U.S. Athletic Trust Newsletter 2014

U.S. Athletic Trust Newsletter 2014
G
reetings from all of our athletes and volunteers!
U.S. Athletic Trust (USAT) has recently completed our 13th year of
operation, and we are proud of our accomplishments. Our original mission was
to provide a model of direct support to college graduates training for the
Olympic Games. Over time, we have broadened our efforts locally and thematically. USAT is “A NEW MODEL
OF SPORT PHILANTHROPY,” more broadly a sport NGO (non-governmental organization) advocating on
behalf of America’s under-supported Olympians. Going forward we will continue to focus on four main
initiatives:
1. Direct Olympic Athlete Support: Since 2000, USAT has supported nearly 50 college graduates training
for the Olympic Games. In 2012, all four of our athletes made the Olympic team: Sean Furey (Javelin),
Craig Kinsley (Javelin), Samyr Laine (Triple Jump, 10th in final) and Donn Cabral (Steeple, 8thin final, USAT
provided Hi-Lo Assist). We will continue to connect deserving athletes with donors. However and more
importantly, we will re-position our focus to broader initiatives that will impact thousands rather than
dozens.
2. Direct Olympic Athlete Support Foundation Research: Our ultimate goal was and is to provide a sustained
method of supporting all qualified Olympic athletes. With the advent of the “Giving Pledge” the desire of
the ultra-wealthy to leave impressive legacies has been heightened. We see an independent “American
Olympic Trust” bearing the donor's name as a very compelling concept for one or more of these
philanthropists. We are preparing research and business plans for this concept and hope to engage several
prospective donors by Rio 2016.
3. Hi-Lo Assist: We believe the broad application of our “live high, train low” approach will dramatically
boost American competitiveness in a number of Olympic sports. In 2014-5, we intend to support a
number of athletes from sports including track, cycling, rowing, and triathlon with expertise and
equipment to improve their performance and get on the podium in 2016 (Rio).
4. NGB and USOC Policy Research: For the most part, American National Governing Bodies, or NGBs, such
as USA Track & Field and others, as well as the USOC, are self-funding and governing. There is no third party
policy and efficacy examination of these organizations. Over time, USAT will develop an on-line presence to
provide constructive critique and policy prescriptions of these organizations.
We will continue to pursue our mission in a manner that is a model of effectiveness, both in terms of
impact, and of the leanness of our operation. USAT has had NO PROFESSIONAL PAID STAFF since 2008. We
rely 100% on volunteers and our athletes (paid by the hour -- of late Nathan Crumpton, who is training for
Skeleton in 2018). You can also see our latest financials on the website. You will have a tough time finding a
leaner and more efficient charity. Thanks to the support of our donors and volunteers, USAT continues to
offer a unique and effective model of sport philanthropy and training. We look forward to sharing some
very rewarding and exciting moments with you and our athletes in the future.
Sincerely,
Augie Wolf
President/Founder
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
1
National Governing Body (NGB)/US Olympic Committee
(USOC) Policy Research & Direct Athlete Support (DAS)
USAT continues its tradition of providing
independent, third-party oversight and analysis of
the USOC as a part of our "Athlete Advocacy"
campaign. A major performance metric we track is
what we term Real Direct Athlete Support
(RDAS), which we define as grants that go directly
to athletes with no intermediaries or ulterior
beneficiaries, and include: performance bonuses,
cash stipends, scholarships, health insurance, and
direct reimbursement of athletic expenses. This
contrasts to a materially broader definition used
by most NGBs and the USOC, which lumps most
employee and operational expense into
“program service” and is thus presented as direct
athlete support.
Our first systematic analysis of USOC & NGB
financials was conducted by Danika Holbrook
(Princeton '95, Olympian '04) in 2004 and concluded
that USOC direct athlete support (RDAS) was about
9% of the budget, and NGBs (the governing bodies
for individual sports, such as USA Track & Field)
averaged under 6% of RDAS across all sports.
According to a separate 2012 report by the USOC's
AAC Task Force on Governance and Resource
Allocation, which did not include athlete health
insurance as a form of RDAC, only "6% of total
USOC expenses reaches athletes' pockets in the
form of Direct Athlete Support."
