2400 Lucky Lottery Winners Selected For The 2025 Spudman Triathlon
In 2024, the Spudman Triathlon’s 2,400 spots sold out in a record 10 minutes. This year the organizers moved to a lottery system, and they received 3,300 entries for the 2,400 places. Founded in 1987 and taking place on the last Saturday in July, Spudman Triathlon is lovingly produced by the Burley Lions Club; and it includes both a river-assisted downstream sprint and an olympic distance. The 2026 event will be their 40th anniversary. One Spudman feature is the “Family and Friends” wave to accommodate athletes who want to participate without competing for podium awards.
We caught up with 80 years young race cofounder Scott Bloxham and current race director Carl B. Darrington to learn more about Spudman’s secrets of success. Scott will race Spudman for the final time this year. From the first race in 1987- which attracted 189 athletes, Scott and his co-founder Ron Ploeger, have focused on creating a great family experience. The race has grown with those families and their participation over performance emphasis, while also welcoming elite athletes. After a couple years of trial and error, the race became sustainable, and is now known as a multisport juggernaut. Their success has enabled them to contribute significantly to the local community. In 2024 Spudman donated $43,000 to local organizations who supported the race in some way. And their volunteer involvement is legendary, including residents like Sandy Baker. For over three decades she has dedicated eight months each year to handcraft the much sought- after ceramic spuds trophies, molding, coloring, firing, glazing, and painting each one.
When the 2025 Ironman 70.3 Boise race was relaunched last September, the race moved from its traditional second weekend of June date to the last Saturday in July; Spudman race weekend. Ironman 70.3 Boise is scheduled to return after a decade-long hiatus since 2015 when 878 athletes crossed the finish line. Based on this year’s registrations, Spudman’s position as a premium fast course race with a loyal athlete community has seemingly made it immune from even the world’s most popular triathlon brand. We see you Spudman!
About Burley Lions Club. The Burley Lions Club is the sponsor of the Spudman Triathlon. The Burley Lions Club was founded in 1938 and has been working to enhance our community through service ever since. In an effort to find a fundraiser to provide funds to support for the community, the Spudman Triathlon was born in 1987. This race has grown from a few hundred racers in the beginning years to now over 2,400 participants. Spudman is always the last Saturday in July and is truly a community event with support from hundreds of volunteers. We are a 100% volunteer organized race and all proceeds go back into the local community.
About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.
Wisconsin’s Door County Triathlon Features The Largest Non-Ironman 70.3 Mile Race In The U.S.
Annually hosting 1800 participants, the Door County Triathlon has been welcoming athletes to Egg Harbor, Wisconsin since 2005. The race offers a beginner friendly sprint distance on Saturday morning, the Mark Ernst Memorial Kids Triathlon on Saturday afternoon and a more competitive 70.3 mile effort on Sunday. In 2024 Door County’s signature event, the 70.3 mile distance, was the largest non-Ironman 70.3 mile race in the U.S. (497 finishers) ahead of the Patriot Half (357 finishers) and Clash Daytona (323 finishers). In 2023 it was selected as USA Today’s Best Triathlon In The U.S.
We reached out to Sean Ryan, the Race Director, to find out the secret sauce to Door County’s extended success. “Our success is based on a great destination, solid execution, and our community’s involvement. The numerous quaint villages that dot the Door County peninsula provide endless dining, shopping and tourism amenities and a natural scenic backdrop that is perfect for sports enthusiasts. By offering the three events over two days, it allows the race to serve as the highlight for a family ‘tri-cation.’ Nearly half of the participants have a fellow family member taking part in the same or another event at our venue that weekend. The athletes’ seamless experience is thanks to our core team of dedicated organizers that have worked hard to produce a five-star race for more than two decades. And we are fortunate to have more than 20 local charities that benefit financially from the race and help fill the volunteer ranks each year.”
Sean’s advice for other race directors is always focus first on making an impression, not making a profit. If you consistently produce a quality event, the registration numbers and the entry fees will generate the profits needed to justify your efforts. Organizers need to work within budget limits but participant safety and the quality of the experience shouldn’t be sacrificed to achieve profits.
About Door County Triathlon. The Door County Peninsula is often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” This popular Midwestern tourist destination offers an abundance of lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options. The sandy shorelines and majestic bluffs along Green Bay north of Sturgeon Bay provide an ideal setting for a triathlon. Frank Murphy Park is located in Horseshoe Bay, just 15 miles north of Sturgeon Bay and 3 miles south of Egg Harbor. The park has an ornate pavilion, a sandy beach, and a permanent pier that is perfect for spectators. Several large fields directly across the road from the park’s entrance provide ample parking for participants and spectators.
About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.
The Houston Kids Tri, the largest youth triathlon in the world, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025.
They say everything is bigger in Texas and this is certainly true about the Houston Kids Triathlon (formerly the Typhoon Texas Kids Triathlon and the Houston Texans Kids Tri). Returning for its tenth year as the largest kids triathlon in the world, Houston Kids Tri will see 1,500 kids swim, bike and run and most likely splash at Typhoon Texas Waterpark. Race participants receive entry into the waterpark, a $40 value, as part of their race entry. The race is great for kids of all ages and skill levels and features paratriathlon, an adaptive splash & dash, and assisted options for both the triathlon and splash & dash.
Making the race fun while prioritizing kids’ safety is how Houston Kids Triathlon has been so successful. It takes over 300 volunteers and staff to provide guidance and ensure that athletes, many of whom are participating in this type of race for the first time, stay happy and healthy. That includes medical support along the bike route and a medical team on site at the finish line. And the energy will surround the kids, with Houston’s #1 radio station 104.1 broadcasting at the finish line and 4,500 spectators lining the course eagerly cheering on their budding triathletes. After the race many of the athletes and spectators will stay for the day and enjoy Typhoon Texas Waterpark with their family.
