October 2, 2007
More photos from Midland
Thanks again to the Bedfords for sending in some more great shots from American Cup 1. Below are the 2 teams and we've also got some great racing shots from the weekend.
The U.S. World Cup team for World Cups 1-4
The team that will represent the USA in Calgary this month at the Conematic Invitational
Click below for more photos from American Cup 1:
 |
| 2007 American Cup 1 |
Posted by noelle at 9:43 PM | Comments (14)
September 30, 2007
American Cup 1 overall results
[updated Monday]
Midland Daily News | World Cup team finalized at Civic Arena
Barry Winslow, from right, Jeff Simon and Ansis Robs compete in the 1000 Meters quarterfinal during the American Cup 1 at Midland Civic Arena Sunday.
Daily News/ALEX STAWINSKI
After earning a spot on the World Cup team Saturday, Ryan Bedford enjoyed himself Sunday on the final day of the 2007 Dow American Cup I Short Track Speedskating Championships at the Midland Civic Arena.Besides Bedford, Jeff Simon, Jordan Malone, Travis Jayner, Charles LeVeille and Shani Davis claimed spots for the men. For the women, Katherine Reutter, Kimberly Derrick, Lana Gehring, Maria Garcia, Mary Grace and Carly Wilson make up the World Cup team.
Skaters finishing in 7-12 positions earn spots to Calgary, Alberta for the Conematic International Short Track Challenge Oct. 4-15. The men's team going to Calgary will be J.P. Kepka, Kyle Carr, Simon Cho, Jonathan Sermeno, Trevor Marsicano and Joey Lindsey. Cherise Wilkins, Tina Koenig, Alyson Dudek, Lezleigh Jaworski, Jade Wheeler and Bay City's Rachel Skrocki earned spots on the women's team.
Ladies Overall
1. Katherine Reutter
2. Kimberly Derrick
3. Lana Gehring
4. Maria Garcia
5. Mary Grace
6. Carly Wilson
7. Cherise Wilkins
8. Tina Koenig
9. Alyson Dudek
10. Lezleigh Jaworski
11. Jade Wheeler
12. Rachel Skrocki
Mens Overall
1. Jeff Simon
2. Jordan Malone
3. Ryan Bedford
4. Travis Jayner
5. Charles LeVeille
6. Shani Davis
7. JP Kepka
8. Kyle Carr
9. Simon Cho
10. Jonathan Sermeno
11. Trevor Marsicano
12. Joey Lindsey
Complete results available at the American Cup 1 website
Posted by noelle at 4:52 PM | Comments (31)
American Cup 1 day 2 results
Ladies 1500M Superfinal
1. Katherine Reutter
2. Maria Garcia
3. Carly Wilson
4. Cherise Wilkins
5. Tina Koenig
DQ Kimberly Derrick
Mens 1500M Superfinal
1. Jordan Malone
2. Ryan Bedford
3. Jeff Simon
4. Shani Davis
5. Kyle Carr
6. Jonathan Sermeno
DQ Travis Jayner
Ladies 1000M Final
1. Kimberly Derrick
2. Lana Gehring
3. Mary Grace
4. Katherine Reutter
Mens 1000M Final
1. Travis Jayner
2. Jeff Simon
3. Charles LeVeille
4. Ryan Bedford
5. Simon Cho
DQ Jordan Malone
Way to go, Travis!! And congratulations to Kimberly on her second win of the weekend. Travis has now assured himself of a spot on the World Cup team this season. Jordan Malone has been struggling uncharacteristically; I believe he's got some issues with new blades that he received right before the competition began. We haven't seen Tina Koenig's name in the A finals but she certainly merits a big round of applause for going for it while still recovering from surgery on her ankle.
I'm not sure how the remaining slots on the World Cup team will be determined, and we've still got results from the 1500m superfinal (? - not sure what this is) to come to determine the weekend's overall standings, plus the relays.
I apologize for not being on top of the format to know exactly what this final individual race is. I haven't been able to keep track of the new racing rules in effect this season. Bad webmistress!!
Posted by noelle at 3:40 PM | Comments (8)
September 29, 2007
American Cup 1 day 1 results
This just in from Midland...
Ladies 1500M Final (partial)
1. Katherine Reutter
2. Lana Gehring
3. Kimberly Derrick
4. Mary Grace
Men 500M Final
1. Jeff Simon
2. Jordan Malone
3. J.P. Kepka
4. Travis Jayner
Ladies 1500M Final
1. Kimberly Derrick
2. Katherine Reutter
3. Lana Gehring
4. Mary Grace
5. Maria Garcia
6. Lezleigh Jaworski
Mens 1500M Final
1. Ryan Bedford
2. Jeff Simon
3. Jordan Malone
4. Charles Ryan Leveille
5. Shani Davis
6. Travis Jayner
Congratulations especially to Katherine, Jeff, Kimberly and Ryan! Additional results available on the American Cup 1 web site.
