Calling all Iron-volunteers

COEUR d'ALENE - Dani Zibell-Wolfe has gone from being an Ironman Coeur d'Alene volunteer to rounding up about 3,000 of those helpers.

Zibell-Wolfe, of Post Falls, has been hired as the triathlon's volunteer director. She replaces Michelle Haustein, who accepted a full-time position with World Triathlon Corporation as an athlete's services coordinator.

Zibell-Wolfe has been an Ironman volunteer for the past eight years. Her husband Alan finished Ironman last year.

She said about 600 people have registered for the June 29 race, but 3,000 are needed.

"It's an opportunity to help somebody who is truly trying to accomplish a goal," she said. "Athletes came back to me time and time again and said, 'I would have never made it if you wouldn't have helped me.' The volunteers give them a boost of energy and reinforcement.

"We invite you to come and share the fun, the inspiration and the hope for every athlete."

Zibell-Wolfe said some popular volunteer positions are already full, including wetsuit peelers.

But there's several other ways to help, ranging from supplying water or food to the bikers and runners to directing the athletes on where to go.

All volunteers receive a T-shirt and a meal following race day.

"We are incrediblyfortunate to have a community that generously donates its time," Zibell-Wolfe said. "Our dedicated volunteers are instrumental in helping Ironman to put on a first-class race every year."

Zibell-Wolfe was most recently employed by the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce as the nonprofit's membership director. She also has served as the volunteer coordinator for the Coeur d'Alene Marathon.

Zibell-Wolfe previously worked for the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce and assisted with the Coeur d'Alene Triathlon and Jordan Johnson Fun Run in Post Falls.

She worked with Mac Cavasar, Ironman director, on multiple local races.

"I am confident she has the knowledge and skill to keep up the good work of our previous (Ironman) volunteer director," Cavasar said.

As volunteer director, Zibell-Wolfe will be a contracted employee who will also travel to nine races and work in communications and medical records.

Ironman volunteers register at www.ironmancda.com. Those with questions can email Zibell-Wolfe at cda@ironmanvolunteers.com.