(St. Paul, MN - 2/2/2008)-- "Best of the US" Management and the Hawaii Sports Connection invite the talented triathletes of the Aloha State to race at the 11th annual LAVAMAN / BEST OF THE US HAWAII QUALIFIER at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island's Kohala Coast on April 6. This annual classic is billed as "The Best & Most Scenic Post Race Party in Triathlon!!!" "We are thrilled with our continuing relationship with Gerry Rott and her Lavaman crew, " says BOUS Executive Director Trudy Marshall. "They produce a model event.

Three Hawaiian triathletes, Ben Collins, Bree Wee and Rachel Ross, are being considered for 2007 USAT Athlete of the Year honors. Collins and Ross earned AOY Honorable Mention status in 2006. Collins and Wee have now entered the pro ranks, but Ross and 2007 Lavaman resident amateur winner Luis Delatorre, 1989 Amateur World Champion, are expected to toe the line at Lavaman '08. Delatorre grew up in Arizona and is anxious to return for the 2008 Best of the US Championship in Tempe, AZ on October 26. "Ross and Delatorre would give Hawaii a podium-worthy team in Tempe," says BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil. "But the Aloha State has many other great triathletes-Kurt Chambers, Kalen Darling, Tai Blechta, Peter Hursty, Marion Summerer, Susan Burr, Emily King, Katherine Nichols, to name a few-and will field a formidable team, no matter who advances."

BOUS Management is indebted to the Hawaii Sports Connection, who will provide their advancing athletes with a stipend to help defray some of their travel costs.

For more information on the Lavaman Triathlon, vist http://www.BestoftheUSTriathletes.com or http://www.LavamanTriathlon.com.