In 2013 Nathan Ikon Crumpton conducted an indepth financial analysis of the 2009-2012 IRS 990
tax returns of the USOC and NGBs. The results
showed marginal improvement, with 10.3% of
expenses going towards Real Direct Athlete
Support of American Athletes. However, that still
leaves plenty of room for improvement, as most
athletes are still left with significant financial
burdens.
The recent reforms of the USOC have strengthened
the quality of its leadership and process.
Furthermore, the USOC has recently formed the
United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation
(USOPF) to serve as the fundraising arm of the
USOC. We have high hopes for the future ability of
the USOPF - with our President, Augie Wolf, a new
Trustee - to provide meaningful funding for
American athletes.
Additional information regarding USOC oversight,
Direct Athlete Support, and the financial challenges
that athletes face can be found on our website:
www.USAthleticTrust.org
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
2
USAT's "Hi-Low" Program: A Model of Excellence
"The concept is pretty simple: Live High, Train
Everywhere." USAT continues to work with Dr.
James Stray-Gundersen, the Director of the US Ski
Team's High Performance Center in Park City UT, to
help deserving elite athletes reach their maximum
competitive potential. Leveraging the "Hi-Low" mantra, our athletes are optimizing their bodies for
competing at the highest level while doing so in a
safe, authorized manner. By spending 8-10 hours a
day in a simulated altitude tent, they are modifying
their environment to induce a natural boost in red
blood cells, which helps ferry oxygen more
efficiently during physical exertion. This enables an
athlete training in a lower altitude environment to
exert more power for a longer period of time.
But there's much more to the program than just
setting up an altitude sleep tent. The process
requires close physiological monitoring to ensure
that the athletes are using the tents correctly and
their bodies are responding in an appropriate
manner based on their specific Olympic objectives.
Dr. Stray-Gundersen's oversight of the athletes
ensures that the program is managed in a medically
sound manner, with detailed charting of an
athlete's progress. Dr. Stray-Gundersen, who also
helped develop the SAFE anti-doping protocols,
conducts a variety of tests for each athlete,
including: a VO2 max test, hemoglobin mass test,
body composition test, heart rate variability tests,
and complete blood count (CBC).
Finally, research by legendary coach Joe I. Vigil,
Ph.D. has shown that 95% of all Olympic & World
Championship medals since 1968 "from the 800m
through the Marathon were won by athletes who
lived or trained at altitude."We continue to believe
that the USA can win 20+ additional medals in the
Olympic Games from broad use of a rigorous Hi-Low
program.
Donate
USAT is a recognized 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation. Change a young athlete’s life with a gift of
cash or securities. Your contribution goes a long way toward helping talented and determined
athletes like the ones featured in our newsletter reach their goals. Donate directly at
USAthletictrust.org
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
3
Manteo Mitchell - A Class Act
In October of 2013, USAT proudly announced the support of Manteo Mitchell, 2012 Olympic silver medalist.
During the 2012 Olympic Games, Manteo Mitchell
ran the opening leg of the 4x400m relay, and in a
freak accident, snapped his left fibula on the back
straight. Despite the excruciating pain of running
on a broken leg, Manteo finished his lap in a barely
believable 46.1 seconds
and helped qualify the
USA for the finals, where
they won silver.
Frank Harrison, the
President & CEO of
Holborn Reinsurance
and a founding board
member of USAT,
watched the race and
was "awestruck" by the
feat. "It's not like his leg broke as he handed off the
baton. Not only had he broken his leg, but he ran
half the race with it!" The following spring, Mr.
Harrison - a 1984 US National Team decathlete would meet Manteo in person, and discovered, "a
very classy, highly focused and humble young man;
one with a big heart and a fire in his belly and one
who has strong faith." And after that meeting, Mr.
Harrison and Holborn agreed to sponsor Manteo
through USAT, through which he receives direct
athlete support, enrollment in USAT's Hi-Low
Program, and the associated medical benefits.
"I am very appreciative for Holborn's support
through the US Athletic Trust," Manteo stated. "As
an elite athlete, there are
many things that you need
to be successful. With this
support, it enables me to
train full-time and puts me
in a better situation to go
after medals and records."
Shortly after assimilating
to USAT's support system,
Manteo opened his 2014
indoor season with a
stunning victory in the 300m dash in 32.72s, which
was the 2nd fastest flat-track time in history.
