profiles MARCH 2013
Like a diamond, our community has many facets. This year, we’re featuring a handful of the unique individuals who enhance this community and help it shine.
Facets
Ask about our new financing.*
* Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E. Brickyard Rd. Suite 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms vary from 24 to 132 months. Interest waived if repaid in 365 days. 16.75% fixed APR, effective as of 2/17/13. Subject to change.
Welcome
Thursday, March 28, 2013
ST. PETER PROFILES
Inside these 12 pages you will find rich, colorful stories of people who represent the faces of our community.
The people featured in this edition come from a variety of backgrounds, professions and walks of life. They come from the business community, the world of education, sports and more. All of them play a significant role in making the St. Peter area a great place to live. These stories take you behind the scenes with glimpses of people you may or may not know. Together, the stories of these 6 St. Peter residents let us know them a little better and give us a new appreciation for their role in our community. This publication is a product of the St. Peter Herald staff, following months of photography, interviewing, writing, designing and creative advertising efforts. We hope you enjoy Profiles 2013 for weeks and months to come as we celebrate some of the people who make St. Peter special.
PAGE 1
PAGE 2
ST. PETER PROFILES
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Contents
profiles MARCH 2013
Like a diamond, our community has many facets. This year, we’re featuring a handful of the unique individuals who enhance this community and help it shine.
Facets
Tiffany and David Patten: Leading a Future Leader ......3 Dan Chies: Two Halves of a Full Life ................................5 Glen O’Connor: Living His Dream ...................................7 Nate Paschke: Keeping the Classics Alive ........................8 Tanya Butson: Full Contact ...............................................10 Justin Rheaume: Fighting Spirit .......................................11
Making Life Better.
It’s your life. That’s why Ecumen honors your choices and empowers you to live life as fully as possible, on your terms.
Independent Living | Assisted Living Memory Care | Respite Care
Profiles 2013
A special project of the St. Peter Herald 311 S. Minnesota Ave. Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 www.stpeterherald.com Publisher/Editor Stephanie Hill Managing Editor Suzanne Rook Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Contributing Writers/Photographers Jessica Bies, James Stitt, Pat Beck Portraits 2013 is disributed to subscribers and readers of the Waseca County News at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2013 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.
FIVE STAR RATING! HomeTown Bank has received a 5 Star Rating from Bankrate.com and Bauer Financial...Two separate bank rating services. 5 Stars is the highest rating possible. What does that mean to you? Safety and Soundness of Home Town Bank... in other words, a STRONG BANK. Tim Grabow
1305 Marshall Street | St. Peter
Call 507-934-2200 today! www.ecumenprairiehill.org
102 S. 3rd Street • St. Peter, MN 56082 www.htbmn.com • 507-934-2823
Thursday, March 28, 2013
ST. PETER PROFILES
PAGE 3
Tiffany and David Patten and their son McGuire are raising Madden to be a guide dog for the blind. (Jessica Bies/St. Peter Herald)
Tiffany and David Patten
Leading a future leader By JESSICA BIES
jbies@stpeterherald.com
On four legs and dressed in a blue vest, he’s one of St. Peter’s newest residents. His name is Madden and he’s a leader dog in training. Part of Leader Dogs for the Blind, Madden is being raised by volunteer puppy raisers Tiffany and David Patten and their son McGuire, St. Peter residents who have chosen to volunteer their home as a home for Madden as he learns basic obedi-
ence house manners and good etiquette in a variety of different environments. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Tiffany Patten said. “ He’s been with us for six months.” Founded by three Detroit-area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dogs to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life. Leader dogs are raised by volunteer puppy raisers, without whom the program could not survive. There are nearly 400 puppy rais-
ers in 22 states and Canada but the program itself is based in Rochester Hills, Mich. The Pattens are what are known as distance raisers. Tiffany Patten said the family heard about the program when they lived in Rochester Hills, but didn’t consider getting involved themselves until just recently. “It’s just something we never gave a second thought to at the time,” Tiffany Patten said. But during a recent visit to Rochester Hills, they saw a sign advertising the need
for puppy raisers and the idea took root. They applied for the program in mid-July and got accepted in August. In October Tiffany Patten drove to Rochester Hills to pick up Madden and bring him to St. Peter. He was just six weeks old. “It’s a tangible thing to do,” Tifanny Patten said. “It’s one thing to say we donated money to some type of organization. Raising a puppy is something tangible.”