The Houston Kids Triathlon prioritizes affordability and accessibility. The financial assistance fund which includes $2000 from the race director combined from donations from the greater community opens up this type of opportunity for those with less means. Race Director, Tony Sapp, works to keep fees low so that available dollars can be invested in the quality of the race. “Acquiring affordable insurance that meets or exceeds all our partner requirements makes the difference between a good and great race experience. Since 2023, after nearly a decade as a USAT-insured event, we switched to Cal Tri Events for race insurance—and the results have been impressive. We’ve enjoyed increased registrations, fewer inquiries, and a significant drop in abandoned carts during registration. Cal Tri Events has been an outstanding partner, and I’m excited about our continued collaboration for the foreseeable future,” comments Sapp.
About My Negative Split. Negative Split Productions was founded in 2014 with the goal of producing the premier endurance events in the greater Houston area. Tony Sapp, founder and owner of Negative Split Productions, was an avid runner and triathlete who began assisting in the production of events in 2012 as the volunteer coordinator for Onurmark Productions. When he decided to step into the Race Director role and begin the development of the Run Houston! Race Series in early 2014, Negative Split Productions was born. Today, Negative Split Productions offers a variety of race services including accurate and on-time timing & results, unique & cost effective race awards, turnkey virtual race services, and general event consulting.
About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.
2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin – 3.30.25 Collab Nets PinkStrong $6K Cal Tri Events Donation
Cal Tri Events opens an exciting new race season with athletes and fancrews at 2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin - 3.30.25. Athletes from 30 states and 5 countries, ages 7-83, will travel to “The Live Music Capital of the World” to compete in 19 separate events including; triathlon, runbikerun, swimbike, swimrun, swim and run at both the sprint and olympic distances. Youth athletes, ages 7-17, race at Cal Tri Events for free, made possible by adult registrations, donations and corporate sponsorships. An all-women’s runbikerun event, courtesy of PinkStrong, has been added to the race in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Led by Camille Baptiste, PinkStrong welcomes the fitness-focused, families, fun enthusiasts, the fierce and fabulous and individuals of all levels to embrace the multisport lifestyle. PinkStrong believes that competing in multisport is about camaraderie, not competition. With training videos, free pre-race clinics, additional course marshals, and a celebratory finisher toast at the PinkStrong celebration tent, athletes are reminded that they are never alone as they discover they can accomplish new and difficult goals. Every finisher is celebrated, concluding with a victory tunnel for the final finisher. PinkStrong isn’t a club, it’s a vibe!
In 2024, Cal Tri Events donated approximately $45K to nonprofit organizations that were integral in supporting Cal Tri Event’s safe, affordable & accessible mission. As a result of PinkStrong’s exceptional support of the race, all revenue from the PinkStrong RunBikeRun event -valued at $6000 this year- will be donated to SBR Fun.. Support includes promotion, pre race planning including multiple site visits and volunteer recruitment and race weekend production. The athlete community and both organizations have greatly benefited from this unique collaboration and look to repeat it at 2025 Cal Tri Austin - 9.21.25. The two Cal Tri Events races at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park and CapTex Tri, recently acquired by Supertri, represent the only triathlons in Austin.
About SBR Fun. Swim Bike Run Fun Club & Events (SBR Fun) is a premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit multisport event producer in the Austin area, specializing in boutique signature events that bring the triathlon and cycling communities together. Our mission is to create safe, accessible, and empowering experiences through our Fun Swims Program, Fun Rides Circuit, and PinkStrong Multisport Series. What sets SBR Fun apart? Engaging, high-quality events designed to challenge and celebrate athletes of all levels while reviving and energizing local endurance sports. Learn more at www.swimbikerunfun.net.
About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, free youth races (ages 7-17) and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.
NCAA Championship Status Approved For Women’s Wrestling in 2026. Women’s Triathlon Languishes.
In January 2025, the NCAA approved women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport and will host its first championship in 2026. This follows the organization’s Board of Governors decision one year ago to commit $1.7 million to establish the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships. More than 1,200 women wrestlers are competing at NCAA colleges today, across 76 programs (2023-24), with 17 additional programs projected in 2024-25. Women’s wrestling joins rowing (1996), ice hockey (2000), water polo (2000), bowling (2003) and beach volleyball (2015) as sports that have made the leap from NCAA Emerging Sport to Championship status. And women’s wrestling’s rise was relatively meteoric, having only gained NCAA Emerging Sport status in 2020.
| Women’s Wrestling | Women’s Triathlon | |
|---|---|---|
| Designated An NCAA Emerging Sport | ||
| Eclipsed The 40 School Minimum | ||
| NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics Recommendation | ||
| NCAA Board of Governors Funding For NCAA Championship Approval ~ $1.7 million | ||
| Gained NCAA Championship Status | ||
| 2023-24 NCAA Athletes Competing | ||
| 2023-24 Programs | ||
| 2023-24 Athletes/Program | ||
| 2023-2024 % Domestic Students Of Color (SOC) | ||
| 2023-2024 % International Students | ||
| 2024-25 NCAA Athletes Competing | ||
| 2024-25 Programs (projected) |
Women’s Wrestling & Women’s Triathlon Snapshot
Where is women’s triathlon? Designated as an NCAA Emerging Sport in 2014, women’s triathlon has yet to achieve the 40 program minimum, based on numbers derived from data submitted by NCAA member schools in October 2024. In 2023-2024, there were 37 triathlon programs with 305 total athletes.
