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SEAL MASK TRIATHLON TEAM
A new triathlon team has appeared at many races around the Midwest this season. SEAL Mask Triathlon Team, a Wisconsin based triathlon
club, has begun its first season with backing from Aqualung America, Wisconsin Discount Securities, Guaranty Bank, Aegis Bikes and Grafton Ski and Cyclery. The club's stated purpose is to promote sponsors, have
fun, be competitive at all distances in triathlon and duathlon and raise money and awareness for the James Wandschneider Pulmonary Research Fund.
The club is the brainchild of Jeff Wandschneider and William Koehler. Jeff's father, James Wandschneider, suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The condition was originally diagnosed when James
Wandschneider was 19 and entering the Navy. There is no known cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and over 5 million people worldwide, and 200,000 people in the United States, are affected by this disease. More
than 40,000 die annually from the disease. Jim Wandschneider battled the deadly lung disease until it took his life at the age of 64.
In the later stages of the disease, Jim Wandschneider was hospitalized at
Loyola University Medical Center. The medical center, through the efforts of Dr. Patrick Fahey, Loyola University professor and chairman–department of medicine, Jeanne Andrys and Hugh Mathis, also
from the Loyola Medical Center, established the James Wandschneider Pulmonary Research Fund. The fund is dedicated to the research of pulmonary fibrosis, and is directed by Dr. Fahey.
The triathlon team is made up of Midwest athletes of varying abilities, ages and triathlon experience levels. Proudly wearing bright red, orange
and black jerseys, with sponsors visible on the back, team members race at everything from local sprint events to USA Ironman sponsored competitions. Already this year, members have competed in half Ironman
races, international distances and several sprint events. Several members of the SEAL Mask Triathlon Team competed in the National Age Group Championship at Mrs. T's Chicago Triathlon and the Camp
Whitcomb/Mason Triathlon in Hartland. As an exciting end of the season event, several of the members of the team will be running and raising money for the JLW Pulmonary Fibrosis Fund at the Milwaukee
Lakefront Marathon on October 6, 2002. In addition, some members will also be competing in Ironman Wisconsin, USA Ironman Florida and the Great Floridian Triathlon.
Although the team itself has a loose structure, several weekly training events and meetings are scheduled and led by members of the team. Future team plans include creating a Web page to promote sponsors
and/or sponsors products. Links will be established to promote sponsors and awareness of the JLW Pulmonary Fibrosis Fund. The team is also in the process of seeking additional sponsors for the 2002–2003 racing
season. If you are interested in more information, sponsorship or being a part of the SEAL Mask Triathlon Team and its fight against pulmonary fibrosis, please contact Jeff Wandschneider at jaqualung@aol.com or
by phone at 262/375–9882.
MINNESOTA RANKS SECOND IN NATION IN WILDLIFE RELATED RECREATION
Minnesota – The preliminary statistics are in for the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife–Associated Recreation. The
preliminary survey results demonstrate what most Minnesotans already know: This is a great state to enjoy wildlife by birdwatching, wildlife tourism, bird feeding and wildlife photography.
Minnesota ranks second in the nation as a state of "wildlife watchers," with a citizen participation rate of 54 percent, according to survey results.
This rate was exceeded only by Vermont, with a 60 percent participation rate.
This federal survey is conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
every five years to keep track of state and national trends relating to hunting, fishing and other forms of wildlife–related recreation. The survey
involved detailed interviews with 45,000 potential hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers across the nation. Final statistics will be available by
October, but the preliminary statistics point out some significant trends for outdoor recreation in Minnesota, according to Carrol Henderson, supervisor of the Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife
Program.
For example, Henderson noted, the number of wildlife enthusiasts who participate in birdwatching, wildlife tourism, bird feeding and wildlife
photography in Minnesota has increased 53 percent over the past five years. Wildlife watchers now outnumber hunters by a factor of more than 3 to 1 in Minnesota. The amount of money spent by wildlife watchers to
see or photograph Minnesota's bald eagles, warblers, hawks, loons, peregrine falcons, trumpeter swans and other creatures in the wild, as well as efforts to attract cardinals and other birds at backyard bird
feeders, increased from $383.2 million in 1996 to $523.5 million in 2001. This is an increase of 36.6 percent over five years.
This is the first time in the history of this survey that the amount of money
spent per year for wildlife watching activities has exceeded the amount spent for hunting activities in Minnesota, Henderson said.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey revealed that the estimated
597,000 hunters in Minnesota spent about $476,797,000 in 2001 to pursue their sport. This represents an increase of 1.5 percent in hunter numbers since 1996, but a decrease of 10 percent in their annual
expenditures for hunting since 1996.
An estimated 1,624,000 anglers in the state spent an impressive $2.5 billion for fishing in 2001. This is an 8.3 percent increase in anglers since
1996 and a whopping 41.8 percent increase in fishing expenditures since 1996, Henderson noted.
