From the event director:

Howdy, Folks.

We have a new date for the Y100 Boerne Triathlon: September 1, 2002 (Labor Day Weekend). We tried very hard to choose a date that did not conflict with another event, and a date that was in advance enough to ensure the safety of the lake, bike and run courses. We have been very honored to have this wonderful event, which Bert and Julie Whittaker first created seven years ago. We have made every attempt, every year, to have a fun, safe and honest event.

We would like to personally convey to each of you that we wish, in all sincerity, that everyone would be content with the Sept. 1 date. We have all worked hard: in creating the event and in training for this event. Unfortunately, the floods and severe weather did not take into account that we had a triathlon planned the weekend of July 7.

As chance would have it, I was in Austin today, checking on the Austin area packets RunTex has so graciously offered to house for us. I met a gentleman/participant who was not happy with the new date: he did not want to defer his entry to next year; he did not want his packet, nor was he taking the view that participants' fees go towards the triathlon's commitment to charities: Roy Maas Youth Alternatives Program (Boerne Campus) and The Make A Wish Foundation.

I understood that he was frustrated. He did not like my answer that there are no refunds. I tried to explain that I do not wait until the week of the event to plan, or make purchases, and in many respects, we are putting on this event twice. Had I been given a refund on all the expenses and time that many people have invested, then I would gladly refund his money. I decided not to be offended, that for him, my word was not sufficient, and that I didn't appear to be someone who could have co- produced this event the last three years. There are hundreds of folks who come together to make this event go, and I would be amiss not to say so. It is with utmost respect that I say, we want everyone to participate and we are sorry the new date presents a challenge for any one person.

Driving home from Austin, I could see a large expanse of dark clouds down I-H 10 West, hovering over Kendall County and the area of the city of Boerne. It has rained almost every day since I first sent out the initial postponement notice. I don't intend to sound patronizing, but there has been a huge amount of devastation in that area (and much of the Texas Hill Country), and it seems somewhat small of me to be thinking about a triathlon date when lives have been lost, folks are literally out of their homes, and others have had their belongings ruined.

Even though the gentleman today didn't believe I was being customer oriented, we are making every endeavor to make this event happen for you and we want to make every effort to give you what you paid for. We are committed to the championship and the triathlon's charities. Again, we are sorry for what has happened and we wish all of you safe and successful training.

Roger Soler's Sports