Rocker U

THE JUNIOR VARSITY:

Biographies, links, news and other info about active skaters who have (at any time in the past) achieved Category 1 status, but who have not yet competed as a National Team member in World Cup, World Championship or Olympic events.

If you have news about these skaters that would be of interest, please Contact Us or post the info on the skater's thread at Our Forum.

PETRA ACKER

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Petra, please Contact Us or post the info on Petra's thread at Boots & Blades.

Petra did the Rocker-U Interv-U on July 14, 2009, and the following profile is based on that interview and other media sources:

PERSONAL STATS:
DOB: May 6, 1993
Birthplace: Schenectady, NY
Hometown: Clifton Park, NY
Current Training Location: Saratoga, NY with coach Paul Marchese and trainer Mark Boudreau
Favorite Distance to Skate: 1500M (in both Short Track and Long Track)
Boots & Blades: Marchese Boots, Maple Blades

DID YOU KNOW?:
Petra is currently the only skater in the USA to hold Category 1 status in both Short Track and Long Track. She holds 3 National Age Group records in Short Track (Juvenile Girls' Division - 777M, 1000M & 1500M). Petra also holds 5 out of 6 Long Track Outdoor Mass Start National records for her age group, and traveled to Poland as a member of the 2009 Long Track Junior National Team.

Petra and her family have traveled all over the world doing humanitarian projects. As a young child, Petra worked with her mother in a Ugandan orphanage, helping care for babies with AIDS.

The Rocker-U Interv-U:

Part 1: Standard Questions

How did you get started in the sport?
I had just come home from living in Africa for two years and I needed something to fill my P.E. requirement since I was homeschooled. My grandfather, Howard Ganong, who has won seven National and two North American Championships for both LT and ST volunteered to take me to our local ice rink. And I fell in love with it.

What are the highlights of your skating career so far?
Probably going to Poland this past winter for Long Track Jr. Worlds. I wasn't happy with my results but had a really great time and it was an awesome learning experience.

What's the worst skating injury you've ever had?
Last year I broke my collarbone after another skater collided with me at practice.

Where is your favorite place to compete?
I love Milwaukee, just because I have so many good memories there. I also really like Cleveland - it's a really nice facility and it's where I won my first nationals.

What do you like to do when you're not skating?
I like to hang out with my skating 'family', paint, watch movies, and play board games.

When you're away from home, what do you miss the most while you're gone?
My dog, Kuma.

What have you sacrificed for your sport?
My family sacrifices alot, we've had to give up living in Africa, a place we all love, and I give up leading a 'normal' life. Its difficult to develop friendships outside of skating because of my training schedule.

What are your goals (on and off the ice) over the next few years?
Well my ultimate goal is going to the Olympics. As far as goals outside of skating, I want to someday work for Love 146, an organization that rescues sexually trafficked children in Southeastern Asia.

What do you see yourself doing after your skating career is over?
I see myself living is some foreign country, either working with Love 146 or as a missionary in Africa.

When your skating days are over, what will you miss the most about this time in your life?
My team. Even though I don't have the time to develop close friendships outside of skating, it's made my relationships with my team a lot stronger. They've become like family instead of just friends. I'll also miss the thrill of competition.

Part 2: JUST FOR FUN

Quick Fire:
House or Condo? House
Sing Karaoke or Laugh-At-Those-Who-Try? Sing Karaoke with a friend
History or Science? Science
Paris or London? Paris
Sportscar or SUV? Sportscar!
Movies: Action/Adventure or Romantic Comedy? Romantic Comedy
Top Bunk or Bottom? Top

Favorites:
Favorite Cookie? Peanut Butter Sandwiches (two peanut butter cookies with chocolate fudge in between) YUM!
Favorite Store at the Mall? Forever 21
Favorite 'Healthy' Food? Banana Chips
Favorite Song? At the moment it's 'You Belong With Me' by Taylor Swift, but ask me tomorrow. It changes everyday!

Random Questions:
What country would you most like to visit? Japan
What other sports do you play (or have you played)? I used to run cross-country in Africa, but other than that only speedskating
What is your most memorable Halloween costume? Probably Captain Jack Sparrow or Pipi Longstocking

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MICHAEL BURDEKIN

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Michael, please Contact Us or post the info on Michael's thread at Boots & Blades.

Michael (in red) at the 2009 National Age Group Championships (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

SARAH CHEN

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Sarah, please Contact Us or post the info on Sarah's thread at Boots & Blades.