Posted by noelle at 3:46 PM | Comments (10)
September 27, 2007
Training photos from Thursday in Midland
coach Jae Su Chun
Ericka Hawke and Tamara Frederick
Levi Kirkpatrick, Joey Lindsey, Kyle Carr and Barry Winslow
Simon Cho and Ryan Wheeler
National team press conference
Levi Kirkpatrick leading the Marquette group
The Marquette training group
Levi Kirkpatrick and J.P. Kepka
The Marquette group with their new coach, Janos Englert (another Canadian transplant!)
Sadie Grace and Vicky Labourdette
Posted by noelle at 8:55 PM | Comments (6)
September 26, 2007
Wednesday practice photos from Midland
Posted by noelle at 10:23 PM | Comments (2)
September 24, 2007
Monday training photos from Midland
Skaters have begun arriving in Midland, MI and they got on the ice there today for a lighthearted training session in advance of American Cup 1, which gets under way on Saturday. The rest of the skaters and the coaches were stranded in Chicago en route to Midland because the pilot for their flight was apparently AWOL!
Many thanks to the Bedfords for the photos!
Carly Wilson
Travis Jayner, Ryan Bedford and Jordan Malone
Travis Jayner shoots the duck
Ryan Bedford and Jordan Malone getting goofy
Travis and Ryan Charles Leveille
Carly Wilson and Jeff Simon
Posted by noelle at 10:33 PM | Comments (7)
August 17, 2007
Behind the scenes at Dancing With the Stars in Vancouver
Here's the final batch of photos Tina Koenig took while the U.S. short track team was up in Vancouver last month. These were taken during the performance and backstage at DWTS. As always, many thanks to Tina for sharing these terrific shots!
Apolo and Tina
Julieanne, coach Jae and Apolo
Julieanne, Apolo and Allison Baver
Allison, Jae and Tina take in the performance
Allison and Tina
Tina with season 2 DWTS winner Drew Lachey
Allison with Julieanne's boyfriend, Zach
Travis Jayner and Kimberly Derrick
Posted by noelle at 8:43 AM | Comments (41)
August 5, 2007
Vancouver training camp photos
Many thanks to Tina Koenig for sharing her photos from the U.S. team's recent training camp in Vancouver. Tina is recovering from ankle surgery (performed by none other than 5-time Olympic gold medalist Dr. Eric Heiden) - as a result she wasn't able to get on the ice herself but she got a lot of fun shots! Best wishes to Tina for a speedy and full recovery.
U.S. team shot - click to enlarge
back row, l-r: Mary Grace, Lana Gehring, Sonia Milan, Kimberly Derrick, Cherise Wilkins, Travis Jayner, Anthony Lobello, Alex Izykowski, Ryan Bedford
front row, l-r: coach Jae, Katherine Reutter, Tina, Jeff Simon, Carly Wilson, Jordan Malone, Allison Baver, Apolo Ohno
Tina and Carly in front of the long track being built for the Olympics in 2010
Tina showing Anthony how strong her arms are getting from only doing push ups
Tina coaching, 'cause she can't get on the ice
Tina's beach workout
Posted by noelle at 12:00 PM | Comments (18)
August 1, 2007
Short track team in Vancouver
Peace Arch News | How's that for a headline? Whew!
More to come...
Posted by noelle at 10:21 AM | Comments (36)
July 18, 2007
Summer training
There are some new photos of the U.S. team on and off the ice at their new training base in Salt Lake City, check out more of them here.
Posted by noelle at 3:54 PM | Comments (40)
April 28, 2007
Short track interlude #1 - new head coach for U.S. Short Track
Big, important, dramatic news: Korean Jae Su Chun has been named head coach of the U.S. short track program, joining Laurent Daignault and Jimmy Jang as the latest coaching import... The tricky thing here is that he's also the latest coach we've poached from Canada's short track program (following Larry and Guy Thibault who both arrived last season).
Many Canadian skaters credited Jae with turning their technique around and helping Canada start to catch up to the Koreans again, but Jae lasted only one season in Montreal. Given differences between him and Canada's coaching staff and Speed Skating Canada, seems like a no-brainer for him to take the opportunity to be a head coach in our program - but none of this plays well in Canada.