The 2024-2025 projected sports sponsorship was 40 schools. The good news is that there are currently 41 schools currently listed on USA Triathlon’s website, USA Triathlon’s NCAA Triathlon School Programs. The bad news is that newcomer LaSalle University won’t start competition until 2025-2026 and both Greensboro College and St. Thomas Aquinas College appear to have missed the minimum roster size of three (3) eligible student-athletes in 2024-2025 with only 2 each. Consequently, it would be safe to conclude that the ceiling was 38 schools in 2024-2025. The data are refreshed each fall and will remain static until the next annual release. Additional eligibility requirements, including team participation in at least four intercollegiate contests, could further impact the total sports sponsorship number.
Who are the 2024-2025 athletes? From available information, 40 programs enrolled 342 athletes, with a median roster size of eight women, ranging from two (2) to eighteen (18). Some programs have turned abroad to meet their goals, like Wagner University (100% international), St. Thomas Aquinas College (100% international), Queens University (89% international), Emmanuel College (88% international) and Wingate University (67% international). Twenty-nine percent, or 100 of 342, of varsity female triathletes are international students.
What about the sponsoring institutions? Overwhelmingly the colleges sponsoring women’s triathlon have small endowments, are tuition dependent and maintain meager athletic budgets. There is a troubling trend of credit downgrades with schools suffering from state funding cuts, Student athletes will choose and pay to continue to compete collegiately. Consequently, these institutions seek to increase enrollment and tuition revenue without significantly increasing overhead by adding sports, almost any sport.
The NCAA Is In Deep Trouble.
Per the NCAA, 90% of their $800 million revenue comes from the Division I men’s basketball championship, or March Madness, television and marketing rights. Championship ticket sales provide most of the remaining revenue. The NCAA does not control the College Football Playoff (CFP) or major bowl games and football contributes minimal direct revenue to the NCAA. The Big Ten, SEC and other Power 5 conferences earn $4-$5 billion annually from massive TV deals with large media companies (e.g., ESPN, FOX, CBS, & NBC). The College Football Playoff (CFP) alone is worth $1.3 billion per year in TV revenue.
The NCAA’s headwinds have continued since the 2024 Treading Water: The State of NCAA Women’s Triathlon article. In a move that significantly weakens the NCAA’s control over athlete compensation, a judge granted preliminary approval to the $2.8 billion legal settlement that allows schools to pay players in October 2024. The settlement includes both $2.8 billion of retroactive payments to about 14,000 current and former Division I athletes plus a revenue sharing model that allows each school to distribute up to $20.5 million annually to their athletes. The final approval hearing on April 7, 2025 will determine the settlement’s implementation.
While it might have to wait until the NCAA’s March Madness agreement with CBS/Turner expires in 2032, the Power 5 could follow the College Football Playoff (CFP) model and separate from the NCAA, securing more money for themselves and gaining more control over the March Madness tournament structure. Without the basketball money, the NCAA would likely become little more than a regulatory agency that would be unable to fund or produce NCAA Championship events, including women’s triathlon.
Summary. In 2022, there were claims that Women’s Collegiate Triathlon Now on the Doorstep to Full-Fledged NCAA Status and Triathlon Hits Mark to Become Next NCAA Sport. That has not yet come to fruition; while women’s wrestling recently gained NCAA Championship status after becoming an NCAA Emerging Sport in 2020 and achieving the 40 school mark just two years later. Assuming that the NCAA is still in a financial position to add emerging sports and currently participating schools remain in a position to sponsor the sport, a best case scenario for women’s triathlon to become an NCAA Championship Sport is three years away. It will look markedly different from women’s wrestling’s emergence, which quickly accumulated twice as many colleges and four times as many athletes. We are also keeping an eye on flag football, considering the NFL’s commitment to it, reflected in a two minute Super Bowl LIX commercial, titled “Flag 50”. Given that 30-second slots during the 2025 Super Bowl were sold for approximately $8 million each, the estimated cost for this two-minute (120-second) commercial is $32 million.
2024-2025 Collegiate Triathlon Snapshot
| College | Location | Division | US News National Ranking | Endowment (million) | Endowment / Student | Women's Roster (24-25) | International Athletes | International % Of Roster | Grad Rate (6 year) | Undergrads | Men | Women (<50% bold) | Athletics Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | 1 | 121 | 1200 | 20,079 | 12 | 4 | 33% | 67 | 59,765 | 30113 | 29,652 | $128,265,591 |
| Black Hills State University | Spearfish, SD | 2 | Unranked | 33 | 21,167 | 10 | 1 | 10% | 44 | 1,559 | 528 | 1,031 | $5,305,099 |
| Cal Poly Humboldt | Arcata, CA | 2 | Unranked | 42 | 9,044 | 11 | 1 | 9% | 46 | 4,644 | 1,985 | 2,679 | $7,172,529 |
| Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | 3 | Unranked | 249 | 94,461 | 7 | 0 | 0% | 77 | 2,636 | 1243 | 1,393 | $5,019,164 |
| Central College | Pella, IA | 3 | Liberal Arts 126 | 98 | 87,735 | 9 | 0 | 0% | 71 | 1,117 | 582 | 535 | $4,490,057 |
| Chicago State University | Chicago, IL | 1 | Unranked | 8 | 8,556 | 7 | 1 | 14% | 28 | 935 | 331 | 604 | $8,291,183 |
| Coe College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 3 | Liberal Arts 136 | 103 | 84,565 | 6 | 1 | 17% | 65 | 1,218 | 535 | 683 | $3,506,413 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 2 | Unranked | 50 | 7,791 | 12 | 3 | 25% | 39 | 6,418 | 2984 | 3,434 | $13,168,490 |
| Concordia University Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | 3 | 329 | 116 | 59,214 | 3 | 0 | 0% | 66 | 1,959 | 780 | 1,179 | $3,539,320 |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 1 | Unranked | 43 | 10,734 | 7 | 3 | 43% | 45 | 4,006 | 1332 | 2,674 | $15,986,336 |
| Drury University | Springfield, MO | 2 | Unranked | 96 | 71,111 | 13 | 5 | 38% | 64 | 1,350 | 616 | 734 | $9,809,652 |
| Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | 165 | 565 | 112,640 | 13 | 3 | 23% | 78 | 5,016 | 1830 | 3,186 | $26,560,156 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | 1 | 315 | 88 | 10,413 | 10 | 1 | 10% | 55 | 8,451 | 3319 | 5,132 | $19,245,116 |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Harrisonburg, VA | 3 | Unranked | 38 | 48,531 | 5 | 0 | 0% | 63 | 783 | 318 | 465 | $2,144,137 |
| Emmanuel College | Franklin Springs, GA | 2 | Liberal Arts 145 | 2 | 2,841 | 8 | 7 | 88% | 37 | 704 | 402 | 302 | $10,099,078 |
| Gallaudet University | Washington, DC | 3 | 214 | 192 | 225,352 | 10 | 0 | 0% | 44 | 852 | 409 | 443 | $2,551,180 |
| Greensboro College | Greensboro, NC | 3 | Unranked | 26.5 | 44,314 | 2 | 0 | 0% | 40 | 598 | 379 | 219 | $2,188,199 |
| Guilford College | Greensboro, NC | 3 | Liberal Arts 165 | 85 | 85,085 | 4 | 0 | 0% | 49 | 999 | 505 | 494 | $2,910,398 |
| Hampton University | Hampton, VA | 1 | 273 | 351 | 132,553 | 5 | 0 | 0% | 46 | 2,648 | 874 | 1,774 | $11,075,210 |
| King University | Bristol, TN | 2 | Unranked | 37 | 38,027 | 4 | 0 | 0% | 46 | 973 | 370 | 603 | $6,872,283 |
| LaSalle University | Philadelphia, PA | 1 | 231 | 83 | 41,625 | 0 | 0 | 0% | 62 | 1,994 | 760 | 1,234 | $14,363,828 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory, NC | 2 | Unranked | 137 | 104,183 | 18 | 5 | 28% | 51 | 1,315 | 589 | 726 | $13,899,098 |
| Millikin University | Decatur, IL | 3 | Unranked | 102 | 65,764 | 6 | 1 | 17% | 58 | 1,551 | 710 | 841 | $4,691,261 |
| Navy (U.S. Naval Academy) | Annapolis, MD | 1 | Liberal Arts 4 | 518 | - | 6 | 1 | 17% | 90 | 4,450 | 3133 | 1,317 | $49,989,890 |
| Newberry College | Newberry, SC | 2 | Unranked | 17 | 13,439 | 6 | 3 | 50% | 49 | 1,265 | 704 | 560 | $10,750,116 |
| North Central College | Naperville, IL | 3 | Unranked | 119 | 52,725 | 9 | 0 | 0% | 63 | 2,257 | 1109 | 1,148 | $5,158,345 |
| Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | 1 | Unranked | 120 | 16,854 | 5 | 0 | 0% | 50 | 7,120 | 2958 | 4,162 | $13,135,573 |
| Queens University | Charlotte, NC | 1 | Unranked | 154 | 124,797 | 9 | 8 | 89% | 69 | 1,234 | 445 | 789 | $21,479,746 |
| Roberts Wesleyan University | Rochester, N.Y. | 2 | Unranked | 33 | 36,954 | 5 | 1 | 20% | 68 | 893 | 308 | 585 | $3,714,332 |
| St. Thomas Aquinas College | Sparkill, NY | 2 | Unranked | 52.5 | 53,626 | 2 | 2 | 100% | 54 | 979 | 505 | 474 | $5,894,987 |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX | 1 | 105 | 2440 | 236,297 | 14 | 8 | 57% | 84 | 10,326 | 3939 | 6,387 | $149,297,918 |
| Trine University | Angola, IN | 3 | Unranked | 49 | 22,122 | 7 | 0 | 0% | 65 | 2,215 | 1393 | 822 | $5,608,909 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1 | 109 | 1200 | 39,819 | 14 | 9 | 64% | 68 | 30,136 | 13006 | 17,130 | $136,866,623 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1 | 121 | 990 | 174,912 | 9 | 4 | 44% | 77 | 5,660 | 2506 | 3,154 | $46,885,104 |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | 2 | 296 | 123 | 37,986 | 8 | 0 | 0% | 60 | 3,238 | 1262 | 1,976 | $17,094,175 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1 | 109 | 503 | 86,829 | 11 | 6 | 55% | 74 | 5,793 | 2040 | 3,753 | $25,755,051 |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | 1 | 273 | 327 | 72,667 | 11 | 4 | 36% | 57 | 4,500 | 1615 | 2,885 | $19,665,874 |
| Wagner College | Staten Island, NY | 1 | Unranked | 96.5 | 61,543 | 6 | 6 | 100% | 62 | 1,568 | 586 | 982 | $22,026,021 |
| Warren Wilson | Swannanoa, NC | 3 | Liberal Arts 187-204 | 56 | 80,576 | 8 | 0 | 0% | 45 | 695 | 241 | 454 | $1,256,711 |
| Willamette University | Salem, OR | 3 | Liberal Arts 77 | 307 | 233,460 | 12 | 0 | 0% | 76 | 1,315 | 532 | 783 | $4,286,440 |
| Wingate University | Wingate, NC | 2 | 371 | 111 | 45,232 | 18 | 12 | 67% | 57 | 2,454 | 1007 | 1,447 | $14,486,754 |
Institutional Research
Recent reports have highlighted a troubling trend of credit downgrades in the higher education sector, with numerous institutions suffering from tightened funding, reduced student enrollment and an increasing debt burden. Analysts point to a combination of declining state funding, demographic shifts and a competitive marketplace as primary factors contributing to the financial distress experienced by many U.S. colleges and universities.
