Comments from the 2005 Fall Classic

Comments from the 2005 World Challenge in Las Vegas

That was the most awesome fun i have had. I am so thankful Paula finally got me to come out and try it.  You are soooooo patient and really focus on all of us as individuals with different needs.  Thanks so much Al.  I absolutely loved the entire event and atmosphere..  I really met some amazing women and I really would like you to tell your daughters thanks for all their help and encouragement. 
Alene Driver, Florida

I had to send you a note to thank you for WTF and everything WTF has done for me. This past weekend was my first event, even though I have wanted to compete for several years now. It seems that there is always something to get in the way. But there comes a time in your life when you have to decide what is important. Good health and being fit is important to me, and exercise makes me happy. WTF makes it even better by challenging my mind and my body!
The friendships built among all the women, men, family attendees and all the children makes your event special and so much fun to be a part of. My sister and brother-in-law want to be a part of the WTF now by volunteering and competing for your next event.  That's what WTF is all about. It is like family.  It was great to hear my family say that they were proud of me (No matter what I placed.... HAHA)!
I LOVE being a part of WTF! I will see you at the next event!  
Thank you!
Diali E. Coll-Mercado, Florida

Thanks for an amazing weekend. You are a remarkable guy; you had so much on your plate and it ran smoothly.
Jenny Aaron, Georgia
 
Yep, I'm still on a high:)  I cannot even begin to put into words how awesome this weekend was, I enjoyed every minute of it, including being in the 25th heat!!  I am so happy I have finally found something other than soccer that I have potential to be very good at and that my body is responding so well with the training.  Athletically, I know I look the best I've ever looked but better I feel the best I ever have too!! I met so many wonderful women this weekend and knowing that the group I've been training w/ for the last 3 months was cheering me on the whole time was amazing and very inspiring!  I called Dione today and thanked her for running that last leg with me, she is so great. I just want you to know how much I appreciate every minute you've spent with me over the last few months, looking forward to many many more.
Jessica Johansen, Florida

I just wanted to thank you for an absolutely wonderful experience. Although I was unable to compete in the other events, the figure part was so cool. Again, thanks for all of your encouragement; I'm not sure I would have even wanted to try some of the drills if it weren't for your supportive words. As soon as I'm done with therapy and I get the green light from my doctor, I'll be back and ready to go.
Natalie LaBouef, Florida

Hi Al.  I had a great time - it was a great show and all the girls were so nice.  I met a lot of new people and made a lot of new friends.  My hairstylist that came with me was so inspired that she immediately started back to the gym yesterday after a long lull over the past year.  My trainer was really impressed and we are already working on and have recruited some more girls to bring with us next time that were inspired by how well I did at my age.  This is why I love the show - it not only helps me to keep improving and stay focused, but it helps others to get inspired to GET HEALTHY and that it is never too late, regardless of your age.  Thanks for everything Al- it was an awesome and fun weekend. 
Kim Williams, Ohio

Al,
Thank you so much for everything you do!  You are phenomenal.  I absolutely LOVE this competition.  It's such a huge challenge for me, one that I will continue to work at.  I was so excited just to make it over that damn wall the second time.  I told myself that I was not leaving Tampa until I made it over that wall, I didn't care how long it took me - and I did.  I met so many wonderful people there; I can't wait to come back.  I will be coming back for a camp at the beginning of the year with friends!!  This was such a wonderful experience it's hard to explain the experience to people here.  People just don't get it sometimes.  Pam is currently trying to figure out a place that we can make a rope wall and store it!
Anyway, thank you so much for all your hard work and the HEART that you put into this, that's what makes it all worth it!
Michelle Crumb, Arizona

Hey Al, I thank God that He led me to the WTF where I found you, you have such a big heart and care so much for others, I do thank you from the bottom of my heart and I to look forward to getting in sprint shape and coming back in Vegas. Thanks again for all the training and dedication you have given me.
God Bless,
Tonia D’Anna, Florida

Thanks Al.  I did have fun, and so did my parents.  Everyone in my family has been able to make it to a show except for one sister, and I'll get her there next Vegas!  I figure after a solid winter training season, next summer will show some definite improvements! :-)
Stacey Pommerenck, Virginia

It takes a great coach like you to get us up and running.  Great event!
Adriane Kulivinskas, Florida

Thanks so much!!! Your support means a great deal to me.  I had an awesome time this weekend.  Everyone at the show was great.  It's amazing to see a bunch of women get together and support one another.  I'm planning on making it to Vegas in July.  I'm going to skip out on the wedding.  My friends will understand.  Competing means so much to me now.  I have made my ultimate dream come true.  Let me know when I can sign up for Vegas.  Thanks again for putting on such a great show. 
Heidi Charest, Massachusetts

