Tom Keefe Ski Life Diary

A few days ago I boarded a plane leaving from Hartford heading west for US nationals. US nationals are being held in Midway Utah at Soldier Hollow resort, home of the 2002 Olympic Games for the XC and biathlon race events. Soldier Hollow is home to some of the toughest race courses in the United States. Also, the race venue levels off around 5800 feet above sea level, which is why I am out here early trying to adjust to the altitude before the first races.

I found myself sitting on the plane in seat 22A next to the window waiting to see who was going to end up sitting in 22B. Sure enough I see this very large man walking towards me with his eyes focused on row 22. With only one seat remaining in our row I knew exactly what seat he was looking at...22B! After he sat down I introduced myself and began to read my book (the purpose driven life). As I was reading I noticed a huge ring on his finger, so I asked him what the ring was for. He showed me the ring and everything started to make sense. I finally figured out why he was so massive coming in at 335lbs! Jose was wearing a 1999 Atlanta Falcons SuperBowl championship ring that he had earned during his last year in the NFL with the Falcons. Joes Graduated from the University of Arizona were he was best friends with Patriots hero Tedy Bruschi whom is also my favorite player on the Patriots. Jose shared many stories with me about is college days with Bruschi and trying out for the NFL. The best story that Jose shared with me was when he walked out onto the field in front of millions of fans during the start of the 1999 superbowl. He said that it was the most amazing feeling that he has ever felt. The press was everywhere, the crowds were yelling, and his heart was pounding. He said that words cannot explain what it felt like to run out onto that field that day, it's something that he will never forget.

When we finally landed in Salt Lake City he leaned over and wished me luck on making the Olympic Games in 2010. he imagined that opening ceremonies would be alot like walking out onto the field before the superbowl. I thanked him, we shook hands, and parted our own ways.

For the past few days I have been living with one of my ski team friends from college who now lives in Park City and helps run a ski rental business called Butler's ski rentals. Butlers is a business that is currently being run out of their home. I am lucky enough to be able to sleep in my buddies room, which is also the office. Usually the phone starts ringing off the hook around 6am and stops around 10pm. Needless to say business is great! Christmas is very busy for them, so I have found myself training in the morning and then working the rest if the day. I will find myself on this schedule for the next 5 days ending with a 12hr day on the 26th. Maine Winter Sports Center team lodging starts the 27th, so I will be able to sleep, eat, and train for a week before nationals. Besides, I need the money to buy food and race entry fees while I am out here!

Today I went for a 2hr skate ski at Soldier Hollow. I could feel the altitude, but the skiing was incredible! I was able to ski on great conditions while wearing tights and a T-shirt...I also was able to get a tan! I really enjoy skiing in the East, but I'd have to say that the West is best.

Tomorrow I have a 2hr classic ski and then it's back to work. I hope all is going well back East!

Tom

Tom Keefe is a member of the Maine Winter Sports Center team currently racing on the national circuit with goals of being ranked among the top 20 skiers in the US for 2005-2006 and to be chosen for the 2010 US Olympic Team. Follow Tom's ski racing adventures this season on SkiReg.com to get an inside look at his progress to be a top ranked US skier!