See PATTEN on 4
PAGE 4
ST. PETER PROFILES
Thursday, March 28, 2013
LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND Founded by three Detroit-area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dogs to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life. Each year, over 270 clients attend a 26-day residential training program to be paired with a guide dog. This is a life-changing event that opens the door to independence, safety and self-worth for many of Leader Dogs’ clients. Find out more: www.leaderdog.org
Patten From Page 3 Puppy raisers are expected not only to teach the puppies manners, but to expose them to environments such as churches, stores, amusement parks and sports venues. They introduce them to different types of people and animals, have them walk across different types of floors and up different types of stairs and take them near loud sirens and on busy sidewalks. “I don’t think it’s a horrible time commitment “ Tiffany Patten said. “They just fall into your routine. We haven’t really changed what we do, we just take him with us.” The Pattens also meet with a “puppy counselor” once a month. The meetings give them the opportunity to meet other local puppy raisers and go on field trips. Recently the group visited the Twin Cities and took the dogs on the Light Rail, exposing them to public transportation. When Madden returns to the Leader Dog facility, he will begin his formal training and learn how to cross lanes of traffic and work in a harness. But for now, he gets to focus on simpler things. “What he’s working on now is sitting before getting attention in public,” Tiffany Patten said. As for going out in public, Tiffany Patten said he has already visited Econofoods, the local movie theater and Walmart. Because Madden is still a service dog in training, he doesn’t fall under any laws guaranteeing his entry into stores or building, but the Pattens say they’ve never been turned away. “We’ve never been told ‘no,’” Tiffany Patten said.
“But, you definitely get a lot of mixed reactions. You see a lot of funny looks.” And Madden is quickly becoming accustomed to performing in public. “We were selective about where we took him at first,” David Patten said. “But now we can take him everywhere and be gone for half the day.” Whether or not Madden gets to be a guide dog is ultimately up to him. Some dogs go through a “career change” before getting assigned to a client and either return to the family that raised them or get placed in another leader dog home. “They don’t force the dog,” Tiffany Patten said. “The dog basically chooses if they make it through.” Leader dogs are provided to clients free of charge. The Pattens said they are hopeful Madden will complete the rest of his training successfully and that they will get to meet whomever he gets paired with. For now though, they just love having Madden around. He gets along well with their other pets, a dog named Dude and, a cat named Missy and when not wearing his uniform, he’s just a normal puppy. He loves meeting new people too, though Tiffany Patten has one request for those get the pleasure of running into him around town. “Please don’t pet him while he’s working,” she said. “It might distract him.” Reach reporter Jessica Bies at 507-931-8568 or follow her on Twitter.com @sphjessicabies
BECOME A PUPPY RAISER
Leader Dog puppies are raised by volunteer puppy raisers. Leader Dogs could not be provided without the assistance of volunteer puppy raisers. Puppy raisers receive their puppies at 7 to 8 weeks of age and return them to Leader Dogs for the Blind between 12 and 15 months of age. Puppy raisers teach puppies basic obedience, house manners and good etiquette while exposing the puppies to all types of environments, such as: • Churches, stores, amusement parks, sporting events • Different types of people • Different types of floors and stairs • Different sorts of animals, including squirrels, cats, birds, other dogs and farm animals • Loud sirens • Busy sidewalks and bicycles • Some puppy raisers are able to take their puppy to work with them To find out more about becoming a puppy raiser visit www.leaderdog.org or contact the St. Peter Herald to be put in touch with Tiffany Patten.
Tiffany Patten takes Madden to Econofoods to go grocery shopping. Part of his training involves going out in public and learning to avoid distractions. (Jessica Bies/ St. Peter Herald)
FOCUS Depend on quick, thorough transactions and possible revolving loan when dealing with the City of Saint Peter. Starting, relocating or expanding business will be your focus, not chasing the details.
LOCATION Businesses benefit from Saint Peter’s location and proximity to interstate transportation networks, meaning lower costs, short commutes, ease of movement, a network of support services and suppliers.
HOUSING A range of housing costs is represented in Saint Peter; apartments, townhomes and single family housing are available. Washington Terrace is an affordable housing subdivision which features single family housing. The river bluff provides spectacular homesites nestled in wooded lots.
COMMUNITY Saint Peter has over 40 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Quality faculty, specialized programs and a supportive learning environment distinguish Saint Peter Schools. An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, Rock Bend Folk Festival, and the annual Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College are a handful of events enjoyed in Saint Peter.
WORKFORCE
Our labor force is one of experience and dependability. Ninety percent of persons age 25 and over are high school graduates, and over 29% hold bachelors degrees. Workers enjoy an average travel time to work of just 15 minutes.
