Trevor Marsicano's Blog

Last Meet of Season Starts Today!

2010-03-19T08:05:00.000-04:00

Here we go! It's the last meet of the season- World Championships! I am excited to race-

Today I have the 500m and 5000m.

More to come....thanks for all your support and prayers!

Winding Down the Season in Heerenveen, Netherlands

2010-03-15T15:02:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I know it has been a while since I last posted an entry here! If it is at all possible, I think I am busier now than I was preparing for Vancouver!

Many of us returning from the Olympic games did not have time to rest for very long as our season still has competitions on the schedule. We were able to unpack, do laundry and pack up again to leave for more racing. Some of us were back for only 2 days before we had to leave for Europe. I was lucky enough to have a week before coming to Heerenveen to compete in the Long Track World Cup Finals (March 12-14) and next week (March 19-21) I will be in the Long Track World Allround Championships.

I was happy with my finish this past weekend...you can see complete results here.

I'm really looking forward to seeing my coach Paul Marchese who will be arriving this week. One last competition and then I get to enjoy a nice little break.

I will try to post again soon.

Thanks again for all the kind words and prayers that you have sent my way. I am truly blessed.

A "Brick Yard" Thank You

2010-02-23T08:01:00.001-05:00

It has been wonderful here in Vancouver!! I am so happy to have my family and Jill here with me to experience this amazing time in my life!

Photo: Bob Van Alstine

I wanted to let everyone know that I have been reading all of your messages of support and I appreciate them so much. I have been trying to soak in everything and preparing for racing that I have not been able to answer each individual message, but please know that I am reading them!!

I did want to take a moment and share a special thank you to the Brick Yard Tavern & Grille back home in Ballston Spa, NY!! For my 1500m race on Saturday, they had a special gathering with all the wonderful family, friends and supporters that have helped my family and myself share these special Olympic moments. Did you hear your restaurant's name announced on national TV? =)

Kathy & Glen Greco: Owners of The Brick Yard Tavern & Grille

Photo: Bob Van Alstine

Mrs. Van Alstine, Diane Balch & Carol Brown

Photo: Bob Van Alstine

My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Van Alstine had the idea to gather at our local restaurant and celebrate. She had her class make posters that were hung all over the walls, had t-shirs and buttons for sale and posters and streamers decorated the whole place! Wow!

Photo: Bob Van Alstine

Some of her students wrote some personal messages:

-Grace: "Good Luck Trevor. We support you. Hope I could meet you soon. You have made the Olympics so real for us!"

-Emma: "Dear Trevor, Go for the gold! I think you are really cool! You are the best speed skater in the world!"

-Chris: "Dear Trevor, you are awesome! We learned about you in school. I read the article about you in SI Kids (Sports Illustrated Kids). I think you know one of my teachers...I hope you do good!"

Will: "Good luck in the Olympics!!!!!!!!!!!"

Angela: "Have fun and good luck!!!!!!!!"

I am having a lot of fun and have been really happy with my skating. It is my first time competing in the games and it has been a great learning experience.

Thank you so very much for your support and prayers. It means more than you will ever know!!

Vancouver Recap

2010-02-15T07:43:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to get information to everyone as best I can; everything is happening so fast and I want to make sure that I experience as much as I can! So, I thought I might recap the past few days in a little more detail for you to go along with my posts.

I would have to say that the highlight of this past week has definitely been walking into the Opening Ceremonies! What a rush! I tried to get right up front because I knew there were a few opening ceremony parties that were hoping to see me. I was in the second row and from what I hear, I think I did get some TV time. What did you think of the outfits? The funny thing was as we were waiting to go in, we were all trying to stay cool (go figure)! We had a thick sweater and down jacket, thinking the ceremonies would be outdoors, but as you know they were inside!

