2024 PTC LEADERSHIP TEAM
Joan Wolfe - President
​I’ve met some amazing people and have made life long friends over the past 30 years through the sport of triathlon. My goal as PTC President is to promote an environment and opportunities for our members to learn and grow in this sport while making amazing connections with inspiring, like minded people.
Lauren Ascah - Vice President
After college, I got in to running to keep my sanity as I entered the workforce full-time and navigated an unpredictable military lifestyle with my husband. In 2012, I got bit by the tri bug and completed my first sprint tri in Virginia Beach, VA. I did not train at all, other than the running I had been doing, but I was still instantly hooked. In 2014, I finished my first Ironman in Chattanooga. Since then, I have done 2 more Ironmans, several 70.3’s, olys, and sprints. Although running is still my favorite, I am quickly growing to love the bike. In 2018, I relocated to Pittsburgh from Virginia Beach with my husband and joined the tri club. It has been great meeting like-minded people who have become close friends. The club has supported me the past few years as I became a mother and I am looking forward to supporting others in the club no matter where they are in their triathlon journey.
Ed Schmiech - Secretary
My love for the sport of triathlon started with my first sprint triathlon at Moraine State Park in 1983 and continues today as an active member of the Pittsburgh Triathlon Club for more than 10 years! The Pittsburgh Triathlon Club has provided me the privilege to meet many fun and inspirational people who share a love for the triathlon lifestyle. My PTC friends have become trusted training partners and have inspired me to challenge myself far beyond what I would have ever done on my own.
Since joining PTC I have been a frequent participant in club activities and have served as Vice President (2018) and Secretary (2019-22). Over the years my contributions to the club have included leading group bike rides (e.g. the past four July 4th ride/ swim/ride), hauling the club tent and refreshments to multiple local and regional races, preparing the club’s monthly newsletter and managing PTC’s Facebook Group and social media accounts.
I look forward to the opportunity to support PTC's initiatives in 2023. Along with the other officers I will promote multisport and organize welcoming training, educational and social opportunities for club members. As Secretary l will strive to provide effective and meaningful communications to all of our stakeholders.
Dustin Wehler - Treasurer
After a competitive running career that started in the mid 90's and extending through college at St. Bonaventure University, and now as a full time working adult i found myself propelled into triathlon about 5 years ago. Today, I find myself wanting to give back to the community that has given me so much. I have chosen to do this by running for treasurer of Pittsburgh Triathlon Club.
My race resume includes countless 5k, 8k and 10k running events, 4 full marathons and 3 half marathons, numerous Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, and 4 half iron-distance events, including the Savageman 120. My personal sweet spot is the 5k and the sprint tri, but if find myself entering more and more 70.3 distance events. May someday I'll go after the full. Additionally, as an age-grouper I was a swimmer specializing if the sprint events. Cycling is my favorite discipline, but they all provide a challenge to me.