Team News

Vanias Takes First Overall, Patterson Wins Women’s in VASA 50K, Davis and Davis Take 2nd in 27K

February 16th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Kaitlyn Patterson, Team OAM Now Multi-sport athlete

With blizzard conditions and road closures across the state, a troop of brave (or crazy) skiers lined up for the 27k or 50k VASA races on Saturday, February 14. Leading up to the weekend, it was questionable if the races would be held or possibly shortened because of the dangerous wind chills. In the early morning, temperatures were at the 10 degree mark, but progressively dropped, settling near -20 degrees, with the windchill.

Alex Vanias and I decided to stick with the 50k, although many racers opted to switch to the 27k or even skip this year. After strategically selecting our clothing, we headed to the start line to find 3” of new snow already on the course and continuing to fall. Despite the cold wax on my skis, they felt very slow in the powder, and I realized it was going to be a survival race.

After the start, I settled in the back of the chase group of guys and tried to keep my effort under control. Alex skied away from the competition within the first 10k, despite a broken pole, and was the first to break the fresh powder. I progressively moved through the pack and found myself alone by the end of the first lap. The second lap of the 50k is significantly less sheltered than the first half and exposed us to horrendous wind and drifting. I was attempting to ski conservatively, but the conditions were so slow that they allowed for no rest.

The final 8k converged with the 27k and I was thankful for a packed trail. I had already been racing for longer than I had expected and knew the winning times would be slow, possibly record setting. The finish line and warming tent were a very welcome sight indeed. After finishing 2^nd and 3^rd the past two years, I was quite happy to win my first VASA and finish 7th overall. Alex also won his first VASA after finishing second the past two years.

Rebecca Davis and Mike Davis both pulled off podium finishes in the 27k. Rebecca raced freestyle and Mike raced classic and both finished second overall.

The skiers and volunteers deserve major kudos for braving the elements for this memorable VASA. This week, the focus is on rest and recovery for the Birkie this coming weekend!

Kailtyn Patterson, Dan Yankus, and Alex Vanias Take 1st Women, 2nd and 3rd Overall, Respectively at White Pine Stampede

February 12th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Mike Davis, Team OAM Now Nordic Skier

Team OAM Now had a full attendance last weekend at the White Pine Stampede, with the exception of Jon Morgan, who is still out from a fall he had at the Noquemanon. The White Pine Stampede is a point-to-point race starting at the Mancelona High School and finishing at the Summit Center of Shanty Creek Resorts. Each Team OAM Now member competed in the 50k skate race this week, with two members finishing in the top three overall and Kaitlyn Patterson winning the women’s race.

The White Pine course was well groomed, although some fresh snow fall from the evening before left some powder over the trail. Many of the racers used different waxing combinations, some of which worked very well. Between the fresh snow and warmer than expected temperatures, it was a difficult race to figure out.

The White Pine was my first 50k skate race, so I took a fairly conservative approach. Skate skiing is my weaker of the two skiing disciplines as I have more opportunities to train classic. My main goal for this race was to come in to the finish with something left. I did not want to get to the 25k marker and have no legs left for the hills in the second half.

The start took off a little slower than normal, so I was farther up in the pack than I had planned to be. I got nearly to the 10k marker and felt like I was going harder than I wanted. After that, I paced the rest of the race much better and came to the finish with some energy left in the tank. I was able to finish 18th overall with a time of 2:35:01.

Dan Yankus was able to finish 2nd overall in 2:12:37. Alex Vanias finished 3rd overall just 6 seconds behind Dan. Kaitlyn Patterson was the first woman skier and 7th overall. Her time was 2:26:55. Rebecca Davis was able to finish 31st overall, which made her the 5th woman, although she broke about 10 inches of her pole with 22k left in the race. Her time was 2:45:26.

Also OAM’s own Julian Kuz finished 16th overall.

Team OAM Now’s Rebecca Davis Takes First in Women’s Race at Hanson Hills 12k Classic

February 7th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Mike Davis, Team OAM Now Nordic Skier

It was a very cold morning in Grayling for the Hanson Hills 12K classic. Waxing was easy for many, as the cold temperatures left no lack of kick. I didn’t want to lose any glide, so I chose to double pole this race on my skate skis. Team OAM Now performed well, with all the men finishing in the top ten and Rebecca Davis winning the women’s race.

The Hanson Hills 12k Classic Race is an interval start race with each racer starting in 15 second intervals. They put everyone into order by age group, then the order they signed up. The interval start makes it difficult to pace because you have no idea where you stand during the race. My strategy for races like this is to go as hard as I can for as long as I can. Regardless of our differing strategies for this race, it seems like Team OAM Now was doing something right with another impressive showing.

