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Highlands Today

Kid Triathletes Work Hard To Bag That Big Win

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Tim Koning, 10, swims a lap during triathlon training Tuesday at the Highlands County Family YMCA in Sebring.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: June 12, 2008

SEBRING — While most of the eight kids eased into the new YMCA swimming pool Tuesday, 9-year-old Dalton Hiller splashed everyone else when he hit a perfect cannonball.
Everyone laughed, and then practice began.

Hiller and the other students, 6 to 14 years old, were preparing for the July 12 Heartland Triathlon.
Depending on age, the kids will swim either 100 or 200 yards, bike three or six miles and run either half a mile or a full mile.

Hiller is a Cracker Trail Elementary student and said he lifts weights at home. He hopes to improve on last year's 31st place he earned during the inaugural kids event –– maybe even enough to win this time.

"It's hard, but it's fun," said Hiller.

Mike Ritacco is a personal trainer at the YMCA and is leading six weeks of classes, two times per week, of triathlon training exclusively for kids. Prospective adult triathletes train separately.

The former physical education and health teacher from Ocala is a Lake Placid native. He expected all of the students involved in the class to finish the grueling race.

The 40-year-old trainer said the class helps to condition, since "nothing replaces practice."
The young swimmers worked their way across the pool at varying speeds as Ritacco coached from above.

"Reach out and try to glide in the water a little bit," he said. "Kick as much as you can. Don't forget those feet. Keep your legs as straight as you can.

"That's what I want you to think about."

The young athletes were having fun, though preparing for competition was also part of the training regimen.

"The only thing I can't give them is real life," said Ritacco. "They might get cut off or kicked during the swim. But I can get them as ready as they can be."

On Tuesday, Andres Centonzio, of the Highlands County Health Department, in partnership with the YMCA was helping to administer the VERB program, a CDC initiative to promote healthy lifestyles.

"They keep active instead of playing video games and watching all that junk on TV – it's a healthy, active lifestyle, through exercise," said Centonzio. "They're entertained with friends. It's a social gathering for them."

Jay Hitt was watching Serena, his 10-year-old daughter, swim laps.

"Hopefully, they're teaching her the technical aspect to swimming, running and biking," said Jay Hitt. "(Serena) stays pretty active, but never had a lot of structure. The coaches and trainers are teaching some pretty cool stuff."

Greg Rawlings is an eighth-grader at Sebring Middle School and enjoyed prepping for the triathlon with a group.

"You're not alone," said Rawlings. "It makes you push more because you want to beat everyone else."
Ritacco talked about the competitive nature of the participants.

"They want to lose less than the adults," said the trainer. "They don't all think they can win, they just don't want to lose."

Triathlon Is Ready To Go
Organizers are predicting a bigger and better Heartland Triathlon than ever.

Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Interim President Sarah Pallone said Wednesday that about 100 triathletes had registered for the July 12 and 13 2008 Heartland Triathlon. Four hundred athletes participated last year, and Pallone expects even more runners for the upcoming third annual event.

"We're on schedule, as far as preparing," said Cherie Starr, event director. "We've got lots of community support and in-kind sponsors.

Two-time Heartland Triathlon winner and Hawaiian Triathlete, Patrick High, said this year's race will be "better than ever – a first class event."

Dave Scott is a six-time Ironman World Champion and the most recognized athlete and triathlon coach.

Scott will give swim clinics on Saturday, July 12 for both adults and kids. He will offer hints and suggestions to ensure a successful and enjoyable swim. The adult clinic will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the kid's session will follow at 10:30 a.m.

At noon, Saturday, July 12, Florida All American/Honorable Mention Athletes (the top five percent of competitive triathletes) will lunch with Scott, by invitation only.

The kids triathlon will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12 and Scott will be there to help cheer on the participants. The award ceremony will follow.

At 6 p.m., a pasta bash will begin, with Scott speaking at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are now available at the Sebring Chamber Welcome Center for $15.

On Sunday, July 13, at 7:30 a.m., Scott will speak and then participate in the 2008 triathlon. Awards and photos will follow.

For more information, go to www.heartlandtri.org or call Cherie Starr at 402-3162.

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