Central College has named Jennie Hedrick-Rozenberg to lead its new women’s triathlon squad. A 2006 Central graduate, Hedrick-Rozenberg is a veteran swim coach and also a triathlon competitor, already serving as swim instructor for Central’s women’s triathlon club this year. With support from USA Triathlon, in August Central became the 31st school nationwide and the second in Iowa to offer women’s triathlon. It will transition from a club sport to varsity status next fall. Women’s collegiate triathlons feature sprint-distance races including a 750-meter open-water swim, a draft-legal 20-kilometer bike ride and a 5-kilometer run. As an athlete, Hedrick-Rozenberg has competed in two sprint triathlons as well as the swim portion of numerous team triathlon events. She’s served as head swim coach for the city of Pella since 2002 and of South East Aquatics since 2010, is a member of the Iowa Swimming board of directors and serves as secretary for the Iowa Swim Coaches Association board of directors.
Triathlon will be Central’s 20th intercollegiate sport and the first new offering since women’s soccer was introduced in 1995. Hedrick-Rozenberg begins her duties this spring.