EMP-52

Kellogg Triathletes Show Teamwork Outside the Classroom

With a December graduation date fast approaching, EMP-52 was in the academic home stretch. On Aug. 25, the class fielded five teams of three athletes each to proudly represent our class and Kellogg in a challenge of a different nature, the Chicago Triathlon. Each team completed the three international-length triathlon events in series beginning with a swimmer stroking through a 1K (.9 mile) distance in Monroe Harbor, a biker pedaling 40K (24.8 miles) on Lake Shore Drive, and finally, a runner striding through a 10K (6.2 mile) along the lakefront.

The idea started in March, when a small nucleus of classmates experienced in individual triathlon competition took advantage of the rejuvenating effect that spring fever brings to the Allen Center in order to recruit a willing cadre of cohorts for participation in the late-summer athletic event. Plenty of time to get into shape, right? What better motivator then a Triathlon? Besides, EMP students think they can do just about anything.

In spite of the "summer break" time constraints facing the teams, the event became a rallying point for communication and camaraderie among classmates. Emails about training practices, gadgets, and personal challenges were supplemented in some cases with actual training. Early mornings were dedicated to training rides for a few, lake-swims were for the brave. Nonrunners became runners and the "runners" trained harder. Nonetheless, for some participants the end of summer came more quickly than the calendar might otherwise indicate.

On race day, participants were clad in racing tank tops displaying the Kellogg logo front and back, which brought strong spectator support demonstrated through yells of "Go Kellogg!" throughout the event. While some participants had never competed at their assigned distances, all successfully completed the race in good health and excellent spirits. Spirits were provided at a reception at the Chicago Yacht Club after the event.

Before resting heart rates had returned, a movement to establish an annual reunion event was quickly finding a platform and is now on the calendar.

EMP-52 classmates completed a triathlon Kellogg-style — using teams.

Teams were as follows:

Team Kellogg Chaos: Polly Reese, swim; Matt Kinnich, bike; John Meyer, run

Team Kellogg 1: George Trapp, swim; Lance Chambers, bike; Joe Burgee, run

Team Kellogg 2: Rich Sypniewski, swim; Curt Hart, bike; Dan Ryan, run

Team Kellogg 3: Eric Blackmon, swim; Imad Aboukheir, bike; Amy Candalario, run

Team Kellogg 4: Shyam Kambeyanda, swim; Gary Kobus, bike; Rich Yang, run