Arizona Triathlon Team Makes History with First-Ever Home Race: Duel in the Desert
The Arizona Wildcats triathlon team hosts their first home race against in-state rival Arizona State at the Hillenbrand Aquatics Center.
A Historic Milestone for Arizona Athletics
This event marks a significant milestone for the University of Arizona's triathlon program. For the first time, the Wildcats will compete on their home turf, offering fans a unique opportunity to witness collegiate triathlon up close. The Duel in the Desert is scheduled for Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. MST and promises to be a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess.
Event Schedule
- Finals at 9:00 a.m. MST: 400m swim, 9.3km bike, 2.58km run
- Relays at 10:00 a.m. MST: 100m swim, 2.5km bike, 800m run
- Awards Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. MST: Celebrating competitors' achievements
Riding the Wave of Recent Success
The Wildcats enter their home debut with momentum after placing second at the Desert's Edge Collegiate Cup. With 283 points, Arizona demonstrated the depth and talent that has propelled them to a #2 national ranking.
A standout performance came from Kelly Lyn Wetteland, who clinched first place with a time of 1:02:48. Her victory underscores the individual excellence that fuels the team's success.
Top Individual Finishers at Desert's Edge
- Mia Wentzy: 5th place (1:04:01)
- Sara Crociani: 12th place (1:04:27)
- Dana Prikrylova: 15th place (1:05:08)
- Molly Lakustiak: 19th place (1:06:17)
- Ellison Wolfe: 20th place (1:06:17)
- Mia Wentzy: 23rd place (1:07:01)
A Rivalry Renewed: Arizona vs. Arizona State
The national rankings add extra intrigue. Arizona State sits at #1 while Arizona is at #2 — making the Duel in the Desert a true clash of titans.
Current Top 10 National Rankings
- Arizona State
- Arizona
- San Francisco
- Queens
- TCU
- Wingate
- East Tennessee State
- Lenoir-Rhyne
- South Dakota
- Denver
Looking Ahead: Building Toward National Qualifiers
Following the Duel in the Desert, Arizona will compete in the NCAA West National Qualifier on Sunday, October 26, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Home Advantage
- Familiar environment — reduced travel distractions
- Home crowd support — psychological boost
- Reduced logistics — optimal preparation and recovery
For athletes looking to improve their own triathlon training, studying collegiate programs like Arizona's can provide valuable insights into structured preparation and team dynamics.
Elevating Collegiate Triathlon
Arizona's first home triathlon reflects the growing prominence of collegiate triathlon. As more universities invest in competitive programs and facilities, events like the Duel in the Desert help elevate the sport's profile and legitimacy.
Prospective student-athletes can learn from established programs and their structured approaches to training and competition. For those focused on improving their triathlon performance, collegiate programs offer valuable models.
Making History at Home — Gear & Resources
As Arizona prepares for its historic home race, the team's combination of talent and depth positions them to compete with any opponent, including top-ranked Arizona State.
For those inspired to start their own triathlon journey, investing in quality gear can help. Consider options such as adjustable swimming goggles or competition tri suits to enhance training and performance.
