Bio

Concordia University Wisconsin Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill has announced the hiring of Jeff Shawhan, as the head coach for the Triathlon program.

"I am very excited to announce the hiring of Jeff Shawhan as the head coach of our Triathlon team," said Barnhill. "Jeff has proven himself to be an accomplished endurance sports athlete and has experience coaching others to be successful."

Shawhan will take over the team as it heads into its third season in the fall of 2018. He brings experience as a triathlon competitor, having competed in several Ironman competitions, as well as being the founder of Tri-Cycle Studios, an indoor cycle training studio for triathletes and cyclists. In addition, he has been coaching athletes in both triathlon and cycling since 2015.

"I am honored to be named to Head Coach for CUW Triathlon," said Shawhan. "I'm looking forward to building on the hard work from the past two seasons. We will have some high goals for the Falcons this season, but with hard work and determination they are attainable."

Shawhan is a seven-time Ironman Finisher and earned Ironman All-World Athlete status four times, the latest a gold selection in 2017. In 2018, the new Falcons leader earned a USAT All-American Athlete Award. In the Male 50-54 age group, Shawhan ranks 19th in the world and eighth in the United States in the AWA Triathlon Rankings.

Shawhan takes over Ryan Schmeling, who served as the Falcons head coach during the 2017 season. Andrew Shanks led the program in its inaugural season in 2016.

"We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Ryan Schmeling this past year and wish him the best of luck in his relocation," said Barnhill. 

CUW competed in four meets in 2017, including the USAT Nationals in November.