Who was Patrick Anderson from Raleigh, NC. How did his love for adventure and sports impact his life. What led to his untimely passing. How is his story raising awareness about concussions and brain trauma.
The Early Years: A Glimpse into Patrick’s Vibrant Personality
Patrick Anderson, a young man from Raleigh, NC, left an indelible mark on those who knew him. His mother, LeeAnn Anderson, recounts her earliest memory of Patrick’s mischievous nature at the tender age of three. This incident, involving an impromptu “fountain” display from an upper floor landing, set the tone for Patrick’s life – full of laughter, surprises, and an infectious joy that touched everyone around him.
As Patrick grew older, his penchant for humor and spontaneity only intensified. A high school incident where he unexpectedly disrupted a giant Jenga game in a local park showcases his unpredictable and hilarious nature. These moments were not just about laughter; they were glimpses into Patrick’s passion for bringing joy to others.
A Natural Athlete: Patrick’s Journey Through Various Sports
Patrick’s physical prowess was evident from an early age, earning him the nickname “Monkeyboy” for his climbing abilities. His mother’s parenting style, which encouraged discovery and trusted in children’s instincts, allowed Patrick to explore his physical boundaries freely.
His sporting journey was diverse and exciting:
- Football: Played in fourth and fifth grade, winning city championships
- Skimboarding: Mastered backflips while riding waves
- Skateboarding: His favorite mode of transportation in elementary school
- Kiteboarding and Wakeboarding: Started at age 13
- Snowboarding: Began at age 9, becoming his favorite sport
Patrick’s first snowboarding experience at Peak 8 in Breckenridge was a defining moment. Despite initial trepidation, his mother’s encouragement led to a lifelong passion for the sport.
The Adrenaline Junkie Duo
Patrick and his mother shared a special bond as “adrenaline junkies.” Their adventures often involved jumping off cliffs and waterfalls during family vacations, while Patrick’s father and sister watched from a safe distance. This thrill-seeking nature was a core part of Patrick’s identity and his relationship with his mother.
Patrick’s Social Impact: Building a Tribe
Patrick’s magnetic personality drew people to him naturally. His non-judgmental attitude, compassion, and sense of humor made him a central figure in a large social group. The Anderson home became a hub of activity, always filled with Patrick’s friends.
What made Patrick’s social skills stand out?
- Approachability: He greeted strangers with warmth and genuine interest
- Inclusivity: Patrick saw individuals, not superficial attributes
- Empathy: His experience as the only white player on his football team taught him valuable lessons about diversity and inclusion
The absence of this vibrant social life after Patrick’s passing left a noticeable void in the Anderson household, a testament to the impact he had on those around him.
The Shadow of Concussions: Patrick’s First Diagnosed Brain Injury
Patrick’s journey with concussions began in his sophomore year of high school. A seemingly innocuous trip resulted in him hitting his head on a concrete parking lot curb. This incident led to his first diagnosed concussion, marking the beginning of a series of brain traumas that would significantly impact his life.
Initial Treatment and Return to Play
Following the concussion, Patrick received immediate medical attention:
- Urgent care visit on the day of the incident
- Follow-up with a private doctor the next day
- Notification to his lacrosse coach and implementation of concussion protocol
- Clearance to return to practice and play after two weeks
Despite following the standard procedures, Patrick continued to experience intermittent headaches. Regular check-ups with his doctor yielded no concerning results, but in hindsight, his mother wished she had consulted a concussion specialist.
The Escalation: Patrick’s Senior Year Incident
Patrick’s senior year brought another significant head injury. While attempting to break up a fight, he was sucker-punched, resulting in another concussion. This event would prove to be a turning point in Patrick’s health journey.
The Importance of Specialized Care
The recurring nature of Patrick’s head injuries underscores the need for specialized care in concussion cases. General practitioners may not always have the expertise to fully assess and manage the long-term effects of repeated brain trauma.
What should parents and athletes know about concussion care?
- Seek evaluation from concussion specialists for any head injury
- Be vigilant about persistent symptoms, even after medical clearance
- Understand that multiple concussions can have cumulative effects
- Consider long-term monitoring and follow-up care
The Hidden Dangers of Contact Sports: A Retrospective Look
Patrick’s experience with football in his early years takes on new significance in light of his later concussions. His comment about quitting football because “it made my head hurt” reveals a potential early warning sign that went unrecognized at the time.
