Millikin to Start Varsity Women’s Triathlon Program Starting in 2018

DECATUR, Illinois—Millikin University announced today that it would be adding women's triathlon to its varsity sport line-up.
          With the assistance of USA Triathlon, Millikin will become the 18th school in the nation to add a varsity women's triathlon program. Millikin plans to have its team ready to begin competition in the fall of 2018.
          The addition of the women's triathlon program is being made possible through a $70,000 grant from the USA Triathlon Foundation. The USA Triathlon Foundation Women's Emerging Sport Grant is distributed to select NCAA membership institutions to develop, implement and sustain women's triathlon programs at the NCAA varsity level.
          The NCAA named triathlon an Emerging Sport for Women in 2014. The designation gives programs a 10-year window to demonstrate sustainability as a NCAA sport. The varsity season, which is composed of three regional qualifiers and the Women's Collegiate Triathlon National Championship, features sprint-distance races covering a 750-meter open water swim, draft-legal 20-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run.
"We are looking forward to adding the great sport of Women's Triathlon to Millikin University in the fall of 2018," said Millikin Director of Athletics Dr. Craig White. "Triathlon fits Decatur and central Illinois extremely well, and the athleticism and dedication required to compete in this challenging sport will be a great fit with our athletic department."
When Millikin began exploring the addition of another women's sport, triathlon seemed a natural fit for the University and the Decatur community. Decatur has successfully hosted triathlon events since 2007 with the start of the Rodney T. Miller Lakeside Triathlon. The event was named after Millikin 1988 alumnus and six-time NCAA Champion swimmer Rodney Miller, an Illinois State Police Officer who died in the line of duty in 2006. In 2017 the race was renamed the Lakeside Triathlon. Regardless of name, the Decatur triathlon encourages and supports triathletes of all ages and abilities.
          "Millikin is happy to be a pioneer in adding women's triathlon to our intercollegiate athletics offerings," said Millikin President Dr. Patrick White. "Triathlon has long generated interest and participation in Decatur and the region. Now Millikin women will be able to compete across the country in this challenging life sport and further spread the reputation of Millikin University to new fans. We are grateful for the recognition and support provided by USA Triathlon as we grow this important opportunity for Millikin student/athletes."
"USA Triathlon is pleased to welcome Millikin University as the 18th varsity women's triathlon program in the nation, adding to our growing NCAA presence in the Midwest," said USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris. "The commitment and enthusiasm of the Millikin Athletic Department throughout this process has been outstanding, and I am confident that the university will assemble a team of talented student-athletes."
          This fall, Millikin will begin the process of hiring a triathlon coach. Once a coach is on board, Millikin will formalize partnerships in the community necessary to begin a varsity women's triathlon program. Millikin will immediately begin recruiting student-athletes and acquire the needed equipment for the program. Millikin plans to begin competition in the fall of 2018 by competing in at least four events.
          For more information about triathlon as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women and to view the current list of varsity programs, visit usatriathlon.org/ncaa.

About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with nearly 500,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

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