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Triathlon Still On Track, Despite Resignations

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: May 2, 2008

SEBRING — Although three key members of the 2008 Heartland Triathlon committee resigned this week, Florida Hospital pledged on Friday to continue as title sponsor and pitch in $10,000.

Don Elwell sits on the boards for both the triathlon committee, and a major organizer for the past two years, the 1,000 member Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce.

Elwell said that even in light of the resignations by former city councilman Jeff Carlson, Florida Hospital's Cherie Starr and two-time winner and event organizer Patrick High, the July triathlon will succeed.

"The event can be successful without Cherie, Dan and Patrick, but even more successful with them," said Elwell. "I'm hoping that after the dust settles, everyone will focus on the event itself and how much it means to the community."

Dan Andrews was fired earlier this month as president/CEO of the chamber. He was the lead organizer for both previous triathlons. The chamber's board on Tuesday decided to perform an audit of the chamber's finances.

Seven triathlon organizers met Friday morning at Florida Hospital Heartland Division to discuss the event, which last year attracted almost 500 athletes from both far and near.

Tim Cook, Florida Hospital president/CEO, said that Florida Hospital's sponsorship was "never a question."

"It looked like everything was falling apart, but people are pulling together and realizing that this is going to happen. Never, ever was there a question. It was never discussed by the (hospital) board."

Cathy Albritton, hospital spokesperson, said Florida Hospital's main goal is to build a healthy community and the triathlon helps to achieve that goal.

"So many people are working on this," said Albritton. "We've been a sponsor for the first three years and nothing has changed."

Elwell said that someone is needed to "step up and run" the event.

"If we pull the plug with only a couple of months to go, it will set us back five to 10 years," he said.

Two-time winner High said on Friday he lacks time to fully commit to the event because of a new job.

High hopes to still work as a consultant and source of information, although he doesn't yet know whether he will return to Lake Jackson and Lakeview Drive to defend his title.

"I'm still passionate," said High. "The triathlon is humongous. I hope the chamber figures it out."

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