2010 TriRochester Board Members

Chris Koch ~ President

Chris Koch came to the Rochester area three years ago and competed in his first triathlon in 2005. Chris has been involved with TriRochester “since the days where the club was just an idea that Mark and I talked about on every one of our workouts together.” Growing up in South Dakota, Chris participated in hockey and track. Today he officiates hockey at the youth and high school levels and enjoys being involved in youth activities even though he says, “It is the toughest job I’ve ever done.”

Chris finds multi-sport appealing because “every race is an adventure.” He enjoys having multiple disciplines to focus on, even if you’re not the best in one discipline, you have two more chances to excel in each race. Chris does not have a swimming background but says, “It is fun to get in the water with great swimmers and try to catch up on the bike and run (it would be even more fun to be able to swim with the great swimmers!).” When asked what he would tell someone considering doing their first triathlon, Chris said, “Most people I talk to are turned off of the sport for two reasons: 1. They are afraid of the swim... Triathletes are known for being notoriously bad swimmers, even among the more elite ranks of the sport. So I tell most people "you will fit right in." I unfortunately fit this stereotype and hope to rectify that in the future. Spend the time in the pool, spend some time in open water, relax and you will be able to make it through. 2. They think all triathletes are some sort of "athletic gods" who will look down on any newcomers... I would encourage someone considering doing their first triathlon to attend one first. They will see that triathletes come in all shapes and sizes and all ability levels. They will also see how supportive everyone is from the spectators to the athletes themselves.”

Chris also enjoys trail running, specifically the ultra marathon distances (50k+). In his "free time" he enjoys scuba diving, rock climbing, and pretty much any other activity that keeps him off of the couch. Chris has really enjoyed watching the club grow in the last few years. “I enjoy meeting every one of the members, especially when we get new members that are "triathlon rookies". I can pretty much talk all day about endurance sports (such as triathlon), so my wife appreciates that I have an outlet other than her!”

Rob Mitchell ~ Vice President

Rob moved to Rochester almost three years ago from Jackson, Michigan. He has been involved in multi-sport for two years, been a runner for seventeen years and most recently has come to enjoy trail ultra-marathons. Rob enjoys the challenge of learning and trying to become proficient at two more disciplines. "I can stay in pretty good shape without running as many miles, I feel less beat up." Rob is an assistant track and cross country coach at Schaeffer Academy and is married to a "wonderful wife who supports all my athletic endeavors." Rob says he enjoys being part of TriRochester because of "the people I've met and friends I've made. The club is a great resource for getting involved in Multi-sport, and I have a great time training, racing, and socializing with club members. It's an all-around fun group to be around." "Train hard, go fast, have fun!"

Mike Ewen ~ Membership Coordinator

Bio pending...

Andy Shulha ~ Treasurer

Andy moved to Rochester in 2007 from Long Island, New York and is in his second season of multi-sports. Andy says "I enjoy being part of a club that allows you to either have fun or be competitive, or even both." Now living in Rochester, Andys hobbies include finance and stock trading, as well as other outdoor activities. When asked what he finds appealing about multi-sport, Andy responded "everything, training, multiple diciplines, the people, and the races themselves." When asked for a quote, Andy gave us "If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason." - Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

Dave Clements ~ At-Large

Dave Clements moved to Rochester in 2008 from Syracuse, New York. Having been involved with triathlon since 2003, he immediately joined TriRochester, “So that I could meet others that like triathlon. I had no idea that these people would become my friends and true mentors in multisport.” Dave had been intrigued with triathlon from an early age. “When I was young, I remember watching an Ironman on TV thinking that those were the super elite athletes of the world. As Triathlon became more main-stream and local events started popping up I thought it was something I would like to try.” Dave says, “This is a sport that people of all ages and sizes can do. Almost every gym runs some sort of training program for those with no experience. Contact your local tri club, I'm sure they can offer lots of help. Above all try to have fun. Triathletes are some of the most social characters I've ever met.” When asked about hobbies, Dave responded, “Unfortunately I've taken this thing a little too far. All my other hobbies are simmering on the back burner (golf, backpacking, downhill skiing).” Dave is excited to be on the board for TriRochester. He enjoys the fact that the club is still early enough in its creation that we are continuously evaluating how to provide the best benefit for our members. “The camaraderie among the board is unlike anything I will ever see in my professional life. We have a lot of fun and most of the competition is saved for the swim, bike, run. It is just a great group of people.” When asked for any other comments or thoughts, Dave responded, “Remember this. That pain/discomfort you will feel on the run, just before you can see the finish line: First, everyone feels it, not everyone shows it. Second, pain is temporary, Pride is forever.”...

Joanna Hall ~ At-Large

Growing up in a smaller Midwest Illinois town, Joanna played various sports, none really related to triathlon. Softball and basketball were started early in her athletic endeavors at the age of 6. Volleyball and track and field started in high school. In track she, as well as several relay teammates obtained school records in the 4x800, 800m medley, 300 hurdles and open 800m. Joanna came to Rochester in June 2006 from Chicago, IL. One of her “moving to bigger spaces” gifts to herself was a road bike which happened to have clip on aero bars. Her running backgroung, combined with a new road bike, resulted in an attempt at multisport in 2008 in the first annual Winter Be Gone Duathlon in Oronoco, followed by her first triathlon in Buffalo, MN. Joanna likes the appeal of triathlon for the multifaceted endurance aspect. “I am not a strong swimmer, and can’t imagine running for 3hours (at least not yet) and if you just combine all three events, you get a pretty challenging endurance event.” The individuality you have while still having the team support and training really allows me to be serious, and/or just have fun. Also, why triathlon? I like to eat, a lot! Her favorite aspect of TriRochester is the group training. She also thinks the shared suffering is amazing. “It makes you work harder just knowing that your partner or team is doing it right along with you, even if you take turns dragging each other to the end.” When asked for some words of inspiration, Joanna said: "We tend to get what we expect"- Norman Vincent Peale; Expect to do better. ...

Todd Aguilar ~ At-Large

Bio pending...