Tips
Wolfpack Pentathlon Club members are training to compete in Modern Pentathlon events, including local, regional, national, and international events. (Check the Wolfpack Pentathlon Club Calendar for details.)
For example, we have competed at the USA Modern Pentathlon National Championships every year since 2021, with our club members winning multiple National Titles. We plan to contend for Team U.S.A. Olympic qualifying spots in 2024 (in Paris), 2028 (in Los Angeles), and beyond!
Wolfpack Pentathlon Club is both a registered USA Track & Field club and a registered Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) club. Our athletes are of all ages, including Youth, Open, and Masters athletes.
Please contact Coach Kirt Iverson at kirt@wolfpackpentathlon.com for more information.
Running
Our training is focused on the 5 x 600 laser-run distance, which is the event that concludes the Modern Pentathlon event at the Olympic level. We are currently holding weekly laser-run practices at Live Oak Park in Santa Clara, CA.
Fencing
Wolfpack Pentathlon Club is a member of AAU Fencing and Fencing League of America (FLA), which means we can host and participate in AAU/FLA license and sanctioned events.
After you have purchased your own fencing gear and your required AAU Extended Athlete membership, you can join us for open fencing on a weekly basis at Live Oak Park in Santa Clara, CA.
Many club members have purchased fencing gear from Cole at Victory Fencing Gear in San Francisco. However, to save some money, you should consider purchasing gear directly from Absolute Fencing (see https://www.absolutefencinggear.com/).
Shooting
USA Pentathlon is currently offering FREE Laser Shooting Practice via Zoom every Tuesday and Friday at 4 pm Pacific Time.
Some members of Wolfpack Pentathlon Club own laser pistols that they will share with other members for practicing the shooting discipline. Additionally, Wolfpack Pentathlon Club organizes various events at which it makes laser pistols available for use. All members of Wolfpack Pentathlon Club are strongly encouraged to participate in all of our practices and events.
Calibration of the laser pistol is critical for achieving accuracy in both practices and competitions. Eco-aims laser pistols can be put into a calibration mode using a USB cable connected to a laptop or personal computer with the Eco-aims software installed. Set up a target at the 10-meter distance and fix the laser-pistol in place (e.g., using a vice). Then, in calibration mode, turn the calibration screws on the laser pistol to adjust the sights.
One of the most important tips for improving shooting accuracy is to align the sights properly and focus on the front site, not the target, when shooting, as shown below:
Additional tips include taking the slack out of the trigger pull before firing (to minimize the chances of a bobble) and taking a deep breath in, partially exhaling, and then holding your breath while firing.
Swimming
Wolfpack Pentathlon Club does not currently provide swimming training.
Adult members of Wolfpack Pentathlon Club and Wolfpack Running Club are encouraged to join Santa Clara Swim Club Masters. The cost is $100 per month (plus $25 annual SCSC registration fee).
Youth members are encouraged to join a swim club, such as Santa Clara Swim Club. In fact, according to Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas, High Performance Director at USA Pentathlon, youth members should be focusing most of their training efforts on the swimming discipline, as swimming technique becomes more difficult to master later in life.
Equestrian / Show Jumping
Wolfpack Pentathlon Club does not provide equestrian or show jumping training.
Wolfpack Pentathlon Club recommends contacting Andrea Young at Isola Riding Academy in Portola Valley, CA, for information about horse jumping lessons. At your convenience, start with a 30-minute evaluation lesson (~$75). Next, purchase the beginner package of four lessons (~$300), which can be a mix of 45-minute individual lessons and 60-minute group lessons. Then join 60-minute beginner group lessons whenever you’re available (~$80). For more information, go here: https://www.isolaridingacademy.com/riding-lessons.
Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) / Ninja Warrior Training
Wolfpack Pentathlon Club does not currently provide obstacle course racing or ninja warrior training. Because this discipline will replace Equestrian / Show Jumping after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we are currently looking to partner with a Ninja gym in the South Bay Area.