US Military Endurance Sports Announces Elite Program Roster
Posted 23 Nov 2015 in News
Boulder, Colorado – US Military Endurance Sports (USMES) is proud to announce the 2016 Elite Program athlete roster. A six-man road cycling team, one mountain bike racer, five triathletes, 4 runners and 4 para-cyclists will be supported to compete in regional, national and international competitions during the 2016 season.
One of several programs that USMES supports, the combined mission of the Elite Program is to provide high performing military endurance athletes the resources and support to better enable them to gain experience and compete in national and international level pro/am races. Not only do they gain experience and growth opportunities in racing and event preparation, but also mentorship on professionalism in representing themselves, sponsors, and the larger program positively. In 2015, elite program athletes competed in 320 races in 26 states, 13 countries and 4 continents with numerous top finishes and accomplishments.
“It’s fantastic to be able to support such a diverse group of athletes and enable them to reach further than they could on their own.” said program director George Ganoung. “It’s all about providing opportunities and then assisting the athletes in maximizing them.”
Road Cycling: USAF CAPT Jay ShalekBriski; USAF 2LT Stefan Zavislan; USPHS (Navy) LCDR Sunny Gill; USN PO2 Rhandie Thompson; U.S. Army CPT Alex Driscoll; U.S. Army CPT Jose Solis;
Mountain Bike: USAF SrA David Flaten
Triathlon: U.S. Army 2LT Samone Franzese; Army CPT Nicholas Sterghos; USAF 2LT Cody Bohachek; USAF CAPT Brett King; U.S. Army 1LT Barrett LeHardy
Running: USAF 1LT Morgan Mosby; USAF MAJ Ben Payne; USAF CAPT Dan Castle; USAF CAPT Matt Williams
Para-cycling: Oz Sanchez; Scott Martin; Justin Widhalm; Steven Peace
Team Directors: USCG CDR (Retired), George Ganoung (cycling, triathlon & running); Liz West (para-cycling)
Learn more about the team and see the rider’s bios at http://usmes.org/teams/elites/
About USMES:
Founded in 2010, USMES is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity organization chartered to support endurance sports education and activities for current, retired, and Veteran members of the United States Uniform Services. USMES began operations as an elite amateur cycling team and over the course of five years has grown into a thriving multi-sport recreational, development, and elite athletic program. In 2014 USMES added triathlon and adaptive cycling as supported sports and is welcoming distance runners and adventure racers for the 2015 season. In addition to supporting active cyclists, adaptive cyclists, runners, and triathletes, USMES seeks to raise awareness of the physical and psychological benefits of endurance sports within our military communities.
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