1973 in Missouri
This is the Jefferson City Speedskating Club, circa 1973
Bruce Kohen sent me this. He asked “can you pick me out?” If you know what the adult Bruce looks like, examine all the faces, make your guess, and then see the answer here.
I thought he was the blond kid in the front row in the funky hat, but that’s not Bruce. That must be Tanner from the Bad News Bears, speedskating during the baseball off-season.
There are so many wonderful things in this photo, the coach, the several skaters wearing ancient leather bicycle racing “hairnet” helmets. The myriad clues of the early 70’s
One would never think that MISSOURI is a place that creates winter Olympians, but look at this list, they have produced an Olympic ice speedskater every year since 1968!!!
Wisconsin, Michigan, New England and New York think of themselves as the hotbeds, but MISSOURI has some speedskating chops! (California does too).
Why Missouri? In addition to the Jefferson City Club I give you 2 more reasons,
Clubs are the heart of the sport. As important as producing Olympians, think of the friendships, the stories, the maturing of people that happens when they experience the thrill of victory & agony of defeat (mostly defeat, but I think losing & screwing up makes us who we are more than winning). NONE of this occurs without clubs.
Go hug your local club volunteer today, no matter where you are.
And don’t laugh too hard at the photo. In 34 years, any team photo taken today will create a similar reaction from both a fashion & equipment standpoint. I wonder what a team photo taken in 2041 will look like?
Filed under: from home
Bruce,
you need to somehow put this picture on the side of one of your boots…that would be wild….
Andrew,
just got done watching Sven’s 10k 12 41, you were there any further impressions? I think Sven had springs implanted in his thighs…
I was there, but was busy taping… he looked just unearthly strong every step of the way…
Brian Boudreau was block chasing, and was a few feet from the lane the whole time, he told me he saw no strain on Kramer’s face until 3 laps to go..
simply unreal…
1-I picked the correct Kohen.
2-Where are you watching Sven’s 10K? Video? Tele?
Well put Andrew, the club culture cannot be overlooked, and what a special thing it is to be part of a such a club. I hope my kids look back on their team pictures 20 years from now and smile warmly, then get their skates on, go out and coach at their own club, and help create memories for the next generation.