The Debate on Youth Contact Sports
Patrick’s story contributes to the ongoing debate about the safety of contact sports for young athletes. While team sports offer numerous benefits, the risk of brain injury, especially in developing brains, is a serious concern.
What factors should parents consider when allowing children to participate in contact sports?
- Age-appropriate participation: Delaying full-contact versions of sports until later years
- Proper training and technique: Ensuring children learn safe playing methods
- Quality of equipment: Using the best available protective gear
- Awareness of symptoms: Educating children and parents about concussion signs
- Strict adherence to safety protocols: Following return-to-play guidelines rigorously
The Long-Term Impact of Repeated Brain Trauma
Patrick’s story highlights the potential long-term consequences of multiple concussions and brain injuries. While each individual case is unique, repeated head trauma can lead to various neurological and psychological issues.
Potential Long-Term Effects of Multiple Concussions
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Memory problems and cognitive difficulties
- Mood changes and emotional instability
- Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases
- Sleep disturbances
- Balance and coordination issues
Understanding these potential outcomes emphasizes the importance of prevention and proper management of brain injuries, especially in young athletes.
Patrick’s Legacy: Raising Awareness and Promoting Change
The tragic loss of Patrick Anderson has become a catalyst for raising awareness about the seriousness of concussions and brain trauma. His story, shared through the Concussion Legacy Foundation, serves as a powerful reminder of the need for better understanding, prevention, and treatment of brain injuries.
The Role of the Concussion Legacy Foundation
The Concussion Legacy Foundation plays a crucial role in advancing the conversation around brain trauma in sports and beyond. By sharing stories like Patrick’s, the foundation aims to:
- Educate the public about the risks associated with brain injuries
- Promote research into the long-term effects of concussions
- Advocate for policy changes to protect athletes at all levels
- Support families affected by the consequences of brain trauma
How can individuals contribute to this important cause?
- Share stories and raise awareness in their communities
- Support research through donations or participation in studies
- Advocate for better safety measures in local sports programs
- Educate themselves and others about the signs and symptoms of concussions
Patrick Anderson’s life, though tragically cut short, continues to make a difference. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the joy and vibrancy that can be lost due to brain trauma, and the critical importance of protecting our young athletes.
The Importance of Comprehensive Concussion Management
Patrick’s experience underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to concussion management, especially for young athletes. While immediate treatment is crucial, long-term monitoring and care are equally important.
Key Components of Effective Concussion Management
- Immediate recognition and removal from play
- Thorough evaluation by trained medical professionals
- Graduated return-to-play protocols
- Long-term monitoring for persistent or delayed symptoms
- Educational support for affected students
- Mental health support for athletes and families
How can schools and sports organizations improve their concussion management practices?
- Implement mandatory concussion education for coaches, parents, and athletes
- Establish partnerships with local concussion specialists
- Create clear communication channels between medical staff, coaches, and families
- Regularly update and enforce concussion protocols
- Invest in advanced diagnostic tools and training
The Role of Technology in Concussion Prevention and Management
Advancements in technology are playing an increasingly important role in concussion prevention, detection, and management. These innovations offer hope for better protecting athletes like Patrick in the future.
Emerging Technologies in Concussion Care
- Advanced helmet designs with impact sensors
- Smartphone apps for sideline concussion assessment
- Virtual reality systems for balance and cognitive testing
- Biomarker tests for more accurate diagnosis
- Wearable devices for monitoring head impacts
How might these technologies have made a difference in Patrick’s case? While it’s impossible to say for certain, early detection and more accurate assessment of his injuries could have led to better management of his condition and potentially different outcomes.
The Psychological Impact of Brain Injuries on Young Athletes
While much focus is placed on the physical aspects of concussions, the psychological impact on young athletes like Patrick is equally significant. Brain injuries can affect mood, behavior, and overall mental health, sometimes in ways that are not immediately apparent.
Common Psychological Effects of Concussions
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Loss of identity, especially if unable to return to sport
How can families and communities better support the mental health of young athletes recovering from concussions?
