Surf Internet presents Heart of a Warrior Awards at Ideal Beach Triathlon

Athletes of all ages gathered at Ideal Beach in Elkhart on Saturday, June 27, for the annual Ideal Beach Triathlon, which featured races for competitors of all experience levels and concluded with the presentation of the Toby Deweese Heart of a Warrior Awards.

Organized by triMichiana, the event featured Sprint Individual, Sprint Relay, Kids Competitive, and Kids Non-Competitive races, drawing everyone from experienced triathletes to first-time participants and families. Race results for each event can be found on the triMichiana website. 

“I think it’s great for a couple of reasons. Families get to do this together with the adult race and the kids race. I love the community coming together for that. I love that proceeds benefit the Michiana Family Center, a nonprofit that supports foster, adoptive, and kinship families. I love that it’s part of the Elkhart Parks and Recreation Department. It’s all volunteers, participants—everybody. It’s a great event,” race organizer James Solarek said.

Following the races, Surf Internet presented the annual Toby Deweese Heart of a Warrior Award to two recipients: Heather Schuh and Amy Anderson. Surf has served as the presenting sponsor of the award since its inception.

Established in memory of Toby Deweese, Surf CEO Gene Crusie’s close friend and business partner, who died unexpectedly after suffering a medical emergency during the 2015 Ideal Beach Triathlon, the award recognizes participants who exemplify Toby’s character and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Schuh, one of the nation’s top age-group Ironman triathletes and a multiple-time Ironman World Championship qualifier, was recognized not only for her accomplishments on the race course but also for her resilience in overcoming personal adversity. Following the tragic 2025 shooting at the Martin’s Super Market in Elkhart, where she was the store manager, Schuh turned to triathlon as part of her healing journey, returning to competition while continuing to encourage and inspire fellow athletes along the way.

“Receiving the Heart of a Warrior Award hit me deeply. It’s an honor I’ll never forget, and it makes me want to push that much harder and dig that much deeper,” Schuh said.

Amy Anderson was also recognized with the Heart of a Warrior Award for the perseverance and compassion she demonstrates both personally and professionally. A registered nurse who formerly worked in oncology at Beacon Health System, Anderson was nominated for her dedication to cancer patients, including her involvement with Ribbon of Hope, a nonprofit that provides resources to individuals and families affected by cancer. She was also recognized for overcoming adversity in her own life.

After learning to swim in open water so she could compete in this year’s Ideal Beach Triathlon, Anderson was involved in a cycling accident just two days before race day that prevented her from participating. Although she was unable to compete, she was released from the hospital and is recovering. Her determination in the face of unexpected challenges embodied the spirit of the Heart of a Warrior Award.

The annual triathlon continues to bring together athletes, volunteers, sponsors, and families in support of the Michiana Family Center while creating opportunities to celebrate inspiring stories both on and off the race course.

As competitors crossed the finish line and families celebrated throughout the day, the Ideal Beach Triathlon once again demonstrated that some of the day’s most meaningful accomplishments aren’t measured by finish times, but by the determination it takes to reach the starting line.