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Nexts in Line....Part II...

Wednesday, 01 November 2017 19:10

Yesterday, we revealed the names and resumes of those talented athletes who just missed receiving MMA nominations in five categories. Today, we'll introduce a few more Nexts-in-Line.

- Most Improved - Men - JOSH MORK, 34, Lino Lakes - Josh had a great season, featuring four podiums in four starts. One of those efforts--Big Lake Sprint--produced a win. Additionally, the only guys that beat him were men who have made Team Minnesota in the past and will make it again this year. Three of the four men who received MI nominations have earned spots on 2017 Team MInnesota. The fourth nominee placed 11th in the Selector's polling, while Josh  finished in 12th place.

- Most Improved - Women - Battling for the Next-in-Line acknowledgement in this category were SARA CARLSON (37, Brainerd) and BETTINA KEPPERS (33, Duluth). Though Carlson won three of the four multis she entered this season, Keppers was the next in line for a nomination, and had, in fact, received support from two selectors. What the Committee preferred about Bettina was the fact that she raced well against some of our region's best women, e.g. Elaine Nelson and Lisa Lendway, and in her repeat victory at Timberman Sprint, she outraced that event's deepest women's field ever.  Carlson's best effort of the year, according to all of the Selectors, was not one of her wins, but her 6th place effort at wetsuitless Chisago Half IM (4:55:44), though her W at Lakes Country was impressive.

Here is Kepper's 2017 Resume:

- 1st @ Timberman Sprint

- 2nd @ Brewhouse Sprint (Behind Lendway) ...

- 2nd @ Buzz Ryan Sprint (Behind Nelson)

- 4th @ Buffalo Sprint

- Duathlete of the Year - There were two athletes  in this category that deserved the Next in Line acknowledgement: JORDAN ROBY (27, St. Louis Park - top photo) and JENN SCUDIERO (33, Eagan).  Most Committee members favored Roby, who fared somewhat better against our region's best talent than Jenn did.

Check out Jordan's 2017 du resume:

- 2nd @ Falls Duathlon (Behind 2013 Duathlon World Champion Jesson Baumgartner)

- 3rd @ Oakdale Du  (Behind DOY nominees Brian Sames and Kris Spoth) 

- 4th amateur @ Apple (Behind Wade Cruser, Kris Spoth and Sean Cooley)

Tomorrow we'll reveal the Nexts-in-Line for the remaining MMA categories.