Why do you want to race for Team Eleonore Rocks?

Dave Friedrich and I have developed a good friendship through our training. When I learned of his background and efforts with the Team Eleonore Rocks foundation, it was an easy decision to integrate my fund-raising efforts to support such a great foundation.  

What philanthropic endeavors are you involve in?

For the past six years, I have been raising money for pediatric cancer research for Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.  Last year, I began raising funds for the Eleonore Rocks Foundation.

What is your background (school, hometown, current town, major, etc.)?

School: Heidelberg University, Tiffin, Ohio and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio Degree: BA in Business Administration & Computer Science, Masters in Business Administration Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

How did you get involved in triathlon?

A client of mine who raced in triathlons knew that I wanted to complete a triathlon before my 40th birthday. With a little nudging, he convinced me to sign up for the Cleveland triathlon six weeks prior to the race. One big issue – I didn’t know how to swim. At an early age, a series of unfortunate events cemented my fear of the water which kept me out of the pool for 30 years. Without triathlon, I would have never attempted to get back in the pool.  10 years, 35 races and 7 Ironman events later, I am officially hooked on triathlon.

What is your favorite of the 3 sports in triathlon? Why?

Tough question… All three are special for different reasons. Winter trail runs in the metroparks with a half foot of snow are hard to beat except for a sunrise summer swim in a 50m outdoor pool which rivals the exhilaration of the last 50 yards of an extended bike climb.

What is your big boy/girl job?

Director - Global Markets at Ernst & Young, LLP. 

What kind of goals do you have for the year?

Beat last year’s  PR for money raised for Eleonore Rocks Foundation.