We started in the village and then were bussed over to the hockey arena. We were held here for about 30 minutes before we were escorted to the GM Arena. We had to walk under the stands until we reached the opening where we would march in. The excitement was in the air: we had chanting wars with the other countries! We all shouted "U S A"! Then the next country would start, then the next and so on. Then the moment came to enter the arena and it was so facinating to enter as an athlete! I took a long video of the whole thing and when I'm allowed to release it, I'll post. It was great to share this experience with Jill as well =). I'm so proud of her!!

My first race was the 5k and I finished 14th. As I entered the middle of the ice to warm-up, I was thinking wow, this is it! There was a count-down clock by the starting line to show the Starter when to begin the race because of the replay and commentating between races on TV. As I mentioned before, I knew being paired with Canadian Denny Morrison was going to make the Richmond Oval loud and it was! My coach Paul Marchese was able to be on the pads for my race. I can't tell you how happy that made me-he has worked with me for so long that he knows what information to feed to me like no other coach can. That was very cool!

My grandparents arrived a few days ago and are able to stay until I skate my 1500m race. They were in the stands to watch me race my 5k. I am so happy that they came! After my race I called them because I didn't know where they were sitting. Once I found where they were, the TV cameras found them also and put their picture up on the big screen in the rink! Everyone could see us talking to eachother. I enjoyed seeing that! I was able to meet them after the races and we walked together as I made my way to the bus. We had the chance to catch up for a bit. They are so awesome!

I went to see Jill race her 3k and was cheering GO BABY GO! =) She did amazing! Be on the lookout for her next race and send your prayers her way!

Until next time!

Stay Strong, Stay Positive!

A Good Day

2010-02-14T14:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I skated in my first Olympic race! It was so exciting. I knew the crowd would be really loud because I was paired with Denny Morrison of Canada and that had me pumped. I thought I skated a very solid 5k and it helped me to prep for my upcoming races.

I was so happy to see my grandparents in the crowd! =) The rest of my family should be arriving soon and I am really looking forwad to it.

Today is Jill's big day and I can't wait to cheer her on in her 3k. She will do great!

Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes! I carry them with me every time I step on the ice.

Keep it Positive!

It Is Here! The Olympics Start Today!

2010-02-12T16:26:00.000-05:00

I have been enjoying my time here in Vancouver so much! What a fantastic city!

The village is now full of the world's athletes and it has been great getting to know everyone. I spent some time playing foosball with the German team and I realized I really need to get my game on. Haha.

Training has been going well and I am feeling great! I am ready to start these games...

Tonight is Opening Ceremonies and I have decided to walk in with Team USA! I cannot wait to experience this with my team and the world! Watch for me! I will be updating my Twitter on the fly, so be sure to follow me @tmarsicano.

My first race is scheduled for tomorrow- it will be the 5000m and I am the second pairing with Denny Morrison of CANADA- the Richmond Oval will be rocking! Check your local listings for race coverage!

Keep it Positive!

Press Time, Relax Time, Go Time!

2010-02-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a busy yet relaxing day.

We had our first press conference and it went really smooth- no hard questions =) ! This was the first time in the main media center. As soon as we walked in, one could feel a whole different atmosphere; cameras, people with their note pads and recorders. Just media. It was pretty cool.

Yesterday was also an off day for me and I took advantage of the down time and played video games, foosball and shuffle board with teammate Jonathan Kuck. Good times.

There was a great Super Bowl party in one of the hang out places called The Living Room. Isn't that a great name? It's a big red barn that has TV's, video games, board games and a lot of other things. They even have a pool table, which I played with Jilleanne Rookard and shamefully, I lost! (That is ok!) Haha.

I had a chance to walk around the village other night with Jill and took some pictures of the night scene. It really is beautiful seeing the GM Dome at night all lit up with changing colors! We could also see the Whistler Village up on the mountain with lights. So cool!

And finally, my coach Paul Marchese has arrived in town! I am really excited to have him here. The first of many of my friends and family to come to Vancouver. Now it is really time to get down to business (insert evil laugh).

Only a week until my first race and my family arrives!!!

Keep it Positive!!!

