2010 PNIC Masters International application and 2009Masters American Sprint

Here is the link to the 2010 Pettit National Ice Center Masters International competition (paste https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/wp/events/listmeets.asp).

In addition, I want to thank the officials and volunteers for making the PNIC Masters American Sprint Championships a success. These officials are tireless and determined, even in subzero,avalanche snow Wisconsin winters!

Of course the skaters make it happen too. In addition to fine skating from Nat White,Suzy Osum, Anthony Christie,and others, Bruce Conner set the fastest ever times for his division at this meet,setting the first ever PNIC "world records". Paste this video link to see more about Bruce's amazing racing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LISiZk2oZMI)

Scenes from the 2009 Petit National Ice Center Masters International competition in Milwaukee, WI

Here are some scenes of the action back in February to get you going for 2010.
Day one began with a 500m/1000m time trial available for all competitors. The rest of the meet was mass start with 300m/3000m races finishing out day 1.

After the annual PNIC luncheon, which includes gratis meals for our well respected and vital officials crew, led by Jeff Edwards and many others, the skaters unwound until it was time to come the the also annual speedskater jamboree at Olu's house. This is a potluck that also includes the season's latest world cup vids, marathon vids, live musical performances, movies, and the computerized electronic fat analyzer. Paul Marchese (not present) and Stephen Gunther (present) achieved some of the lowest scores with 4% range body fat readings.

Day 2 was all pack style, with close competition in the 5 year age groups and the Open 30+ Category (which was co-ed).
The meet concluded with a 12 lap fun race that dispersed a cash prize to the first male and female finishers-Mike Anderson(John Rose Oval,MN) and Carla Langenthal (PNIC,WI).
Most categories were hotly contested, and the Open Masters category was full of different event winners until the final lap.
This meet would not have been possible without the volunteers from both the officials,and friends and family of the speedskaters who timed events, kept score, and other tasks. Bravo to all who referred and supported this meet! PNIC Executive Director Randy Dean presented the championship medals.

More fun to come in 2010!

Welcome back!

Hello skaters!

The new season is upon us. We also are going to be witness to the greatest speed skating Olympic year ever with the United States featuring 3 current or former world record holders and world champions returning or debuting in Vancouver, BC!

Back in Milwaukee, the Petit National Ice Center (PNIC) will host the 2010 World Masters Sprint Championships February 6 and 7, prior to the start of the 2010 Olympics. We will end the Olympics with the 2010 Masters International Metric Sprint and Pack Style competition February 27-28.

I will try to furnish more info here, and make it part of my training to blog with all the great masters in the world. Incidentally, congratulations are still in order for 2010 World Masters Champion Marty Haire (Lake Placid) and 2010 Masters Sprint Champion Bruce Conner (PNIC)!
See you all soon.