ASU Triathlon: Sun Devils take gold at West Regional Qualifier

(Photo via Hailey Sasnett/WCSN)

ASU triathlon earned the ability to pick its starting position at the 2022 National Championships after taking first in the NCAA West National Qualifier on Saturday.

In the win, the Sun Devils competed against South Dakota, the University of Denver and the University of San Franciso. Arizona State won the competition with 123 points compared to South Dakota’s 82 points. The Coyotes placed second, and the Pioneers from Denver came in at a close third place with 80 points. The Dons rounded out the results with 59 points.

Freshman Heidi Jurankova led the way for ASU with a time of 1:01:14, which helped her claim her first collegiate victory. As evidenced by her winning time, Jurankova performed at a high level at every stage of the race. She had the fastest run time at 17:49 and the second fastest time in the cycling section with a time of 31:49.

Not far behind Jurankova, junior Amber Schlebusch came in second with an identical time of 1:01:14. Her running and bike times of 17:50 and 31:59, respectively, were enough to boost her to a silver medal finish.

That dynamic duo helped rack in 55 points alone for ASU. The next highest-scoring pair from another school were senior Cass Dalbec and senior Ella Kubas of South Dakota. They put up 45 points for the Coyotes.

Other substantial contributors for the Sun Devils were senior Liberty Ricca (1:01:57) and freshman Naomi Ruff (1:02:20). Ricca and Ruff placed fourth and fifth, respectively, putting four Sun Devils amongst the top-five finishers.

Despite not winning a spot on the podium, sophomore Alexe Coursol (1:03:06), freshman Faith Dasso (1:03:09) and freshman Madison Judas (1:04:11) placed 10th, 11th and 15th, respectively, to add points onto ASU’s total score.

As the team continues to improve, ASU head coach Cliff English’s plan is coming together. Heading into November, ASU’s expectations are the same as every year: championship win or bust. The Sun Devils have secured the past five national titles and are looking to make it six.

The next time ASU competes, it’ll be going for the national title. The 2022 National Championships take place in the Sun Devils’ own backyard on Nov. 12. The race will happen at Tempe Town Lake North Park, just minutes from ASU’s campus.