Las Vegas, NV — June 7, 2024 — The Las Vegas Triathlon Club is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Legacy Scholarship, awarded in memory of TEAMG and other local triathletes who have been impacted by impaired or distracted driving. This scholarship aims to foster the growth of triathlon in our community by supporting new athletes, youth athletes, and those with special needs.
This year’s scholarship recipients have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the sport of triathlon, embodying the spirit and resilience of TEAMG—Tom Trauger, Erin Ray, Aksoy Ahmet, Michael Murray, and Gerrard Nieva—who tragically lost their lives on December 10, 2020, due to an impaired driver. These five athletes are fondly remembered for their passion, commitment, and community spirit.
Scholarship Recipients:
Emilio Benitez – A third-year Kinesiology student at UNLV, Emilio is a new triathlete who rediscovered his passion for exercise through triathlon after struggling to find fulfillment in other sports. Emilio’s journey from a cross-country runner to a committed triathlete reflects his resilience and dedication.
Ashlyn Thomas – A senior at UNLV in the Nutrition Sciences program, Ashlyn is the current UNLV Triathlon Club President and has shown outstanding leadership and passion for the sport. Her dedication to helping students enter the community of triathlon and her success in balancing multiple roles make her a standout recipient.
Levi Thomas – A senior Kinesiology major at UNLV, Levi has been an endurance athlete his entire life. He co-founded the UNLV Triathlon Club and has played a crucial role in its development and success. Levi’s commitment to the sport and his contributions to the triathlon community are truly commendable.
“We are incredibly proud to honor the memory of TEAMG through the Legacy Scholarship and support these outstanding athletes,” said Dr. John Mercer, president of the Las Vegas Triathlon Club. “Their dedication, resilience, and passion for triathlon embody the spirit of our community and the legacy of those we’ve lost. We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all athletes as we continue to grow and inspire future generations in the sport.”
The Las Vegas Triathlon Club remains dedicated to promoting safety and awareness for all athletes and continues to advocate for a safer environment for training and competition in the Greater Las Vegas Valley.
For more information about the Las Vegas Triathlon Club Legacy Scholarship and how you can support our mission, please visit https://lvtriclub.com/ or contact President@lvtriclub.com.
About the Las Vegas Triathlon Club:
The Las Vegas Triathlon Club promotes and supports lifelong participation and enjoyment of triathlon racing and training for the beginner to the elite triathlete.