Rooming With the World

2010-02-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

I moved into the Village a couple of days ago and it is really exciting!! The apartments are awesome and the views are spectacular. I can see the Sochi Sphere, GM Dome (where Opening Ceremonies will be) and either the hockey rink or speedskating/figure skating rink- I'm not sure which one. There are some boundaries with photos I can post, so I will try to post what I can. Vancouver has really extended the best in hospitality; even offering great food, including free McDonald's =)!

I'm so used to seeing only speedskaters when I travel and compete, but now I will be able to see all the athletes from every sport from every country! I can't wait for all the other athletes to come here to get that full experience.

It is strange to think that I race in a week. I can't wait for everything to happen. I'm really here.

Keep it positive!

I Made it!!

2010-02-03T08:14:00.001-05:00

I am in Vancouver and officially AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES!

Walking through the airport was a little surreal- as I thought I am about to compete in THE OLYMPICS! Way cool!

We received our credentials and then will go through the process of choosing all the Olympic apparel that we will be outfitted in for the month. Thanks Ralph Lauren and Nike for sponsoring some cool threads!

I just finished my first practice on the ice and boy, is it FAST! I am looking forward to racing.

I am taking lots of pictures and will try to post them as soon as I can.

There is just one disappointing thing being here right now....What?? you are saying??

There is NO SNOW! It's the Winter Olympics and there is not a flake to be seen! How is that possible? We arrived to a balmy 40 degree Vancouver! This should get very interesting...

I guess I could work on my tan while I'm here....

Time to get settled and acclimated to my new home for the next month!

Practice tomorrow. I can't wait!

It's Vancouver Time!

2010-02-02T05:46:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's here- I leave today for Vancouver and the OLYMPICS!

If you asked me a few weeks ago how I felt about this day, I think I would have answered nervous. But, today, I am excited! I have prepared and prepared and prepared. I'm ready.

Jill & I went to speak with school kids last week and that was great. Not too long ago, Pat Maxwell was speaking to me and my classmates and I was inspired. I hope our words have had the same impact.

High-Five's all around!

Sunday, I woke up for church and when I looked outside, there was a limo waiting! Wow! Thank you to our friend Erica and church for such a great surprise. It was really fun!

I ended the day with the movie Avatar and an awesome dinner with friends.

Yesterday was packing and more packing and then sleep! I'm not sure if I'll be able to sleep while away- did I mention that I was really excited?!

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone for all of your positive energy, kind words and well wishes. I am so blessed.

Well, I am off to the Olympic Games!

Olympics: Ballston Spa native Trevor Marsicano living a dream - The Saratogian Sports: Serving the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. region (Saratogian.com)

2010-01-31T07:20:00.000-05:00

An article posted in my local paper this morning!

Olympics: Ballston Spa native Trevor Marsicano living a dream - The Saratogian Sports: Serving the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. region (Saratogian.com)

Posted using ShareThis

I am getting ready....can't wait to get to Vancouver!

My first race is scheduled for February 13th and will be the 5k. Yes!

Enjoy your day!

My Coach Receives a Great Honor!

2010-01-29T07:08:00.000-05:00

Me & Paul Marchese, October 2009 World Cup/Olympic Trials

Photo : K. Pugliano

Click here to read about his 'Get There' Award, presented by Goodyear!

Congratulations Paul!

It's been a pretty busy week. I just returned from the North America/Oceania Regional Qualifier held in Calgary, Canada and I placed 1st in the Allround! I qualified to skate this after I come back from Vancouver.

I have been doing a lot of press stuff since getting back, but have also been on the ice with practice. Friends from home are here skating the oval and it's been nice seeing them!

I am heading to Vancouver in 4 days! I can't believe it is almost here already.

Hope to post more before I leave, but if not, wish me luck and keep me in your prayers!

Two Weeks to Go!

2010-01-20T06:59:00.000-05:00

That's right..I have two weeks to go until I hop on a plane and head to Vancouver! I have been preparing so long for this moment, that it seems surreal as much as it does real, if that makes any sense.

