Team Ortho’s Zachary Schendel Races to the Olympics at NYC Marathon

When was the last time you ran a 2:20 Marathon? Meet Zachary Schendel shown here with Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (MTCM) at a press conference held at the Minnesota State Capitol on Sept 19th. 

Zach will be racing in the Olympic Trials Marathon in New York City on Nov. 3. The start will be broadcast live on the TODAY show so tune in at 7:25 EST. Watch Zach and 160 other hopefuls race 26.2 miles in Central Park or join us cheering Zach in Central Park. Tom Varecka, MD, will be hosting a pasta party on Saturday night for Team Ortho racers running in the NYC marathon the next day on, Sunday, Nov. 4th. 

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posted 09.20.07

First Trophy of Its Kind

Tim Thrush (MN) received the “Top Fundraiser” Trophy from Janus Charity Challenge last week. The trophy recognizes the fact that he was the 4th overall fundraiser at Ironman Louisville, raising $8000 for Team Ortho Foundation and an additional $4000 match from Janus.

Tim joined three other Team Ortho Fundraisers at IM Louisville: Barbara Coffey (IN), Eric Hendrickson (MN) and Kent Smith (MO). Tim has set a high bar for other Team Ortho members to match, whether it’s training, racing or raising! 

Tim Thrush stated:  “Supporting Team Ortho means a lot to me. So when I see disabled athletes racing with the help of Team Ortho, I am inspired and I am humbled.  I know how tough it is for me to do these races.  I can only imagine what it takes for them to compete.  When I race in Team Ortho colors I consider that I am representing the finest aspects of the human spirit.“

posted 09.18.07

Ironman Wisconsin witnesses Fundraising Triumph 

A record number of six athletes raised money through the Janus Charity Challenge  for Team Ortho Foundation at Ironman Wisconsin on September 9th, more than any other charity!  A three way tie among for top Team Ortho fundraiser- Andy Landkammer, Tammy Gorzlancyk/Scott Luecke , and Diana Rosenstein, each raising over $3000. Andy Landkammer (shown on the right) had an amazing first Ironman time of 11:14:26 inspired by the memory of his father… the back of his tri unisuit said it all “4DAD”.  Tammy and Scott raised their money together, crossed the finish line together and will be walking down the matrimonial aisle on October 13. The Luecke and Gorzlancyk families volunteered en masse at the Team Ortho tent cheering on Every Body! This is Diana Rosenstein’s second Ironman and as part of her recovery, she will be volunteering at Team Ortho’s 5K run at the OTA meeting in Boston on October 20th.  Joe Langel, Karen Ryan and Cindy Schlafmann all had great races and raised money for Team Ortho at Ironman Wisconsin. This was Joe and Karen’s first Ironman Triathlon and Cindy’s second Ironman and second time raising money for Team Ortho. All of our fundraisers qualified for the Janus Charity Challenge match which leverages their efforts by raising even more for the Foundation.  See some select photos of Team Ortho racers at IM Wisconsin 2007 including Johnny Surprise, Nicole Bergh, Pam & Daryl Stevens.

posted 09.13.07

Eric Schroeder Elected to the Board of Team Ortho Foundation

At the August 20th meeting of the Team Ortho Foundation Board of Directors Eric Schroeder was unanimously elected as a member of the Board. Eric has been an active member on Team Ortho since it was started in 2004 and continues to recruit people into an active lifestyle.

Eric was born in Rochester, Minnesota. He attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he obtained his Bachelors Degree in Marketing and was a two time NAIA All American in Mens Gymnastics.

Following college Eric began his professional career in medical sales with Vital Signs and Acufex Inc. He subsequently joined Primary Surgical as Sales Manager in 1995. He has remained with Primary Surgical through the buy out by Zimmer Inc., and is currently the Vice President of Sales at Zimmer/Davis.

Eric and his family currently make their home in Eagan, Minnesota. Eric’s hobbies include biking (he often bikes to his Zimmer-Davis offices), Snowboarding, hunting and activities with his family. His wife, Julie, has been a long time Team Ortho member and volunteer and both his children enjoy sports (and may join their parents in a Triathlon relay in 2008).  Warmest welcome to Eric!

posted 09.13.07

August 26, 2007 Four Ironmen Raise Money for Team Ortho at the Inaugural Ironman-Louisville

Tim Thrush (MN), Barbara Coffey (IN), Eric Hendrickson (MN) and Kent Smith (MO) raised funds for Team Ortho through the Janus Charity Challenge. All four qualified for a $750 match for the Janus Funds.  In his fundraising letter Tim Thrush stated:  “Supporting Team Ortho means a lot to me.  I do not take my health for granted.  To be able to do what I do at my age is a blessing and a gift.  So when I see disabled athletes racing with the help of Team Ortho, I am inspired and I am humbled.  I know how tough it is for me to do these races.  I can only imagine what it takes for them to compete.  When I race in Team Ortho colors I consider that I am representing the finest aspects of the human spirit.“

Remarkably Team Ortho Foundation was the most popular charity among Ironmen raising money at the inaugural Ironman- Louisville.  We are also the most frequently pick charity at Ironman Wisconsin (September 9) and Ironman Florida (November 4).   Go Team Ortho!

posted 09.02.07

August 24-25, 2007- Team Ortho Dominates the Great River Relay!

99 Teams competed in the Great River Relay… a 208 mile run relay from LaCrosse, WI to Minneapolis, MN. Team Ortho Foundation was the official designated charity for the race and four or the top 8 teams were Team Ortho!

For results please visit:  http://www.ragnarrelay.com/greatriver/results07.php

6 member teams (ultra) or 12 member teams cover the distance by each member running three legs of pre-designated distance.  On average each member of a team runs a total of 17 miles or 34 miles for an Ultra member.  The race takes approximately 24 hours.  Team Ortho Relay 2 co-captain Austin Budlong stated  “The Great River Relay was so much fun. I have run races on all 7 continents and this ranks up there as one of the best running experiences”.  Christopher Haskett wrote: “Absolutely Fantastic guys!!  I had the time of my life. Great team, great race. Would definitely sign on for doing it again next year”.

 To see photos, please visit

http://photos.teamortho.us/Great%20River%20Relay%202007/Forms/AllItems.aspx

posted 09.02.08