Thanks so much for the hosting the great competition. I had such a blast.  I will definitely plan on doing another one very soon.  I look forward to doing the routine as well. 
Jody St. Clair, Idaho

I had such a great time this weekend and I learned so much.  I can't wait to do it again and again! :)
I was so happy Melissa came too; she made it so much fun back stage with her great sense of humor and her encouragement!
Emily Nicholson, Illinois

I actually had a great time (even though I sucked and you made me go on FIRST for everything).  I was so sore and so tired that I almost slept completely through Monday AND Tuesday.  Everyone was so very welcoming and encouraging.  Thank you so very much for having WTF competitions.  Hopefully when I get myself into shape I will see you again sometime soon. 
Meka Collins, Maryland

Just wanted to say Thank you for all you do, you have been so great and
helpful.  I had such a wonderful time.  I am so glad I did this, It has
been such a positive experience! And I can't wait to do it again! Do
you know when it is going to be on TV?
Michele Bonaccorso, Florida

Hi Al!  WE had a blast!!  Just got back to the rain and cold, I still don’t know why we live here!!  Thanks again for everything!!  Jackie rocked the house and is already talking about Vegas!!  Viva Las Vegas!!  Talk soon!!
Callie Marunde, Washington

Thanks to you and your staff for re-welcoming me in to the WTF tent! It was an honor and pleasure to share the playing field and stage with such a stellar group of women.
Rory Kelley, New York

Thank you!!! It was so great being there.
Melissa Grady, California

I had a great time. I went to get my feet wet and now I'm excited to compete in Vegas. Fortunately my husband works for the airlines and getting to FL isn't a problem so I want to come out to train a few times after the beginning of the year.
Michelle Kesterson, Texas
We are knee deep in snow here now…. But it doesn’t bother me. In my mind I’m still basking in the warm breeze and fresh air smell of Florida. I have terrific memories of the sights, sounds, and people of Tampa. I felt so alive while being surrounded by other liked-minded WTF athletes! It’s such a privilege to be part of your WTF fitness world-wide family. Patty Mitchell was so kind to drive a few of us back and forth to the event. Anne Groff was a hoot and has a smile that lights up the room. Chatting with her and Tina Durkin and you in the lobby over that weekend was awesome. Hanging with Jody St. Clair and Marianne Colon was great as well. I caught up on my zzzz on the way back to Winnipeg. I ended up handing out 3 WTF Magazines to a few ladies on the plane and one flight attendant!!!! They all asked about the WTF tank top I was wearing. I was beaming because I have a passion for talking about fitness.
Bernadette Purpur, Manitoba, Canada

Comments from Vegas

Hey Al, thanks so much for caring...I am SOOOO looking forward to the next tri-fitness.  Even though I didn't get to compete in all of it, I absolutely loved it.  You're the greatest for doing all of this for us girls.  I know it's a ton of work, but I bet it feels worth it when a show is completed.  My hamstring is feeling much better since I have the BEST doc in the world rehab-ing it (my wonderful husband of course).  Oh, yeah some of the girls were asking if Jerod could help out with first-aid/taping/providing ice...etc. at upcoming events.  I'm sure it's hard for Mimi to be completely available if she is competing at the same time.  Let me know what you think about that. 
Ida Allen, Wisconsin

Congrats on the Vegas show.  You did a great job!!!  It was very well run!   Steve and I had a terrific time.  We enjoyed getting to know several WTF girls and their families.  WTF is such a challenging competition but the participants are so nice it makes all the hard work with it.
Kathleen Wilson, Georgia

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate in your
competition.  I will gladly be attending the show next year.  It was an
awesome experience and my husband and I had a very enjoyable time.  Thank
you once again to all the volunteers and sponsors of the show.
Maria Trimm, Texas

Hi Al,
I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoyed my first WTF competition.  Everyone was helpful and encouraging.  Thanks so much for all your hard work. 
Heather Fairbanks, California

Hey Al- I just wanted to say Thanks for everything!!! You truly have a heart
of gold and it is an honor to know you. I am hoping that I will be able to
see ya soon-You Rock
Amy Perry, California

Thanks Al,
 I really did have a lot of fun. And everyone I met was so great. How big does the Tampa show get? My little can't wait to try her run at the kids obstacle course!
Stephanie Onorato, Texas

Al, Thank you for a wonderful show, all your hard work and efforts paid off.  It was an incredible 5 days of making new friendships and strengthening old ones. The competition itself was inspirational, challenging and personally gratifying.  I have watched the WTF grow steadily these past 7 years and it just keeps getting better and better.
Thanks Al--we love you!
Paula Jager, Florida

