At Home Too

Sometimes it's better to find a workout at home, in many ways it's easier ... and less exposure to the sickness' that float around the gym. I've got a "home gym" set up in the basement and my bike on a trainer. Riding indoors right now will get me ready to hit the road when the weather changes. (Thanks to the resident photographer and designer for making me look reasonable.)

BE A WISH GRANTER TOO: http://friends.wish.org/022-000/page/Steven-Cook/Steve's-Wish-Climb.htm

Gear Check

The recent snow was a great opportunity (5degF) to take a hike and check gear and with winter leaving us soon in Michigan, these opportunities won't last long. Pack, mountaineering boots, layering system, gloves etc. Using all these pieces in cold weather is critical to success on the mountain at altitude. Walking with 60#'s in deep snow is a chance to work on posture: walking upright smoothly and deliberately takes practice and will be important on Ama Dablam.

If you'd like to be a Wish Granter, you can donate here:  http://friends.wish.org/022-000/page/Steven-Cook/Steve's-Wish-Climb.htm



Island Lake state park

First In

I want to thank Jeff Frentz, a former Superintendent on the South Course at Oakland Hills and now at Lakeshore CC north of Chicago. When I told Jeff of my Wish Climb plans, I received a check in the mail 2 days later. His was the first donation. Jeff left a permanent mark on our operation at Oakland Hills, building loyalty and teamwork among the staff. His guidance during the Ryder Cup in 2004 was key to the success of that event and now he's making his own mark at a great club. We're still good friends and he's a peer I can rely on. Thank you Jeff, I'm not too surprised you were the first donor!

Jeff in 2004

50%

We made it to $12,000 ... over 50% of our total goal. Thank all of you so very much. Your generosity is overwhelming.

Colleagues

Jake Ryan is the Superintendent at Northland CC in Minnesota and was an early Wish Granter, donating almost immediately after I started my campaign. Jake is a fellow superintendent and climber.

As an advocate of aligning personal growth/ development in career endeavors, Jake applies his love for turfgrass management, accomplishing goals and human communication in his profession. At the University of Minnesota, he expanded upon a dedicated work ethic rooted in personal development and team work. Since graduating he applies the same attitudes in the field of golf course management and communication.

Outside of work, Jake spends his time running, biking, climbing, hunting and dabbling with new, unexplored activities. In 2012, he finished the Superior Trail Races 50 miler and has completed many ultra marathons on the Superior Hiking Trail. Fall season is an opportunity for him to harvest animals in his hunting endeavors. During winter he can be found building confidence on the sharp edge of lead climbing mixed routes. Most recently he and his core staff members began competing in a curling league that is home to the last two USA Olympic Teams. He is recognized as person who strives to be better with a mind set that limits are self-imposed lies.


Thank you Jake for granting wishes and supporting My Wish Climb.

More Than A Paycheck

Being a great employer is more than a paycheck, more than pocketbook benefits. It's about family, caring, enriching the lives of others. It's about giving back to the community you live in. In ways too numerous to list, Oakland Hills has been, and is all of that.

The OHCC Scholarship Trust grants dollars to student employees, The Golden Rake Tournament that was held in 2014 to benefit the stricken child of an employee. I'm fortunate to work in a family run business with great owners. I'm lucky to have an employer that grants a 30 day leave of absence to travel to Nepal and raise money climbing. Pretty special.

Thank you to the Oakland Hills members, who upon hearing of my Wish Climb have so generously opened their pocket book ... and hearts ...  once again.

Taking Risks

In 1997 I was given a wonderful opportunity to manage one of golf's sacred properties, Oakland Hills CC. That was the result of the GM/COO at the time, Rick Bayliss who took a chance on an "Iowa greenkeeper". We've been friends ever since, Rick remains a mentor and coach and I owe my career to one man's love affair with risk.

"Nothing risked, nothing gained" is one of my favorites. Not only am I indebted to Rick for believing in that principle, but it caused me to be less risk averse too. And it's why I am raising money, climbing mountains for Make A Wish kids.

Rick is now the COO at Lost Tree Club in FL ... thank you Rick for your generosity in supporting Make-A-Wish and my Wish Climb. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of others.

http://friends.wish.org/022-000/page/Steven-Cook/Steve's-Wish-Climb.htm

L-R Pat Croswell, Rees Jones, Rick Bayliss, me