Here's a translation of a recent article I came across that examines the situation:
La Presse | Salt Lake City, PQ
(meaning Salt Lake City is becoming an outpost of Quebec)
In Canadian short track speedskating, all roads lead to Salt Lake City. Why Salt Lake? Because the Mormon city is the new American capital of short track, but especially because the American federation is shamelessly poaching coaches from Canada's national training center. It all began with Guy Thibault. Dismissed from his post as head coach of Team Canada, he was quickly snapped up by the Americans, who named him their High Performance Director last October. Two months later, his friend, the coach and technical specialist Laurent Daignault, followed him to the U.S.Everyone thought the exodus was over, but no. Korean coach Jae Su Chun has also been seduced by the siren call of America: US Speedskating has named him their national short track coach. He's been working south of the border for the last month.
Yves Hamelin, directer of SSC's short track program acknowledges that Jae's departure leaves a bitter taste: "We're a bit disappointed. We placed our confidence in certain individuals and things didn't work out as planned."
Jae was recruited to work first and foremost on the Canadian skaters' technique. He also brought a different expertise in terms of training volume which is much more intense in South Korea than in Canada. The idea, Hamelin said, was to find the right balance between the Canadian and Korean approaches.
It didn't work out that way. "Jae wasn't comfortable with [that idea]," said Hamelin. "It compromised his confidence as a coach. It was his way or the highway."
Several skaters regret that Jae's stay in Montreal was so brief. Francois-Louis Tremblay: "For starters, it's disappointing that he's leaving. We're starting to feel a bit like a school club. When things no longer suit [our coaches], they head to the United States."
Laurent Daignault wasn't really surprised to learn that Jae Su Chun was going to join him in the U.S.: "He observed the same things I did. He wasn't comfortable with the coaching team and the management of Speed Skating Canada." Daignault is known for his reticence, but he doesn't mince words when it comes to SSC's management team. "I could have held on another year in Montreal but I'd have picked up and left no matter what. There was nothing that tempted me to stay." He describes Guy Thibault's dismissal and the engagement of the current coaching staff as a 'monumental error.'
The strong results of the Canadian team this past season were 'foreseeable', according to him. "We had developed some incredible depth. The results came in large part because of the groundwork we laid earlier."
Bitter words which are sure to displease his former bosses, who can in any case rejoice in the enthusiasm of skaters like Tremblay. He and his teammates started dryland training this past Monday. "Jae and our other coaches inspired us and were a breath of fresh air last season. We needed it since we had so much catching up to do. We needed a kick in the ass. The Koreans have been revolutionizing the sport."
Too bad that the Korean who was supposed to 'revolutionize' Canadian short track took the road to Salt Lake City instead.
On that awkward note - a warm welcome to Jae!
Posted by noelle at 9:57 AM | Comments (52)
March 7, 2007
Short track team will move from Colorado Springs to Kearns, Utah
Naughty Chad Hedrick spilled the beans:
Salt Lake Tribune | U.S. short-track speedskating moving operations to Utah
Speedskater Chad Hedrick accidentally spoiled the surprise Tuesday, letting slip that the U.S. short-track speedskating team soon will be moving its base of operations to the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns. Executive director Bob Crowley said [US Speedskating] wanted to wait [to announce the move] until after the team finished its season this weekend at the World Championships at Milan, Italy.
It makes a certain amount of sense, and rumors had it that the USOC was pressuring USS to make this happen, but it's not nearly as a good a deal for the athletes, who will have to fend for themselves a lot more than they currently do in Colorado Springs.
Posted by noelle at 9:19 AM | Comments (96)
December 19, 2006
Results from U.S. Juniors
Update: Press releases from US Speedskating:
- US Speedskating has a bright future with a strong Junior Team
- US Speedskating teams have their busiest season in over 5 years
Here are the results from US Jr Championships:
USOEC | Skaters Make Junior World Team
Ladies OVERALL
Katherine Reutter - 3077.5
Mary Grace - 2395.5
Alyson Dudek - 2323.5
Lana Gehring - 2135
Kelly Gunther - 397
Tamara Fredricks - 394
Men OVERALL
Jeff Simon - 3221.5
Trevor Marsicano - 2156
Simon Cho - 1724
Eddy Alvarez - 1569.5
Joey Lindsay - 1012.5
Barry Winslow - 782.5
Based on these results, Katherine, Mary, Alyson, Jeff, Trevor and Simon will represent the USA at Jr Worlds next month. Katherine will also compete for the U.S. at the World University Games taking place in Torino. Congratulations to all!
Thanks to Scott for posting these earlier!
Detailed results below the jump...
