Andrew Machalick
Novice Skater in the Freshmen Division Reprinted from The Sachse News, June 5, 2008 Machaliceks
rolling along in a world of speed skating Brothers train daily for state, national competitions By
Greg Ford, Sports Editor gford@wylienews.com
either
Michael nor Andrew Machalicek had to wait long before putting on a pair of skates. "Basically, when they both could walk,
they were on skates," said their mother Becky Machalicek.
Little did she know
that it was the first step on a path that would lead them into the world of competitive in-line speed skating.
Today Michael and Andrew spend hours almost daily at different North Texas locales training for statewide
and national competitions.
"I would say it's like speed skating on
ice, except that you have wheels on," Michael said.
He added, "There
can be from six to nine people, as many people as they let out there ... It's an adrenaline rush. You just have to try
it to get the full effect."
Michael has been "trying it" since January 2007, soon
after Andrew's in-line hockey coach suggested that he "check it out."It didn't take long for him to experience
success. During Michael's inaugural race in Haltom City, the young man crossed the finish line ahead of the pack.
As for Andrew, he's been skating for about as long as his brother and has placed in a few meets. "His coach recognized
him as a natural speed skater," his mother said.
The sport itself is a fast-moving affair in which competitors maneuver by each other on an oval
track.
Like other speed-oriented competitions, it's exciting and risky. Outside of a
helmet, participants wear little, if any, protection. A tumble on the surface, which is wood covered by plastic, will definitely
leave an impression. It's something with which Michael and Andrew are each familiar.
“You
know what a burn feels like; that's what it is," Becky Machalicek said. "They
have taken some pretty bad spills. They get up and keep on going."
Thoughts
of wiping out or getting hurt will hamper an athlete at any level, and in-line skating is no different.
That's why the strong competitors try to banish it from their minds. "I just think about what could
happen and just try to go from there," Andrew said.
Michael added, "When they
line us up for our races, I'll be like 'I can do this. This is my race. I can beat all these people.' I try to
get my head into it and not worry about what the crowd is doing."
Each
plans to compete for years to come. At some point, the brothers may face a decision to switch to ice-based speed skating.
Usually, that happens around age 18, Becky Machalicek said.
“If I could stay on in-lines a little bit more I would like to make the world team,” Michael said.
Added Andrew, “I just want to stay in it as long as I can.”
A number
of U.S. speed skaters have been made the transition from in-line to ice, Michael noted. However, he indicated
a willingness to remain in the former should it become an Olympic sport.
For now, their
sights are set on the Annual Outdoor Speed Skating National Championships, which are June 13-19 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
rAround a month later, they’ll be off to the Indoor Nationals in Lincoln, Neb.
That will be followed by a four-week break, which includes a scheduled trip to Florida. Upon returning, the
duo must prepare for another year of school and more skating practice.
In Andrew’s
case, though, he will delay the latter for about three months while he plays football at Hudson Middle School.
Once that’s
over, he’ll once again lace up his skates and roll down that path on which he and his brother started on years ago.
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