"The sky's the limit for Manteo," Mr. Harrison
remarked. "The Games at Rio in 2016 should
become his destiny. He has a very good shot at
medaling in the 400m; maybe even gold and maybe
even setting a new world record. He's that
talented!"
Augie Wolf named Trustee of US Olympic and Paralympic Foundation (USOPF)
I am delighted to announce that after three years of behind the scenes work, I was recently named a Trustee of the
USOPF, an organization established in 2013 to transform the level of philanthropic support to America’s Olympic athletes.
The recent hiring of Jon Denney, formerly a Stanford University Development Executive, and appointment of Gordon
Crawford, formerly “Gold Medalist” Fund Manager of Capital Re, gives the USOPF the leadership to make it meaningful
and sustainable, and to make my appointment happen. America is very fortunate to have them leading the effort. I join
about 75 other Trustees who have committed to using their resources to support TEAM USA.
The main mission of USAT is addressing the unacceptably small amount of direct athlete support provided to aspiring
American Olympians. My Trusteeship will enable us to have a productive dialogue with the leadership and major donors
of the USOC, and catalyze tangible progress in this area. This will reinforce the broadening of USAT’s mission to become
an advocate for athlete rights and support. — Augie Wolf
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
4
5. Reflections
& Progress: Nathan Ikon Crumpton
The
Road to Rio
US Athletic Trust is dedicated to supporting America's Olympic hopefuls in a sustained and meaningful way. Since
our inception in 2000, we have supported nearly 75 post-collegiate student-athletes, many of whom are
accomplished Olympians, and among them, several medalists. With an eye towards the 2016 Games in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, we look forward to helping the following athletes and others on their path to success.
Donn Cabral Princeton ‘12
Steeplechase
2012 Olympics
Donn finished his Princeton career with an NCAA championship, a collegiate record,
and an Olympic debut where he qualified for the finals in the 3000m steeplechase.
He recently conducted a battery of tests with Dr. Stray-Gundersen, and has been fully
included in USAT's Hi-Low Program now that he's no longer bound by NCAA bylaws.
Donn recently won Bronze at the 2014 USATF Outdoor National Championships.
"Testing my VO2 max with USAT was one of my first experiences in athletics with the
kind of technology you expect to only exist in Hollywood. But the experience was
worth more than cool treadmills, air ducts and computers - I got out of the testing
such a great understanding of my strengths, but more importantly the corresponding
weaknesses. Now all that's left is to fix 'em!"
"Going into the outdoor season I'm really hoping to stay healthy and get back to the international level after a
rough 2013. I'd like to close the book on 2014 with PRs across all my events: 1500, 3k, 5k and of course the
Steeple. If I can accomplish those goals I'll be set up pretty well going forward to the 2015 World Championships
in Beijing and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics!"
Ashley Higginson Princeton ‘11
Steeplechase
2013 Worlds
Ashley has been handling double duty as both an elite athlete and a law student at
Rutgers University. After graduating from Princeton University with a 10 Ivy League
titles and a handful of records, she made a run for the 2012 Olympic team in her
signature event, the steeplechase. At trials she finished one heartbreaking spot and a
mere 2.4 seconds away from qualifying for the London Games.
Undeterred, she returned to the track the next season running for the New Jersey New
York Track Club and qualified for the 2013 World Championships in Moscow. In the
second heat of The World Championships, she finished in 11th place with a time of
9:45.78 - the fastest time of any American woman on the day. In 2014 she won a Silver medal at the USATF
Outdoor National Championships, and is currently ranked 15th in the world with a time of 9:27.60.
And even though she lives, trains, and studies in her native New Jersey, Ashley has made the trip out to Park City
Utah with USAT's help to consult with Dr. Stray-Gundersen and learn the benefits of High-Low. She has also
spent her time as a "Lawyer for Children" social worker, and hopes to continue her training on her Road to Rio.
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
5
Tim O'Neil - Making A Difference
"I shouldn't have to pour water on the track so
athletes can do starts without burning their
fingers," Tim wrote to us in an email. The Arizona
native and former decathlete knows what it takes
to beat the scorching Southwest heat, and develop
some of the nation's most talented young hurdlers
in the
process.