Municipal Building 227 South Front Street, Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-934-0661 • Fax: 507-934-4917 saintpetermn.gov
Thursday, March 28, 2013
ST. PETER PROFILES
PAGE 5
Dan Chies teaches North Intermediate’s new STEM class, devoted to getting students excited about science, technology, engineering and math. Ethan Grant (right) and Finn Gibson (left) asked for help with their iPad. (Jessica Bies/ St. Peter Herald)
Dan Chies finishes the third stretch of the Ironman with a scraped knee. (Courtesy of Dan Chies)
Dan Chies
Two halves of a full life By JESSICA BIES
But he doesn’t like to brag. “You have that kind of bravado when you’re training and then you get to race day and you realize that’s not what it’s about,” Chies said. “It’s about the journey.” Dan Chies eats, sleeps and breathes to be a triathlete. Chies said getting ready for the race was a A STEM teacher at St. Peter’s North Intermetwo-year process. First he volunteered for the diate, Chies said he teaches by day and trains by DAN CHIES’ TRIATHLONS 2011 Ironman Wisconsin, waking up the mornnight, devoting much of his spare time to runDan Chies has participated in at least 17 ing after the triatholon and getting in line to regning, biking and swimming. ister on-site for the next year’s race. “You’re always thinking about it, planning it, triathlons including the: • Trinona-Winona Then it was time to train. talking about it,” Chies said about training. • Life Time Fitness Triathlon-Minneapolis “You really have to commit six to eight He is committed to being a triathlete, but he • Chisago Lakes Half Marthon months of daily training,” Chies said. hasn’t always been one. In fact, it wasn’t until he • Between the Lakes Triathlon-Albert Lea Ironman Wisconsin takes place in and around was in graduate school that he took the leap and Madison. The swim takes place in Lake Monona • Wingman Triathlon-Red Wing decided to make his almost life-long dream of in downtown Madison and consists of one 2.4 being a triathlete a reality, losing 60 pounds and Want to see Chies in action? This year he mile loop. transforming himself into the certified tri-geek will be competing in St. Peter’s very own The bike course takes riders 16 miles out of he is today. Take The Hill Triathlon on May 4! Madison before beginning two 40-mile loops in And he didn’t stop there. rural Dane County. These loops are extremely The 30-year-old teacher recently earned Ironman status, competing in Ironman Wisconsin during the summer of 2012, hilly and there are several tough climbs. The total course is 112 miles. challenging himself by taking on one of the most difficult Ironman courses See CHIES on 6 in the world. jbies@stpeterherald.com
PAGE 6
ST. PETER PROFILES
Thursday, March 28, 2013
IRONMAN WISCONSIN More than 45,000 spectators line the Ironman Wisconsin course as it winds through Wisconsin farm land and the downtown streets of Madison, Wis. The swim takes place in Lake Monona in downtown Madison and consists of one 2.4 mile loop. The bike course takes riders 16 miles out of Madison before beginning two 40-mile loops in rural Dane County. Afterwards, athletes complete two loops through downtown Madison and across the University of Wisconsin campus. The two loops add up to 26.2 miles. More about Ironman Wisconsin and information about other Ironman events: www.ironman.com
Chies
Dan Chies said swimming is his forte and that he completed the Ironman Wisconsin’s swimming course with ease. (Courtesy of Dan Chies)
From Page 5 Afterward, athletes complete two loops through Because the run course loops around, Chies saw downtown Madison and across the University of his family and friends often during the marathon. Wisconsin campus. The two loops add up to 26.2 He completed the race at 13:51:37. miles. “The race itself went better than I hoped,” Chies Chies said he would average three to four miles said. Chies completed his first triathlon, the Winona in the pool, 100-150 miles on the bike and 25-30 miles on foot running each week while training. The Trinona in 2009. “I always thought of doing one,” Chies said. month before the race, beginning to feel burned out, he only worked out 12 times. Looking back Chies said his first training pro“There were some low times gram was very basic, but he still when I thought, ‘Am I going to dropped 40 pounds right away. be able to do this?’” Chies asked He completed four triathlons himself. the next summer. He went from But, when race day came he 225 pounds to 165. was prepared. First up was the “It really was life changing,” swim. Chies said. “When I think back, “That was relatively painI was unhappy at that size.” less, because that’s my forte,” Chies said while he was athChies said. letic in high school, he lacked The bike course, one of the skill and direction. He has almost difficult of the Ironman ways had athletic friends, but bike courses, was more difficult. now he says he has more in “I did crash at mile eight,” common with them. With their Chies said. “I’m barrel rolling support, he hopes to keep runacross the pavement and my ning triathlons and maybe even bike is bouncing across the run another Ironman in 2014. pavement behind me … There “It’s something I’m hoping Chies holds the medal he earned were about 500 and 1,000 peo- for finishing the 2012 Ironman to stick with,” Chies said. “It’s ple watching me. It was in the Wisconsin. (Courtesy of Dan Chies) been a complete life change middle of a town festival.” between losing the weight and Embarrassed and bleeding, starting a career.” Chies needed the help of volunteers to get back In memory of completing his first triathlon, up. Standing there in the middle of the crowd he Chies completes the Trinona every year. In 2011, he needed to tell himself to get back on the bike and completed six more triathlons. In 2012, he complete keep going. five plus the Ironman. After the Ironman, he took “The crowd just goes wild,” Chies said with a three or four months off, but now he is training smile. “And that was really, really cool.” again, eager to do more. “It’s fun to try new places and new races,” Chies After that, he was determined to finish the race. He completed the bike course and moved on to the said. “I’ve found a lot of purpose in the training marathon. His knee hurting from his crash, Chies and a lot of life direction. It puts a lot of things in said it took a huge mental effort not to quit. perspective.” “You put yourself in a kind of mental box and ignore those around you that are struggling or doing Reach reporter Jessica Bies at 507-931-8568 or well,” Chies said. follow her on Twitter.com @sphjessicabies
It’s time to put your health first: At the Daniels Health Center, we practice the belief that health care is for you, for your family, for life. Our team of providers approach health care with the unique needs of the individual in mind. SERVICES AVAILABLE: FAMILY MEDICINE FOOT AND ANKLE CARE PEDIATRICS PSYCHOLOGY
Call for an appointment.