"Minnesota's fish and wildlife populations and their associated habitats
support an impressive $3.5 billion dollar annual outdoor recreation industry that includes hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, people who feed birds, and other nature enthusiasts who
travel to see and enjoy the state's wildlife," Henderson said.
"One of the most interesting revelations from the current survey is the
continuing emergence of wildlife watchers as a significant natural resource user group – but a user group that has typically been overlooked or ignored as conservation partners," according to Henderson. "They
benefit from good habitat management and conservation of our forests, lakes and grasslands – just like hunters and anglers. These people need to become more involved as partners with hunters and anglers in support
of conservation initiatives," Henderson said.
"Also," continued Henderson, "the needs of all wildlife – including nongame species associated with watchable wildlife activities – need to
be considered in the management of natural resources, in the funding of state and federal wildlife conservation programs and in the establishment
of legislation that affects wildlife management policy and conservation initiatives."
LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON EXPECTED TO REACH CAP
Chicago – Registration is soaring for the 25th anniversary of The LaSalle
Bank Chicago Marathon. In early August, more than 25,000 runners had signed up for the October 13 race. Registration totals have been ahead of last year's pace, which set a record by reaching its cap of 37,500
entrants. The registration cap of 37,500 ensures from both an operational and planning standpoint, a race that will offer a safe and enjoyable experience for runners and spectators.
"We are thrilled with the registration numbers and want to remind everyone that the opportunity to sign up for our 25th anniversary race is
now," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. "Marathoners have been signing up more quickly than last year and we expect our registration cap will be reached very soon."
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is one of the premier races in the world. From 1996 to 2001, the number of registered runners grew more than three–fold from 10,925 to 37,500. In addition to the amazing
growth of the field, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is now one of Chicago's favorite annual traditions with nearly a million spectators lining the 26.2 mile race course in 2001.
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has a reputation as one of the world's fastest courses. Catherine Ndereba set a new world record of 2:18:47 in 2001, while Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson set the still
standing woman's American record of 2:21:21 on Chicago's streets in 1985. In its 24–year history Chicago also has held two men's world records (1984 Steve Jones, 2:08:05, 1999 Khalid Khannouchi, 2:05:42).
Elite athletes will compete this fall for an event–record purse of $500,000. The male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest ever payout for first place in a marathon. The 2002 LaSalle Bank
Chicago Marathon begins Sunday, October 13 at 7:30 a.m., starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park. The race will be televised live on NBC5 and broadcast on Chicago's ESPN Radio AM1000 from 7:30
a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
How to Register
The marathon is open to all runners who can complete the course in fewer than six hours. For information call toll–free 1–888/243–3344
(U.S. and Canada) or 312/904–9800. Registration is $80 ($90 for international participants) and can be completed online by visiting www.chicagomarathon.com. Registration will close Sept. 16 for online,
Sept. 9 for mail–in entries, or when registration limit of 37,500 is reached, whichever comes first. Participants registering online receive a $5 discount. There will be no race weekend registration.
SUPERIOR SHORELINE TRAIL HALF MARATHON/RACE AGAINST TOBACCO
Marquette, MI – The Superior Shore Run, based in the Escanaba State Forest in Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has become
a full trail half–marathon. Once a 10–mile trail run, it has been expanded to become a full 13.1–mile half–marathon run entirely on trails.
Slated for Sept. 21, the trail run takes advantage of the clean, crisp oxygen rich autumn air and beautiful color season that transforms the U.P. from a dense green forest into a million shades of reds, oranges, and
yellows. The trail incorporates striking vistas from high points with names like, "Top of the World" and "Bareback Mountain."
Runners looking to the east will be treated to stunning views of the dark blue expanse of Lake Superior, while in every other direction, they're surrounded by colorfully clad camel back humps of the Huron Mountain
Range. The run starts along the shoreline of Lake Superior at Little Presque Isle and ends back along the shoreline at Wetmore's Landing. In between, racers will bypass lakes and streams while on single– and
double–track trails and hard–packed dirt roadways.
For those not wanting to commit to a full half–marathon, a 5K trail run is available using some of the same trail. For kids age 12 and under, a 1K
Rug Rat Race is an option and is free.
Registration is available prior to Sept. 21 and on race day. Registration fees run from $5 for participants under 17 to $20 for race day registration.
Call 1–888/578–6489 for registration forms and more information. Or visit www.superiorlandskiclub.com. The Lake Superior Shoreline Trail Half–Marathon/Race Against Tobacco is sponsored by the Superiorland
Ski Club, Cardiology Associates of the Upper Peninsula and the Marquette County Tobacco–Free Community Coalition.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR NOQUEMANON
Michigan – Registrations are now being accepted for the 2003 Noquemanon Ski Marathon and U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame
Half–Marathon scheduled for January 23, 2003.
On–line registration is available at active.com or by visiting the www.noquemanon.com. Visit the site throughout the season for updates
on trail work, trail conditions and race weekend updates.
