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July 31, 2012

EVERETT, Wash. -

By Everett Herald staff

Matt Koenigs of Snohomish placed second overall and first in his age group Saturday at the National Aquathlon Championship at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island.

The event featured a 1,500-meter swim in Lake Washington and a 10-kilometer run. Koenigs completed the course in 57 minutes, 24.4 seconds, the best time in the Male 30-34 age group.

By placing second overall Koenigs, 32, qualified for a spot on the U.S. team that will compete in the World Aquathlon Championships in October in Auckland, New Zealand. He's now scrambling to raise money for the trip.

"I have two weeks to find a sponsor to help pay for my flight or I will have to decline the Team USA spot," he said in an email.

Koenigs, the head cross country and track coach at Everett Community College, has enjoyed a wildly successful summer competing in endurance races. He won the Five Mile Lake Triathlon, the Clear Lake Triathlon and set a course record of 32:52 at the Yankee Doodle Dash 10K held July 4 in Everett.

Saturday marked his first defeat of the summer. Koenigs placed second to Brent Demarest, 17, of South Carolina. Demarest finished in 56:42.7

"I came out of the water after the swim in fourth place and moved quickly into second but couldn't close the gap enough on Demarest, who had about a minute lead after the swim leg," said Koenigs, who was competing in his first aquathlon.

If Koenigs makes it to New Zealand, he'll be gone during a portion of the cross country season.

"I have two fantastic assistant coaches who were huge in our (Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges) titles last year and know the program ... so the team won't skip a beat," he said.

Those interested in helping Koenigs raise money can contact him at 360-306-0259 or mkoenigs@everettcc.edu.