- Arizona State University. Arizona State to add tuition surcharge, close 1 campus after state funding cuts
- Black Hills State University. BHSU attempts to overcome historic funding deficit
- Cal Poly Humboldt. Cal Poly Humboldt Imposes ‘Temporary Hiring Chill’ in Response to Anticipated $13.3 Million Budget Deficit
- Calvin University. Budget pain ahead: The end of “invest to grow” at Calvin
- Concordia University Wisconsin. Concordia University campuses, including Mequon’s, facing financial struggles
- Delaware State University. UD and DSU seek millions after requests were largely unfulfilled by governor’s recommended budget
- Duquesne University. Pittsburgh’s smaller colleges teeter on edge of ‘enrollment cliff’ and tuition drought
- Emmanuel College. Moody’s Ratings revises Emmanuel College’s (MA) outlook to negative from stable; affirms Baa3
- Gallaudet University. Gallaudet University, DC 2021 Bond Rating Outlook Revised To Negative On Enrollment Declines And Operating Deficits
- Guilford College. Guilford College gets 1 more year of accreditation probation for ‘good cause’
- King University. King University at risk of losing accreditation
- La Salle University. La Salle University’s enrollment dropped 28% since 2019.
- Queens University. Queens University of Charlotte says it will make cuts after missing enrollment goal
- University of Arizona. Arizona Budget Woes Still Loom Large One Year Later
- University of Denver. DU makes cuts as declining enrollment creates budget deficit, drawing concern from faculty, students
- University of South Dakota. $10M base fund decrease to university funding not ‘terribly positive’ to SDBOR head
- Wagner College. Fitch Revises Wagner College, NY’s Outlook to Negative; Affirms IDR and Revs at ‘BBB-‘
- Warren Wilson College. Warren Wilson College revamps its academic offerings
- Willamette University. Decline of undergraduate enrollment results in cuts to student and staff support
46% Decline In USAT Finishers and 40% Decline In Races From Their Peaks; 2023-2024 Flat
Historically obtaining timely and accurate market sizing data for the U.S. triathlon space is challenging. The largest subset of information resides in the USA Triathlon database, which currently has race results from 2010 to 2024. Athlinks, which is owned by Lifetime, has a broader range of data that includes both USAT and non-USAT data. The Athlinks data, while extensive and very useful, is incomplete as it is greatly dependent on what has been submitted or collected. The scope of this analysis is data from races who have used USA Triathlon insurance, but that is only part of the overall market. In the second half of 2025, we will produce available data for the rest of the market including the Spudman Triathlon, which requires a lottery to fill its 2400 spots, and the Houston Kids Triathlon which had 1500+ participants in 2024. The Cal Tri Events series- which we produce- is another example.
Without the right information, the entire ecosystem that supports multisports, including race directors, registration companies, timing companies and brands are limited in having a consistent knowledge base. For example, during an October 2024 Breakfast with Bob interview with Ironman CEO Scott DeRue, the topic of US participation was discussed. Speaking to numbers shared by USAT, DeRue stated that, “prior to the pandemic there were about 3,000 triathlons of all different flavors, shapes and sizes in the U.S. Today there are 3,000.” While this is how it was defined by USAT, if you look at the number of overall events, there were actually 1,100 (2019) and 996 (2024). Additionally, during that period, a 13% decline of 46,660 finishers between 2019 and 2024 also took place. This shows that even how events and races are defined can cause potential debates in the industry. The whole sport benefits when key stakeholders in the industry are speaking the same language and have access to accurate information.
In 2019 the New York Times estimated that triathlon was down 25% from its peak in Triathlons Fight Decline and Seek Ways to Attract the Young. In response- in what was probably a missed opportunity to quantify the U.S. market size for their readers- Triathlete Magazine’s Kelly O’Mara penned The Truth About Triathlon Participation in the United States, concluding, “the message got lost in a headline and opener of doom and gloom, and some facts that lacked nuance and proper sourcing. Yes, participation is down from its peak, but is not in free fall; we’ve been seeing signs of a leveling out and recent gains that signal a more positive future than that story credited.” They took USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris at face value when he indicated that triathlon participation was starting to increase. “We’re now seeing that trend change.” In fact the NY Times’ 25 percent decline estimate was conservative as it was actually 38%. In an increasingly data driven world, there is demand for quantitative research and analysis.
Victoria Brumfield, USA Triathlon CEO shared “The stability and growth of events is core to the health of the multisport ecosystem and is the primary focus of our organization. There have been constrictions in the sport since the early 2010’s, and yet the sport is still strong with many areas of growth including new athletes coming into the sport, increased growth from younger age groups, and race directors adding more formats and races to their weekend events, creating new opportunities for participation. We are optimistic for the future of the sport.” We want to thank Victoria and Krista Prescott, USA Triathlon Chief Marketing and Growth Officer for participating in a great discussion about the state of the sport and sharing their vision for the future.
As a reminder, the scope of this analysis is exclusively USA Triathlon data. All data was independently gathered from public sources – this was not provided by USA Triathlon or directly from USA Triathlon insured events. Special thanks to Ben McClure, a recent Washington and Lee University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Physics and Economics, who conducted the data collection and analysis behind the project. This builds on the fine work by Nathan Danielson in 2019-2020.
- 46% Finisher Decline From 2011 to 2024: 564K (2011) vs 302K (2024). The number of finishes decreased by 46% from their peak of 564K in 2011 to 302K in 2024. When considering the 349K finishers in 2019, 82% of the decline was pre-pandemic, confirming that an overwhelming majority of the decline was prior to 2020. On a brighter note, the most recent year over year data- 2023-2024- is relatively flat at about 300K finishes. Flat is the new up.