- Provide access to mental health professionals familiar with brain injury
- Create support groups for athletes and families
- Educate teachers and peers about the invisible symptoms of concussions
- Encourage open communication about feelings and experiences
- Help athletes find new ways to stay connected to their sport and teammates during recovery
The Impact of Patrick’s Story on Sports Culture
Patrick Anderson’s tragic story has the power to influence the culture surrounding youth sports. His experience challenges us to reconsider the balance between competitive achievement and long-term health and well-being.
Shifting Priorities in Youth Sports
Patrick’s story encourages a reevaluation of priorities in youth sports:
- Emphasizing player safety over winning at all costs
- Promoting a culture of reporting injuries without fear of stigma
- Encouraging diverse athletic experiences to reduce overspecialization
- Valuing long-term athlete development over short-term success
- Educating parents about the risks and responsibilities associated with youth sports
How can sports organizations implement these cultural shifts?
- Develop and enforce strict safety guidelines
- Provide comprehensive education programs for all stakeholders
- Celebrate and reward responsible injury management
- Create mentorship programs pairing younger athletes with those who have prioritized health
- Engage in ongoing dialogue with medical professionals and safety experts
The Future of Brain Health Research and Patrick’s Contribution
While Patrick’s life was cut tragically short, his story continues to contribute to the advancement of brain health research. The Concussion Legacy Foundation’s work, inspired by stories like Patrick’s, is driving forward our understanding of brain trauma and its long-term effects.
Current Areas of Brain Health Research
- Long-term effects of subconcussive impacts
- Genetic factors in concussion susceptibility and recovery
- Advanced imaging techniques for detecting subtle brain changes
- Novel treatment approaches for post-concussion syndrome
- Prevention strategies for various sports and activities
How might Patrick’s experience inform future research directions?
- Investigating the cumulative effects of multiple concussions over time
- Studying the impact of concussions on adolescent brain development
- Exploring the relationship between concussions and mental health in young adults
- Developing more sensitive diagnostic tools for detecting brain injuries
- Investigating the long-term outcomes of athletes who experience early concussions
Patrick Anderson’s life, though ended too soon, continues to make a profound impact. His story serves as a catalyst for change in how we approach brain health in sports and beyond. Through the work of organizations like the Concussion Legacy Foundation and the ongoing efforts of researchers, medical professionals, and advocates, Patrick’s legacy lives on, potentially saving countless lives and improving the long-term health outcomes for athletes around the world.
As we reflect on Patrick’s journey – from the joyful, adventurous boy to the young man whose life was irrevocably altered by brain trauma – we are reminded of the precious nature of our neurological health. His story challenges us to do better, to learn more, and to take concrete actions to protect the brains of young athletes everywhere. In this way, Patrick’s tragic loss becomes a force for positive change, a legacy that will continue to influence and save lives for generations to come.
Patrick Anderson | Concussion Legacy Foundation
A HISTORY OF BRAIN TRAUMA, AND THE DEATH OF OUR JOYFUL BOY
By LeeAnn Anderson
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My earliest recollection of glimpsing Patrick’s true nature; mischievous jokester, lover of life, occurred at age three. Patrick decided it would be funny if he peed off the upper floor landing while his sister and I were standing in the hall on the first floor. He was giggling and grinning from ear to ear. Seconds after the shockwave came and went, the three of us were crying with laughter. Patrick could be so random! Like the time in high school he asked his friend to pull over while driving through a local park. Patrick jumped out of the car and ran over to a group of folks playing a giant game of Jenga. Without stopping or saying a word he tackled the game pieces rolled across the grass and trotted back to his friends! The video is hilarious. The shockwave for those folks lasted a little longer than a few seconds, his friends are in the car busting a gut! Making people laugh was Patrick’s passion.
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Patrick was beautiful. Kind and compassionate, he made friends easily. Patrick approached strangers like he wanted to be treated; with a smile, eye contact and a warm handshake. He didn’t see the color of their skin, or the clothes they were wearing, he saw the individual. Patrick was also blessed with natural physical abilities, instinctively aware of his physical boundaries from a very early age. “Monkeyboy” was his acquired nickname as he would literally climb anything deemed manageable by his young persona, which was most things. We were a good match, my parenting style encouraged discovery. If he felt physically capable of a feat, I rarely ever told him no. Believing in the “Art of Possibility” to build confidence in my children, I trusted their internal instincts.
