This year, Spalding Cavaliers take on a new challenge! Founded by Harper Williams (‘27) and Carter Williams (‘26), the Spalding Triathlon Club debuts at the Maryland High School Triathlon Championship. With support from the girls’ Cross Country Coach, Coach Keith, along with interested athletes, a new athletic team was set in stone.
Harper Williams, a predominant swimmer and runner, thought of a new possibility to challenge herself and other athletes. She formed a group of student-athletes, mostly those who are already Cavalier Swimmers and runners, into this exciting club. Through weeks and months of planning, the Spalding Tri Club looked ahead to their first-ever Sprint Triathlon Competition, the Maryland High School Triathlon Championship held over at Nanticoke River. This Sprint Triathlon consists of a 750m swim in open waters, a 15-mile road bike, and to finish it off, a 5k run!
However, with other sports events and extracurricular activities, the Tri-Club only met a few times a year, holding one practice session of biking at the B&A trail. Regardless of these obstacles, this did not stop our Cavaliers! With motivation and excitement, our Triathletes took on their first Triathlon on May 4th, 2025.
Carter Williams (‘26), Harper Williams (‘27), Eli Zapata (‘26), Bryan McKernan (‘26), and Jack Garvey (‘27) woke up before sunrise for a 2-hour drive to compete at the Nanticoke River. This exciting day had many ups and downs, including Carter W, Jack G, and Harper W for making the podium in the High school division! Unfortunately, Eli Zapata suffered a flat tire at mile 7 of 15. However, this did not stop him, as he biked the remaining 8 miles on a flat and was able to finish the whole triathlon. Shout out to everyone who competed!
This act of excellence by our fellow Cavaliers in the Spalding Triathlon club has shown what we can accomplish and what talents our student-athletes have! The club looks to participate in another Triathlon in June 2025, with the possibility of having relay teams. With a successful debut, the Spalding Tri-Club only looks to go up from here. These efforts from our members of the Tri-Club have marked a historic achievement and paved the way for future of this exciting club!