Although
he retired
from his
life as a
decathlete
because he
could not
find a way
to earn
enough
money to
cover the
costs of
living,
travel, and
training - a fact which he laments "hasn't changed
much for many athletes" - he has found his new
calling in coaching.
Tim's favorite part of the job? "Without a
doubt it has been working with the athletes and
their families." Tim has worked with some of track
and field's fastest rising stars in the hurdle world.
His most notable protégé is Devon Allen, the 2014
NCAA and USATF National Champion in the 110m
high hurdles.
Having just finished his freshman year at
Oregon, where he also plays football for the Ducks,
the 19 year-old Devon made a big splash by
defeating some of the biggest names in the high
hurdle world, including: Ryan Wilson (the defending
National Champion), David Oliver (the defending
World Champion), and Jason Richardson (the 2012
Olympic silver medalist). Devon's 13.16s PR was as
an Oregon school record, the fastest time for an
NCAA championship, and the second fastest
collegiate time ever.
But Devon is not the only athlete that Tim
has coached to high levels of success. Other
athletes of his include Bobby Grant, who was the
top ranked 300IM hurdler in the country, and who
was runner up to Devon in the 2013 state meet.
Devon and Bobby rank as the #1 and #2 fastest high
school
hurdlers in
Arizona
history.
Ashlee
Moore, a
rising
freshman at
Oregon and
another one
of Tim's
protégés, is
the US Junior
National
Champion in
the
heptathlon.
While still in high school she also finished 13th at
the IAAF World Junior Championship under Tim's
guidance.
In total, Tim's athletes have racked up 8
Division 1 State Championships in the hurdles,
including 4 athletes with top 5 all-time
performances, and 7 new Division 1 State Records.
We at the US Athletic Trust helped Tim and
his athletes in our own small way by donating an
iPad with "The Coach's Eye" software installed. The
app helps coaches view athlete performance in slow
motion and provides instant feedback to the coach
and athlete to help refine technique. As Tim said,
"we have worn that darn thing out. [We have] used
it during nearly every practice and most meets. The
Coaches Eye software is a fantastic tool [and] the
ability to provide instant athlete feedback is truly
invaluable."
We hope that Tim can continue to produce
some of the nation's best hurdling athletes, as it is
clear that he is a man who is making a difference.
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
6
Your Dollars at Work
Many of the athletes training in our local club changed their lives through preferential admission to college
thanks to athletics. Your donations have changed the lives of many student-athletes, including:
Calvin Reuter - Cornell Varsity Recruit
Harry Zimmerman - Arizona Varsity Recruit
Marc Troiani - Sacred Heart Varsity Recruit
Dominique Beltrez - 2015 Varsity Recruit
Andrew Bocskocsky - Harvard Varsity Recruit
Aaron Konigsberg - Stanford Varsity Recruit
Ryan Hooper - Boston College Varsity Recruit
Madeline Zimmerman - Harvard Varsity Recruit
Alfonso Scannapieco - Albany Scholarship Athlete Angelique Parnell - Cornell Varsity Recruit
We received an unsolicited email from one of these athletes, Alfonso Scannapieco. When we invited Alfonso to
train with USAT he was very raw in many ways. After some excellent coaching, moral support, and
encouragement, he focused on his gifts and changed his life. In this case your support definitively changed a
young man’s life. Here is his letter:
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
7
Thank You!
The US Athletic Trust is only possible because of our kind and generous donors. So to all of you, we
appreciate your continued support. "Thank you very much!" We invite you to continue to be a part of the
effort as our mission broadens and successes grow.
Gold Sponsors
Robert & Joan Merrilees
August Wolf
Charles & Wendy Block
George Yancopoulos
Mark & Lisa Heffernan
Preston Johnson &
Vicki Martin
Richard & Nora Johnson
Dick & Liz Moley
Frank & Beth Harrison
Vincent Dowling Jr.
Anthony A. Yoseloff
Anne Marden-Grainger
Clare Pierson
Holborn, Inc.
