Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong recently spoke at University at Buffalo as apart of the 25^th anniversary Distinguished Speakers Series. As a man from Texas, he first began his athletic competition in triathlons. In the year 1996, Lance was ranked as the #1 cyclist in the world.

Throughout the same year though, he was experiencing symptom that he continued to dismiss, even though he didn’t know the severity of it. The symptoms included massive headaches and coughing up blood. At one point he went to the doctor who ran tests all throughout his body. Later that evening, Lance was told he had 8-10 golf ball sized tumors in and on his lungs; and that he was scheduled for emergency surgery in 12 hours.

As Lance was preparing for surgery, he was concerned with himself and his safety, telling the doctor “you can’t screw this up. This is too important…” But the doctor was not operating on Lance Armstrong, he was operating on cancer-this is because the doctor had lost his wife and the mother of his two children to breast cancer about 1 month prior.

Lance feels that the cancer and experience “was the best thing to have ever happened to me.” While Lance was recovering, the doctors asked him if he ever wanted to race again? Lance responded “yes.” So the doctors changed the drugs to help him recover to preserve his lungs. Without this question being asked, none of Lance’s success or impact on the world would have never had happened.

In 1998, Lance went back to racing and join the American cycling team. In 1999, Lance won his first Tour de France. His average speed was 25 mph (40 kph). This began the amazing run of 7 consecutive Tour de France victories for Lance Armstrong.

In 2004, the “Livestrong” brand was born. The term comes from cancer survivors who have always lived strong. As well, Nike donated $1 million to the Lance Armstrong Foundation as well as made 5 million yellow bands to sell for $1 a piece. A total sum of $6 million.

After the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece- 10 million more yellow wristbands were sold. As of today, over 84 million bands have been sold. As Lance has said to large crowds “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on earth.” This is to represent your duty to help and serve others who are in need, that is your purpose.

Lance was not cured to go on and live a lifestyle of hiding, he found this as an opportunity and an obligation to go out and spread the strength as well as help others. “It’s not about the facts, but how you embrace it as well as the good you do.” This is referring to everyone’s responsibility to help others. 

St. Francis Dual Meet 4-26-12

          Unfortunately the results were not what St. Joe's wanted, but the day wasn't a total lost; there were great performances and several pr's. The weather was exactly what it normally is when St. Joe's track treks out to Athol Springs. The rain was coming down, the wind was blowing, and even the winter jackets had to be brought back out yet again.

          The 3200m run was swept by St. Joe's for the second year in a row. This year, the victory went to Connor Tumiel in 10:36, followed closely by Cornell Overfield in 10:44, and finally Joe Suhay in 11:11. 

          St. Joe's had a double winner in the throwing events. Dominik Kosar won the shot-put in 51'8. As well, Dominik also won the discus in 161'3. 

         The biggest story of the day though was young Lawrence Williams clocking in an astounding 50.8 seconds in the 400m. This time puts Lawrence amongst the top five fastest 400m ever to have run for St. Joe's.  

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John Schnitter-

            The “cool guy” himself who started it all. With his “young” and “fresh” homeboys in his dudevan, the salutatorian of St. Joe’s drove the streets of Buffalo chilling and NOT killing with a Gatorade in hand.

            Prior to attending college, John was an all-star athlete at St. Joe’s. He assisted in championship for cross-country and track in 2004 & 2005.

            John, also known as “the Schnitt” has gotten himself into his share of fun and mischief including ventures over to Europe with several hooligans whom will remain nameless.

            As well, John has attended American University, University at Buffalo, and University of Michigan at one time or another.

            Along with college and trips, John coached the St. Joes cross-country and track team for two years before leading his athletes, alongside Matt Hellerer, to a League Championship for track in his final season.

            Currently studying Law at the University of Michigan, there is no doubt from his peers back home that he is getting involved in his share of acts of debauchery. 

Running to Win

            This is a short story that is being worked on to record the different experiences and adventures that I have encountered throughout my short but eventful running career.