Ladies results
9L TT
Katherine Reutter
Lana Gehring
Mary Grace
Allison Dudek
1500
Alyson Dudek
Katherine Reutter
Mary Grace
Lana Gehring
Tamara Fredrick
Sadie Grace DQ
500
Lana Gehring
Alyson Dudek
Katherine Reutter
Mary Grace
1000
Mary Grace
Katherine Reutter
Lana Gehring
Alyson dudek
1500 Super
Katherine Reutter
Mary Grace
Alyson Dudek
Lana Gehring
Kelly Gunther
Tamara Fredricks
Men's results
9L TT
Jeff Simon
Trevor Marsicano
joey Lindsay
1500
Jeff Simon
Eddy Alvarez
Simon Cho
Trevor Marsicano
Joey Lindsay
Barry Winslow DQ
500
Simon Cho
Joey Lindsay
Anthony Griffay
Eddy Alvarez
1000
Jeff Simon
Trevor Marsicano
Barry Winslow
Eddy Alvarez
1500 Super
Trevor Marsicano
Jeff Simon
Eddy Alvarez
Barry Winslow
Simon Cho
Joey Lindsay DQ
Posted by noelle at 8:34 PM | Comments (41)
November 13, 2006
New USA World Cup team
Women: Tina Koenig, Kimberly Derrick, Cherise Wilkins, Lezleigh Jaworski, Sonia Milan, Sarah Lang
Men: J.P. Kepka, Travis Jayner, Alex Izykowski, Ryan Bedford, Jordan Malone (missing: Charles Ryan Leveille)
I love those penguins!
Update: Bay City Times | Derrick goes 2-for-2 on final day of Midland speed skating event
Midland Daily News | Bedford, Izykowski make World Cup team
This weekend's event also selected the team that will represent the USA at the World University Games in Torino in January. Those skaters are:
Men: Ryan Bedford, J.P. Kepka, Anthony Lobello, Derek Gray, Kyle Carr
Women: Kimberly Derrick, Cherise Wilkins, Sonia Milan, Katherine Reutter, Erica Lanser
Congratulations to all!
Posted by noelle at 10:01 AM | Comments (47)
October 31, 2006
Canada still feeling aftershocks from depature of Laurent Daignault
Bernard Brault, La Presse
More fascinating coverage from the Canadian newspaper La Presse: Un autre entraîneur canadien migre aux États-Unis. Here's a summary:
The exodus of Canadian short track coaches continues... Laurent Daignault is following his friend Guy Thibault to the U.S., where he'll assist Korea's Kim Ki-hoon, the American team's new short track coach who was both 'a rival and an idol' of Daignault's when he was skating.Daignault: 'It's not a decision I made lightly. I've always been tempted by adventure. To keep growing I had to try something new.'
Daignault, it would appear, is a (the?) secret to the Canadians' seeming lack of pesky equipment problems:
His immense expertise in adjusting tricky skate blades made him a precious ally of Canada's short track skaters.
In that regard, he's heaven-sent for the Americans who seem to struggle perennially with pesky equipment problems.
Daignault's decision was precipitated by the dismissals of Thibault and [former coach Janos] Englert, to whom he was close. 'That was the last straw,' said Daignault, who also felt that his advice wasn't having the same impact on the skaters as in previous years. 'The plan that [Speed Skating Canada's] directors put in place was Guy's plan. The person who develops a plan is often the best one to implement it.'
That didn't sit too well with Daignault:
'It's their decision, and you try to be there to support the athletes. But in the end, when a situation doesn't feel right, you have to ask why. They cleaned house, and so did I.'Daignault's joining the American program could be perceived as 'petty thievery' on Thibault's part. Both men swear it's not.
Thibault: 'I've known for 3 months that Laurent wasn't happy in his role, but I asked him to settle things first with Speed Skating Canada before I offered him anything [with USS]. So when I found out he was going to quit, I said we couldn't afford to lose out on hiring him. The [American] athletes are thrilled that he's coming.'
And for those who suspect Daignault sold himself to the highest bidder, Thibault says that money is not a factor as USS is paying him the same salary SSC did.
Yves Hamelin, father of Charles and Francois and SSC's short track director: 'Personally, I was surprised and disappointed to lose one of the pioneers of the short track program. That kind of experience and technical expertise are hard to find. He won't be easy to replace.'Veteran skaters like Mathieu Turcotte and Jonathan Guilmette helped console the younger skaters, for whom Daignault had been responsible. Guilmette: 'We're not just losing a coach, we're losing a good friend. It's never pleasant, but you have to move on. We still have 3 coaches in place including Jae Su Chun, who worked well with us while the rest of the team were at the World Cups. So there's nothing to be alarmed about.'
Daignault celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday. Bon anniversaire!
Posted by noelle at 6:27 PM | Comments (11)
October 23, 2006
New coaching addition in Colorado Springs
Guy Thibault has recruited a former colleague to join him here in the U.S. Word reached me during this past weekend's World Cup that the U.S. short track team has brought Laurent Daigneault aboard. He has left his position as coach in Montreal with the national team there ahead of a move to Colorado Springs.