507-934-2325
St. Peter, MN • 1-800-657-6944 • www.mankatoclinic.com
Thursday, March 28, 2013
ST. PETER PROFILES
PAGE 7
Living his dream Glen O’Connor
Glen O’Connor rides a horse cart and holds the reins behind Cladio, a Clydesdale/Pony. (Submitted photo)
By PAT BECK
pbeck@stpeterherald.com
Glen O’Connor is living out his childhood dreams with his grandchildren in his retirement on Scotch Lake outside of Cleveland. He grew up in Mapleton with a love for goats, horses and the old-fashioned way of doing things. O’Connor, 64, and his wife, Sandy, have a laptop, a satellite dish and a dishwasher, but they basically live the simple life on their 5 acres. His love for goats started in the fifth-grade when he visited a friend whose family used to milk goats. “I used to go to their house often,” O’Connor said. “And from that point on, I decided that someday I’m going to have some goats. O’Connor even built a double-tree house for them. “One side is for the goats and the other side the grandkids to play, so they can interact with each other,” O’Connor said. “They can feed them over the fence. Goats like to climb. It’s a place for them to play. There’s a ramp that goes up to the tree house for the goats.
The kids have steps and a slide on their side to play with the goats and slide down.” “My wife tolerates them and me. She doesn’t mind them, but it’s not something she would buy for herself. I’ve always wanted to milk goats, but I never got that past my wife. When they had babies, some of the grandkids milked the mother (about 10 squirts). They had a great time.” O’Connor’s love for horses also began in his a youth. He lived in town, but his family had a horse in a barn they rented on the edge of Mapleton. Now, O’Connor not only has horses, he has carriages for the horses to pull him and his grandchildren. “One of my biggest thrills in retirement happened to me in Harmony, Minn.,” O’Connor said. “I was looking for a horse to purchase that was trained to ride and drive. We stopped at an Amish farm that was selling goods to tourists. I asked if they had any horses for sale. They replied ‘yes’ and hitched one up to one of their carriages. He told me to hop on. After a few minutes he handed me the reins and told me to try my hand at driving. And away we went, me driving an Amish buggy with an Amish man sitting beside me.
Doesn’t get any better than that!” “I’ve had a few bad experiences,” O’Connor said. “The first time I took my wife and grandkids on a drive, and I was trying to turn the horse around, and he backed us into the ditch, and we all had to jump off, and I had to grab the horse. That was five years ago, the last time my wife went. “My wife strongly suggested that if I want to drive I better take some driving lessons. So I’m going to. The last horse I bought was from an Amish man in St. Charles. I’m going back this spring and take my carriage and horse along and drive in the country side with him.” “My goal in life is to teach in an Amish school,” he said. “It probably will never happen though. They’re very leery of English people. I like things done the old way. I like the slow pace of life. The older I get, the more I like it. The Amish really intrigue me. I’d love to live with them for a while.” O’Connor has an old-time school room set up in the basement. “My grandkids and I play school down there.” Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566, or follow him on Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat
LIVING THE COUNTRY LIFE Glen and Sandy O’Connor moved to Cleveland in 1971 when he took his first teaching job. He taught social studies for 40 years, served as athletic director for 20 years and coached football, baseball and basketball over the years. They lived in town until 2000 when they moved to the country where he enjoys the peace and quiet of the country. “There’s not a lot of people around. Since I’ve retired, sometimes I spend a whole week without going to town.” O’Connor has had many serious health problems including heart surgery 15 years ago for a hole in his heart, plus back and neck surgeries injuries from car accidents and two shoulder surgeries from falls. Despite the injuries, O’Connor keeps a positive attitude. “One of the best things about retirement is to be able to spend time with the grandkids. Simple things like sliding down a hill in the wintertime, skating on the lake, looking for frogs and snakes (and scare Grandma with them), taking a stroll down the “Enchanted Forest” (lakeshore full of trees) and watching them chase the goats around the yard (and trying to ride them also!). I am a very lucky person — four kids and their spouses who are all doing well, 13 grandchildren, two horses, goats, one cat and a wife that tolerates me most of the time. Life is good!”