“The most positive thing that can be taken from the data is the relatively flat overall participation shown the past two years, suggesting the possibility of a trough. Like a plane that’s been in a nosedive for ten years, let’s hope that we’ve finally bottomed out.” remarked Sean Ryan. Ryan has an MBA in Market Research from Northwestern University and is the race director of the Door County Triathlon, which had 1811 finishes in 2024 and has mostly withstood the significant declines felt throughout the industry.
- 40% Decline In Races From 2012 to 2024: 1667 (2012) vs 996 (2024). The number of USA Triathlon insured races shrank from 1667 at the 2012 peak to 996 in 2024, a 40% decline. USAT Triathlon currently describes the 996 races as 3500 events and races by totalling the number of races and events held at those races. It is the equivalent of a Major League Baseball team’s 162 game season being described as 1620 innings and games (162 games + 1458 innings). In 2024 the average number of events, e.g. triathlon, runbikerun, swimbike, at a race was 2.5 per race compared with 1.7 events per race in 2012. There were more choices, but that didn’t significantly change the trajectory of the overall finisher numbers.
- 51.5% Finisher Decline In Fast Course or Short Course From 2011 to 2024: 474K (2011) vs 230K (2024). While still representing 76% of all finishes, the fast course sprint and olympic distances, the welcome mat into the sport, has experienced the largest decline. From the peak in 2011, there are 40% less fast course races and average attendance has shrunk from 301 to 246 (2024).
- 26% Finisher Decline in Long Course (70.3-Mile Distance) from 2014 to 2024: 75K (2014) vs 55.6K (2024). From the peak in 2014, there has been a 26% decline in participation at the 70.3-mile distance. During the same period of time, Ironman has increased its market share from 56% (2014) to 86% (2024). When it comes to the 70.3-mile distance, athletes overwhelmingly chose Ironman with an average of 1713 finishes per race versus 105 finishes at a non-Ironman race. Ironman 70.3 Muncie was Ironman’s weakest performer at 800 finishers. Even still, Muncie hosts approximately 250-300 more athletes than T100 Las Vegas & Door County Half, the most popular non-Ironman races at the long course distance. Ironman introduced the 70.3-mile distance in 2006 and it now outpaces the 140.6-mile distance by 3x.
– 38% Finisher Decline In Ultra or 140.6-Mile Distance from 2014 to 2024: 26K (2014) vs 16K (2024). 99% of finishes at this distance are at nine remaining Ironman events; California, Arizona, Wisconsin, Texas, Lake Placid, Maryland, Chattanooga and Florida. From the peak in 2024, there has been a 38% decline in participation at the 140.6-mile distance. It is a combination of less races and less participation at those races. It has been suggested that Ironman’s 70.3-mile business has impacted their 140.6-mile business, but there is no publicly available information to confirm that premise.
Notes About the Data. In 2010, approximately 30K fast course finishes were identified as long course or 70.3-mile finishes. We included the data as not to impact the overall numbers but wanted to identify that as an issue. In addition, there are a small number of international races that have been included in the U.S. data.
| Total | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Finishes | 547,140 | 563,559 | 562,471 | 528,813 | 505,427 | 461,956 | 438,679 | 396,933 | 356,731 | 348,767 | 32,546 | 243,293 | 281,140 | 304,143 | 302,107 |
| Total Races | 1,470 | 1,640 | 1,667 | 1,608 | 1,539 | 1,406 | 1,327 | 1,214 | 1,130 | 1,100 | 181 | 752 | 862 | 1,018 | 996 |
| Average Finishers Per Race | 372 | 344 | 337 | 329 | 328 | 329 | 331 | 327 | 316 | 317 | 180 | 324 | 326 | 299 | 303 |
| Total Events | 2,213 | 2,671 | 2,833 | 2,942 | 2,948 | 2,881 | 2,925 | 2,782 | 2,777 | 2,765 | 500 | 2,046 | 2,442 | 2,619 | 2,480 |
| Average Events Per Race | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
| Fast Course | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Total Finishes | 431,473 | 474,168 | 469,176 | 431,327 | 404,188 | 364,133 | 344,573 | 306,444 | 274,115 | 264,113 | 27,589 | 169,082 | 196,745 | 231,530 | 230,255 |
| Total Races | 1,388 | 1,577 | 1,591 | 1,540 | 1,463 | 1,336 | 1,262 | 1,145 | 1,074 | 1,042 | 176 | 697 | 796 | 954 | 937 |
| Average Finishers Per Race | 311 | 301 | 295 | 280 | 276 | 273 | 273 | 268 | 255 | 253 | 157 | 243 | 247 | 243 | 246 |
| Total Events | 1,923 | 2,510 | 2,565 | 2,636 | 2,600 | 2,556 | 2,609 | 2,488 | 2,484 | 2,508 | 442 | 1,834 | 2,214 | 2,345 | 2,268 |
| Average Events Per Race | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.4 |
| Percent of total finishes that are short course | 79% | 84% | 83% | 82% | 80% | 79% | 79% | 77% | 77% | 76% | 85% | 69% | 70% | 76% | 76% |
| 70.3 Mile | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| All Finishes | 98,228 | 67,294 | 69,259 | 73,858 | 74,977 | 71,706 | 68,416 | 67,290 | 61,165 | 63,684 | 4,704 | 59,360 | 63,047 | 58,542 | 55,637 |
| Ironman 70.3 Mile Total Finishes | 35,779 | 37,735 | 36,470 | 39,558 | 41,928 | 43,341 | 45,239 | 50,378 | 45,912 | 50,343 | 2,066 | 49,369 | 53,685 | 50,143 | 47,966 |
| Ironman 70.3 Mile Total Races | 23 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 32 | 28 | 30 | 3 | 32 | 34 | 34 | 28 |
