Why I Copperman – Chris Beddigs

Every year, on the Tuesday after he returns home from race weekend in Copper Harbor, MI, Chris Beddigs starts the countdown for the following year’s Copperman. He competes in other races near his home in Chicago and Milwaukee, but none compare to the stress-free ease of Copperman. The triathlon’s course is unlike any other – he loves swimming in Lake Fanny Hooe, biking the 23-miles along Lake Superior, and rounding the last hard left at the end of the run before the finish line.

Copperman has become an annual tradition for the Beddigs family. Since his mom convinced him to compete in 2007, the event has turned into the highlight of his summer, including a long weekend of camping at Fort Wilkins and riding on the CH Trails. He is introducing more athletes to the Copperman community this year, as he brings up friends and family to compete in the Keweenaw Peninsula’s unique triathlon.

For Chris, the combination of a well-organized competition, beautiful surroundings, family tradition and community atmosphere make Copperman an event unlike any other. Luckily, his countdown for this year’s event is winding down – there are only 25 more days until the 25th annual Copperman!

Why I Copperman – Danise Jarvey

Not many people can say they entered their first triathlon on a whim, but Danise Jarvey did just that. She spent years camping in Copper Harbor, watching the Copperman and talking with friends around the campfire about wanting to compete someday.  “Someday” became a reality on the night before the 2005 triathlon, when Danise and friends Sarah and Jill Steber formed Team “It Sounded like a Good Idea at the Time” and registered to compete. Danise completed the 5-mile run and never looked back. Since that fateful campfire in 2005, Danise has competed in every Copperman Triathlon.

Danise loved running as a part of a team, yet dreamed of completing the course alone…but she couldn’t swim. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Danise took swimming lessons at Michigan Tech and became strong enough to compete as an individual.  She continues to compete individually, save for the year she broke her arm and competed anyway with teammates Liz Siivola and Bruce Harvey on Team “Broken Wing.”

Danise loves the feeling of crossing the finish line, but her favorite part of Copperman is getting to be a part of the community of athletes. To her, Copperman is more than just a race – it’s a day of celebration with family and friends, a beautiful venue, and a well-deserved jump in the lake after a hard day’s work. What began as a spur of the moment decision has become a part of Danise’s life, and she’s excited to compete in the 25^th anniversary event!

 

Why We Copperman – Race Directors Crystal Holzberger and Stacy Bussiere

You may not see Crystal Holzberger or Stacy Bussiere in the spotlight on race day, but they have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the 25^th Copperman the best one yet.

Both Crystal and Stacy have been involved with Copperman for many years.  Thirteen years ago, Crystal jumped into Copperman headfirst on her second day at Aspirus.  She began as a volunteer, then worked as Chief of Registration, and is currently serving in her fifth year as Race Director.  She has a hard time choosing her favorite part of Copperman.  “There are just too many things that make Copperman amazing!” she says.

Stacy has also participated in Copperman in many ways, from working as a volunteer and competing on a team, to serving as Race Director for the past three years.  She loves that Copperman is the “Tri in the Wilderness.”  “Being around these athletes in beautiful Copper Harbor makes for a great weekend,” she says.  “It never gets old – I get goosebumps every year!”