 
Al, how often do you hold these events?  I see that there is on in November, is there another one after that?  I am trying to plan my life around your events . It was so awesome I can't wait to do better next time.
Alma Ladouceur, Canada
I really had a great time at the competition. I met a lot of great people and everyone was really nice. I thought it was really cool when you were encouraging me up the rope wall on my second run. It really helped a lot and got me to push and get over. I really appreciate it.
It's really cool the way you get to know each and every person, and it really made me feel like I was a part of the whole competition.
Thanks again and I look forward to the next competition! Hope you have a safe trip home.
Joan Jontilano, California

Well, I went back to practice today, in 107 degree heat.  It feels just like Vegas!  Only 5 other ladies showed--Izy, Janelle, and 3 newbies!  I have to thank you for taking such great care of Izy--as I knew you would.  She is so motivated; mark my word, you will not recognize her next year!  Her mother asked her about it, but she said she couldn't put her emotions and feelings into words, all she could say was, "you have to experience it to understand how empowered the WTF has made me feel."
Sandra Augustin, California

Hi Al,
I had a blast and achieved the goals I set for myself.  I am already planning my training for next year.  Thank you for all the encouragement.
Hope Gagne, Massachusetts

Hi Al! i had a great time. i am in Greece for about two weeks (vacation and visiting family). So, I have had one trip after the next. I left the states on Thursday, after work. I don't think I have recovered from Vegas yet!
I'm looking forward to competing again. I plan on improving on the course and fitness skills. I was a bit disappointed with myself during the fitness skills because I did so much better when I trained. As far as the obstacle course goes, I haven't practiced on one since the camp. i just did some sprinting drills like you told me to do. I think i am going to try the dance routine next time around. I'm sure it takes a lot of work, but the routines look fun!
Have a safe trip back to Florida. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care Al-
Thanks again,
Sandy Kannelos, North Carolina
 

Hi Al, Thank you for sending me my scores. Now I have an ideal base of where to work from. Also I just want to say thank you for having this organization.  Before arriving to Las Vegas, I would look at the photos on the WTF website and wonder where would someone like me fit into a competition such as that? So I just decided that my goal would be to just complete the obstacle course and the fitness skills. I just want to leave satisfied with knowing that much. But I left with so much more. I never had that many people wanting to see me succeed at anything but during the whole competition I felt genuine support from complete strangers and friends alike. Again, I sincerely thank you for an amazing experience and a spiritual renewal.
Izy, California

Thanks so much for letting me know the results.  I really appreciate it!  I had an awesome time and can't wait until the next show! 
Donna Garrison, California

Thank you very much for sending my scores so quickly. I have to say that I
was an awesome experience and I can't wait to do it again. I wish there was
more than one contest per year! I, along with my sister and BROTHER are
going to do it next year and we all can't wait. I will be in touch and thank
you such a great weekend for all of us!!!
Janette Koshell, California

Hope everything is going well and that you have gotten some rest.
I had a lot of fun in Vegas and it definitely was a great experience, aside from pulling my hamstring of course.
Elizabeth Cardoso, Texas

The WTF competition was a great experience and I am definitely looking forward to next year!!!  I can not wait to start training again.  Thanks for putting on such an inspiring event!!!!  
 
Laisha Munoz, California
 

Al,
I just wanted to let you know what a great time I had this past weekend.  All the competitors are great and I'm so happy to be a part of the WTF family.  I hope to be able to attend the show in November.  I am definitely looking forward to Vegas next year.  Yes, I won big.  I walked away with over $1100.  Not bad for a first time gambler.  Take care, can't wait for pictures. 
Heidi Charest, Massachusetts\

Hi Al, First all thank you again for an awesome experience at the WTF 2005 show.  Both my family and I enjoyed it. Tyler hopes to get some of his buddies to join him next year. I am also hoping to requite some additional team members as well.  For as had as it was for what ever to train for the event this year is was worth every stitch, sore tendons, bruised tail bone, and bronchial infection. Thank you again for the opportunity to challenge myself to stay young and fit and to become a better competitor each year.  I also enjoy meeting new faces and it’s a great feeling when other competitors remember you from previous events. Also, for all my hard work and time away from my husband (Bret) he has decided to take me on a vacation to Hawaii in September without kids.  YAHHHHHHH!!
Gina Ellis, California

Hi Al
just wanted to say thank you again for doing such a great job over the weekend!  As a new competitor at the Tri-fitness competition I had a wonderful time and the other girls were incredibly helpful & friendly! Although I hope the competition grows, I also hope it doesn't grow so big so fast that it loses the camaraderie that it currently has, as that is probably one of the absolute best things about it!
Shelly Korobanik, Canada