Sarah (in red) at the 2009 National Age Group Championships (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

SARAH ELLIOTT

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Sarah, please Contact Us or post the info on Sarah's thread at Boots & Blades.

Sarah (in red) at the 2008 American Cup 1 (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

ALAINA FIORENZA

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Alaina, please Contact Us or post the info on Alaina's thread at Boots & Blades.

Alaina (turquoise/black) at the 2008 American Cup 1 (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

DAN FIORENZA

Dan is a Rocker Fund skater, which means that you can help him achieve his short track goals by donating to him directly. His 'in his own words' biography and donation information can be found at TheRockerFund.org

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Dan, please Contact Us or post the info on Dan's thread at our Forum, Boots & Blades.

--------------------
Thanks, Michelle, for this find:

Speedskating: Nation's best compete in American Cup in Ashwaubenon
BY RICH PALZEWIC • Green Bay Press-Gazette correspondent • January 26, 2009

ASHWAUBENON — There were no sightings of Apolo Ohno, but 75 of the country's best short-track speedskaters flocked to the Cornerstone Community Center over the weekend for the American Cup 3 races.

The participants ranged in age from 14 to 31 and came from as far away as California to compete in the third race of the American Cup series. Although there were no Olympic berths on the line, there was plenty of action to be had.

This was the first national caliber event held at the Resch Olympic Pavilion at Cornerstone, which opened early last year.

"We were called last year as we were completing construction to see if we were interested in hosting the event," said Cornerstone manager Don Chilson. "We didn't have to bid for it and usually that's something that you have to do. It was a no-brainer to say yes, but then we found out how much work it was."

The Green Bay speedskating club — which is the largest club in the state with more than 50 members — did most of the work by organizing meals for the elite skaters and going out and getting sponsorship for the event.

"They don't give you any money for putting on the event," Chilson added. "So we had to raise enough through sponsorship to put the event on. We've raised just about enough money to break even."

Short-track speedskating, which gained Olympic status in 1988, is one of the fastest human-powered sports in the world. Racers routinely hit speeds of 30 mph, all while skating in close proximity with three to five other competitors on a 111-meter (365-feet) oval track.

Unlike the more traditional long-track speedskating, short-track speedskaters focus more on placement rather than time. The slightest slip-up can cost skaters a chance to move on.

Much of the young talent assembled over the weekend dreams of making the Olympics, but years of dedication and perseverance are needed to turn an elite skater into Olympic caliber.

For Wausau native Dan Fiorenza, he knows how much work it's taken and how much further he has to develop.

"I started skating when I was 5 years old back in Wausau," said the first-year Northern Michigan University student who trains at the Olympic training center in Marquette, Mich. "My dad got me started and I was hooked from the beginning.

"We get up at 5:30 in the morning and get to the rink by 6. We warm up for about an hour and we're on the ice from 7 to 9 for practice. I have classes in the middle part of the day, and then we have another practice from 3:30 to 5:30. It's really like a full-time job."

It's not all about just getting on the rink and skating, though. Athletes at the Olympic center put in countless hours doing core body work and participating in dry-land technique drills.

"We put in about five hours per day, six days per week," Fiorenza said. "We do weight-training sessions twice a week and lots of other things off the ice. You have to be well-rounded to do this sport."

Fiorenza's best result over the weekend was a sixth place finish in his specialty event, the 1500 meter in the A final.

"I wanted to get out of the quarters and into the semis," said Fiorenza. "In my semi race, I sat behind and these two guys in front of me were battling it out before they both got disqualified, so I moved on. In the finals, all the racers were very fast, and I sat in as long as I could, but with two laps to go, I was dead."

"The 1500 was definitely the highlight of the weekend for me. In all my other races, I technically raced very well and did exactly what I wanted to do, so I was happy."

In order to qualify for the Olympic Trials (for the 2010 Winter Olympics) being held in Marquette this September, Fiorenza has to shave about a half-second off his best time in the 1000-meter race.

"They use your time from the 1000 because it's the middle distance," Fiorenza said. "There are plenty of races ahead before (the Olympic Trials), so hopefully I'll be able to make it."

Whether or not an Olympic berth is in the future for the 17-year-old Fiorenza, he realizes the competition is tight. The U.S. short-track speedskating team consists of 10 members (five women, five men).

"I'd like to make the junior world team next year, and hopefully qualify for the Olympics (in Sochi, Russia) for 2014. You just train and hope to get to the top and be the best you can be."