Benjamin Gifford &
Jane Carlin
Vince Crescenzi
Charlotte Ford
G.S. Beckwith Gilbert
Gary & Maureen Sagui
Henry Hamilton
Jay Alix
John Botti
Leonard DeBenedictis
Lyman B. Brainerd Family
Foundation
Margaret DeMarrais
Maria & Erik Nilsen
Martha & Clement Dwyer
Mary Ross
Matthew Stedman
Oren Bramson
Pearl Izumi, thanks to Geoff
Shaffer & David Brinton
Philip Dunkelberger
Richard A. Dreissigacker &
Julia H. Geer
Richard W. Kazmaier, Jr.
Robert & Polly Quinn
Robert V. Edgar
Roy Vagelos
Susan Feitelberg
Tamara J. Holliday
Carmen Monks
JP Morgan Chase Matching Gift
Program
Hope Hill van Beuren
William H. Walton, III
William A. Glaser
Bradley Rowe
Thomas Gronauer
Warren Davis
William Farrell
Joe Handelman
William H. Hampton, M.D.
John Rogers
Matthew Quilter
Mike Vranos
Mr. & Mrs. Clement S. Dwyer
Tracy Sundlun
Trip Mestanas
Benevity Community Impact Fund
Silver Sponsors
Alan Andreini
Camillo Santomero
Charles Urstadt
Robert Manning III
Brian Mariscal
MaryPat Issavi
Gary and Nancy Goodenough
Paul Clark
Chris Tokarski
Daniel Ford
Tim Defrisco & Barb DeVries
Dianna Raedle
Donald Denbo
Edward & Kathy Cerullo
Dr. Frank A. Cordasco
Bronze Sponsors
Mitchell Seminario
Ariel Capital Management,
thanks to Lily Pearlman
Isabel D. Wolf
Jeffrey McDermott
Susanne Urschel
Tom Bernard
Alan DeRose
Andrew Flood
Andrew L. Heiskell
AOV, Inc.
Barbara B. Pike
Bernard Kroll
Bert G. Kerstetter
Bruce Jenner
Carl Barisich
Carol P. Brown
Charlotte M. Geer
Chase Caro
Chris Gagnier
Christine Danieliewski
Christopher Harms
Chuck & Naira Chokel
Craig Masback
CULI, thanks to Doug Fiske &
Priya Morganstern
David S. Gustovich
George Hirsch
James Crawford
James Turner
Jane Remillard
Jason Lattimore
Jay Remington
Jeffrey A. & Christine M.
Den Herder Bart
John & Kim Allis
John Kelly
John Chaplin
Joseph L. Bolster, Jr.
Joseph LeMay
Laurel & John Macartney
Lawrence R. Glenn
Lindsay A. Pomeroy
Louise Nicholson Howe
Mark Lockenmeyer
Michael Pascuzzo
Miriam Sample
Murray Peyton
Nancy A. Crocker
Paul G. Levy
Peter Aberg
Peter Carril
Rich Levandowski
Richard M. D'Angelo
Paul Mark
Richard Marshall
Betty Ann O'Shaughnessy
Chris & Rita Tobin
Stephen Yost
Stuart Zimmerman
Bryant Pappas
Gary Kenick
Robert Gourley
Robert Zenorini
Sherri Baggett
Theresa Minervini
Gerard McTigue
Raymond Cummings
James Wrobel
Colleen McCullagh
Matthew Camus
Burgher Christopher
Mark Kowal
Robert Rusk
Steve Bennett
Gerald Donini
Dag Seim
Fith Fithian
James Migliorini
Stephen Shine
Paul & Sandra Skubic
Martha Klein
Brian Tobin
Bunky Zayas
Joe Stern
Volunteers and Friends
Janet & Pat Tobin, Mark Slonecker & Julie Tschuiya, John Kelly, Victor Sailer, Dr. James Stray-Gundersen, Hollie Stray-Gundersen, Jon Jessup,
Skattum Family, Ann Pascal, Ann Marden, Soren Thompson, Dan O’Brien, Adam Nelson, Wolfgang Schmidt, Johns Family, Kinsey Family
Contact And Interact with USAT
Website: usathletictrust.org
President: Augie Wolf; awolf@usathletictrust.org; 914- 400-8834
Facebook: facebook.com/USAthleticTrust COO: Pat Tobin; ptobin@usathletictrust.org; 914-522-3324
Twitter: twitter.com/USAthleticTrust
Operations Manager: Nathan Crumpton; crumpton@usathletictrust.org
U.S. A T H L E T I C T R U S T
8