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As Patrick grew older, he ventured into team sports but also had a passion for solo sports. Skimboarding was a favorite from an early age, he eventually acquired the skill to backflip off his skimboard while taking a wave.
For obvious reasons this practice was not my favorite. In elementary school a skateboard was his favorite mode of transportation. Confidence, independence, and comfort in his own skin were all traits Patrick displayed from an early age. Patrick played football in the fourth and fifth grade. Being on a team with all African American boys, Patrick learned how it felt to be isolated, how it felt to be the kid that looked different. Navigating “how do I fit in” was an incredible lesson that Patrick never forgot. Patrick was loved by his teammates and he loved them back; he became their friend, their brother. The Tigers won the city championship two years in a row! When my sister asked him in middle school why he didn’t play football anymore he said, “it made my head hurt.”
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Patrick started kiteboarding and wakeboarding when he was 13, but his favorite was snowboarding which he started when he was nine. I’ll never forget the look on his face the first time I took him up to Peak 8 in Breckenridge.
When he saw the drop into the bowl for the first time, he looked at me like I was the crazy one. I looked him in the eye and told him, “you have this, just follow me and you’ll do great.” Not only did he do great, he was hooked.
Patrick was my adventure buddy. We were adrenaline junkies. From the time he was little, it was always the two of us on family vacations jumping off cliffs/waterfalls and my husband and daughter watching and taking pictures.
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Patrick didn’t just have friends; he had a tribe. Kids naturally gravitated towards his non-judgmental attitude. His kind, compassionate nature along with his sense of humor and thirst to find the possibilities in every day was like a light to a moth. Kids were always at our house. The older he got the bigger the group became. I loved having them. Now that Patrick is gone, there is a quietness about the house during the months that he would naturally be home. It’s weird and it takes some getting used to. I play music to keep it from being so noticeable.
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A HISTORY OF CONCUSSIONS
When Patrick was a sophomore in high school, he received his first diagnosed concussion. He was running and somehow tripped and hit his head on a concrete parking lot curb. Banged up pretty badly, we took him to urgent care, then to a private doctor the next day. His lacrosse coach was notified and concussion protocol was followed. Two weeks later he was cleared to practice and play with the team. He complained of headaches from time to time but when I took him to the doctor everything checked out OK. If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken him to a doctor who specializes in concussions.
Patrick’s senior year, he was sucker punched while trying to pull a boy off one of his best friends during an attack. It was dark and Patrick didn’t see the other kid coming. At 6’ 1”, Patrick fell backwards hard and was knocked out cold. Another boy who was there said Patrick was unconscious for about a minute.
A third concussion occurred the summer before he started his freshman year at Appalachian State University.
Patrick and friends were wakeboarding on a trip to the beach, he wiped out, and the board hit him in the head. He was unconscious in the water for a few seconds. He didn’t go see a doctor after this incident and didn’t make us aware that it even happened until much later in the summer. We found a prescription for Ibuprofen amongst his things, he apparently was still having headaches from time to time.
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The last day Patrick was alive was Valentine’s Day 2019. This seems appropriate to me given his ability to love deeply. Other than being Valentine’s Day, it seemed to be a normal day for him at school. We texted back and forth, I sent him $50 and a funny pair of socks for the holiday. My husband talked to him several times that afternoon. He sent a funny picture of himself wearing protective goggles during a routine medical exam with a goofy smile on his face like he was in mid laughter! He put his deposit down on his apartment for the following year and he paid for his spring break trip.
Later that evening Patrick met up with his friends at the “cabin,” a regular hang out spot in Boone, NC. On his way out of the dorm, he ran into his good friend Hannah. She said they chatted for several minutes, caught up, and exchanged hugs before Patrick began his walk.
That night, the boys without girlfriends hung out, drank a few beers, started goofing around and being silly. At some point they started to joke-wrestle with each other. Patrick and another boy ended up falling over the porch railing and down a slight hill. They both said they were OK and the fun resumed. At 10:30 p.m. Patrick asked a girl to an upcoming formal, she said yes. Being a school night, the boys disbanded around 11:30 p.m. Patrick was there with his very best friend Palmer, who he said goodnight to and then walked back to his dorm alone.
