MADISON, Wis. – Student-athletes from men's rowing and women's cross country took a seat on the sideline to cheer on children participating in the Tri 4 Schools Sun Prairie triathlon, in efforts to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise money for local schools to fund athletics and wellness programs. 

The Badgers traveled to the Prairie Athletic Club in Sun Prairie on Saturday, July 9 to guide participants throughout the triathlon course and cheer them on, inspiring the kids to keep going and achieve their goal of finishing the course. 

Children ages 3 to 14 had the opportunity to participate in a long course, medium course or short course, each made up of a swim, bike and run. The student-athletes were there every step of the way throughout each course, motivating the participants to keep going by cheering them on and giving out lots of high fives. 

"I was really impressed by the whole event; from the organizers and volunteers, to the kids who participated in the races themselves," said red shirt freshman cross-country student-athlete Erin Wagner. "Everyone was energized and enthusiastic and I think that made for a great atmosphere for racing."

Since the non-profit was founded in 2011, Tri 4 Schools has helped over 8,500 kids participate in a triathlon or mud run, and has donated nearly $200,000 in resources to local schools. All of the race entry fees are donated to schools in efforts to fund athletics and wellness programs that will teach children the basics of a healthy lifestyle and fight against childhood obesity. 

"We were so grateful to have student-athletes as a part of our kids triathlon. Seeing role models out there cheering them on is a huge motivator for our young children, and helps them think about developing healthy lifestyles as they get older," said Katie Hensel, Founder and Executive Director of Tri 4 Schools.

"Even though it was a technically a race, most of the kids looked like they were just happy to be there and a lot of them had friends to run and bike with," said Wagner. "I couldn't imagine doing what they did at their age, but most of them did it with ease! The crowd support for these kids was great and I'm really happy I was able to be apart of it!"