News Search

Trio competes in triathlon, hopes to inspire others to get involved in Airman Activities Council

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Still winds, sunny skies and snow as far as the eye could see were the backdrop for three Airmen as they competed in the 3rd Annual Cold Avenger's End It Extreme North Dakota Iceman Triathlon on Feb. 25, 2012, in downtown Grand Forks, N.D.

"We've always thought of this event as a great opportunity for the Airmen to get out of the base and have fun," said Andy Magness, one of two race directors. "I think this race is perfect for our armed forces members because they are part of the group in our society that dares to push themselves when many others won't."

The trio - all members of the Airman's Activity Council - was comprised of Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Lowder, Airman 1st Class Alex Shiverick, and Airman 1st Class Marco Cervantes.

Lowder, a pay technician with the 319th Comptroller Squadron, tackled the first portion of the race at Lincoln Driver Park: the cross-country ski route.

"Being from the south, cross-country skiing is not a sport that I was able to participate in growing up," said Lowder, a 26-year-old native of Camden, S.C. "Cross-country skiing is something that I have found enjoyable and challenging all while staying physically active. I'm an outdoorsman and since moving to Grand Forks, I've decided to take advantage of the opportunities that this area and its climate present."

Lowder finished the challenging 3-mile ski route in 42 minutes and 51 seconds.

Shiverick, a pavement and equipment operator from the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron, put pedal power to work on the 7-mile bike portion of the race.

The 26-year-old from Winterset, Iowa, powered an 18-speed mountain bike through up to 14 inches of snow along a trail that ran around trees, hills and over a very slippery, frozen Red River in 46 minutes flat.

"I'm just glad I'm done with it," Shiverick said after completing the ride.

Cervantes, also a member of the 319th CES, ran anchor. The 26-year-old native of Bremen, Ind., said he decided to participate because he's "a competitive person."

"I like to push myself physically and mentally," said Cervantes, who finished the three-mile run in 37 minutes and 28 seconds.

In addition to the ski, bike and run portions of the race, participants had to run up and slide down a 40-foot hill three times prior to crossing the finish line. They finished together with a total time of 2 hours, 13 minutes and 16 seconds - the seventh fastest in the Open category.

Lowder said that while they wanted to win the competition, that wasn't their main goal. He hopes their participation will show that the council is here to provide Airmen with the opportunity to participate in events otherwise unbeknownst to them.

"I've heard a lot of people say that there is nothing to do in Grand Forks. Well I believe they are wrong," Cervantes said. "No matter where you are there is always something to do. All you have to do is look around."

Cervantes said too many people just sit back and wait for things to happen.

"I hope they see that not only do we get the information out, but also take the initiative in getting the council involved as well," he said. "We lead by example!"

Editor's Note: The Airman's Activity Council is a non-profit organization on Grand Forks AFB headed by junior enlisted Airmen with the goal of enhancing the personal and professional lives of the enlisted force between the pay grades E-1 to E-4. The AAC is continually looking for and welcome all who have ideas for activities, fundraisers and events that they would like to see happen. Anyone interested in joining can respond to the monthly e-mail sent to all Airmen.