Rebecca Davis must have had a good strategy, as she was able to win the women’s race by 56 seconds. Dan Yankus had a very strong race by finishing in third with a time of 44:10. Alex Vanias came in fourth just 31 seconds behind Dan while I finished eighth overall with a time of 47:40.

Each race is a great opportunity for different conditions and more experience which allows us to learn and develop new strategies. With each race, we’re hopeful that we keep growing and improving…of course, we’d also like to keep winning.

Two Podiums for Team OAM Now at the Forbush Freestyle 17K

February 6th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Rebecca Davis, Team OAM Now Nordic Skier

The Forbush Freestyle 17k is always one of the toughest races on my schedule. It isn’t the longest, or the biggest, but the course is incredibly technical- constant turning, and short, hard climbs. On top of that, the trail conditions usually seem to be a bit soft, which adds to the challenge. This year was no exception, and even though I have more training than I do most years, this race was still humbling for me.

The men and women started separate at this race; typically, in those situations, I take an early lead and hold on for as long as possible. This time, I decided to fall into the pack right away and take advantage of watching the better women skiers on the technical course. I realized that I can keep up fairly easily for about 4km, and then my legs started to tire from the constant climbing and turning, causing me to fall off the pack. I know where I need to focus my training for next year! After falling off of the leader, I was able to hang on to finish second place in the women’s race. It was one of my better standings for the year, but definitely not my strongest race.

Dan Yankus managed to hang on the lead pack for a 3rd place finish after realizing that his skis weren’t as fast as the first 2 finishers. Mike Davis had a tough fall on one of the hills near the end of the race putting him at the back of his pack, but still managed to finish 21st place.

Despite a tough race, and only a few team members competing, Team OAM Now certainly had a strong finish.

Introducing the Team OAM Now Elite Men’s Cycling Team for 2015

February 6th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Chris Gottwald, Team OAM Now Elite Men’s Cycling Team Captian

Ed Note: After a successful 2014 season, the Team OAM Now Elite Men’s Cycling Team is busy, in the off season, training for an incredible 2015! We asked Team Captain Chris Gottwald to give us an overview of the team and tell us a bit about what we can look forward to.

Returning Members
Christopher Gottwald
Daniel Yankus
Alex Vanias
Peter Ehmann
Cory Stange

New Teammates
Colin Snyder

For sure in 2014 our greatest accomplishment was winning the Michigan Point Series with a team that included three new riders (Cory Stange, Pete Ehman and Ryan Erxleben). We rode well all season as a team and that allowed us to capitalize on team work when we lacked all around fire power.

Colin Snyder, our newest addition brings some veteran experience and all around ability. He has the amazing ability to be a threat in any event (road, mountain and cyclocross) which gives us, as a team, tremendous potential. In his first year with us, Cory won the season overall with his amazing finishing speed, but admits his weakness in the past has been brute strength. Coming in to 2015, he will be coached by world class coach Mark Olson which certainly ensures even stronger all around abilities from him.

We all are on TEAM OAM Now because we want to be. As a team, we work on our individual (rider) strengths and put them together to get the best results possible when we race as a team. Even when we don’t win, we still turn our selves inside out to get the strongest rider of the day to the best finish possible.

Overall, for 2015, we will focus on winning the Michigan Point Series again, along with a greater focus on the individual races. American style road racing is criterium heavy and we will attempt to shift our focus to that style. Alex Vanias (Former Bissell Pro Rider) and Chris Gottwald (Current World Record holder) have world class aerobic capacity and plan to deliver at every opportunity. We can certainly count on Dan Yankus, Pete Ehman and Colin Snyder to turn in amazing performances as well.

We rode tremendously well together in 2014 and, with a year behind us, we have learned even more about our individual strengths and weaknesses. We will capitalize on that for sure. Individually, in 2015, Cory Stange will focus on the point series and winning as often as possible on the crit scene. Alex Vanias will focus on road and multi-sport, and Chris Gottwald will focus on a 1 hour Time Trial record late in the season.

We’ve set a few ambitious goals this season, but based on our past performance, I’m expecting us to deliver.

Introducing the 2015 Team OAM Now Women’s Cycling Team

February 3rd, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Marie Dershem, Team OAM Women’s Cycling Team Captain

Ed Note: With amazing season highlights like JoAnn Cranson’s trip to the Senior Olympics, and her win at the West Branch Road Race, Charlotte Long’s 2nd place wins at both the Lowell 50 and Peak to Peak, Marie Dershem’s 3rd place win at the State Championship Time Trial, it was a fantastic year for Team OAM Now’s Women’s Cycling Team. We took a minute to talk to Team Captain Marie Dershem about what’s in store for 2015.

