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Mates crossing the States
Monday, 20 February 2023
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Three Knox Old Boys from the Class of 2017 and one Old Ignatian started traversing the US East Coast on 19 February to raise money for The Cancer Council. This article was first published in August 2022 Rory Cheal, Max Cutrone, Sean Stuart and their mate Jasper Gotterson from Riverview, have been considering different ideas for a gap year since they graduated from School. A walk from Sydney to New Delhi? Retracing Forrest Gump’s run? All agreed they wanted to take on a really big, physical challenge, and at the same time raise money for charity. After looking at many different running routes, the trio decided on running from Florida to Canada, and at the beginning of this year, they started a training program. Initially, the ‘gap year’ plan was to do a run over six months, but Rory and Sean’s applications for visas failed. “We can only go on a 90-day visa, which adds excitement and jeopardy,” said Rory. Max, who had been training with San Diego Legion (a Major League Rugby team) before COVID struck, fortunately does have a B1/B2 visa, as well as family in the US to stay with. “I will get everything ready before the boys, who have a strict 90-day limit, come over,” said Max. With the run to start in mid-February, logistics planning is underway, but there are still a few things to organise, such as food supplies. The training regime, however, is in full swing, with the team following a regimented and increasingly challenging program each week. “None of us are ultra-marathon runners,” said Rory, who competed in the 400m and 800m at the CAS Athletics while a student. The program, which started with a goal of 20kms in a week, now has everyone tracking at 60-70kms, and undertaking a combination of runs, cycling and gym sessions. “We’re slowly adding kilometres every week and I expect we will be tapering off a few weeks before travelling to ensure we’re fit,” said Rory. The training has been an interesting transition for the rugby player, and prop, Max. “After stopping [rugby] because of injury concerns, I was looking for a new challenge. I was really regretting it in the first month, but it has become a lot easier, and surprisingly enjoyable. When we do some of the longer runs together, it’s just like hanging out for a few hours and it has helped me realise, despite the initial injuries, I can do it,” said Max. Rory adds, “injury management is what I have struggled with and something we have all had to get on top of, but we have time to perfect our running technique so we’re not putting strain on knees, ankles and hips.” Sean, once a promising young cricketer, has been on the receiving end of some stick for being the least sporty. This has boosted Sean’s motivation to push himself and see what he can physically achieve. The motivation for Rory and Max is more personal, with cancer being a cause close to home which drives their commitment to fundraise and make an impact. Rory, who hails from Lighting Ridge, remembers receiving a message from his mother saying she couldn’t make it to Sydney on the day of his Year 10 formal to help get ready as she had planned. “That was odd for her, and I got an eerie feeling when Dad came instead. Dad told me the next morning she had to have surgery to remove a 12cm tumour from her bowel.” Since then, she has had several operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with further cancer detected in her liver, stomach, lungs and lymph nodes. Fortunately, Rory’s mother, who he describes as “a super, super strong woman”, has been cancer free for over a year. Two of Max’s aunts have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and while one died six years ago, the other has recovered, having had access to new medications and treatment. “It’s a really good sign people are making progress,” Max said. “We’re all passionate about raising money for charity, and it has become this big thing. No one believed us when we first said this is what we want to do,” said Rory. As they have continued to train, and committed to fundraising for The Cancer Council (see donation page), a supporter base has been established. Ahead of their run, the crew are seeking further support in the form of sponsorship or funding for an RV and help with other direct costs (especially given the advice to consume 6,000 calories of food per day). The group will be working with The Cancer Council to raise awareness, with plans to do a black-tie event in January 2023. All the boys are clearly excited. For Rory, it is seeing a country he has never been to; Max is looking forward to the bonding experience, and Sean can’t wait to see “the finish line”. “I am looking forward to speaking with people and hearing how their stories connect with the cause,” said Sean. He also hopes to encourage other Old Boys to have a crack at a physical challenge. Jasper, the sole Riverview boy, intends to spread awareness for the cause through his own alumni networks. “As a group we are incredibly lucky to have access to two incredibly strong school communities. For such an important cause, the more people involved the better,” Jasper said. Follow the Mates’ training progress via Instagram (Mates_v_States), and look out for a post a day, from mid-February, when the run gets underway. Photo supplied Date posted: 25 August 2022 |