What do you mean, no athletes?
Dr. Herb Katz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education, The University of Winnipeg
Long Distance Runner, Age Group Silver Medalist, Manitoba Half Marathon, Gold and Silver Medalist at 10 km distances
Silver and Bronze age group and team medalist, Victoria International Marathon
Cross country Ski Racer (Known as "The Jewish
Avalanche") Age Group Bronze Medalist, Canadian Birkebeiner 55 km ski race,
Winner, Alberta Masters' Cup (Most points in 7 xc ski races in a season)
Regards,
Herb Katz
Herb,
Thanks for your message. You have been added to the distinguished list of professors. However, I did a Google search for "Jean Claude Katz"
and have been unable to verify the existence of a "Jewish Avalanche". I have not given up on my search for an athlete named Katz. I am
following up a rumor that the University of Mississippi has offered a track and field scholarship to an Abe Katz. They want him as a javelin
catcher.
Best regards,
Rick Katz
South Miami, FL
Rick,
Jean Claude (Killy) was a downhill ski racer. Big difference between downhill and cross
country. Cross country is an endurance sport. The Birkebeiner XC Ski Race is a world event.
There are 10 held around the world (or is it 12?). One is in the USA (in Minnesota) and one in
Canada (Edmonton, Alberta), others in Norway, France, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, Japan
etc. The American Birkie attracts many thousands of participants. The Canadian Birkie
registered over 2000 skiers from around the world - some of the premier xc skiers, including
Olympic Gold Medalists. It's a 55 km skil race (about 34 miles) over hilly terrain, usually in
very cold weather, and the racers must carry a 12 lb. pack. I consider this to have been my
most outstanding event.
You might also note my daughter, Elizabeth Katz, who is a fifth year Mechanical Engineering
student at Concordia University in Montreal, a star member of the Concordia Women's Soccer
Team, an elite soccer player who plays at the AA level and who -- if she hadn't chosen
engineering -- would most probably have played for Canada's women's Olympic Soccer Team.
IT's a great site. Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Herb