A local paper close to home ran a nice story on my quest: click here to read it.

This past week has been good, hard training with some fun mixed in...I skated with kids from the organization Big Brothers & Big Sisters and had a BLAST! I hope I can help out and become a Big Brother!

More to come soon!

Have a positive day!

Less Than a Month to Go!

2010-01-16T08:22:00.001-05:00

Hi!

I know it has been a while since my last post...

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and that your New Year has been a good one so far. I took a quick break last week and went home for a little down time. It was great to reconnect and see family! I even had a chance to go back to my short track days and skate with the Saratoga Winter Club. It was so good to see everyone- thanks for a fun evening and all your well wishes! Can't wait to see you guys when I get back.

I am back in Milwaukee and preparing for my next training phase. This will be the last hard push before I taper for Vancouver.

I'm nervous, but so excited. Please pinch me! In less than a month I will be in the Olympic Village. Wow.

I will do my best to keep you updated on things in the next few weeks.

Thank you for all your support and words of encouragement! It means so much to be blessed in such a positive way.

Have a great day!

Vancouver, Here I Come!

2009-12-31T08:04:00.001-05:00

Photo by Kelly Pugliano. Pettit Ice Arena, Oly Trials 1, October 2009

I will be honest- the beginning of the season was a rough start for me. I have clawed my way through many obstacles since October at the Pettit and have worked extremely hard to put my best race on the ice. Some were not pretty (at all) but they got me where I needed to be to move forward. I carried your thoughts and prayers with me around the world and it helped more than you will ever know.

This past weekend in Salt Lake City, everything seemed to come together and the timing could not have been better.

The Hulk is back!

I earned the 2010 U.S. Men's Allround Championship and secured my spot on the Olympic Team! I will be competing in the 1000, 1500, 5000 and Team Pursuit in Vancouver.

We had team photos last night and I am honored to be among the best of the best.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!! I am truly blessed!

Happy New Year!

Olympic Trials Part 2

2009-12-27T16:07:00.001-05:00

I am skating today in Salt Lake City, trying to earn another spot on the Olympic Team.

I just won the 5000m distance!! I have made the team in the 1000m, 1500m and now the 5000m. I am so blessed!

More to come....follow quick updates on Twitter @usspeedskating !

Wow!

US LT National Championships, Salt Lake City

2009-12-23T06:15:00.000-05:00

The final meet of 2009 is about to start in Salt Lake City! The US Speedskating Long Track National Championships (Dec. 26-29) will also be the last opportunity to qualify for Olympic Team spots for Vancouver.

I have qualified for the 1000m and the 1500m, but I am going to try for more. Keep me in your prayers and wish me speed- and a little luck (: )

I just signed up for Twitter! You can follow me at http://twitter.com/tmarsicano.

My latest tweet asked this question:

You ever think of how you will be remembered, how many lives you have touched and inspired, and what kind of legacy you will leave behind?

Go for your dreams. Be kind to those that cross your path in life. Live every day to the fullest.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Back in the USA!

2009-12-09T05:49:00.000-05:00

I'm back on home turf and preparing for the final World Cup event this weekend in Salt Lake City, UT.

USA Today did a nice article on my bid for a spot on the Olympic Team- Click here to check it out.

On to more training!

Have a great day.

Calgary, World Cup 4

2009-12-05T07:09:00.001-05:00

I made it to Calgary after a quick rest over the Thanksgiving holiday. It is now time to Rock and Roll.

I skated a 1500m yesterday and set a season best of 1.43.92 and has me placed 7th so far. To track my results for the rest of the weekend you can click here.

To see schedule of events and to read articles plus some great photos, check out Universal Sports.

I will be headed to Salt Lake City after this and am looking forward to "home" ice!

Thank you for all your prayers; I take them with me each time I step onto the ice.

Hamar, Norway

2009-11-21T17:25:00.002-05:00

World Cup 3 competiton has started and we have skated a 1500m so far. I set a season best today with a 1.46.79!

