This Sunday I received some incredibly devastating news. I spent Sunday morning in shock, and much of the day feeling strong waves of emotion jolt me like I haven't felt in a long time. It is really hard to believe someone with as much energy as Mike Schaus is gone. I went for a walk last night trying to clear my head; reflecting on the person, friend, and teammate that Mike was.
I grew up paddling in the summers and playing basketball during the winters for Banook. Right away I became close with the Schaus family, as their name is pretty much inseparable with the canoe club. I was four years older than Mike, but both of our families had four kids all spaced out the same way. Adam Schaus and I would often spend Saturdays playing around their house, and I can remember Mike would usually join in.
As time passed along so quickly, it was funny that soon my younger brother Ben and Mike weren't so little all of the sudden. Mike quickly became one of the best and most promising paddlers at our club, and I might add quite the character. He was witty and had an infectious energy that captivated so many of the young paddlers that looked up to him. I spent a summer as the manager of Banook, and always knew that I could count on Mike to have a smile on his face. I penned him as the "free-spirited MS", because... well frankly that's just what he was.
This summer was an especially exciting time to be around Banook, as we hosted nationals. I enjoyed winning Junior Men's war canoe with Mike, and cheered excitedly as he and Jeff Van Horne won in K-2. He embodied a spirit that was fun to be around, and when it was announced that Banook had won nationals in a recount, it was really an amazing experience for all of us, and I know how much it meant to him.
Much like his mother, Mike was also a genuinely kind and considerate person. He was someone that you could count on. He was always available to help out in any way needed, and most importantly he was fun to be around, liked to laugh and have a good time.
I have so many memories of Mike, and still as I write these words to attempt to pay tribute to such a great person, I find myself in disbelief. Just this fall and winter, I spent so many days training alongside Mike at the canoe club, challenging one another on various weights workouts, runs and swims.
It is very difficult to think of how to say goodbye to Mike. I will proudly say that he touched my life for the better, and that I will cherish my memories of him. My thoughts are with the entire Schaus family and all those who were close to Mike. A truly good person has left us far too soon. I will miss you very much Mike, and I know that I will see you again one day.
My love and heartfelt thoughts.
Andrew
Greetings to all,
Well I am now entering the last week prior our warm weather national team camp in Florida. My brother Ben and I will depart on this coming Friday... the 13th... duh duh duh, also simultaneously Jason will be up to his usual antics in a movie theatre near you, slashing and whatnot, and showing up in the darnedest places.
This past week was another very hard week of training, with tough runs and challenging endurance weights. I am looking forward to one last hard week of training before heading south. I have to be honest, I will not miss the morning swims, and days of chlorine smell that won't go away. Our week was capped off by a very challenging 50 minute run, and some weights. After the Saturday workout was finished I returned home for one of the marquis events of the year... what event is you ask? Well I'll tell you, it is a battle of might, a challenge fit for only the toughest of competitors, it is the Baking Marathon.
As judge my duties were to preside over a plethora of excellent baked desserts and tasty sweets. I measured their worthiness of winning the Virgil Almeda Trophy by five different characteristics; taste (being most important), texture, presentation, originality and time (meeting the time allowed to finish within). The entries ranged from incredible chocolate brownies complete with frosted glass o' milk by past champions Ben and Patrick White, to a Trois Rivieres sugar pie.
Tensions were high as allegations of sabotage raged rampant when teammates/soul mates Genny Orton and Jonathan Pike found their pastries to have come in contact with excessive food colouring. Nothing was proved as to the culprits. In the end it was the chocolate indulgence teamed with graham cracker crumbed tarts and fresh fruit was crowned champion, winning Jeff Van Horne and teammate Brittany their very first title. They were overjoyed and one was quoted as saying, "it is such an incredible feeling, I don't really know how to put into words the joy I am feeling right now, it is such an honour I am overwhelmed. The judging was exemplorary." I was very happy to be so appreciated.
No afternoon is complete however without a visit from the friendly and timely folks at the CCES who came and took in the action. It was surely one of their more exciting stops along the way for samples.
Here are some photos that help capture the special day:
Patrick White showing off his retooled apron, equipped with mix-master holster.
All teams in the midst of battle.
All the fixens...
Teammates Genny Orton and Jon Pike.
CCES testers with Richard Dalton and Judge Russell.After a sugar induced coma yesterday, I am back and feeling fine today.
Hope you enjoyed the entry, all the best and keep it very real!
Andrew
Greetings all,
Well the big day has come and gone. After a couple of athletic Larry Fitzgerald Jr. touchdowns it looked as though the Cards would be flying high, however, Big Ben and company quickly put that to rest. Game changing play, 100 yard rumble by the defensive player of the year. Superbowl
In paddling news, brother Ben and myself continue to train hard and are looking forward to head south and get back on the water in Florida. It's exciting to get back to national team camp, and start training with the whole group again. Perhaps most exciting is the return of the C4C to the equation. I've been particularly excited about the opportunity to line up on the Banana River for practices with three C-4s across and Tamas Sr. in the motorboat.
This Sunday I was fortunate enough to take in some of the 28th annual formal bowl. A tradition unlike anything else, that involves grown men competing in tackle football sans equipment or pads. The catch is the uniforms they wear are suits specifically decorated with the names, numbers and designs of some of the great NFL players on them. Look to www.thetrickplay.com to see some footage later on this week.
With each passing year and training camp, the popularity of the annual "Yak For Stack" competition rises. If you're not familiar with, check out some of our media from the last one on the site. Never one to hype up an event or competition, this year Gab and Mark, all-time costume champions, are eligible to decline and judge the competition. Spread the wealth of the prestigious honour if you will. Anyway the speculation begins, what costume will take the cake this time around, last year runner-up tanks that shot potatoes a hundred yards or re-enactments of Troy were very worthy, but it has become most obvious it takes something exceptionally special to win.
Alright that's all I've got for you.
Cheers, and keep it real.
Sincerely,
Andrew