I don't know a lot about Daigneault just yet. (Right now I'm not even sure if I've got his name spelled right!) He was a member of Canada's silver medal winning men's relay team at the Albertville Games in 1992 and has been coaching up north for some years now. Eric Bedard's blog confirms that Daigneault will be the assistant coach at the Olympic Training Center.
He'll work there with Ki-hoon Kim, who I believe is expected to return with the U.S. team after this coming weekend's World Cup in Korea.
Welcome, Laurent!!
Posted by noelle at 5:33 PM | Comments (43)
September 30, 2006
Women and men of Team USA
Don't we have good-looking (and happy-looking) teams?!
CCW from top left: Katherine Reutter, Lana Gehring, Alyson Dudek, Kimberly Derrick, Tina Koenig, Cherise Wilkins
CCW from top left: Ryan Bedford, Shani Davis, Travis Jayner, Jeff Simon, Jordan Malone, Anthony Lobello
Posted by noelle at 7:03 PM | Comments (31)
September 20, 2006
And we have a coach!
Some exciting news to report...
A new national team coach has at long last been chosen to guide the short trackers in Colorado Springs... none other than Kim Ki-hoon, the legendary South Korean skater who also led the Korean team for a season or two after the Salt Lake games.
US Speedskating has also secured the services of former Canadian national coach Guy Thibault. Guy will assume the newly created position of High Performance Director, overseeing both the short track and long track programs for USS. In the past, Guy had coached long track in the US and is a two-time Olympian for Canada, so he has a lot of experience in both disciplines.
Still to be hired: managing directors of LT and of ST.
A warm welcome to both men!
Posted by noelle at 1:14 PM | Comments (20)
September 16, 2006
More wedding bells
I recently received word that longtime couple and veteran national team members Caroline Hallisey and J.P. Kepka will marry this weekend in her hometown of Natick, Mass with several teammates serving as members of the wedding party.
Congrats and best wishes to Caroline and J.P.!
Posted by noelle at 8:31 AM | Comments (20)
July 25, 2006
New Executive Director for US Speedskating!
At last, the announcement has been made -- the new Exec. Director will be a former executive from US Figure Skating:
U.S. Speedskating Hires New Executive DirectorWestlake, Ohio --- U.S. Speedskating is proud to announce that Robert T. Crowley has been named as the new Executive Director for the organization. Crowley served as the Associate Executive Director for US Figure Skating for more than 11 years and brings a wealth of National Governing Body experience to his new position with U.S. Speedskating.
“Bob brings to U.S. Speedskating the experience, enthusiasm and the expertise in the areas that we need most at this time in the evolution of our sport and for our organization,†says Brad Goskowicz, President of U.S. Speedskating. “We have some significant challenges ahead of us and believe that Crowley’s leadership will help guide us to greater organizational efficiencies.â€
“I am honored to have been selected as Executive Director,†says Crowley. “U.S. Speedskating has such a rich history and tradition of Olympic success and it is our hope to build on that success. I understand the urgency in completing the four-year High Performance Plan, to establish our National Headquarters in a new city, to solidify our athlete agreements, to build our sponsor arrangements and to augment our grassroots programs. We will be very busy.â€
[update 1] Cleveland Plain Dealer | U.S. Speedskating may leave Westlake
"The folks in Salt Lake City would love to have us, and they have an oval where our athletes already train. Milwaukee and Colorado Springs also have expressed interest."
[update 2] Salt Lake Tribune | Return of ice to bring elite
Salt Lake is considered a leading candidate to become speedskating's new headquarters' city because of the oval's world-class facilities and the support that can be provided by The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, whose new medical director is Eric Heiden, winner of five gold medals in speedskating at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
Posted by noelle at 1:03 PM | Comments (31)
July 12, 2006
USS update
Salt Lake Tribune | No funding available: USOC waiting for U.S. Speedskating to get new leadership
Apparently the long trackers in SLC won't have any ice for a while (the short trackers thankfully have ice to train on in Colorado Springs):
The plan had been to install ice on the Kearns speedskating oval by Saturday to give elite speedskaters some summer training before next winter's World Cup schedule.But it now appears the Utah Olympic Oval will remain without ice well into August because U.S. Speedskating is in disarray and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) will not give it any funding until a new leadership team and coaching staff are intact.
As the article notes, USS expects to name a new Executive Director very soon (aiming for the end of next week). I don't know the situation with long track, but after the new ED is in place, the search committee will focus on filling the positions for short track program director and short track national coach. With luck, the positions will be staffed in the next month or so.