There is video footage of Patrick walking into the dorm at 12:10 a.m. His roommate JT wasn’t yet home, he had fallen asleep in another friend’s dorm room.
Video footage shows JT entering the dorm at approximately 3:00 a.m. Two minutes later 911 was called. JT tried to revive Patrick but he was gone.
No note, nothing in a text message, or email. Nothing in his sketchbook, no dark poetry. The police interviewed over 20 kids, not one said they noticed that Patrick was different, withdrawn, not himself. We, his family, had just spent 10 days in Belize over Christmas break. My husband bought us all tickets to go see Justin Timberlake in concert. We went to see the latest Marvel movie, Patrick’s favorite. Spent time just hanging around the house together. Everything seemed normal.
So, what happened? Why did this carefree kid, who loved his family, had multiple tribes, and felt blessed to be a part of this college experience at App State suddenly end his life?
This doesn’t make any sense. I realize that suicide survivors often say the same thing about their loved one that has passed. I strongly feel something is out of place. Intuitively, I would have known something was going on with Patrick.
We were too close, there is no way I wouldn’t have felt an underlying pain if Patrick was hiding something.
BRAIN TRAUMA AND PATRICK: WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED.
Concussions, brain trauma and CTE had recently come into focus as more and more research, documentaries, and athletes stepped forward. With that in mind, my focus started to shift to Patrick’s past concussions and the fall he took the night he died. I remember thinking, the fall must have been significant because several of the boys mentioned it to me the day of his service. Was it possible that he hit his head that night during the fall and reinjured a part of his brain that had been previously damaged? While he was alone in his dorm room in the middle of the night did his brain experience an aneurism, did it short circuit somehow?
I connected with several psychic mediums to try and find answers. Through that process, I was able to communicate with Patrick and learn he felt very intense pressure deep in his head that night.
He couldn’t process how dangerous his actions were and thought an escape from the pain would mean sleep, not death. This revelation was incredibly significant.
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My goal in sharing my journey in connecting with my son after his death is to highlight the connection between brain trauma and suicide. Studies show suffering just one concussion doubles your risk of suicide. Even without any history of depression or observable changes in mood, it’s important for everyone to understand the potential link. Patrick wasn’t depressed, he was hopeful and full of life. Something happened in his brain that night that can’t fully be explained, not yet. My hope is there will be more research and more questions will be asked like, did the deceased recently experience a fall that could have damaged their brain? Was the deceased healing from a recent concussion? Unless this knowledge is documented, how can it be researched? How will we as a society be aware of the danger without awareness and education?
Click here to donate to the Anderson family fundraiser in memory of Patrick Anderson.
Suicide is preventable and help is available. If you are concerned that someone in your life may be suicidal, the five #BeThe1To steps are simple actions anyone can take to help someone in crisis. If you are struggling to cope and would like some emotional support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to connect with a trained counselor. It’s free, confidential, and available to everyone in the United States. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
Are you or someone you know struggling with lingering concussion symptoms? We support patients and families through the CLF HelpLine, providing personalized help to those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury. Submit your request today and a dedicated member of the Concussion Legacy Foundation team will be happy to assist you.
This story adheres to the Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide from reportingonsuicide.org
Patrick Anderson – Cross Country
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Majoring in environmental studies .
.. Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for 2020-21 and 2021-22 … Recipient of the men’s cross country 2020-21 Strength & Conditioning Newcomer Award
2023 T&F: Competed in the mile, 3K and 5K during indoor season … Top 3,000-meter time was 8:09.50 to finish eighth at the Penn State National Invitational … Finished 23rd at the ACC Indoor Championship in the 5,000 meters (in 14:17.21) and 29th in the 3,000 meters (8:13.44).
2022 XC: Earned All-ACC and All-NCAA Southeast Regional honors … Finished 15th at the ACC Championships, finishing the 8K race in 23:20.8 … Crossed the tape in sixth place at the NCAA Southeast Regional, finishing the 10K race in 29:59.1 … Was 113th at the NCAA Championships, finishing the 10K in 30:21.0 … His best 8K finish of the year was 23:04.4, a second-place finish in the Paul Short Run on Sept. 30.