Returning Members
Marie Dershem
Laura Melendez
Charlotte Long
JoAnn Cranson

New Teammates
Jenny Steketee

Our entire team had some great accomplishments in 2014, both together and individually. Laura Melendez, who brings strength and amazing endurance to the team, competed in the National 24 Hour Bike race. In addition, she placed 1st in CAT 3 Tour De Mont Pleasant Crit. JoAnn Cranson can time trial with the best of them. Working with her teammate, Marie Dershem, she pulled away from the peloton and time-trialed her way to a victory at West Branch Road Race (CAT 3), where Marie placed 2nd. Some highlights for Charlotte Long include exhibiting her trail and road skills by placing 2nd in both the Lowell 50 and Peak to Peak mountain bike race (after upgrading to Expert). Then, she expertly took second place in the State Championship Road Race. Marie Dershem‘s time trial experience as a former triathlete came in handy when she came in 3rd place in the State Championship Time Trial (CAT 3), which was followed by a State Championship Road Race win (CAT 3). With several other podium spots among all the teammates, it was a fantastic year.

In 2015, we have a newcomer, Jenny Steketee, who brings years of competitive speed skating to the mix. Her strength and power will translate amazingly well to the bike. We look forward to all she has to offer and welcome her with excitement. This is a well-rounded team that has experience working together. Every team member trains hard individually. We can all count on one another to work hard, to work for one another, and to be committed to the team.

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Our team’s biggest strength is the diversity in talent. Both Marie and JoAnn are excellent time-trialists. Laura has the perfect mix of endurance and strength. In addition, her years of experience racing aids in putting together strategies to race well together and build on each other’s strengths. Marie and Charlotte share a love for climbing and tend to use hills as break-away opportunities. Charlotte is a proven sprinter and Marie is building toward this as well.

This coming season, we have an amazing opportunity to come together and really take control of the field in any race we enter. We have such a wide range of talent that, when we work together, we can do anything. Every team member is willing to work for each other, which makes all the difference in the world. We can easily play to each person’s talents and create a winning opportunity for everyone.

In 2015, plan to see us at Le Tour De Mont Pleasant, BTR Crit, Maple Hill Race for Wishes, Delta Subaru Gaslight Crit, as well as quite a few others. Additionally, the team is also interested in travelling to some out of state races to add variety and new challenges. It is certainly going to be an exciting year to be a woman racing with TEAM OAM Now!

Introducing the Team OAM Now Nordic Ski Team 2015

January 26th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Daniel Yankus, Nordic Ski Team Captain

Ed Note: As the 2015 Nordic Ski season continues, we asked Team OAM Now’s Daniel Yankus to give us an overview of the team and its goals.

This year’s Team OAM Now Nordic Ski Team is:

Returning members:
Jon Morgan

Alex Vanias

Kaitlyn Patterson
Daniel Yankus

New Teammates:

Mike Davis

Rebecca Davis

Winning the overall for both women and men in the Michigan Cup series is always our goal and, last year, Alex and Kaitlyn both delivered. As a personal goal, I accomplished a Top 100 at Birkie and that was the goal I set out for about 4 years ago. Of course we’re looking for similar results this year.

Mike and Rebbeca will certainly bring both talent and youth, however, their active lifestyle as a family is what first attracted my attention to them. We have found that our team operates better with that family spirit.

For us, there is an understanding that our results are important, but our interactions with the ski community are more important. As we look to expand the sport and create interest, each member of the team has committed to a community event this season, clinics and races alike, for both adults and/or kids.

As far as our races go, we are also looking to have great results at the North American Vasa, Noquemanon Classic Marathon, and the American Birkiebeiner. These races allow us to test ourselves against national caliber skiers.

Of course we’re looking forward to some more snow here in Michigan, but were hoping for a great 2015 season.

Three Team OAM Now Nordic Skiers finish in top 5, Overall, at Noquemanon

January 26th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Kaitlyn Patterson, Team OAM Now Multi-sport Athlete

The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is one of Michigan’s premier cross country ski events and has been on my athletic bucket list for years. It is a challenging, point to point, race that begins in Ishpeming and finishes at the Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan. Although there is a net descent over the 50k race, there is some serious climbing over the first half. The Noquemanon is unique in that the 50k Classic is the featured race and draws talent from across the Midwest.

Classic races add several elements of challenge because kick waxing is so crucial. This year’s weather was on the opposite end of the spectrum from last year’s “snowmageddon,” with temperatures hovering just above freezing. Waxing for the changing weather was a source of anxiety for most skiers in the classic race as everyone tried to decide what would be the trick for optimal kick and glide.

The entire Team OAM Now Nordic team took on the challenge of the 50k Classic race beginning in the Elite wave. I have not spent much time on classic skis since high school and was less than confident about racing a marathon. Although I seriously considered changing to the freestyle race, I decided to go for the classic race to just see what might happen.

The start of any ski race is tricky to navigate with many bodies, skis, and poles in a condensed area. Thankfully, we were off smoothly, the tracks were not as icy as expected and my skis were kicking and gliding well. Less than 5k in, I saw teammate Jon Morgan off to the side holding his hamstring after a bad fall. He unfortunately had to pull out with a torn muscle. I heeded his warning and was a bit more cautious on the tricky descents.

