Team Mussel is Geneva's newest youth athletic team. With two teenagers and eleven 5th graders, this primed posse is ready to take on the challege of triathlon.
Conceived as a way to get the Musselman's beneficiary organization - the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva - more involved in the race, Team Mussel aims to make the sport of triathlon accessible to kids from all walks of life. With financial support from USA Triathlon, the team is able to provide basic equipment to participants who otherwise could not afford it. Additional support from the Geneva Bicycle Center and the Finger Lakes Radio Network will enable all team members to have a bike for training and race day.
Team Mussel is coached by veteran triathletes and Musselman committee members, Melissa Henderson and Dave Soule. Both trained educators, the two hope to be role models and mentors for the kids. Besides teaching the fundamentals of swimming, biking, and running, Melissa and Dave see the team as an opportunity to teach kids about discipline, perseverence, and making healthy choices.
Since its first training session in late March, Team Mussel has been overwhelmed by the generous support of the triathlon and local communities. We would especially like to thank Functional Fitness in Canandaigua, NY and the Geneva Family YMCA for allowing us to use their facilities for spinning and swimming, respectively. Donations from Robert Dattola, Mary Eggers, Donna and Ken Gibbs, Jim Hogan, Mike Moreland, Stephanie Prady, Patti Wandell, and Kristine Walters are helping to supply equipment and to cover entry fees.
If you'd like to help these kids get to the finish line, contact us to get involved. Team Mussel thanks you!
Meet Team Teen Mussel: Nick Brinson and Chris Armstrong
These are two 17 year olds who do not shy away from a challenge. On their first day of bike training, Melissa took them to the first short hill on the mini-mussel course and had them ride sprints to the top. Thinking they'd be tired after 5 miles of riding and 2 hill sprints, she asked if they wanted to head home. Without hesitating, they both shook their heads, "Nah, let's see the whole thing." Twelve miles later, they had erased all doubt that they would successfully complete the mini-Mussel on July 17.
Meet the Kids
Eleven 5th graders from North Street Elementary School have taken on the challenge of training for the MusselKids Triathlon on July 17th. In their first two training sessions, Dave has emphasized the importance of teamwork by organizing relays that encourage the kids to work together rather that competing against one another. As of Friday, April 8, we are proud to announce that Team Mussel officially holds the 10-person-250-yard relay World Record with a time of 48 seconds. The kids have also begun practicing the important skill of quick transitions; after day one's performance, it appears we're gonna have to spend some more time on tying sneakers!