2022 T&F: During the indoor season, won the 5000m at the Indiana Relays in 14:00.
87, the second-fastest time in school history … Also won the 3000m at the Darius Dixon Invitational (7:54.64) … During the outdoor season, competed in the 5000m and 10,000m at NCAA Preliminaries … Second-team All-ACC in the 10,000 meters … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team for outdoors
2021 XC: Placed second at the season-opening Charlotte Opener (14:50.1) … Placed 26th at ACC Championships, 21st at NCAA Regionals and 108th at NCAA Championships … Earned All-Southeast Region honors … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team
2021 TF: Placed third in men’s 10,000 meters at ACC Outdoor Championships to earn first team All-ACC honors … NCAA First Round qualifier in the men’s 5,000 meters … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team for men’s outdoor track & field … Earned USTFCCCA All-Academic for the 2021 track season
2020 XC: Fourth among Tar Heels and 42nd overall at ACC Championships (24:12.1) .
.. Led the Tar Heels and placed third overall vs. Wake Forest and NC State on Oct. 16, covering the 8K course in 24:49.71
Before UNC: Graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School … Two-time state champion in cross country (2018, 2019) … 2019 Foot Locker Northeast Champion … 2019 Foot Locker Finals bronze medalist … 2018 Foot Locker finalist (29th place) … 2019 New Balance Nationals All-American in the outdoor mile (sixth place)
More on Anderson: Son of Meghan and Todd Anderson
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Jeff Skinner getting ready for a tough game
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Heather Angel
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BUFFALO – Jeff Skinner doesn’t know what’s in store for him.
The Buffalo Sabers forward will play against the Carolina Hurricanes, his former team, for the first time. The game will take place at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday (Saturday, 03:30 GMT).
Skinner spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Hurricanes. On August 2, 2018, he was traded to the Buffalo Buffalo for forward Cliff Poo and three draft picks. The hockey player hopes that the game will be interesting, but it will not be easy.
“Of course I will. It’s part of the game, of life,” Skinner said.
Video: BAF-ANA: Skinner dealt with the goaltender spectacularly
Sabers coach Phil Housley understands Skinner well because he’s been in that situation himself.
Houseley played the first nine seasons for Buffalo, and then there was an exchange, and on January 4, 19At 91, he played for the first time against the Sabres with the Winnipeg Jets.
“You can prepare for this match as much as you like, but until you get on the ice, you start playing against former teammates, you will worry,” Houseley said. “He needs to go through this. We understand that this match is very is important to him. So we are doing everything to help him cope with emotions. On the other hand, this is an interesting moment for him. So far, he is doing great work, he has become a good partner, plays efficiently, does everything that is asked of him. We need to support him in Carolina.”
Skinner was selected by the Carolinas with the seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft. He didn’t know what was in store for him at Buffalo when the trade took place. But he was received very warmly. “Since then, everything has been great,” he says.
Skinner easily fit into the new team.
He spent most of the season on the left side of the top three with center Jack Eichel. Skinner currently ranks first with the Sabres in goals scored (29) and second in the NHL behind Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. In scoring (42) Skinner is second in Buffalo (Ikel – 49).
With that performance, Skinner can score 55 goals and 80 points, breaking two personal bests of 37 goals in 2016-17 and 63 points in 2010-11 and 2016-17.
“When you start playing with such a talented and technical partner, everything becomes easier,” Skinner said of Eichel. adapt. It’s very interesting to watch him every day in training or games. I see what he does and how he does it.”
[See also: Eichel could play against Carolina]
Understands Skinner and Jason Pominville. After playing 578 games for the Sabers, he scored a goal against a former team on October 14, 2013, already a player for the Minnesota Wild. In the summer of 2017, a reverse exchange took place, and on November 22, 2017, Pominville scored the puck against the Minnesota.
“Take this moment for granted, enjoy it,” says Pominville. “You have to prepare for this game like any other. He will be teased, he will meet many acquaintances. In fact, it all started already on Thursday. It’s interesting. The guys like that kind of thing. You have to get through it, then it gets easier and you can move on. But the first game will always be special.”
Extend
THEY STILL DID IT! KEN ANDERSON AND PETER WINDSOR “BORN” A TEAM!