            This book starts off back when I first tried running track back in the 7^th grade, not quite the turning point of my life; also, my long life of hockey as well as my attendance to St. Joes. This is written by me to track my progress. The main goal is not to apply nor interest others, but if it does happen to do one of those few things, then that is a bonus. If you would like to read the progress that I have thus far, let me know and I will be happy to send my progress to you for your enjoyment (or disappointment). 

            This also goes through my times throughout high school for both track and cross-country. You can see the dramatic pr's as well as the success that I have had. I could not have done any go this without the help of coaches and friends whom I have come to know and love. Thanks to all who helped me get to the point where I am. 

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Joe Schnitter- 

            The runner, the genius, or even the sponsor professional, Joe not only knows it all, but is beloved by all as well.

            In the early years, the young and fresh Joe Schnitter was thought to be Matt Hellerer’s prodigy despite the German background and lack of Irish blood. Also, besides being recognized as John Schnitter’s little bro, Joe often gets noticed for his role in the series “Joe Schnitter: Rebel Without a Cause” as well as the author of the book “The Man, the Myth, the Legend. The Joe Schnitter Story”.

            As Joe started his running career in the 8^th grade, under head coach only known as “Big Joe”, instantly the young Schnitter was destined to run vast distances never to look back. In high school, the 3200m was his main event. Schnitter was feared by all of his competitors.

            Once his stay at St. Joe’s had come to an end, he packed his bags and shipped off to the University of Pittsburgh, only to return to his natural setting several months later. With Schnitter’s departure came utter chaos, naturally. Without Joe in their presence, bombs threats started to come in by the dozen demanding that Joe come back. Even the Pitt basketball team, who was so highly ranked in preseason, lost their will to compete without Joe. A tragic story for the University of Pittsburgh. Joseph M. Schnitter was the best thing to happen to Pittsburgh since sliced bread. 

Buffalo Public School Invite 4-21-12

            This year’s invitational was no different than last years, cold, wet, but full of opportunities. St. Joe’s finished the invite in 4^th place, scoring a total of 35 points, four more points than rival Canisius.

            Tyshawn Stepney won the 100m in a time of 11.4, as well as being a member of the 4x100 relay team that also made it to the finals and placed 4^th with a total time of 47.1.

            In the 400m, junior and first year track athlete Lawrence Williams wasted no time rewriting the record books with a 52.6 to finish in 3^rd place overall- etching his name into St. Joe's history on the All-Time Best leader board.  

            Some great performances were seen in the 1600m. Sophomore Neil Conway set a new pr of 5:13.4 as well as won his respective heat, surpassing his previous personal best by 18 seconds. Connor Tumiel raced in the final heat, finishing 8^th overall with a time of 5:02.3.

            As long as were staying on distance, young Cornell Overfield proved that he does have determination to challenge not only everyone on the track, but challenge the clock as well. Overfield finished the 3200m in a time of 10:42 and 4^th place overall. Overfield is on pace to break 10:30 by the end of his sophomore year.

            Dominik Kozar set a new meet record in the shotput throwing a 48’11”. There were a lot of great performances as well as a lot of promise for the future.   

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Chris Mekelburg-

            Young Chris Mekelburg first made a splash at Canisius College after his departure from St. Joe’s as a student. Little did he know, he would return in just a few short years. Chris, or “Mexy” as the girls call him, was right at home on the Canisius campus. After his duration and success on the Canisius College Cross-Country team, Chris followed his passion to become a high school science teacher. Not only did he achieve working for his alma mater at a young age, Chris was also instated as the freshman cross-country & track coach for St. Joe’s prior to the 2010 season.

            Even with the busy schedule of grading papers, coaching, and teaching, Mekelburg also finds a way to go have a night on the town (every blue moon that is…)

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Phil Cannata-

A mystery on the outside, a child on the inside. Phil, both a graduate of St. Joe’s as well as Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. Now adays, you can find Phil either running on a track trying to break 60 seconds in the 400m with NO warm-up (this is a true athlete), or at the always-creditable Mr. Goodbar.

