By Caleb Fox

Staff Reporter

An impressive turnout for the first ever Oakdale High School Triathlon water polo fundraiser created a fun and competitive race for participants of all ages. More than four dozen racers arrived at Oakdale High School early to prepare for their 8:30 a.m. race time on a recent Saturday. Participants could enter as a team or individually to tackle the 600-yard swim, 4.25-mile bike ride, and a 1.5-mile run.

Ethan Perry, an Oakdale water polo alum, took third place among all age groups with a time of 40 minutes and 43 seconds. Cooper Fox, a current Oakdale High School swimmer, came in second overall with a time of 39:41 and before Fox came Manny Sousa, who took first place among all age groups with a time of 37:23, more than two full minutes ahead of his closest competitor.

The first-place winners from the different individual age groups were Manny Sousa from men’s 40 plus; Brian Bergeron from men’s 29-39; Ethan Perry from men’s 18-28; Cooper Fox from men’s 14-17; Haidyn Krum from women’s 18-28; Gwendolyn Booth from mixed 13 and under.

The top three relay teams overall were all from the men’s 14-17 category, with Caleb Kirschner, Baron Haidlen and Zachary Hinkley taking third with a time of 38:46; Shawn Taylor, Anthony Colombo and Lucas Freitas in second at 37:08. Carson Kirschner, Cullen Leikus, and Parker Whitemyer captured the win with an impressive time of 30:43 seconds, more than six minutes faster than the runners-up.

“It was so good to get back together with the water polo team to do this event,” Emma Frazer, participant, and Oakdale High School water polo and swim team alum said.

The Oakdale High School Triathlon water polo fundraiser gave current athletes on Oakdale High School teams and past athletes the opportunity to return to the community they love and the ability to give back to that community. This event was open to all ages and triathlon experience; most participants had never raced in a triathlon before and still took on the challenge. However, even before these athletes could finish, the real work started before the race began. This work was done by the dozens of volunteers and parents of athletes and students at Oakdale High School who collaborated to spearhead the fundraiser.

“We really appreciate all who came out and to all our volunteers headed by Stacy Thoni,” Jared Kahler, organizer, and Oakdale High School alum, said.

Volunteers assisted by signing participants in, timing races, and directing participants on the course. The help from the volunteers and parents points back to what this event is about, Kahler said, raising money for Oakdale water polo. The funds raised from the event translates to new water polo balls, better equipment, and the ability to adhere to new rules that change aspects of the game.

“We look forward to providing this community event every year, and we hope to see the community come to support us at our home games,” Kahler said.