Scott Erba shows off some of his awards after winning a pair of triathlons last weekend (Photo provided)

WARSAW – Scott Erba has accomplished an awful lot over the years as a star on the triathlon circuit.

The WCHS teacher accomplished a first though in his specialty this past weekend.

Erba, the former girls track and cross country coach at WCHS, notched a pair of wins while competing in triathlons on back-to-back days for the first time in his competitive career.

Erba, who is training for the USATriathlon Age Group Nationals in Omaha next month, claimed the overall championships in two sprint distance races. The events included a 500-meter swim, 11-12 mile bike and a 5K run.

Erba started off his challenging weekend Saturday by claiming the top spot in the KPC Triathlon in Kendallville.  Battling wet and slick conditions from storms that morning, Erba won with a time of 59:17, over four minutes had of the runner-up athlete.

“Race conditions were tough and I felt a bit hazy the entire morning, but it was excellent training for upcoming events to let me know that I could compete even when not feeling my best,” said Erba in an email. “The race organization and volunteers were tremendous. This is an excellent event for beginners through veterans.”

Erba, who had an extra 45-mile training session following his win at the KPC, used his best run of the summer to help him claim a win Sunday at Ancilla. He clocked in a 5:35 per mile in the 5K portion of the competition. His winning time of 52:06 was 2:19 in front of runner-up Timothy Huber.

“Two races, two overall victories with two solid training sessions added in for good measure,” Erba remarked.

Erba will compete in the Nationals Aug. 12-13 in Omaha with the Olympic distance race of a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run and a sprint race the next day with distances exactly half as far on the same course.

“My goals are to stay mentally strong and positive during the races, challenge myself to race at my highest level those days, and if conditions are right, I hope to finish on top of the podium for the 45-49 age group for both races,” said Erba looking forward to the Nationals.