Hello Gators, As we mark Patriots Day 2015, our thoughts will be on the past and the future. At some point today you will likely think back to 9/11/01. You may not remember what you had for breakfast yesterday, but you can probably recall where you were and what you were doing as you heard the news that morning. With all of the negative stuff that goes on in the world and even in our own country, it’s an amazing feeling to know that when we really need to we always pull together and get through it. So as many of you throughout the day today are putting together your transition bags, checking over your bikes, resting/hydrating/strategizing, etc in preparation for tomorrow’s races, definitely take a few seconds to remember how great it is to be an American! Tomorrow we’ll have the largest turnout number of Gators and Junior Gators to date participating in a triathlon/duathlon event… 28 at last count. It will start with six of our youngest Gators participating in the youth events, including a couple of Moffas taking on their first triathlon. This will be followed by the Sprint triathlon and duathlon events that will include a total of nine Gators ranging from first year triathletes to some of our top most veteran athletes who have been top performers in Piranha’s 2015 individual competition. And finally, the 70.3/half Ironman distance events will take place; these events will include at least six Gators taking on their first event at the distance. And all of our athletes that successfully complete their event will contribute points towards Piranha’s 2015 club event competition; we currently stand in 3rd place. So today’s a great day to be an American and tomorrow’s a great day to be a Gator… What a weekend! This week's news topics include...Accomplishments… Going the distance!!Who’s Next?… Spartan Up, Lobsterfest, and Diamonds in Delaware!Do You Got Game?… We’re (still) looking for a few (or more) good runners and volunteers for the upcoming Spring-Valley Y Game Day 5K!! SPOILER ALERT… This item includes a discount code!... This event is one month from today!!Mark Your Calendars… What's in your Gator future!! Happy Birthday!: Best wishes to Eric Afre who celebrates his birthday this Sunday, September 13! Accomplishments: A couple of swimmers that went the distance…Friday, September 4:Valley Forge Marathon Swim (Bridgeport, PA): We had a solo swimmer and a relay participant both successfully complete the inaugural version of this eight mile event…Nabil Radouane completed the swim solo… Way to go, Nabil!Ruth Subach participated on a relay team… Great job, Ruth! Who’s Next?: Lots of us leaving Pennsylvania for Saturday events…Saturday, September 12:Spartan Tri-State New Jersey Super (Mountain Creek, NJ): Jay Sherman returns to action!Lobsterman Olympic Triathlon (Freeport, ME): Steph Stranick brings some Gator spirit up north!Diamondman Challenge Festival (Bear, DE): At last count we have 28 Gators participating including 6 Junior Gators in the youth events and 6 (I think) looking to complete their first 70.3 (half Ironman distance) triathlon…Youth Events:Triathlon (100 yd swim, 2.4 mi bike, 0.4 mi run):FIRST TRIATHLON: Joey Moffa, Nicholas MoffaVeterans: Owen Bellino, Riley MilliganDuathlon (0.4 mi run, 2.4 mi bike, 0.4 mi run): Alexis Beauchamp, Amanda BeauchampSprint Events:Triathlon (0.5 mi swim, 19.5 mi bike, 3.3 mi run): Vince Bellino, Kristin Kozera, Diane Lynch, Don Mack, Maureen Pinkerton, Don Schlichtmann, Allison WeslerDuathlon (2 mi run, 19.5 mi bike, 3.3 mi run): Kelly Beauchamp, Ken Beauchamp70.3/Half Ironman Distance Events:Triathlon (1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike, 13.1 mi run):FIRST 70.3 Distance Event: Suzanne Angelaccio, Trevor Bellino, Jason Brannen, Kerri Brannen, Mike Connelly, Chris ReiterVeterans: Maribeth Baker, Mary Kain, Tiff Pfluger, Jon WeslerDuathlon (3.3 mi run, 56 mi bike, 13.1 mi run): Michelle Leonard, Tim Pfluger, Byron Solvason Do You Got Game?: We are still seeking both runners and volunteers for the Sunday, October 11 Spring-Valley YMCA “Game Day 5K”…Volunteer opportunities: We are looking for help and the following link has all duties assigned for sign up. All volunteers receive a special shirt!... https://www.runtheday.com/registration/volunteer_signup/31500Race Registration Discount: Any Gator that registers can receive $5 off with the promotional code “gators”. Race registration link… https://www.runtheday.com/registration/select_race_type/31500 Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming events include…Sunday, October 11: CLUB EVENT – Spring-Valley YMCA Game Day 5KSaturday, November 7, “The Barn” in Royersford: End of Year Club Party. More details will be coming soon, but if you can attend, please accept Mellissa’s Facebook invite!Sunday, November 22: CLUB EVENT – Philadelphia Marathon and Half MarathonDecember (date TBD): Annual Member Meeting Go USA and Go Gators! Don M