USA Triathlon is partnering with Arizona State on an "innovative program designed to boost men's elite performance to the Olympic level," according to Jeff Metcalfe of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Project Podium will be based at ASU, "providing a training home for a men's team of 12-16 athletes, at least half under age 25." The triathletes will be "able to attend ASU either in person or online and are eligible for scholarship funds from USA Triathlon based on performance history." ASU is "offering use of its athletic facilities as well as sports medicine, strength and conditioning, academic and nutrition support." USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris said, "This is something new and different." Metcalfe writes Harris has a "strong connection with ASU, his alma mater, from his previous job" as ASU COO. He left to join USA Triathlon in August. ASU President Michael Crow and VP/Athletics Ray Anderson "consistently advocated for the university using its resources to become a training mecca for Olympic athletes" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/14).
