Rebel Man Sprint Triathlon Set for April 3 at Ole Miss’ Turner Center

On your mark, get set, go! Triathletes from near and far will be traveling to the University of Mississippi to compete in the Rebel Man Sprint Triathlon this Sunday, April 3.

The race marks the start of triathlon season for the state. The race will kick off at 8 a.m. at the Turner Center, where participants will complete a 440-meter swim at the Ole Miss Natatorium. Participants will then bike a 22km route around the city of Oxford, and finish with a 5.5km run through campus.

Jaclyn Flazarano, a graduate student in charge of facility operations for Ole Miss Campus Recreation, said that this triathlon is unlike any other because it is entirely student organized and led.

“This race gives students an opportunity to apply their in-class learning to a large scale event like this one,” Flazarano said.

Rebel Man is a sprint triathlon, the shortest of four triathlon distances. This race gives experienced triathletes the opportunity to hone certain skills while still allowing beginners to dip into the triathlon arena.

A junior diatetics and nutrition major, Ellen O’Malley, said, “Because a sprint triathlon deals with shorter distances, beginners are able to train with shorter distances. However, for more experienced athletes, it’s still a challenge, but more pleasurable since they are used to longer distances.”

O’Malley said that organizing this event gives them the chance to work with each other to accomplish a mutual goal.

“It is a life experience that we will be able to apply to our future careers, no matter what our major is,” O’Malley said.

In its eleventh year, this event continues to grow in size, while also bringing tourism to Oxford.

“This is an annual event that community members and triathletes look forward to and train for each year,” Flazarano said.

O’Malley, who also works for Campus Recreation, said that this triathlon is a good way to get the campus and community involved in a healthy activity.

“When the school promotes triathlons and races, it brings a competitive, but fun edge to a healthier lifestyle,” O’Malley said.

Proceeds from the Rebel Man go toward the Kevser Ermin Professional Development Fund. In honor of Kevser Ermin, who was tragically killed while biking along Old Sardis Road, this fund helps graduate students financially while perusing professional development.

One goal the Rebel Man staff this year is to provide participants with an exceptional race day experience. With 200 plus participants, this can be difficult, but the staff feels that this year will be the best race yet.

“It’s awesome to see athletes of various capabilities come together with the common goal of wanting to be healthier,” O’Malley said.

To learn more about the race and how to participate or volunteer, visit www.rebelman.olemiss.edu.

Emry Hayes is a intern through the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at Ole Miss. Hayes can be reached at ejhayes@go.olemiss.edu.

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