Not only is Phil an interesting character, he can always provide adequate entertainment at his “pad”. If you are lucky enough, you may even stumble upon his late night raves to Rihanna’s “We Found Love” or Avicii’s “LEVELS”.

A hit amongst the ladies, Phil is currently unavailable to the public. The word around the block is that he is available for private parties and entertainment though.

            Phil, once a star college track athlete, has fallen off the horse a bit. But after battling multiple setbacks (Ken, Bruce, Andy, Tom, etc….) Phil is determined to get back to his prime. This includes his appearances at Blue Mountain Cross Country Camp.

            Overall, Phil is a great guy. He will give up his bed, apartment, and even his beverages for you-, and all he asks for in return is respect? NO- your participation in his wild rave dance parties at 3am.  

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Sean Majer:

            “Weird haircuts, steeplechase, and Nintendo Gameboy in hand.” This can easily sum up the life of Sean Helmuth Amadeus Majer. But there is so much more. Sean is a recent graduate of St. Joe’s. Sean is at Vassar College, the second most expensive college in the nation as well formerly an all girls school. As most would be turned away by the thought of co-ed facilities, the price tag, or even being located in the middle of nowhere known as Poughkeepsie, NY; Sean embraced this idea with his outgoing attitude as well as took the challenge of becoming a Division III athlete in both Cross-Country and Track.

            To the surprise of many, Sean had almost immediate success as a member of the Vassar Brewers. His times dropped significantly. During his senior year, Majer clocked in a 12:17 in the 3200m, only to drop over 2 minutes to under 10 minutes. As well, Majer was denied the chance to run the steeplechase his senior year, for his own good. But with months of training under his belt, in the spring of 2012, Majer got that chance to run the race that he loves for reasons that no one quite understands.

            Along with the success in running, Majer has become popular amongst his teammates. This can be traced back to the inability to say no to a challenge or haircut that only a college student would agree to do. Sean’s vocabulary also has an interesting twist that few and far in-between understand. These terms include “Jive”, “young”, “fresh”, “doiyoiyoiyoiyoi”, and even “gern”.

 “Maj” as many of his piers and many followers call him, can also grow a scraggly beard like no other. He has the ability to look like a homeless man, then transform himself into a preppy individual, then finally a hipster in one day. Majer has also never passed up the opportunity to have a grand-ol’-time with his fellow buddies, especially “Mc”. Majer, a unique man who will do the random for no reason, is having the time of his life at Vassar College and is embracing whatever his life is throwing at him.

              

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Dan Courtney:

            After becoming “Senior of the Year” for the sesquicentennial class of 2011, young Daniel went off to the University of Notre Dame with his companion Andrew McGloin. Courtney was amongst the top of the graduating class. Courtney is also big on “saving the world”. He revived St. Joe’s Rocks which is a concert held to raise money for different areas in need.

            Courtney also received one of Notre Dame’s highest scholarships totaling $100,000 over four years- and one of the requirements is that the young Courtney must go around the world for a couple weeks each summer and save the world. He has previously been to the mountains of California as well as Nicaragua to build houses. The summer of 2012 will include Daniel traveling to Africa for eight weeks to help the suffering communities.

            As busy as Dan’s schedule is, this prohibited him from following his dream of being a walk-on for the Notre Dame cross-country team. Even though Daniel couldn’t follow through with this dream, he is still running and training regularly. During his time at St. Joe’s, Dan achieved a feat that few others before him have accomplished. Daniel reached the benchmark for three individual track events getting his name on the all-time leader board 3x!

            Courtney, if not having enough on his plate, also has the responsibility of his lovely girlfriend Ms. Sara-Beth Orf. Going on well over a year now, Daniel and Sara-Beth have a relationship that can work while others around have fallen to the ground. Although not easy, Sara-Beth must deal with the 6-hour gap between both her and Daniel for approximately eight months a year as well as the multiple trips that take Dan around the world.