News Archive

October 30, 2003
Wisconsin Speed Skaters Move Closer To Olympics

The United States Speedskating team just wrapped up the 2003 Fall World Cup Qualifier/U.S. Single Distance Championships held at Utah’s Olympic Oval October 24-27, in Kearns, Utah. A large contingent of Wisconsin skaters preformed very well and moved closer to their goal of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

First off for the men was the two-day/two-race 500-meter sprint on Friday and Saturday. Verona, Wisconsin’s own Casey FitzRandolph placed first in both 500 meter races to claim the aggregate victory. FitzRandolph, who won gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics, was almost two seconds faster than his closest competitor. Right behind FitzRandolph in second was 19-year-old up and comer Tucker Fredericks from Janesville, Wisconsin and placing fourth was Nick Pearson who hails from Vernon, Wisconsin. FitzRandolph also scored a third place finish in the 1500-meters race with Fredericks placing sixth overall.

Wisconsin women also faired very well at the Qualifier with a strong showing in a multitude of races. Ellie Ochowicz, a native of Waukesha, Wisconsin won both races in the 500-meter sprint to claim the victory just as FitzRandolph did. West Allis, Wisconsin’s Chris Witty placed third and Becky Lange of Waupaca, Wisconsin walked away in fifth place after the aggregate totals. Ochowicz continued her strong showing with a third place finish in the 1500-meters, topped only by Jen Rodriquez, who placed first and second place finisher Sarah Elliott who is from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

Qualifying continued the rest of the weekend with the longer distance races on Monday. In the 3000-meters, River Falls, Wisconsin’s Maria Lamb took home a second place finish and Elliott placed fourth overall. Lamb fared a bit better in the 5000-meters with an 11-second victory to claim first place. Lamb will join Elm Grove, Wisconsin’s Catherine Raney who is pre-qualified for the Fall World Cup 5000-meters based on last season's results.

All of the Wisconsin skaters now eagerly await this week’s announcement of the 2003 U.S. Fall World Cup squad, which will compete in November. After the World Cup the Wisconsin skaters, along with the rest of their U.S. teammates, will return home to Wisconsin for the 2003 United States Long Track Championships at the Pettit National Ice Center December 20-23.

Contact: Rob Multerer
Director of Marketing
Pettit National Ice Center
414.266.0100, ext. 132
rmulterer@thepettit.com