RESULTS | '26 USA Triathlon Collegiate Club national championships

Wingate, N.C.----The "One Shining Moment" song signals the end of the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, but it also has significance for any team celebrating a national championship. In late March, the Wingate University men's club triathlon team started its own celebration by winning its second consecutive national title in Gulfport, Mississippi.
 
Wingate's "One Shining Moment" came at the conclusion of the most dominating performance in the 23-year history of the USA Triathlon Collegiate Club National Championship. The Wingate University athletic communications office caught with head coach Nick Radkewich, team ambassador Chris Brewer and student-triathletes Jake Baugher and Charlie Smoak to get their thoughts on the proceedings (edited interview transcripts follow).
 
What They Are Saying
Wingate head coach Nick Radkewich
 
"It's hard to imagine what it takes to defend a national championship. For this team, it was a list full of first and amazing performances. First individual national champion, Isaac Lamprecht, in the draft-legal sprint. Lamprecht finished second in the Olympic non-draft event to clinch the program's first combined champion with teammate Luis Steiert finishing third."
 
"With the team's second through sixth finish in the Olympic non-draft race, they posted the lowest score in the 23-year history of the event…missing a perfect score by one place and four points. Ultimately, these performances led to their second consecutive national championship." 
 
"This team trained and raced well as a team. It's so difficult to pick the race squad of eight with so much talent in the program. This year, it came down to picking the best team…and they proved themselves unbeatable under tough conditions and against very strong competition."

"For me, it's amazing to see Wingate University represented on the national stage at such a high level. Just walking up to the team tent set between The University of Texas and Texas A&M on one side and the University of Michigan and Virginia Tech on the other side, I get excited that our squad will ignore the size differences in institutions and proudly represent the Bulldogs.  I can't wait to see what the squad does next year as it continues to develop." 
 
Wingate Triathlon team ambassador Chris Brewer ('05)
 
"It's hard to overstate how tough it is to defend a national championship—but Wingate did it with one of the most complete performances you'll see. First individual national champ, a combined champion and nearly a perfect team score. No shortcuts, no excess—just a deep, disciplined team that shows up when it matters. Lining up next to powerhouse programs and beating them anyway…that's what makes this special."
 
"Seeing Wingate represented at this level is something extraordinary. This team didn't just defend a national title—they elevated the standard with historic performances and incredible depth. Standing alongside some of the largest programs in the country and competing like equals…that's a testament to what they've built. I am incredibly proud to be a Bulldog."
 
Wingate senior team captain Charlie Smoak ('26)
 
"Overall, everything was executed to perfection during our Mississippi weekend. What began as a strong outing from Isaac's Friday win brought an incredible amount of momentum into Saturday. Then for Saturday to be historic as the lowest points scored in nationals' history, the successful national title defense and my first All-American finish. For me to share the weekend with my team and family was the best conclusion I could ask for from Wingate University Triathlon." 
 
Wingate graduate student-triathlete Jake Baugher (DPT '26)
 
"I am really proud of the team's focus and preparation leading into this national championship event…and for the execution on race day. The guys were able to control the front of both races to collect one individual championship and position ourselves for a record-setting team score."
 
"Coach Rad prepared us well for the conditions of the course as well as the race dynamics…and the team left it all out there to defend the title. We're incredibly grateful to Clash Endurance and the city of Gulfport for such a great event…and to all of our partners who help us succeed."
 
Wingate University
 
Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 17 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.
 
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