CU Boulder Will Compete For Another National Title

This year’s University of Colorado-Boulder triathlon team has high expectations after winning the national title for the last three years.

But Tess Amer, president of the team, said she’s not going to let expectations dominate the Buffs’ thoughts this season.

“When you’re kind of known for always doing well at nationals, there’s kind of an expectation for how we’re supposed to do,” Amer said. “But I also try not to stress the importance all the time of winning nationals, because that can be just exhausting and daunting more than it’s beneficial.”

Collegiate nationals aren’t until April, but CU has just one race, the Lake Havasu Triathlon in March, until they swim-bike-run for a fourth consecutive team title.

Coach Mike Ricci said that this year the team is dealing with losing several key competitors to graduation or injuries.

Ricci, who’s worked with the team since 2009, said he’s seen an influx of freshman and sophomore students, many who have either raced triathlons or have some background in swimming or running this season. If the 2012-2013 team doesn’t take a national title this season, Ricci was optimistic about the near future.

“The core of these young kids is going to impact the team in the next couple of years,” he said.