Contact: Taiah Gallisath, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

East Region Qualifier Awards 

Oct. 19, 2021 – Continuing to showcase its readiness for this year's National Championship, the North Central College women's triathlon team flourished at the USA Triathlon East Region Qualifier, as Annika Cotner and Hailey Poe brought two All-Region Team honors and Poe's All-Region Freshman honor back home from Smith Mountain Lake, Va.

The All-Region teams consist of each Division's top-three finishers at a regional qualifier while the All-Region Freshman is recognized as each Division's top true freshman varsity finisher at a regional competition.

Annika Cotner turned in an impressive 20-kilometer bike time of 31 minutes and 37 seconds, moving her from the 11th competitor out of the water towards the top of the field to finish second overall with a time of one hour, nine minutes, and 4.6 seconds earning her a spot on the All-Region Team.

Joining Cotner is Hailey Poe, who closed out this weekend's top-three in a time of one hour nine minutes, and 55.7 seconds. Poe's performance also secured her the All-Region Freshman honor; Poe was also honored with All-Region Team and All-Region Freshman accolades earlier this year after the USA Triathlon Central Region Qualifier. 

Completing the All-Region Team for Division III is Amira Faulkner of Trine University after placing first at this weekend's race. This is Faulkner's second time earning the award this season.

North Central will yield their final opportunity for a tune-up at the USA Triathlon West Region Qualifier in St. George, Utah on Oct. 30 before this year's National Championship in November.

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