| Ironman 70.3 Mile Average Per Race | 1,556 | 1,509 | 1,459 | 1,648 | 1,677 | 1,548 | 1,616 | 1,574 | 1,640 | 1,678 | 689 | 1,543 | 1,579 | 1,475 | 1,713 |
| Non-Ironman 70.3 Mile Total Finishes | 62,449 | 29,559 | 32,789 | 34,300 | 33,049 | 28,365 | 23,177 | 16,912 | 15,253 | 13,341 | 2,638 | 9,991 | 9,362 | 8,399 | 7,671 |
| Non-Ironman 70.3 Mile Races | 205 | 116 | 138 | 155 | 154 | 140 | 124 | 113 | 105 | 97 | 22 | 79 | 88 | 85 | 73 |
| Non-Ironman 70.3 Mile Finishers Per Race | 305 | 255 | 238 | 221 | 215 | 203 | 187 | 150 | 145 | 138 | 120 | 126 | 106 | 99 | 105 |
| Ironman 70.3 Mile Market Share | 36% | 56% | 53% | 54% | 56% | 60% | 66% | 75% | 75% | 79% | 44% | 83% | 85% | 86% | 86% |
| 140.6 Mile | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| All Finishes | 17,439 | 22,097 | 24,036 | 23,628 | 26,262 | 26,117 | 25,690 | 23,199 | 21,451 | 20,970 | 253 | 14,851 | 21,348 | 14,071 | 16215 |
| Ironman Total Finishes | 14,651 | 18,922 | 20,710 | 20,126 | 23,015 | 23,549 | 24,444 | 22,119 | 20,464 | 20,213 | 0 | 14,532 | 20,990 | 13,788 | 15,993 |
| Ironman Races | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Ironman Finishers Per Race | 2,093 | 2,102 | 2,071 | 2,236 | 2,092 | 1,962 | 1,880 | 1,843 | 1,860 | 1,838 | 0 | 1,453 | 1,615 | 1,379 | 1,777 |
| Non-Ironman Total Finishes | 2,788 | 3,175 | 3,326 | 3,502 | 3,247 | 2,568 | 1,246 | 1,080 | 987 | 757 | 253 | 319 | 358 | 283 | 222 |
| Non-Ironman Races | 13 | 17 | 27 | 40 | 30 | 25 | 22 | 22 | 19 | 19 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 11 | 6 |
| Non-Ironman Finishers Per Race | 214 | 187 | 123 | 88 | 108 | 103 | 57 | 49 | 52 | 40 | 51 | 32 | 22 | 26 | 37 |
| Ironman Market Share | 84% | 86% | 86% | 85% | 88% | 90% | 95% | 95% | 95% | 96% | 0% | 98% | 98% | 98% | 99% |
2024 Cal Tri Events Awards
Cal Tri Events is pleased to announce our 2024 race season awards. Many people and organizations made 2024 a huge success. We want to thank everyone who supported our athletes as we bring safe, affordable and accessible to more communities. The 2025 calendar starts with 2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin - 3.30.25. Our 2024 awardees are:
- Top Race - Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes
- Started in 1978 as the Human Race Triathlon, Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes is the longest running triathlon in the world operating from the same location. A record 2,140 athletes registered for the race with KTLA providing 5 hours of remote video and the LA Times doing both pre race and race day coverage. The Cal Tri Events Top Race Award goes to The City of Newport Beach, California Fish & Wildlife, The Newport Dunes and Title Sponsor, Optimism.
- Top Venue - Cal Tri Lake Perris
- The Cal Tri Lake Perris race course and a plethora of overnight camping facilities are enclosed within the Lake Perris State Recreational Area, located just minutes from restaurants, shopping and entertainment. A SoCal multisport playground, Lake Perris provides excellent police, lifeguard and operational race support year after year. The Cal Tri Events Top Venue Award goes to Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
- Top Team/Club - Fort Worth Tri Club
- Fort Worth Tri Club, the rare club with the capacity to provide a full complement of both athletes and volunteers to support a race, was instrumental in the success of Cal Tri Fort Worth. Led by Bob Kilinski, Fort Worth Tri Club is a tight- knit and welcoming organization that supports athletes at all levels and values participation over performance. The Cal Tri Events Top Team/Club Award goes to Fort Worth Tri Club.
- Top Charity Group - Windsor High School Cheer
- Kendall Jackson Cal Tri Sonoma, a fast point to point race course, would not be possible without the enthusiastic support of Windsor High School Cheer. The WHS Cheer Team & their coaches were committed to every aspect of the race, including packet assembly, registration, course setup and teardown- not to mention athlete support at both Johnson’s Beach & WHS. For all their efforts, Cal Tri Events was pleased to present a $10,000 check in both 2023 and 2024. The Cal Tri Events Top Charity Group goes to Windsor High School Cheer.
- Top Race Captain - Rick Crump
- Rick Crump, a former Division I runner at Virginia Tech and race director of Swim The Avenues and the Redondo Beach Triathlon, has materially upgraded the race production of Cal Tri Events west coast races. He and his wife Connie, parents of triplets- probably the best preparation for a multisport lifestyle- are always eager to share their expertise. The Cal Tri Events Top Race Captain goes to Rick Crump.
- Top Sponsor - Kendall Jackson
- Triathlon returned to Sonoma County in 2023 with the launch of Kendall Jackson Cal Tri Sonoma. Besides being the title sponsor, Kendall Jackson looked for ways to contribute to our race series like providing coveted podium awards and hosting a wine pour after select races. In 2024, athletes were invited to the Kendall Jackson Estate post race for a courtesy wine pour. 2025 brings a significant upgrade: the La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard will be the site for the second transition area, run course, finish line and post- race celebration HQ. The Cal Tri Events Top Sponsor goes to Kendall Jackson.