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TAMARA FREDERICK

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Tamara, please Contact Us or post the info on Tamara's thread at Boots & Blades.

Tamara at the 2008 US Championships (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

KEVIN GEMINDER

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Kevin, please Contact Us or post the info on Kevin's thread at Boots & Blades.

Kevin (#175) sticks close to the pack at the 2009 American Cup Final (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

SADIE GRACE

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Sadie, please Contact Us or post the info on Sadie's thread at Boots & Blades.

Sadie in front at the 2008 American Cup 1 (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

LANDON HATFIELD

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Landon, please Contact Us or post the info on Landon's thread at Boots & Blades.

Landon (in red) at the 2009 National Age Group Championships (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

KYLE HAUN

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Kyle, please Contact Us or post the info on Kyle's thread at Our Forum.

Kyle (in the lead) at the 2009 American Cup Final (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

ERICKA HAWKE

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Ericka, please Contact Us or post the info on Ericka's thread at Boots & Blades.

Ericka (in red) at the 2008 American Cup Final (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

MORGAN IZYKOWSKI

Morgan is a Rocker Fund skater, which means that you can help her achieve her short track goals by donating to her directly. Her 'in her own words' biography and donation information can be found at TheRockerFund.org

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Morgan, please Contact Us or post the info on Morgan's thread at Our Forum.

Morgan in action (in front) (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

LEVI KIRKPATRICK

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Levi, please Contact Us or post the info on Levi's thread at Our Forum.

Levi leads the pack at the 2009 American Cup 3 (Photo Credit - Evan Siegle / Press-Gazette:)

COLE KRUEGER

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Cole, please Contact Us or post the info on Cole's thread at Boots & Blades.

Cole (in red) at the 2009 National Age Group Championships (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

JOHN HENRY KRUEGER

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about John Henry, please Contact Us or post the info on John Henry's thread at Boots & Blades.

John Henry (in red), 2009 American Cup 3 (Group 2) (Photo Credit - Evan Siegle/Press-Gazette:)

ERICA LANSER

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Erica, please Contact Us or post the info on Erica's thread at Boots & Blades.

Erica (in red) at the 2008 American Cup 1 (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

JOEY LINDSEY

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Joey, please Contact Us or post the info on Joey's thread at Our Forum.

Photo Credit - Jerry Search:

KATHERINE RALSTON

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Katherine, please Contact Us or post the info on Katherine's thread at Boots & Blades.

Katherine (#112) at Jr. National Championships, November 2008 (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

ANSIS ROBS

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Ansis, please Contact Us or post the info on Ansis' thread at Boots & Blades.

Ansis (in red) at the 2009 National Age Group Championships (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

JAMES RODOWSKY

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about James, please Contact Us or post the info on James' thread at Our Forum.

Photo Credit - Jerry Search:

KELSEY SCHIEL

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Kelsey, please Contact Us or post the info on Kelsey's thread at Boots & Blades.

Kelsey (#86) at the 2009 American Cup Finals (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

RACHEL SKROCKI

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Rachel, please Contact Us or post the info on Rachel's thread at Our Forum.

Photo Credit - Jerry Search:

RACHEL STEWART

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Rachel, please Contact Us or post the info on Rachel's thread at Boots & Blades.

Rachel (#180) leads Petra Acker at the 2009 American Cup Final (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

KIRSTEN TODD

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Kirsten, please Contact Us or post the info on Kirsten's thread at Our Forum.

Photo Credit - Jerry Search:

MADDIE WATTON

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Maddie, please Contact Us or post the info on Maddie's thread at Boots & Blades.

Maddie (#108) at the 2009 American Cup Final (Photo Credit - Jerry Search:)

BARRY WINSLOW

Barry is a Rocker Fund skater, which means that you can help him achieve his short track goals by donating to him directly. His 'in his own words' biography and donation information can be found at TheRockerFund.org

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Barry, please Contact Us or post the info on Barry's thread at Our Forum.

JULIAN WOOD

If you have more biographical info (photos, articles, etc.) about Julian, please Contact Us or post the info on Julian's thread at Our Forum.

Photo Credit: Jerry Search

Julian has his own WEBSITE - visit there for more news about Julian!

Julian has created a fun T-shirt as a fundraiser for his skating expenses, and also as an entrepreneurial project for his high school economics class - see The Bookstore for ordering info!

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