USS Names the 2022-23 Long Track Development Skaters of the Year

USS is proud to announce your Short Track Development Skaters of the Year; Ella Teeples and Max Weber! These skaters were awarded this title based off of their performances during the 2022-23 season. We asked each skater to fill out a questionnaire to get to know more about their speed skating careers, hobbies and so much more! To learn more about Ella and Max, read what they had to say below.

Name: Ella Teeples
Age: 13
Club: Oval Speed Skate Club
Coach: Tianyu Fu, Shani Davis, Courtney Anderson, Lindsey Woodbury, Derek Parra 
Who inspires you in speed skating?
Shani Davis, Derek Parra, Erin Jackson, Emery Lehman, Casey Dawson and Andrew Astalos
Where will you be in ten years?
Hopefully representing the USA in the Olympics, and earning a college degree.
What other sports do you play?
I like to play volleyball, swim, and bike.
What are your other hobbies?
Cooking, Archery, Art
How did you get involved in speed skating?
I took a school field trip to the Utah Olympic Oval. My mom signed me up for Learn to skate classes, and I fell in love with speed skating.
What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Being a type 1 diabetic and not letting it slow me down, or get in the way of my dreams.
What is your favorite subject in school?
I really like Math, Art and FACs.
What are your goals for speed skating in the next few years?
I would like to make it to the Junior World Team. 
What is your favorite exercise during dryland training?
I like to do Weight Transfer, and Jumps.
What’s your favorite post-race snack?
Fruit snacks and a chocolate protein shake.
Where is your favorite place to race?
Utah Olympic Oval
What’s your craziest hidden talent?
I can move my eyebrows to the beat of music. I can also make a four leaf clover with my tongue.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just that I appreciate the recognition I’m receiving for all my hard work. I am grateful to everyone who has supported and believed in me.

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Name: Max Weber
Age: 15
Club: Midway Speedskating Club
Coach: Steven Hartman
Who inspires you in speed skating?
Shani Davis
Where will you be in ten years?
Hopefully somewhere in sports training!
What other sports do you play?
Baseball
What are your other hobbies?
Weightlifting
How did you get involved in speed skating?
My brother started speed skating before I did, so he go me involved
What is your favorite subject in school?
Health class
What are your goals for speed skating in the next few years?
Make a Junior World Championship team!
What is your favorite exercise during dryland training?
Baby steps would be my favorite 


What’s your favorite post-race snack?
A protein shake and a granola bar
Where is your favorite place to race?
My favorite place to race is my home rink - Roseville!