Clear the calendar on Saturday, Aug. 3 for the Oakdale High School Triathlon, the year’s first Oakdale water polo fundraiser. Compete in a 600-yard swim, four-mile bike ride, and 1.5-mile run as a single participant or as part of a relay. Head Men’s Water Polo coach Jared Kahler, an Oakdale High School alum, helped organize the event for both men’s and women’s water polo teams to gear up for the 2024 school season. The triathlon gets underway at 8:30 a.m.

“This goes towards the team’s expenses during the year,” Kahler commented.

These expenses include attending tournaments, replacing worn pool equipment, and adhering to new National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules.

“We need new cages (goals) as our old ones are falling apart,” Kahler continued.

New cages can cost upwards of $3000, and the coach noted that the adoption of the NFHS rule 1-6-1e changes significant aspects of the game, such as replacing existing equipment and buying new equipment.

Faced with these challenges, Kahler and other coaches and parents curated the Oakdale High School Triathlon, inviting all ages to come and compete. Single participation prices start at $30 for ages 13 and under and are $40 for those 14 and older. Relay teams of two to three start at $50 for ages 13 and under and are $70 for those 14-plus.

Participants in the upper age division will start their race at the Oakdale High Aquatic Center for their 600-yard swim and either tag out with a teammate or keep pushing themselves to tackle a four-mile bike ride around Oakdale High School. Finally, those with relays get their break, but those who chose to go it alone finish the competition with a 1.5-mile run on the Oakdale High School track.

Ages 13 and under can complete a 150-yard swim, a 1.75-mile bike ride, and a .75-mile run. Participants need to provide their own bike to compete.

The triathlon is designed for both seasoned athletes and those who have never participated in a triathlon. Everyone is invited to register for this event to support the Oakdale High School water polo teams and show some Oakdale spirit.