PAGE 8
ST. PETER PROFILES
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Nate Paschke
Keeping the
Classics Alive
Nate Paschke cuts Shad Coyour’s hair. Coyour had to track Paschke down so he could get a proper haircut. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)
OLDEST BARBER SHOP IN MINNESOTA Pascke said that the barber shop opened when the bank opened, as the barber shop is located in the basement of the bank. He is in the process of trying to prove that this is the case, as the bank opened in 1883, which means that Nate’s Barber shop maybe the oldest barber shop in Minnesota.
By JAMES STITT
jstitt@lecenter.com
If you walk down the steps to Nate’s Barber shop, you may think that you have traveled back in time. Opening the door you will be greeted by Nate Paschke, rocking an Elvis-like pompadour, and see things that many people thought were long gone. “Guys will come in and be surprised that we have [1950’s aftershave],” said Paschke. “We have all kinds of old-fashioned products.” Paschke is the owner of Nate’s Barber Shop, located on the corner Minnesota Avenue and Nassau Street. Paschke bought the place in 2007, and has kept the atmosphere of an old-fashioned barber shop alive and well.
Memorabilia from the early 1900s fills the barber shop, and pictures of the Three Stooges, Elvis Presley and the Rat Pack line the wall. Paschke has been collecting old barber shop antiques, among other things from the 20th century. “He hired me because he likes old stuff,” said Don Beeler. As a kid, Paschke enjoyed clothes and style. He used to admire the clothes, the haircuts, and the shoes of the older generation. In eighth grade, he attended a career day at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he attended a cosmetology class, but he wouldn’t become a barber until later in life. Before becoming a barber, Paschke ran a business with his wife, moved houses and detailed cars, among
other jobs. In 2004, he went to barber school, and now he owns his own barber shop and is a part of a clothing website that will launch soon. The atmosphere in Nate’s Barber Shop is a bit different than in other barber shops and salons. As customers sit in vintage 1920s Koken barber chairs, they are transported back in time. Patrons can receive a hot shave while listening to Frank Sinatra or get a haircut while watching an old black and white movie. Paschke enjoys the old fashioned atmosphere of the increasingly rare barber shop. “It’s a barber shop — why change something that was so good?” asked Paschke.
See PASCHKE on 9
Thursday, March 28, 2013
w g
-
y
ST. PETER PROFILES
PAGE 9
Nate’s Barber Shop has all sorts of oldfashioned products and memorabilia. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)
Paschke From Page 8 Paschke and Beeler agree that people want a different experience when they leave home. Having an old-fashioned barber shop allows older patrons to come in and reminisce, and young patrons can learn about the past. They say that the atmosphere brought on by all of the memorabilia and nostalgie is refreshing. “It’s like an air freshener for your eyes,” said Paschke. Nate’s Barber Shop specializes in oldfashioned hairstyles and practices. Shoeshining, hot shaves, pompadours and flat tops, Nate’s does it all. Shad Coyour used to have his hair cut by Pashcke in Mankato, but after Paschke left Mankato for St. Peter, Coyour had to track Paschke down by calling the area barber shops. Coyour gets a flat top haircut, a style that Paschke said needs precision, and Coyour said that no one else cuts it like Paschke.
Paschke and the other barbers also create a fun atmosphere that has people come in just to talk. It is the place to come in and hear where the fish are biting, the newest (or oldest) joke, and some good natured ribbing. “They nailed it,” said Derek Thaw III. “I love the atmosphere, its spot on.” “I’m blushing,” said Pashke with a laugh. “Come on, give us a hug,” joked Beeler. Thaw said that Paschke and Beeler used to come by his work and they seemed like good guys. Once Thaw started to come by the barber shop, Beeler said that things changed. “They used to come by the Co-Op and they never gave me trouble,” said Thaw. “Now we’ve been giving him trouble ever since,” laughed Beeler. Reporter James Stitt can be reached at 931-8572 or follow him on Twitter @ LCL_j_stitt.
Exceptional care, close to home Mayo Clinic Health System is committed to delivering the highest quality care, right here in our local communities. Our expert providers offer comprehensive services – from family medicine to specialty care – to patients of all ages. Call us today at 1-877-412-7575 to schedule an appointment.
St. Peter 1900 N. Sunrise Drive | St. Peter mayoclinichealthsystem.org
PAGE 10
ST. PETER PROFILES
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tanya Butson (silver helmet on the left) and the Mankato Area Derby Girls practice at the Mankato YMCA. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)
FULL CONTACT Tanya Butson
By JAMES STITT
jstitt@lecenter.com
When Tanya Butson went to see a roller derby event for the first time, she didn’t know the rules, or the strategy, or what was happening. But she did know that she liked what she saw. “I had no idea what was going on,” said Butson. “But I knew I wanted to do this.” Butson, of St. Peter, is now a member of the Mankato Area Derby Girls, a flat track roller derby team. In the roller derby, players on roller skates battle while skating round and round an oval track. The goal is for the four blockers to prevent the other team’s jammer from skating past them, and allow their jammer to pass everyone. “It’s a challenge and it’s very physical,” said Butson. “It’s about woman empowerment, we go out there and have fun, it’s not about who is better.” Butson’s choice of socks was the reason that she was introduced to the sport of roller derby. A mother of a roller derby girl approached Butson because of the socks she was wearing. The mother went up to Tanya and said that her socks made her look like a derby girl. “She said ‘You look like a great girl for the derby,’” said Butson. “I gave her a puzzled look and said ‘I’d love to try it.’”
