Alumni Spotlight - Henry Hagenbuch '02

Henry Hagenbuch '02 excelled in cross country, track, squash and tennis while at Cate and competed at state and national levels. He holds the cross country course school record (15:19) in addition to the 3200m (9:10) and 1600m (4:20) records at Cate.

Henry transferred to UCLA in 2006 and by the end of his second track season, he posted the fifth fastest 3000m steeplechase time in UCLA track history (8:45.91), placed 2^nd at the '08 PAC 10 Championships and 14^th at the '08 NCAA Championships, which earned him All-American honors. The culmination of his career at UCLA came when he received the Rafer Johnson Most Inspirational Athlete award.

Upon graduating UCLA with a bachelor's degree in political science, Henry transitioned into triathlons. Having finished 1^st out of 1700 amateur competitors at Escape from Alcatraz, he turned pro at the end of his first season. He has since then become the newest sponsored athlete on the K-Swiss triathlon team, in addition to picking up other marquis sponsors like Oakley and Xterra wetsuits.

With aspirations to claim a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, Henry is well on his way in 2010, already with a top 20 finish at a race in South America amidst a stellar field of international competitors. He has also put together an interactive website, www.gohhgo.com, as a way for friends and fans to follow his progress, contact him, and participate in trivia contests with a chance to win various swag from his sponsors.

1. What is it that draws you to triathlon racing?

Growing up playing sports my entire life, I always had aspirations of becoming a professional athlete in one form or another. For me, as a kid, it was not a matter of which sport I chose to play, but rather how many sports I could cram into my weekly schedule! With that, it's fitting that I have pursued triathlons, since it consists of multiple disciplines - swimming, biking and running. In addition, the overall camaraderie within the triathlon community is unmatched, which makes what I do that much more fun!

2. You have accomplished so much already, what do you see yourself doing in ten years?

I don't know about so much already, but apart from triathlons, I also plan to pursue a career in finance. I would like to go to business school and see a future in money management and financial advising, particularly pertaining to athletes who may or may not know how to invest their earnings.

3. When you're not in the pool, on the road/trail, on your bike, what are you often found doing?

The simplest answer: Recovering! Actually, my fiancé and I enjoy hikes in the Malibu mountain range, grilling/cooking at home and spending time with friends and family. I also have two great dogs that keep me busy and very well entertained.

4. What is your favorite memory of Cate?

I would have to say several things: the opportunity to represent the Rams in athletics; the long lasting friendships I've made while at Cate; the support from teachers like Karl Weis and Gary Pierce; and lastly breakfast for dinner.

5. Any advice for other aspiring Cate alumni athletes?

Success in this line of work consists of both fitness and nutrition. It's all about how you train and what you consume, or rather what you don't consume! My nutritionist tells me that I'm burning anywhere from 6,000 to 8,000 calories per day, so replacing those calories means I'm eating almost constantly.

Consistent work ethic and persistence is a must – as an example, several of my almost dozen weekly swim workouts begin at 5:30AM, which means that I need to get out of bed an hour before. In order to do that, I've had to buy a second alarm clock!

Most importantly, the little things matter most – 5 minute stretching sessions, core work, vitamins, sleep, and having confidence with humility.