June 17, 2009 – After years of inactivity, the Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation (VITF) is getting back into shape in time for V. I. Olympic Day.
On June 8, a group of about two dozen local triathlon enthusiasts met with V.I. Olympic Committee representative Tom Guthrie at the Country Day School Library to re-establish the VITF. The group discussed the role of a federation in supporting athletes and promoting/sanctioning events. Those present then moved to electing a board of directors.
The process went smoothly with all officers being elected by affirmation. Scott Fricks was named president, and Jude Woodcock and Roger Hatfield were named vice presidents, representing St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix respectively. Matt Halk was named secretary/treasurer.
Fricks recently returned from a coaching clinic for triathlons in Colorado where he received his level 2 coaching certification. He hopes the revived VITF can improve and increase the number of events offered in the U.S.V.I. He also believes the role of the federation should be to further develop local talent.
The meeting adjourned with the board of directors agreeing to meet on June 15, to set the priorities for the organization and plan for the V.I. Olympic Day activities.
VITF was founded in the late 1980s to promote the sport of triathlon in the territory. During the 1990s, interest in an organized federation dwindled, and the group became inactive until this month.