Butson said that when she tried out for the team, she failed miserably, but once she heard about the team in Mankato, she gave it another try. “Who doesn’t want to skate and get rough?” said Butson. Butson has enjoyed roller skating since she was a kid, and she loved to go down to Skating World in Mankato. She said it was always a big deal going there to roller skate, and it was a tragedy when they shut the place down. Her first pair of roller skates had white with red wheels, and though she loved to roller skate, she never got into roller blading. The commitment of being a roller derby girl extends beyond the twice a week practices and the competitions. The Mankato Area Derby Girls are required to join committees as well as attend meetings. Butson is on the training and volunteer committees. Butson helps organize volunteer opportunities and said that volunteering and giving back has been a great experience for her. Butson also help others as a part of her job at Habilitative Services Inc. “She has a real kind heart,” said friend Lance Wiborg. “She would give you the shirt off of her back.” Butson has always been active, whether it has been roller skating, going to the gym, or Zumba classes. She
said that before the roller derby became such a big part of her life, she was always outside biking or camping. “She is very outgoing and has a great attitude for roller derby,” said friend Bob Wright. “I can’t wait to go and see her in the derby.” Now that her life is consumed by the roller derby, she has little time for other pursuits, but she said that the roller derby is worth it. “It is all I can think about,” said Butson. “It has taken over a huge part of my life.” Butson’s derby name is ButsyRoll, which she got from the nickname “Butsy,” a version of her last name. Some people were unable to pronounce her first name (Tan-ya) so they started to call her “Butsy.” Butson said that the roller derby “isn’t all fishnets and skulls,” but a family-oriented event, and the team is a tight-knit community. She said that most of the derby girls are moms, and that the team even has a mother-daughter duo. Butson said that she is in love with the derby, and it has her feeling younger. “All of the sweating, and the physical pain doesn’t make me feel my age,” said Butson. Reporter James Stitt can be reached at 931-8572 or follow him on Twitter @LCL_j_stitt.
Butson, aka “ButsyRoll”
MANKATO AREA DERBY GIRLS SCHEDULE March 30 vs. Goosetown Roller Girls at Mankato Verizon Wireless Center April 13 vs. Attackonites in Grand Rapids, Minn. May 4 vs. Moose Lake Mafia at Mankato Verizon Wireless Center June 22 vs. SCAR Dolls in St. Cloud, Minn. July 20 vs. Cedar Rapids Rollergirls in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Thursday, March 28, 2013
ST. PETER PROFILES
Justin Rheaume
PAGE 11
FIGHTING SPIRIT
Justin Rheaume shows the thrill of victory over Vyron Phillips by a unanimous decision in 2012. (TJ DeSantis photo)
O
By Pat Beck • pbeck@stpeterherald.com
ne might think that professional fighting would be tougher than amateur.But for St. Peter native Justin Rheaume, his size and skills in Mixed Martial Arts lend themselves better to the pro rules. Since his pro debut in June 2012, Rheaume has a 3-0 record with all the fights ending before the final bell with a technical knockout, a submission and a technical knockout. Rheaume’s advantage over his opponents is his height (6 feet 4 inches) and his reach (79 inches). The extra length gives him more leverage. Most guys in the 185-pound class are 4 to 5 inches shorter. In Minnesota, amateurs can’t throw knees and elbows. Pros can. “For me, I’m a taller, longer fighter,” Rheaume said. “I like the switchover to knees and elbows. It’s the way (coach) Ray (White) has always taught us, so in the amateur level I felt like we were held back because we couldn’t use our knees or elbows. Now it’s transferred over
well for me where I use knees and elbows, and it’s a big weapon for me especially with the reach.” Rheaume, who had an amateur record of 18-1 in 2009-12, had some fights last longer as an amateur, his three fights as a pro combined have lasted less than 8 minutes. That’s a credit to the knees and elbows. He won his first at 185 pounds (middleweight) in a second round TKO in 4:47 with an elbow to the face over Jake Erickson on June 22 at Downtown Showdown 6. That wouldn’t have been a legal move in amateur. In his second bout at 205 pounds, Rheaume won on a rear naked choke submission in 2:18 over Curtis Madison on Sept. 22 at Canterbury Park. With his knees and elbows, Rheaume quickly won his third fight at 205 in 32 seconds in a technical knockout over Gary Fritz on Nov. 17 at the Verizon Center in Mankato. “I have a deadly force,” Rheaume said. Although Rheaume is a professional and earns money fighting, so far he has only broken even with the costs of gym fees, licenses, medical tests and equipment. He works at Boomtown Bar in Mankato. “It gets really expensive to do, but I’m at the point that I have some
good sponsors taking care of me and it makes it easier to keep on progressing in the dream,” Rheaume said. His dream is to make the sport his livelihood. “I’m on the verge,” Rheaume said. “That’s why I want to pursue it. Once you make it on national TV, you make a little more money. I’m looking to be one of the best in Minnesota and get on national television.” He hopes that that it takes just a couple more fights to reach his goal. “It could be one more fight,” Rheaume said. “It’s all about timing. The different promotions. They have to see videos and highlights and decide who they want at the time. You just always have to stay focused, keep pushing forward and hopefully all the work will pay off and you’ll get that call.” Rheaume, who grew up as a wrestler at St. Peter High School, has steadily improved in mixed martial arts which requires a variety of skills including wrestling, kick boxing, karate and judo. “I keep on progressing every fight,” Rheaume said. “You live and