I am starting to feel much better and I thank you for all the healing prayers that were sent my way.

I am really happy with my results last weekend and not sure if you heard, but the Team Pursuit won a Gold medal! I skated the pursuit with Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick. It was a lot of fun; I always enjoy skating the pursuit with them. Here is video of our skate:

More from Hamar, Norway to come...I will try to get pictures up of the ice rink. It is huge and very cool! It is shaped like an upside down Viking ship. The only challenge for my pictures is to balance free time, racing time and daylight available. This time of year, it’s crazy because the sun goes down after 4pm!

Will keep you posted.

In the meantime, have a great day!

World Cup I Competition

2009-11-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

Hello!

I've made it to Berlin, Germany!

I want to thank everyone for all your prayers and support though the past couple of weeks! They have definitely helped me through trials.

I arrived in Berlin, Germany on Saturday. The first couple of days were sunny, but now the rain has set in making everything wet. Ugh. That won't keep me from exploring downtown and taking in the sights, which I hope I can do soon. If I can get some good pictures I'll make sure to post them.

Travel has been rough for this trip as I have been dealing with flu-like symptoms. On top of that, I have been struggling with a stomach bug making it hard to keep anything down. I have been trying to keep my strength up and any prayers for health will be much appreciated!

I am hoping to get a YouTube site going to share video of me skating and other various things. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, if you want to see races live, go to http://www.universalsports.com/. Click on the speedskating link and then click the video link. If you miss the live coverage you can always go back and watch after the race has been run. They also post some pretty good articles, so be sure to add to your "Favorites"!

Another great site for racing results is http://www.speedskatingresults.com/. Click on the name of the competition and results.

Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes.

Have a positive day!

Colbert Nation Sponsorship

2009-11-03T18:21:00.001-05:00

Thank you so much to Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Nation for stepping up and becoming a sponsor to the athletes of US Speedskating!

I actually made the TV show...even being in Berlin! If you look close at the skater when the sponsorship changes on the hood of the suit...that's me!

Check out the episode from last night....

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/254015/november-02-2009/sport-report---nyc-marathon---olympic-speedskating.

If you are able to make a donation:

https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/wp15/transactions/order/donation.asp

Thanks!

World Cup/Olympic Trials

2009-11-02T11:56:00.004-05:00

Last week had ups and downs during the World Cup Competition. As mentioned, my 500m race went better than expected and I was happy with it. That was Wednesday.

Thursday hit a minor glitch that I was not anticipating in my 1000m and 5000m. I had a bad day and did not want that to happen during a competition. Does anyone? Friends called me up and made sure I got out. I need not dwell on what happened, but prepare and be ready for the next competiton day.

Friday was a rest day and I took this time to regroup and refocus on the next day.

Saturday held the 1500m races and I fought back. I was paired with Chad and we pushed eachother to grind out a good race. I finished third and secured a spot on the 1500m World Cup Team.

Sunday also secured me a spot on the 1000m World Cup Team with a third place finish. My 10000m left me with an 8th place finish, but I was happy to make the team in the other distances as well as a Team Pursuit spot.

It wasn't pretty, but it worked.

Thank you to my family and all the friends from back home that made the trip out to Milwaukee! It was so good to see everyone and your support meant so much!

I will be traveling to Berlin, Germany for the first World Cup event! I will keep you posted!

Warming up: Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Signing autographs after 1500m.

Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Me and coach Paul Marchese

Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Me and Grandpa after my 1500m.

Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Day One of Trials-500 Meters

2009-10-22T12:03:00.000-04:00

Today had the 500m sprints. My race went well; a couple minor stumbles, but really happy with my time. Legs feel fresh and I look forward to tomorrow!

More to come...

Here We Go!

2009-10-18T05:17:00.000-04:00

World Cup/Olympic Trials are coming up next week in Milwaukee and it is time to put everything out there. All the hard work and training will be put to the test.

More to come soon!