- Hall Of Fame - Anthony Grey
- We are pleased to announce that Anthony Grey is the founding member of the Cal Tri Events Hall of Fame. Anthony has been supporting California Triathlon and Cal Tri Events since 2013, serving in various capacities. He currently serves as Cal Tri Events Treasurer and Fundraising Lead. But his range of contributions have included leading swim clinics at Playa del Rey, fundraising at Taylor Swift concerts at SoFi and driving a support vehicle from Sonoma to Los Angeles. The first member of the Cal Tri Events Hall of Fame is Anthony Grey.
- Club 25 - None
- Cal Tri Events is pleased to announce Club 25, the ultimate VIP race perk that awards free races for life after an athlete completes their twenty- fifth Cal Tri race. Additionally, Club 25 membership will include VIP racking and an all-access wristband allowing athletes to skip packet pick- up race morning. Every Cal Tri Events race from 2015 to the present is eligible. We foresee that the founding member of Club 25 will be eligible in 2025.
2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin – 3.30.25 Marks Cal Tri Events Fifth Year In Texas
Cal Tri Events opens an exciting new race season at 2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin - 3.30.25. Athletes from 30 states and 5 countries, ages 7-75, will travel to “The Live Music Capital of the World” to compete in 19 separate events including; triathlon, runbikerun, swimbike, swimrun, swim and run at both the sprint and olympic distances. 45% of the participants will be first time multisport athletes and a large group of spectators will be on hand taking in all the action and cheering for their favorite athletes.
2025 highlights include:
- Athletica Title Sponsor. Athletica’s AI-Powered Coaching: Whether you’re taking your first steps into multisport or chasing a personal best, Athletica’s AI-driven coaching platform provides personalized, adaptive training plans designed for athletes of all levels. Cal Tri Events and Athletica together ensure that every athlete, from beginner to seasoned competitor, has the tools and confidence to succeed on race day.
- PinkStrong RunBikeRun (2.5 km run, 19 km bike, 2.5 km run). A special all-women’s event, courtesy of PinkStrong, has been added to the race in celebration of Women’s History Month. PinkStrong & Cal Tri Events encourage athletes to celebrate their journey and achievements, regardless of their finish times, and highlight participant milestones, from first-time finishes to standout performances. All revenue from the PinkStrong RunBikeRun will be donated to PinkStrong in support of their continuing mission. #SayYesToAdventure
- Saturday’s Athletica Free Swim & Coaching Clinic (90 minutes). Athletes receive instruction and practice the five focals of faster swimming followed by dryland instruction to get race ready. The session is free to registered athletes courtesy of Athletica.
About Cal Tri Events
Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national fast-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, free youth races (ages 7-17) and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.
About Athletica
Athletica is a leader in AI-powered coaching for endurance athletes. Its platform provides personalized, adaptive training plans based on decades of sports science research. By leveraging real-time data from wearables, Athletica helps athletes train smarter and reach their performance goals, offering the same level of coaching traditionally reserved for elite athletes. For more information, please visit Cal Tri Events or Athletica.
Media Inquiries:
- Cal Tri Events: PR Inquiries, info@californiatriathlon.org
- Athletica: Mark Bridges, CEO, mark@athletica.ai
Cal Tri Events Announces Club 25; Free Races For Life After Completing 25 Races
Lexington, VA (January 14, 2025) – Cal Tri Events is pleased to announce Club 25, the ultimate VIP race perk that awards free races for life after an athlete completes their twenty- fifth Cal Tri race. Additionally, Club 25 membership will include VIP racking and an all-access wristband allowing athletes to skip packet pick- up race morning. Every Cal Tri Events race from 2015 to the present is eligible.
“We foresee that the founding member of Club 25 will be Virginian Eric Fletcher, who has completed 21 races and is slated to compete in four Cal Tri races in 2025. If all goes to plan, Eric will earn Club 25 status at the finish line at 2025 Cal Tri Charlottesville - 8.31.25. Eric is followed closely by Californian Brigid Freyne, who has completed 19 races, including Cal Tri’s first-ever race, 2015 Cal Tri LA, formerly known as Trick or Tri. “We hope to award her Club 25 status within a year,” predicted Thom Richmond, Cal Tri Events CEO.
Upon learning of his Club 25 eligibility, Eric shared, “Cal Tri Events embodies the ideal of ‘Triathlon is for everyone’, bringing fast, fun, affordable, and safe racing to everyone by putting the racers first. From free transfers and deferrals, free kids racing and a real focus on bringing new people to the sport, Cal Tri is a race series I am happy to support.“
About Cal Tri Events
Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national fast-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics and free youth races.
Cal Tri Events Announces Divine Intervention Refund Policy
Cal Tri Events is raising the bar in 2025 to include an industry leading Divine Intervention Refund Policy. This is on top of the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race.
What if an “Act of God” forces cancellation of a race? We have you covered even against Divine Intervention! If a natural disaster, accident, or other incident outside of human control causes Cal Tri Events or a municipal authority to cancel a race in its entirety, we will automatically refund your registration fee in full.
If an athlete would rather participate in a future race, they will be given a three day window to transfer their registration to any future Cal Tri Events race before the automatic refund is processed. There is no charge for the transfer, even if the new race has a higher registration fee than the original one. Certain restrictions apply; see our full refund policy here.
This new policy for 2025 does not retroactively cover 2024 Cal Tri San Antonio (lightning) or 2024 Cal Tri Charlotte (hurricane). Those athletes were given the option to defer or transfer.