See RHEAUME on 12
PAGE 12
ST. PETER PROFILES
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Rheaume From Page 11 Justin Rheaume gets his kicks against Vyron Phillips (TJ DeSantis photo)
learn, make changes and watch videos. I’ve watched each one of my fights 10 to 15 times to see how I react and see how I can change it. It’s a growing process in both aspects physically and mentally. You just try to push yourself to the limit and see how much more you can succeed.” Wrestling all of his life, Rheaume is best at that aspect. “I have pretty good jiu jitsu (grappling),” Rheaume said. “I like to be on the ground. It’s harder for people when I get on top. In my weight class, I’m a lot longer and lankier. It’s just submission wrestling.” Rheaume had a fight scheduled for New Year’s against BJ Lacy. But Rheaume fractured his hand in training, so he had to pull out. He started back training in February with hopes of getting a fight in the end of April or May. “Now I feel like the hand’s ready to go and I can get back into the ring,” Rheaume said. Rheaume has averaged four fights a year. He fights at 185 and 205, but he said, “185 is where I’m going to be fighting for the bigger promotions It depends on the contract, the fight and sitting down with my agent/promoter and seeing what’s best at the time.” He was rated No. 8 in the state at 185 after he won his pro debut. His next two pro fights were 205 where he was ranked in the top 10.
In between fights, Rheaume or five hours a day at the MSU/ said he usually takes about a week MMA Club in Mankato. “When we’re going hard, I do off and then gets back into training nine weeks for the next fight. about two hours boxing and two “You get a little fat for about a hours of rolling (jujitsu) a day and week,” Rheaume said. cardio,” Rheaume said. “Some of When Rheaume started train- us do a little extra after that.” About 35 who have fought or ing in February, he had to lose 32 will start fighting work out in the pounds to make weight. “It’s a little club at Minnemore grueling sota State Unithat high school versity, Mankato. wrestling,” he Three are ranked s a i d . “I w a s in the top 10 usually about 5 in their weight pounds off.” classes, so it provides good comRheaume lospetition. es weight by eating chicken and “We’ve got a vegetables and a lot of good fightlot of water. “You ers now, especially guys who still need your are ranked at proteins and vi(Submitted photo) the top of their tamins. The last weight classes,” three fights, I VITALS: JUSTIN Rheaume said. switched over to RHEAUME a product called “We’ve got good Herbal Life. It’s Pro record: 3-0 training partners made my body Amateur record: 18-1 and good coachfeel so much Amateur titles: 185 and es. Head coach Ray White took better if it’s pre- 205 Middleweight for over at trainworkouts, post Brutal Genesis Midwest workouts, meal Region ing and it’s been replacements, Pro ranking: No. 5 at very, very good. protein bars. I 205 in Minnesota He does classes on Tuesday and feel way health- Years fighting: 3 Thursday and a ier and easier to Age: 28 keep on working Height: 6-4 Sunday practice out.” at MSU. Weight: 185 R h e a u m e Born: St. Peter “It can get works out four g r ueling and
overwhelming,” Rheaume said. “Sometimes you just want to stop and don’t do anything for a few months, too.” Rheaume enjoys the camaraderie. “There’s no team competition, but there is a team,” Rheaume said. “It’s like a family. We’re all together. We all push each other. We all go to each others’ fights.” Rheaume never went on to collegiate wrestling, and he missed the competitiveness, so he got into mixed martial arts. And it’s made him a stronger person in life. “It calms me down and makes me think more, even when things are going bad,” Rheaume said. “I’ve learned so much discipline. It doesn’t matter if I’m getting beat for the first seven to eight minutes. You have two guys outside the cage who are in you corner, keeping you calm and looking out for the best for you to motivate you and to change up. It’s made me a better person all around and better disciplined in life and in the cage. I like every aspect that I’ve learned. The training is the hard part, not the fighting. “As the coach and other trainers keep telling me, you go through the practices and sometimes you want to throw up or quit. With mitts and pads on as you drop your hands, they’ll hit you in the face and tell you to keep on going,” Rheaume said. “And
you thank them afterward and you realize that’s the hardest part. “Once you get in the cage, all your hard work already put in, that’s the time to shine. It took more effort to put everything in
the last nine weeks. It’s the reward.” Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566, or follow him on Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat
Family Owned Since 1988
♣ Private Parties & Catering Available ♣ Happy Hour: M-F, 3-6 Half price pints ♣ Lunch & Dinner Specials 11am -11p.m. ♣ Take Out & Off Sale Available ♣ Wireless Internet Available! ♣ 22 Taps Home of the
&
The Best
BURGERS
on the Planet! (or so we’ve been told!)
