BRIEFLY: BIG TURNOUT EXPECTED FOR TRIATHLON

Nearly 200 competitors are expected to take part Saturday in the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department's 11th annual Coors Light/Trail of Tears Triathlon.

The event, scheduled for a 9 a.m. start, will consist of a half-mile swim in Lake Boutin, a 15-mike bicycle ride and a four-mile run. Most of the competitors have pre-registered, but there is also event-day registration beginning at 7:30 a.m.

"Last year we had 182 competitors and I'd say we're looking at close to 200 this year," said Chris Eastridge of the Cape Parks and Recreation Department. "It's getting more and more competitive every year."

Last year's champion, Barry Knight of Paducah, Ky., will be on hand to defend his title.

The defending women's champ is Beverly Osthun of O'Fallon, Mo.