So, miracles still happen in this life! On Tuesday, February 24, the official presentation of the USF1 project, an American team that is going to compete in Formula 1 since 2010, took place live on SpeedTV. The ideological inspirers of the project are the famous American design engineer Ken Anderson and the British sports journalist Peter Windsor. They are the founders of the team, its main shareholders and leaders: Anderson is declared the head of USF1, Windsor is the sports director.
A bit of pathos
The global financial crisis and problems in the economy do not seem to have changed the Americans at all: they are still bursting with pride in their superpower and with a sense of their own chosenness. Otherwise, where does this confidence that everything American is the best come from when the national auto industry is on the verge of collapse?
“We follow our hearts and our passion – we want to prove that American technology, American drivers and the American spirit can be competitive in Formula 1 and meet the highest level” – this is how Peter Windsor sees the essence of the USF1 project. At the same time, the team aims not just to represent the United States of America in Formula 1, but to WIN!
How? How are they going to achieve this?
Philosophy of minimalism
Ken and Peter claim they will be building the team using a BRAND NEW APPROACH. First of all, it concerns the organization of work and financing.
Firstly, USF1 will be created from scratch, which means it will not copy existing Formula 1 teams with all their shortcomings.
Secondly, USF1 was originally conceived with the expectation of efficient use of a small budget – it will be a compact team with a minimum of staff (no more than 100 people), but all employees are exclusively professionals in their field. (During a press conference, Ken Anderson said: “Highly paid professionals.” Peter Windsor immediately corrected a colleague: “Not very well paid.” Well, otherwise, how to keep within a “small budget”!)
Thirdly, USF1 will be based in the US and not in Europe like all other Formula 1 teams. Here the argument is: “Doing business in the States is much cheaper than in Europe”, in addition, “there is a lot of American technology in Formula 1”, and also “a lot of excellent specialists work in America.” In addition, less than half of the championship races will take place in Europe in the 2010 season, so the USF1 team, from the point of view of logistics science, does not have to locate its headquarters in the Old World at all, Ken and Peter are sure.
Fourthly, USF1 aims to minimize the distance between itself and the fans, for which it is going to open the gates of its base for the fans: everyone will be able to get acquainted with the real life of the team, visit the workshops and laboratories, and even … observe the development and construction of the car ! Moreover, Anderson and Windsor plan to create their own television studio in order to “become a team that is really close to the fans in the States and around the world” – the programs are planned to be shown on the Internet.
This is exactly what the founding fathers of USF1 call “an entirely new approach.” However, both admit that even a couple of years ago, many would have considered the proposed methods of creating a “formula” team simply ridiculous, and that only thanks to the measures taken by the FIA to reduce costs, such a thing became possible. In addition, today there is no need to make a deposit of 48 million dollars to the FIA account – this alone has allowed to radically reduce the cost of the project!
Thank you.
..crisis!
Isn’t it a utopia – to take on the creation of a racing “stable” when the global economy is bursting at the seams? You will receive a completely unexpected answer to your question. Anderson and Windsor vied with each other to convince the television audience of SpeedTV that the crisis actually played a positive role for the project! According to Ken and Peter, the current situation has forced many companies to “tighten their belts” and think about savings – as a result, building a team today turned out to be an order of magnitude cheaper than, say, a year ago!
“If there was an economic boom right now and money was still just falling out of the sky, there would be a line of teams and billionaires in Formula 1,” adds Peter Windsor. “In this situation, guys like us would have nothing to do here.”
Ken Anderson believes that the current economic downturn will allow the team to even save a little on the construction of the car: “Here’s just one example: a year ago there was a shortage of carbon fiber in the world – it was required in large quantities for the production of aircraft.
However, due to the crisis, many orders were cancelled, the market became oversaturated. As a result, carbon fiber is now cheaper than ever!..”
Plans
If we talk about tactics, then the plan is as follows. By autumn (September-October), build the first sample of a racing car and start its dynamometric tests on the stands. There will be no road tests this year, but by early January 2010 the USF1 should be on the track and ready for its debut season. At the disposal of the team will be almost three months – this time is enough, I’m sure Ken Anderson, who at one time worked as a technical director in several teams of Formula 1.
If we talk about strategy, Peter Windsor notes, then for the first season the American “stable” sets itself a rather modest task – to finish in most races. In the second season, USF1 expects to begin the fight for points. Well, then … And then the team does not look yet, but you are already familiar with the ultimate goal – WIN!