Posted by noelle at 9:07 AM | Comments (19)
June 9, 2006
Open Letter to US Speedskating
It's no secret that US Speedskating is going through a challenging period. As many OZ readers are aware, since the season ended, the departures of the executive director, PR director, short track program director, and national coaches for both short track and long track have been announced.
The athletes are working in a variety of ways to voice their opinions to the board in hopes of having their concerns addressed. What follows is one such effort, shared here in a constructive and hopeful attitude and with a goal of reaching as many interested parties (athletes, USS members, fans) as possible:
Dear US Speedskating,
I know that you are in the process of choosing an Executive Director, Program Director and Head Coach and eventually an Assistant Coach for Short Track along with other positions in Long Track. The National Short Track Team athletes have provided USS a few ideas behind the requirements of a head coach and the importance of these qualities for the success of the team leading up to the Olympics in Vancouver and beyond. I know that you will respect their needs in effort to find the best coach for team performance.
Beyond that, I personally want to voice my opinion regarding the importance of the Executive Director. This position is the most important position in the organization and certain qualities need to be focused on in order to take the organization to the next level. Reshuffling the deck should not be an option to consider. I'm not sure if USS has strategically thought of this position concerning the requirements and more importantly the qualities that the Executive Director should possess. Sometimes it's difficult to analyze yourself and the organization that you're a part of and I hope you consider my suggestions from a business perspective. We don't only need money and sponsors, but a hard-to-find level of leadership that fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual trust.
Suggestions are:
1. The Executive Director should have experience in managing a multi-faceted organization (High level of education required) with strong problem solving skills and has experience in a shared governance environment.
2. Executive Director must possess the experience and knowledge to help reconstruct the current culture of mistrust, dysfunction and disrespect.
3. The Executive Director should have experience and knowledge in working with Board of Directors.
4. The Executive Director must be able to facilitate a culture of collaboration with athletes, sponsors, local organizers, clubs, and with the USOC.
5. The Executive Director should have experience in building and retaining strong inter and intra personal relationships with stakeholders that create lasting partnerships.
6. The Executive Director must be able to build trust, loyalty and dedication within the organization and the athletes it represents.
7. The Executive Director needs to have a track record of successful team building within a dynamically changing environment.
8. The Executive Director needs to have the ability to cultivate relationships and possess the awareness and sensitivity to understand the expectations that sponsors require.
9. The Executive Director should be held to the highest standards of business practices and public relations while representing USS so that the organization becomes a model of successful collaboration that exceeds the needs of its athletes, sponsors and stakeholders that other NGB's can emulate.
Thank you for allowing me to express my comments. I hope that you will consider creating a strong screening process for your applicants and wish you luck in the process. I feel it is very important that the organization finds an individual that has the right amount of business experience, without sacrificing other intangible qualities such as team and relationship building. Please feel free to contact me anytime regarding any assistance I may be able to offer. I remain hopeful that the organization can recruit an individual that not only meets the needs of the organization, but the athletes as well.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allison Baver, 2002 and 2006 Olympic Team
Posted by noelle at 6:08 PM | Comments (32)
June 5, 2006
Derrick Campbell will leave USS
Sad but not surprising news to report: Derrick Campbell informed USS this morning that he will leave his position as short track managing director.
I know skaters and fans alike will be sorry to see him go. Thanks for 2 great years, Derrick, and best wishes in your future endeavors!
Posted by noelle at 12:56 PM | Comments (32)
May 8, 2006
As the USS staff turns...
U.S. head coach Li Yan has resigned for family reasons and to return to her native China, where it's possible she'll become the first female head coach of the Chinese national team.
Word on a replacement for coach Li hasn't filtered down but we'll see. Best wishes to Coach Li and her family!
Posted by noelle at 9:22 PM | Comments (95)
May 5, 2006
Katie Marquard Resigns
There is big news out of Cleveland:
US Speedskating | USS Executive Director Katie Marquard Resigns
As we've seen, USS faces a lot of challenges and with a new board in place this is a good time to make other changes as well. Considering USS is located in Cleveland because of Katie, I'd look for the organization to relocate at some point.
Katie's resignation takes effect Aug. 31. All best wishes to her in her new endeavors!
Posted by noelle at 8:47 PM | Comments (113)
March 13, 2006
New sponsor for Allison Baver
Congratulations to Allison on being sponsored by Penske Truck Rental!
Penske Sponsors Local Olympian Allison Baver
Posted by noelle at 5:53 PM | Comments (28)
March 4, 2006
Alex Izy's homecoming [updated]
Tons more photos on Alexizy.com!
Bay City Times | Izykowski finally returns to an adoring hometown
Alex has donated his share of the prize money from winning the bronze medal to a Bay County community foundation that helps support aspiring Olympians. Nice!
