JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – August 29, 2025 – The Warren Wilson women's triathlon team opened its 2025 campaign at the Buccaneer Collegiate Cup, hosted by East Tennessee State University, lining up against a field dominated by NCAA Division I and Division II programs.
Competing against six other schools and a total of 50 athletes, the Owls showed grit and determination, finishing fifth overall, ahead of Division II King University. The field included national-caliber teams such as Queens (DI), ETSU (DI), and Navy (DI), making the event one of the most competitive early-season races on the calendar.
"We came into this event with two clear goals: to learn from the experience and to finish strong as a team," said Head Coach Jorge Marin. "Our athletes executed that plan, and we leave encouraged about where we can go from here."
Team Highlights
- Strength on the Bike: The Owls shined during the cycling portion, holding their own against larger, better-funded programs.
- Room to Grow on the Run: The team identified running as the key area for improvement moving forward.
- All Athletes Finished: Warren Wilson sent five athletes to the start line, and all completed the event successfully—a strong benchmark for the start of the season.
Coach Marin praised the team's commitment, noting that even with limited training compared to their competitors, the Owls displayed both potential and resilience. "Seeing how big teams prepare and compete is a motivator," Marin added. "We're ready to grow and push ourselves to the next level."
The Owls return to action later this fall as they continue to build momentum in only their second season as an NCAA triathlon program.
