A vibe of camaraderie and encouragement filled Lawrence High School’s athletic facilities Wednesday morning at the annual Pat Grzenda Adaptive Triathlon.
Nearly 70 middle and high school student-athletes with disabilities swam, biked and crossed the finish line of the LHS track amid cheers, high fives and fandom. If participants needed an extra hand, a push of their wheelchair or a bit of encouragement to achieve their goals, someone was there with an assist.
For Free State High School junior Ian Florence, support across the finish line came from his older sister Dillen Florence, 19, a 2024 FSHS grad and para educator at Quail Run Elementary.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been at a triathlon for him,” Dillen said. “And to see his progress warms my heart a lot and I’m so glad he was able to do this.”
Dillen spoke through tears as she explained the impact of the event and working in special education.
“Inclusion is really cool. I love it so much, and I want everyone to be a part of it,” she said.
The event marked the sixth edition of the adaptive triathlon, which began in 2019 but didn’t take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was doubly special for LHS junior Brooklyn Barrett, who turned 17 Wednesday.
Brooklyn’s parents cheered from the stands of the Carl Knox Natatorium, encouraging the birthday girl to swim three laps down and back with shouts of, “Good job, Sis, one more Sis!” and “Here we go, Sis, let’s finish it!”
As supporters rallied inside the natatorium, decibel levels measured with an Apple Watch reached as high as 90, or the equivalent of a subway train or lawnmower.
One student-athlete chose to forego a dip in the pool. He was encouraged by an educator.
“If you don’t want to swim, bike again,” she told him.
There were PRs, or personal records, to celebrate among the student-athletes. For Milo Scotten, Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, his PR was completing two laps in the pool — his favorite part of the event.
“It was amazing,” the LHS freshman said. “I did two laps on the track and 10 minutes on the bike. I’m very proud of myself.”
The event is named after Patricia “Pat” Grzenda, who retired in 2011. Grzenda taught adaptive physical education for 34 years in the Lawrence school district and was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Class of 2023 Hall of Fame. Read more about Grzenda’s teaching and coaching career at this link.
Rodney Hess and Tiffany Russell, adaptive PE teachers for the district, organized the event. As is tradition, Grzenda attended the triathlon with her husband, Joe, and awarded a medal to each participant.
Hess said participants’ reactions made the event significant.
“Look at their faces,” Hess said. “They’re so excited, and it’s fun to see them up there, everybody cheering for them. It makes them feel important.”
Grzenda encouraged athletes while they swam, bike and completed laps around the track. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in April and is about halfway through chemotherapy treatment. She’s also a breast cancer survivor.
Grzenda marveled at the organization district staff have consistently achieved annually during the triathlon, lunch and recognition of student-athletes. The event also connects student-athletes with their peers, family members and educators.
“I just love it,” Grzenda said. “It’s just terrific. That’s what I think I love the most about it.”
Jay Deiser, PE teacher at Billy Mills Middle School and LHS athletics announcer, was a new addition to the 2025 triathlon. He called out student-athletes’ names as they crossed the finish line and received their medals.
“It’s fun,” Deiser said. “You can feel the energy.”
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Note: Two names have been corrected in this post.
Tricia Masenthin (she/her) reported for The Lawrence Times from March 2021 through May 2025. Read more of her work for the Times here.
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