RUSSIAN XC SKI SCHOOL HAS FALL SHORT COURSES
Have you ever gone to a ski camp or clinic where you learned a lot but remembered very little? Well, the Russian style ski school has solved this
problem. The school will be doing several short courses throughout the Midwest this fall. These short courses will consist of three, six–hour classes that will be held once a month from September through November.
To help skiers remember what they have learned, the classes will be reviewing what was taught the month before. The class will also be encouraged to train together one to two times a week to practice the
drills that were taught. Remember, good training habits and good ski technique evolves over time. Perfect practice makes perfect technique.
The Russian ski school has hundreds of motion drills to develop relaxed and efficient cross country ski technique. These drills are also very useful
in breaking bad habits. In fact, motion drills are the only way to break bad habits. In addition to these drills, students will be roller skiing, hill bounding, ski walking and using video analysis.
Yuriy Gusev will be the primary ski school coach and teacher. He has been skiing for 19 years in the Russian ski program. Gusev skied for the Moscow Cross Country Ski School of Olympic reserve for two year and
became one of the top junior skiers in Russia at this school. He then progressed to become one of the premiere senior level skiers for his age.
Gusev also has a college degree in physical education with concentration in cross country skiing and physical therapy. He has been living in the
United States for a year and is looking forward to ski racing again. Gusev will be living in Wisconsin Rapids and Madison over the summer, while going to school at UW–Madison to fill some requirements for a physical
therapy license.
Dale Niggemann will be assisting Gusev during the clinics and will be providing equipment for students who need it. Niggemann has been doing
Enduro Clinic for 10 years and has had several top 30 finishes in the Birkie. He has developed many ski drills and training methods for cross country skiing. Niggemann has a mechanical engineering degree and has
developed the Enduro Roller Ski, the first roller ski with a braking system and variable speeds. He also runs a cross country ski retail business call Planetxc.com.
Ski school schedule:
Northern Illinois, 9–22–02, 10–19–02 and 11–16–02;
LaCrosse, WI, 10–5–02, 10–20–02, and 11–9–02;
Appleton, WI, 9–28–02,10–26–02, and 11–10–02;
Milwaukee WI, 9–29–02, 10–27–02, 11–17–02;
EauClaire, WI, (call for dates);
Stevens Point, WI, (call for dates.
Following is a brief outline of some of the topics being covered in the classes:
Class 1 topics (8 a.m.–2 p.m.)
•
Skate and classic dryland drills.
• Roller ski skating technique and drills.
• Lecture on periodization in cross country skiing.
• Strength training and technique using bungees.
• Downhill technique on roller skis.
• Russian skier game.
Class 2 topics (8 a.m.–2 p.m.)
• Review of skate and classic drills.
• Classic and skate ski imitation.
• Video analysis.
• Circuit training (general and specific strength).
• Lecture on the phases of periodization (focus on summer and fall phases of training).
Class 3 Topics
• Review of skate and classic drill.
• Review of general and specific strength.
• Ski imitation (bounding and walking).
• Specific strength on roller skis.
• Lecture on periodization (focus on snow, competition and spring phases).
The Russian Style Ski school welcomes all skier abilities. If you have never skied, the school will get you on the right track. If you have skied
several years, it gives you more tools/techniques to put in your toolbox to keep you fired up about cross country skiing. The school will provide
skate roller skis for the first clinic and have roller skis to buy for the following clinics.
For more information, call Dale Niggemann at 1–800/380–8412 or email sales@planetxc.com for pricing and registration information. You may
pre–register for individual clinics or all three. People who miss a class at one location will be allowed to go to the same class at another location. There's a 20 person limit per class.
ILLNESS STRIKES A GOOD FRIEND TO SKIING
Scott Bachmeier, a valuable member of the Midwest's ski community, is recovering from surgery to repair an aneurysm. While the name might not
be familiar, skiers religously visit Bachmeier's Web site throughout the season. Titled "Weather for Nordic Skiers in the Upper Midwest" (http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/~scottb/ski.html), Bachmeier's extensive
site is a must–stop for skiers wondering when and where the White Gold will fall.
A research meteorologist at UW–Madison and a self–described "mediocre classical skier who uses no performance–enhancing drugs
whatsoever," Bachmeier was attending a Milwaukee Brewer baseball game when he became ill (no surprise there, considering the baseball being played at Miller Park these days). Bachmeier's illness was very
serious, however, and an aneurysm had caused internal bleeding.
In a recent e–mail to Silent Sports, Bachmeier's wife, Ruth – the couple
has a young daughter, Heidi – says Scott is well along the road to recovery, although it is a frustratingly slow process for a man who'd rather be dryland training and studying the weather for us than lying
around waiting to heal.
If any readers would like to pass along well–wishes to Scott, the couple lives at 5521 Dahlen Dr., Madison, WI 53705–1341. E–mail messages for Scott can be sent to Ruth at ruthb@mcpasd.k12.wi.us
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