125 S. 3rd St. • St. Peter • 931-9051
www.patrickson3rd.com
Your history is our history.
Same day appointments
For 129 years the St. Peter Herald has been right here, covering all the news, sports and community events that mean the most to you. And we plan to be here tomorrow, sharing your stories, recording more of St. Peter’s history.
Don’t miss out on today’s news. Make our history your history. Subscribe today.
St. Peter
1900 N. Sunrise Dr 507-934-8480
Le Center
St. stpeterherald.com Peter Herald
200 East Bowler St 877-355-8450
311 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082 507-931-8561 | Fax: 507-931-4522 mwolfe@stpeterherald.com or visit us at
River’s Edge Clinic River’s Edge Clinic Le Center
Le Center
riversedgehealth.org
stpeterherald.com
Nicollet County Bank Employees Give Back to their Community! The Nicollet County Bank encourages its officers and employees to participate in community functions. During the year of 2012, the officers and employees have been involved with the following boards, committees, clubs and organizations. Member of St. Peter Lions Club Member of St. Peter American Legion Club Member of Masonic Lodge Member of Osman Shrine Member of VFW Post 1220 Member of Linneaus Arboretum GAC Member of Masonic Lodge #54 Director of Shoreland Country Club Member of St. Peter Ambassadors Member of Rotary Club Treasurer of Greenlawn Cemetery St. Peter Lions Club Board Member St. Peter Area Hospice Committee Member St. Peter Regional Treatment Center (SPRTC) Volunteer Council Secretary & Gluek Memorial Park Admin. Board Member Member of St. Peter Retail Promotions Committee Member of Gustavus Library Associates Member of St. Peter Chamber Public Affairs Committee Member of Shoreland Country Club Board Member of St. Peter Basketball Booster Club/Treasurer Volunteer SPHS Basketball Statistician Treasurer of SPHS Golf Booster Treasurer/Member of the Echos Big Band Member of St. Peter Rotary Club
Member of Nicollet County Farm Bureau Member of Nicollet County Soybean Growers Assn. Member Nicollet County Corn Growers Association Nicollet County Planning & Zoning Advisory Committee Nicollet County 4H Adult Volunteer Director and Treasurer of Kiwanis Club of St. Peter Director and Treasurer of St. Peter Sons of the American Legion Treasurer of St. Peter School Board Member of Lake Washington Club Member of St. Peter Chamber of Commerce President of Nicollet County Holstein Association Member of RIM (Nicollet County) Advisory Committee for NRCS Member of Nicollet County Farm Bureau Chairman of U of M Southern Research & Outreach Center Advisory Committee Member of MN Holstein Association Member of St. Peter Chamber Public Affairs Committee Member of St. Peter Chamber Business/Education Committee Vice Chairman Member of South Central Technical College Farm Business Management Advisory Committee Member of Sioux Trails Mental Health Service Advisory Committee
www.nicolletcountybank.com
Member of South Central College Center of Agriculture Advisory Committee Member of H.S. Agri-Science Advisory Committee Member of St. Peter High School Co-Curricula Committee Member of St. Peter Economic Development Agency Board Member St. Peter Chamber-2nd Vice Chair Region 9 Development Loan Committee Board Member Troop 58 Boy Scouts Committee Member Member of St. Peter Catholic Women Member of MN Emergency Medical Services Assn. Volunteer Religion Education teacher-Church of St. Peter Licensed foster care provider thru Lutheran Social Services Member of Nicollet County Farm Bureau Member of Norseland Lutheran Church Ladies Aid Member of St. Peter's Catholic Church Women Member of Nicollet County Corn & Soybean Growers Member of Nicollet County Pork Producers Alter Care & Funeral Committee of Trinity Lutheran Church St. Peter High School Gymnastics Concession Coordinator Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringer since 2011 First Choice Pregnancy Center Volunteer Member of St. Peter Catholic Daughters Member of Heavenly Hatters Member of Ewenique Quilters
we’re just a small-town community bank, but...
we’re big on 220 South Third Street • Telephone 931-3310 • St. Peter