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"To win you have to risk loss." ~Jean-Claude Killy
I've updated my blog, click here to
be taken to the new blog page!
I've built this site, and added a blog, to keep friends and family
up to date on my training and racing... since most of them are
back on the East Coast. If you've stumbled across it by accident,
feel free to read on and send me an email if you have any
thoughts, encouraging words or site design suggestions. Thanks!
posting a record medal haul for the country - 34 medals in total. Nearly tripling the previous U.S. Winter Olympic mark of
13. As I watched, with a bag of ice on my right knee and ankle (the result of a basketball injury) I was grumbling to my
roommate about how I needed to find something to do that wouldn't end up with me treating knee and ankle injuries non-
stop. It was my second basketball injury in the span of 8 months. The first injury (dislocated right knee cap) caused me to
miss a shot at playing minor league baseball for the summer. That one happened three days after being released by the
Schaumburg Flyers in spring training (2001). So, while we watched the Olympic speedskating competition, my roommate
planted the seed in my head about being a speed skater.
At the mere suggestion, my initial response was "Are you crazy?" Followed by the important fact that "I've never even worn
a pair of ice skates in my entire life!!!" But as I watched Derek Parra fly around the rink on his way to an Olympic gold
medal and world record in the 1500m, as well as a silver in the 5000m, I really started to wonder what it would be like to even
attempt to skate that fast. In the weeks ahead (amidst the continued prodding by my roommate) I began hunting around on
the web to find out where I could give the sport a try. Before I go further, I have to give a little background - part of the reason
this seemed possible was all in the suggestion. My roommate (Vladimir Bosanac) wasn't just an average athlete that
happened to throw this out so he could watch me flounder around on the ice. He grew up in Belgrade, where he played
basketball for the Yugoslavian Junior National Team as a teen. He moved to the U.S. to attend college and play for the
Georgetown Hoyas - with Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo. So, when Vlad was adamant about my being able to
do this, it made me think about it that much more. Thinking about how and when I could get started, and what it woulod take
to become a competitive skater. Besides, what did I have to lose?
Enter the Glen Ellyn Speed Skating Club. After completing an online form on the tryspeedskating.com website, I received
an email from the Glen Ellyn team manager. They were holding open house sessions - one night each month throughout
the summer. For $5 a session, what better way to find out if I could actually function on skates!?!? I showed up for the third
session, after my knee and ankle were healed fully from the basketball mishaps. I have to say this - I didn't know just how
tough it would be. How long it would take to become a competitive skater. The first time I was on the ice (with kids half my
size skating circles around me... stumbling around like a cartoon character) the reality set in as to just how difficult it was
going to be. Nevertheless, I liked the idea of it being such a challenge. And the coaches and skaters made practice
enjoyable. I just knew I would love it when I actually got to the point where I could skate with some speed.
So, for two seasons I basically learned to skate at our practices at Center Ice. We have short track practice on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from September thru March. There were a few setbacks (minor incident in the very first meet that I entered -
end result was four stitches in my left ankle), and a lot of falling and sliding on the ice (and I do mean a LOT!!!). But as I
started to reach a good comfort level on my skates, it was time to start making the haul to Milwaukee to get on the long track
ice at the Pettit Center. I was able to get up there a couple times to try it out in the spring of 2004. Although I didn't have
long track skates at the time - so it was tough to get a true feel for those turns, which are a lot more gradual than on short
track ice. So, I bought a pair of clap skates during the summer - and prepared to make a lot of road trips during the 04-05
season.
For the latest on the 06-07 season, and training, you can read up on my Yahoo! blog.
I post there frequently about daily workouts, racing and
other random thoughts. I'll still be posting results and pictures on this site.
Born in New Haven, CT - October 7, 1974
Graduate of West Haven High School (West Haven, CT)
Bachelor of Business Administration: Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
Degree in Finance; Degree in Risk Management and Insurance
Currently reside in Chicago, IL
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