Tom and Greg

I was there when Greg, a young man in his late teens/early twenties came into Challenge, looking for any hope in what had proved to be his new destiny of life without walking again. Greg had just been in a car accident which had left his legs paralized. After he told Tom his story, Tom just flashed him a smile that said "The fun has just started". He grabbed one of the sit skis and loaded Greg into it. While in the Challenge building, Tom patiently explained how the device worked and eased the fears and concern that Greg showed on his face. Although I was on the other side of the room, you couldn't help but hear Greg laughing as Tom got into his gear, pushed Greg out the door, and onto the mountain. That afternoon, I saw Tom and Greg come back into the building, both with "ginormous" smiles caked (along with the snow) on their faces.... Greg had told Tom that "this was it" he wanted to go all the way to the Olympics and he wanted Tom to be his coach. Tom promised he'd be there for him every step of the way.. This spring (March) Tom took Greg to an Olympic Training Camp in Vail, Colorado (even though by this time he had moved to Homer). Tom told me that Greg had gotten so good that he was kicking it in the half pipes totally impressing able bodied skiers in Vail and everyone else.. Tom seemed very proud of Greg and his accomplishments. In talking with Greg just after the camp, he seems totally stoked on life and his future. It is my understanding that through that camp Greg made some amazing connections and will be heading back down to Colorado for more training to achieve his Olympic dreams. These are the moments that Tom lived for..this is what made him so special. Greg, he'll always be with you, always be your coach, keep reaching for your dreams.