The plans of the American team also include the creation of a second base, a European one, but it will become “just a logistics center”: everything that is needed for tests and races will be located here – from this point of view, a place will be selected for it.
“Our European base could be anywhere in Spain, southern France or northern Italy – perhaps anywhere our sponsors’ wives want to travel,” shows Peter Windsor’s sense of humor.
Who will build the car
The main base of USF1 will be located in the city of Charlotte (North Carolina). Where exactly is not yet known exactly: Ken and Peter looked at several suitable places, but have not yet decided on the final one.
The choice of Charlotte (emphasis on the first syllable) was not at all accidental. North Carolina has a $6 billion racing industry! Charlotte is the largest city in the state.
“Here, for 50 miles around, everything is about racing and racing cars,” explains the head of USF1. “It has all the necessary equipment, a lot of talented people, there is Windshear – the best wind tunnel in the world!”
As a matter of fact, not just a pipe, but a real aerodynamic complex that allows you to test full-size (!) Machines. And what is interesting – it was developed .
.. by Ken Anderson himself! Agree, this says a lot.
By the way, Anderson should also head the technical department of USF1. But the designer of the first car, most likely, will be “an outsider” – for example, Mike Gascoigne, who was fired at the end of last year from Force India. However, the latter is still only an assumption of the British press…
Where can I get the motor?
Nowadays, the engine is not a problem. For only 10 million dollars a year, the engine, together with the gearbox, is ready to be delivered to anyone, for example, by Ferrari and Mercedes. The team has not negotiated with anyone yet, but is going to contact all manufacturers involved in Formula 1 with a proposal for cooperation in the near future. All automakers are interested in the huge American market. The exception is Renault, but the French are working in alliance with Nissan, so the deal makes commercial sense for them too. In any case, USF1 will certainly be able to negotiate acceptable terms for itself .
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Financing
According to Peter Windsor, USF1 will collect information and assess the situation until about March-April, after which it will search for specific sponsors. Here, too, the Americans are going to take their own approach, and they seem to have a bargaining chip.
“In our view, even in times of crisis, spectacular events like Formula 1 will not only survive, but thrive,” says USF1’s sports director. in sports advertising. I’m sure Formula 1 will only get stronger…”
Support
What USF1 definitely has by now is support. The plans of Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor received full approval from the FIA and FOM, the team’s application for participation in the 2010 championship was accepted. The project was also favorably received in the New World: during a press conference on SpeedTV, the legendary American racers Dan Gurney and Mario Andretti called the studio – they warmly supported the undertaking.
However, the USF1 project also has plenty of critics.
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USF1 pilots: two dozen applicants
USF1 riders must be 100% American by definition. However, one US passport is not enough, and Peter Windsor understands this: “We want to prove that American riders are able to fight at the highest level. We already have several pilots whose potential is comparable to Sebastien Buemi or Adrian Zutil. The problem is that before there was no training program, no obvious path for Americans in Formula 1. We want to help the careers of American drivers. If you look back at history, Americans either broke stereotypes when they succeeded or suffered because of insufficient support. We want to overcome this barrier – we are going to bring a new Lewis Hamilton into F1, but he will be an American!”
As for specific names, here USF1 is only at the beginning of the journey – negotiations with the pilots are still ahead. “We are evaluating all the candidates, but the decision has not yet been made. It is too early to talk about personalities,” explains the sports director of the team.
Which of the current American pilots could qualify for a place in the team? More often than others they name Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick, AJ Ellmendinger – riders with experience in “American formulas”. On hearing and the name of Kyle Bush, the pilot of the Spint Cup, the top series in NASCAR. They are all within USF1’s field of vision, confirms Peter Windsor. However, there are only two dozen riders in the team’s shortlist. For example, there is Graham Rahole, the son of a three-time CART champion, and the little-known Jonathan Summerton from the American A1 series team, and he is very good, the USF1 sports director is convinced: “Jonathan won a convincing victory in Shanghai. Jonathan raced with Buemi in German F3 – its potential is very great…”
Nevertheless, for the debut in Formula 1, USF1 will probably be forced to invite a “legionnaire” – an experienced pilot who does not have US citizenship.
“This option is quite possible – admits Peter Windsor. – This will help save time and lay the foundation for further growth.
