope to win to the former rugby player who borrowed a mountain bike for the race and considers the main competition to be determining who can make a bigger scene at the awards ceremony. The fact that there are so many different levels of ability and people from so many different parts of the country and different backgrounds makes the race a lot of fun. A lot of times elite ITU races are not all that well attended, so it's nice that collegiate nationals turns out a crowd.

Kevin Collington: Collegiate Nationals has an atmosphere unlike any other race. In my opinion the team aspect of the race is the reason for that.  Often times you are racing less for yourself and more for your team's final placing.  On race day you hear team cheers, school fight songs in the transition area and all of the racers are decked out in their school's uniforms. 

USAT: What's the team aspect like for this event?

BB: All four years I attended, we had no team. In 2004, I had my training partner from University of Nebraska attend, but other than that I was flying solo!

SS: The team aspect of Collegiate Nationals is the best part of the race. The schools always show up with a lot of spirit and some crazy costumes. The rivalry is usually friendly and good natured. It is fun to travel with the team, load the bikes on to the big rental truck with the team, take over local hotels with the team, and cheer for the team. I can't think of any sporting event I have competed in where there is a more fun team component to the event.

KC: In my opinion the team aspect really defines the event. The majority of the people racing are trying to maximize their team's final placing. It requires a lot of team depth to win the team championship and the team unity that came about as a result really was a lot of fun. 

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