SKATER PROFILE
JOSH CUMMINGS: IMPRESSIVE ON & OFF THE ICE By Kelly Pugliano
In all the hours placed into training and competition, never has there been a skater that has made an impression more than Josh Cummings. This young man is going places and soon, you will see why.
Impressive on and off the Ice Speedskaters develop a certain style as they skate. Bodies take on a unique rhythm and flow as they circle the track and without looking at a helmet number or skinsuit, one can usually pick out a fa- vorite skater by watching a few strokes on the ice. Josh has a style that is all his own; fast, cat-like and precise. You can see him thinking on the ice; preparing and scrutinizing the pack for where and when to make his next move, all taking place in mere seconds. Before you know it, he makes his move and when crossing the line, a smile is always on his face. The greatest assets Josh has going for
him are his attitude and determination. I have witnessed many a skater let their attitude get the better of them; helmets ripped off and tossed to the ground in disgust or complaints how it is so-and- so’s fault or it was the condition of the ice that a race did not end the way the skater felt it should. This has never been Josh’s style. If something went awry during a race, Josh always came off the ice with a shrug and “Oh, well. Next time” frame of mind. I have never heard him complain or make excuses. He loves to skate and compete and is able to shrug off whatever happened in a previous race, soak in the lessons learned, and apply them the mo- ment he returns to the ice.
Patience Josh once tried to teach me how to roll
poker chips through my fingers. We rode together to Canada for a meet. He could not believe that I did not know how to play Texas Hold ‘Em and was determined to teach me how to play. Hours later, I could not get the red chip to twirl through my hand. He would laugh and show me again. During the meet, he would come up to me and ask if I had mastered it yet.
24 RACING BLADE Fall 2011
www.usspeedskating.org
My head would al- ways shake side to side. He would smile and say “You’ll get it. Keep trying!” On the car ride home, I think I was able to weave the chip once! It made for a “Whoo- hoo” and a high five moment. Over the years, Josh has faced his own obstacles too. A year or two ago, during a race, Josh slammed into the boards coming to the finish and fractured his leg. He was not deterred in the least. He came to practice on his crutches and said by Christmas he would be back on the ice and sure enough he was. Each year he proves his mettle, never waver- ing in his passion for this beloved sport. I am so very proud of my friend Josh.
This year, his hard work paid off earn- ing him a place of Junior Cat1 status. I know this was achieved through years of patience, determination, hard work and most of all by having a great attitude. I asked Josh to answer a few questions for this article and he was kind enough to oblige. If you are a skater, take note of the wise answers this young man has to offer.
How did it feel to earn your CAT1? CAT1 has been something I’ve desired for a long time, although it’s never been a real focus. The goal has always been to work hard, have fun, and maybe win a few races along the way. I’m honored to be included with such an amazing group of athletes.
Are you excited or nervous to train with new skaters?
I’m a little bit of both. I’m excited to be able to skate with such a large group of competitive skaters, as I know that will make me much more confident in a pack and that’s something that we don’t have in Saratoga (plus it’s just more fun with
more people!). I’m just a bit nervous be- cause I know I’ll have some catching up to do until I find my form on the ice.
What are you looking forward to the most being in Salt Lake City (SLC)? Being in SLC is going to allow me to do something I’ve never been able to do be- fore, and that’ll be to completely focused on training. I’ll be able to put in as much work as I can with fewer distractions. I’ll really be able to immerse myself in what I love to do, and I know I’ll love it all.
What are your goals this season? This season’s primary goal is to make the Junior World Team. I missed the team by maybe 5(?) spots this year, so I know for sure it’s a feasible goal, but it will no doubt be a challenge.
What will you miss from home (other than family of course!)? You already said it, my family and my friends and my dogs! My parents are my best friends and I’ll miss them a ton. Oth- er than them (which I’ll miss like crazy), I think I’ll miss the familiarity of home.
What would you tell a young skater about training/competition? Do what you love and do it as best as you can and you’ll get to where you want to be. I have no doubt that Josh will get to
where he wants to be. Make sure he is on your watch list. This young man is going places!
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