Thanks to Nicole in Bay City, MI for sharing her photos from Bay City's welcome home celebration for Alex Izykowski! Man, I bet Izy sleeps with that medal on. I know I would!
Izy Pop and Alex
Alex holds up his bronze medal
The Izy family: Morgan, Al, Alex, Joann
Nicole, who I remember from 3 years ago in Bay City!
Posted by noelle at 3:52 PM | Comments (20)
February 14, 2006
J.P. and Caroline's Valentine's Day
This is pretty cute. Some of the NBC producers took the couple out for lunch on Monday for an early celebration. Read more: Love Is in the Air
[update via USS:] The Kepka/Hallisey Valentine Day Special Feature will be aired on all NBC stations at 4:52 this evening. The couple were filmed strolling along the Po River, dining at a fabulous Italian restaurant and speaking with Julie Foudy, the reporter.
Posted by noelle at 12:11 PM | Comments (8)
January 5, 2006
Alex Izykowski update!
Guess what - Alex Izy has a web site! Check out 'Izy on Ice' at alexizy.com.
There will be fundraisers this month to help send Alex's mom and dad, Al and Joann Izykowski, to Torino for the Olympics.
Ricker's Green Hut
1301 Columbus Ave.
Bay City, MI
Sunday, January 15th, 3:00-7:00 p.m. $6.50 Donation
Sunday, January 29th, 3:00-7:00 p.m. $6.50 Donation
Alex's web site accepts online donations as well. Visit his site for details.
There is an editorial about Alex today as well in his hometown newspaper:
Bay City Times | Olympic dream comes true faster than a short-track race
Posted by noelle at 8:29 PM | Comments (5)
December 19, 2005
Korean press coverage of Hyo-jung Kim
This is a short but pretty interesting article.
Chosun Ilbo | Korean Skating Prodigy to Represent U.S.
“I never wanted to make her into a national athlete in Korea because of the atmosphere there, where people are so fixated on results,†[Kim's] mother Moon Kyeong-hee says.[Says Kim:] “Allison always brings me along when she goes on dates with her boyfriend, Ohno, for shopping or to go to Korean restaurants.†Ohno remembers the names of Korean food like Dolsot bibimbap, Yukgaejang and Mandoguk and orders them in Korean, Kim says.
Posted by noelle at 8:53 PM | Comments (13)
December 18, 2005
At last, some press on Anthony Lobello!
It's about time, Florida! I'd say they're pretty excited in Tallahassee. :)
Tallahassee Democrat | Lobello knew Olympics from the start
"It's very surreal for me right now," he said. "Now the competition is over, a big weight has been lifted. There is so much emotion running through my mind right now. It's so amazing that all this is happening to me. "
Posted by noelle at 4:11 PM | Comments (11)
December 12, 2005
Jordan update
I just got into Marquette so haven't confirmed it yet, but press reports indicate Jordan Malone, who underwent surgery on a broken ankle last month, may yet line up for the the time trials tonight.
His hometown paper has some articles, which detail this and other injuries he's overcome as well as his quick transition from inline to ice. What an amazing champion, Jordan Malone! All best wishes.
Dallas Morning News | Denton’s Malone heads to short track trials
DMN | Scrapes, surgeries don't deter Denton skater
Posted by noelle at 1:45 PM | Comments (12)
December 4, 2005
News on Jordan Malone
St Petersburg Times | High-bred models
This article highlights 'extreme' sports such as snowboarding, freestyle skiing and yes, even short track -- and how their inclusion in the Winter Olympics helps appeal to the youth market.
U.S. short-track speed skater Jordan Malone [says], "I consider short track an action sport," he says. "It's super intense, and it's a dangerous sport, so they don't allow contact. I come from an inline skating background, and they do allow contact there. But I love short track - nothing feels better than to throw a pass on somebody or go through 3 G's on one foot. I know kids love watching it."And NBC Sports, which televises the Olympics, knows it, too.... So get set to see them well-covered in February.
Jordan's injury: Speaking of Jordan, he was unfortunately injured last month during a training session in California. He broke his talus (the weight-bearing bone in the ankle) in a fall, and had to have surgery at home in Texas. Obviously, the timing is especially unfortunate, with Olympic trials around the corner. But Jordan has already returned to Colorado Springs, and the good news out of all this is that he was able to return to the ice on Friday and his recovery is going well.
It's too soon to say whether Jordan will be able to compete at trials. He's taking things day by day right now. We here at OZ are crossing our fingers that he'll be able to skate at trials! Either way, Jordan is in good spirits and has an awesome attitude about all this. He has made a remarkable recovery so far. Best wishes now and in the future to Jordan!