I felt great after the first 15k, but realized that my pacing was a bit ambitious and I had fallen behind on my calorie intake. I fell off the pack I was skiing with, but was able to regroup, drink, and ski more relaxed. I skied significantly more smoothly and stronger the second half and was able to pull back several racers. By the final 10k, my upper body was toasted from the hours of double poling and I was thankful to see the Dome appear in the distance.

Overall, the race and the course lived up to expectations in both challenge and impressive scenery with the Lake Superior overlook, frozen lake crossings, and granite bluffs. The organizers do an amazing job with the logistics of putting on such a long point to point race.

I ended up finishing in 4th place overall and Rebecca Davis was just behind me in 5th. Dan Yankus had a strong race to finish 5th place in a strong field. Alex Vanias finished in 16th, and Mike Davis 33rd overall. Another great day for Team OAM! We’re hoping Jon has a speedy recovery!

Off Season Training Tips from a Pro

January 23rd, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Raquel Tavares-Torres, Team OAM Now Professional Tri-athlete

When the temperature drops and the snowy days come, a lot of triathletes take the season off, but some, those who still have goals and races, need to train, no matter the weather conditions. The question is, how, when we live in a place that experiences all four seasons, do we train through the winter, especially when it can be cold and harsh?

Keeping in mind that we are all different, including our styles, levels, preferences, and goals, after more than a year racing as a ITU professional triathlete, I would like to share my experience training in Michigan to prepare for races in hot and humid places.

Last year (winter 2013), after more than a decade out of sports, I finished my first ITU race in the Dominican Republic, with only a couple of months of training. Due to lack of experience and preparation, as well as a few mistakes, I finished in a respectable place, but suffered from heat stroke. I completed the last 5k of the run, but I have no memory of it. The worst feeling of my life was when I woke up in the medical tent with my body out of control, dizzy, and feeling like I was dying.

Even if you don’t have a race in a hot place, you can take the advantages of the winter which is what I do now, and train in the cold conditions. The key word in the off season is adaptation.
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December Recap: Team OAM NOW in the Community

January 19th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Jim Allan, Team OAM Now athlete

On Saturday, December 6^th,Team OAM Now/Athletic Mentors team members participated in a great fundraiser for Habitat For Humanity by spinning at the Koetsier Greenhouse along with (70) other local athletes. Each hour of spinning was led by a spirited instructor who provided a great workout while collecting funds for a good cause.

The group representing Team OAM Now included Marie Dershem, Roxane Kippen, Larry Strayhorn, Dan Gauthier, Steve Buccella, Peter Chadwick, and Jim Allan. This is the second year we’ve participated in a fundraiser at this facility; we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have these opportunities, especially when we can pedal to make a difference.

Then, on Saturday, December 13^th the annual bicycle build for Elves and More West Michigan occurred with outstanding success. This organization collects donations and conducts fundraisers throughout the year in order to buy un-assembled bicycles. Volunteers then have the opportunity to assemble these bicycles for distribution in one Southwest Michigan neighborhood a year. The organization hopes the gift of a bike will lead the students to a healthier lifestyle and provide them with much needed transportation to and from school. Again, a group of Team OAM Now members had the privilege to participate this year. Team members Roxane Kippen, Bob Schultz, Greg Neagos, Steve Buccella, Dan Gauthier, Peter Chadwick, Mike Hoogerland, Jim Allan, friends of the team Alan Moore and Mari-Megan Moore helped and great assistance from Steve’s 93 year old father Paul!

After a period of on-the-job training and a few rejected bicycles, our process was refined and we worked like a well-oiled machine, like a team. There were a few un-reported cuts that shouldn’t impact any performance, and we had a good time helping.

Despite the frantic activity in a warehouse setting, this is always a fun activity. In our building frenzy, we did not capture the total number of bikes we built, but a consensus from the skilled team suggested that it was in excess of (50) bicycles. Overall, there were over 1000 bicycles built for distribution in Grand Rapids neighborhood on Saturday December 20^th!

Finally, on December 18^th, team members participated in the annual fundraiser sponsored at Striders Running Store called the Sleigh Bell Shuffle. This year, the collection of donations benefited The Kids Food Basket and Toys For Tots. Striders supplies a lot of great raffle prizes as well as cookies and cocoa for all the participants. The highlight of the evening was a run through the local neighborhood to enjoy the Christmas decorations.

Two of the things we love best are working as a team and giving back to our communities, particularly when we can do it in a way that really reflects who we are. These opportunities not only provided both, but gave us a way to celebrate the end of a great season! While we’re looking forward to getting back on the road, we’re also looking forward to volunteering together again.