Age: 42
Height: 190cm
Weight: 102kg
Location: Kyle, TX USA
Hometown: Angleton, TX USA
Raising funds for: Just as I want to be able to chase my dreams, I want to help Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida with their mission of making the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses come to life.
Rowing experience: Currently rowing at the Austin Rowing Club in Texas under the direction of Patrick Kelly and Jacksonville Rowing club in Florida under the direction of Mark Frampton.
Endurance experience: I am a fan of endurance cycling. Some of my favorite rides include The Hotter’N Hell Hundred, The Katy Flatlands 100, and the LIVESTRONG Challenge. I have also been convinced to join friends on several Full Tough Mudders across Texas.
Best sporting moment: Running through the Brazos Bend State Park with my wife in a full rainstorm during the Brazos Bend 50 Trail Run… dodging alligators and lightning bolts was quite the memory!
Worst moment: Being struck by a lengthy illness at age 19 was tough, and it prevented me from serving a full two years as a Mormon missionary in Guatemala at a time when that meant everything to me. That was such a tough time, but my good friends and family helped me pull through that with my sanity and sense of humor intact. Eventually, a full recovery gave me a new-found appreciation for health and drives me to push harder to this day.
Biggest fear for the row: My biggest fear is not being able to finish for reasons outside of my control. I am motivated to make it to Antigua as quickly as we can, for my partner, and for the dream kids who inspire our row.
Reason for the row: I am excited for the opportunity to challenge myself physically, mentally, and spiritually, in ways I’ve never been tested before. That I can engage in this endeavor and raise awareness for the mission of Make-a-Wish Foundation is a dream come true.
Most missed item at sea will be: Mi amorcita.