Posted by noelle at 9:46 PM | Comments (8)
November 29, 2005
Bridie Farrell blogs on USA Today
This is very cool - Bridie is blogging her quest to make the U.S. Olympic Team for USA Today. She started the blog this month and so far has written about competitions in Chicoutimi, at American Cup 2, as well as her social life (or lack thereof) and preps for Marquette.
Check out her USA Today blog: Will Bridie Make It?
Posted by noelle at 6:11 PM | Comments (3)
September 21, 2005
Articles on Kimberly Derrick
Detroit Free Press | Training boosts skaters
Not that it mattered what anyone thought, but Kimberly Derrick had heard some of the talk -- how her training group in Marquette would be too tuckered out for last weekend's ADT American Cup in Wausau, Wis.
For this early in the season, the short-track speedskating competition was more important than most. At stake were nine spots on the U.S. World Cup team -- and the only athlete assured a berth on the 10-person team was two-time Olympic medalist Apolo Anton Ohno.
Grand Rapids Express | Ice is nice for former inline skater Derrick
Shortly after the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Derrick walked into a training session of the West Michigan Speedskating Club. Three and a half years later, she now lives and trains at the Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
Posted by noelle at 9:35 AM | Comments (4)
September 15, 2005
Olympic Paintball!
Speed skaters like you've never seen them before! During the U.S. short track team's recent relay camp in Colorado Springs they took time out for some team paintball. Looks like they had fun out there!
Team shot with paintball staff
standing: Alex Izykowski, Brian (staff), Travis Jayner, Adam Duncan, Shani Davis, Apolo Ohno, Kyle Carr, Jordan Malone, staff member
front: Kristen Biondo, Tina Koenig, Carly Wilson, Jimmy Jang, Hyo-jung Kim, Richard (staff)
Players not pictured: Amy Peterson, Cherise Wilkins, Bridie Farrell, J.P. Kepka
Click thumbnails to enlarge; mouse over for captions
Your eyes aren't playing tricks with you - Apolo is wearing two different shirts. He borrowed Jimmy's later on for added protection from the paintball buckshot.
Posted by noelle at 8:39 PM | Comments (16)
August 15, 2005
More photos from team training camp in Pacific Northwest
Here a several more shots from the team's visit to Oregon and Washington last month, with thanks to Linda of the Mountain View Speedskating club for sharing them!
Apolo signs an autograph for a fan
Hover your mouse over each image for the caption; click thumbnails to enlarge.
Posted by noelle at 6:12 PM | Comments (6)
August 1, 2005
More training camp photos
Thanks to Linda for these great shots!
J.R. Celski and Apolo
Posted by noelle at 9:36 PM | Comments (5)
July 30, 2005
More from the Oregon training camp
Linda was smart to write that press release for the team's training camp because it's been generating some great local publicity. Here's the latest:
The Oregonian | Speedskaters training for Turin
Though Apolo was in Seattle yesterday and thus missed Friday practice, the article is full of quotes from Alex Izykowski, Rusty Smith and Hyo-jung Kim, as the skaters talk about the season ahead and how they're handling the pressure of Torino. Assuming Rusty makes the team again (which is a pretty good bet!) this will be his 3rd Olympics.
Also, many thanks to Linda for sending in the following photos from yesterday's ice session:
Travis Jayner training on the turncable with Marquette coach Jimmy Jang
J.R. Celski takes in the action
Derrick Campbell demonstrates a technique
Rusty Smith and Li Yan confer
Posted by noelle at 8:46 AM | Comments (8)
July 27, 2005
U.S. team at training camp in Oregon
The top 8 U.S. men and women are in Portland, Oregon the next few days for a training camp there while ice time is unavailable to them at their home base in Colorado Springs. They'll get to spend some time doing dryland training at Nike HQ near Portland, with ice time courtesy of the Mountain View Speedskating Club in nearby Vancouver, Washington. Practice on Saturday is open to the public for anyone in the Portland area.
More details about the training camp in this press release.
Posted by noelle at 10:10 PM | Comments (7)
May 31, 2005
What skaters do on their day off
Hope you all had a great holiday weekend. Looks like the skaters up in Marquette did! We just received these photos of a Memorial Day boat trip and fishing expedition some of them took yesterday.
It's hard to recognize these guys without their skinsuits and helmets. Holding up their catches, left to right, are Travis Jayner, Kyle Carr, Anthony Lobello, Adam Duncan and Ryan Bedford.
Sure looks like they were biting yesterday! I wonder what's on the menu in MQT this week?
Posted by noelle at 6:29 PM | Comments (18)
Tying up the boat
Posted by noelle at 6:29 PM | Comments (8)