Hi Al,
Heather and I had a blast in Vegas and are looking forward to coming back next year. Is there going to be another regional show in the Fall? Thanks again for all of your support!
Mary Beth Gonzalez, California

Thank you for all of your great work in putting this event together.  I really enjoyed myself and met some great people.  My complements on the organization in this year's event. I am hoping to do the fall event.  I was really disappointed in myself when I fell down during the shuttle run; I am hungry to get back and do it again.
Thank you once again and I look forward to our next event. :)
Valeria Leyva, California

It just hit me this morning--I am sooooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I was so tired Sunday and Monday that I couldn't absorb it all, but I slept 10 hours last night and woke up with a huge smile on my face I WON!!!!! What little energy I had after the contest was sucked out of me by my family and teammates with all their questions and nervous chatter!  They all had such an incredible experience!  During the contest, Arlene said that was her last one; then, she e-mailed me this morning saying she AND her husband will be back in NOVEMBER!!!  So much for early retirement!  Speaking of retirement--I'm taking off next year to build up my team.  They really needed a "mommy" to hold their hands and I want to do that for them next year.  Some of them were so scared that I thought they would faint!  EXCEPT, I will do the o.c. again!  I can't believe I got the same score as last year!!! Rhonda, Cherie, Monique, Mary, Kimberly and of course Arlene and Bobbie, plan on doing a routine next year, so we're getting started this FRIDAY!!!  They are soooo pumped up! Thanks again for a wonderful show.  The Sacramento Sista's and Bro's had an awesome time--we'll be back to win again!!!!!!!!!!!
Luv ya,
Sandra Augustin, California

 
Thank you so much again for such a well put together weekend.  I always love attending the WTF events; they are by far my favorite.  I look forward to competing again in the future and seeing all of you wonderfully supportive people. 
Heather Glenn, California

Hey Al,
I just wanted to say thank you for a fun, well run weekend.  I really had a great time and I hope to do it again soon.  You ran everything very smoothly!!  I'm sorry I had to leave before the awards were over, but I was cutting it close catching my plane as it was :o)
It was great to see you.
See ya soon
Gail Moyer, North Carolina

Hi Al,
I just wanted to thank you for organizing such a wonderful competition!  The weekend went superbly; you did an incredible job.  I had a great time!
Thanks,
Janis Louie, Utah

I also wanted to thank you very much for putting together such an amazing event. I truly appreciate the hard work and drive it takes to put something like this together. WTF has brought so much to my life and I can't imagine not having this organization to constantly challenge me and raise the bar of what is expected. I hope that it continues to grow with each year, because I truly believe it is the most fulfilling type of competition around.
Bobbie McGeragle, California
 

Hi! I wanted to thank you for a great time. Unfortunately I fractured my 3rd rib on the obstacle course (stupid balance beam). Anyway everyone was so amazingly nice and fun. Thanks for everything. I was wondering how i did in the physique portion and what my sucky time was when i fell.
Neely Simmons, Virginia

 
Thank you for the opportunity to compete in the WTF Las Vegas this past weekend.
I enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of all the ladies involved. I look forward to continue training for and participating in another WTF event.  I do plan to build part of the course on our property to train this fall.  I have spoken with my friends in Seattle and they are interested in participation in the WTF.  Perhaps we can get a team together for next year.
Thanks again
Susie Hoverson, Washington

AL, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK IN PUTTING ON A GREAT SHOW.  MOVING THE FITNESS SKILLS TO THE THEATRE WAS A GREAT IDEA.  THERE WAS ENOUGH ROOM FOR THE COMPETITIORS AS WELL AS THE SPECTATORS.  THE OBSTACLE, ROUTINES AND SKILLS RAN FAST AND SMOOTHLY.  ONCE AGAIN AL, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK FOR PUTTING ON A GREAT SHOW!  WHAT LEVEL OF COMPETITION! THATS WHAT MAKES IT SO FUN, BECAUSE THE CALIBUR OF ATHLETES IS SO HIGH.
JEN CHEN-EDWARDS, CALIFORNIA
                          

Hope you are having a safe trip home. We just got home ourselves this morning. I just want to say "Thanks!!" for running such a smooth and organized event....you did a fantastic job and worked very hard. Hope you had a "Happy Birthday" too.
Laurie Hebert, Florida

Thank you so much for putting on such a great show in Vegas.  I had a blast!! I can't wait until next year! It was great to get to meet you.  You worked sooo hard for all of us.  I hope you got to relax and enjoy yourself a little bit after the show.  I know I'm still trying to recover!:)
Robin Sinclear, California

Hey Al
 
Thank you for an incredible experience.  The Vegas competition was my first and I was so inspired by the girls especially Jennifer Williams and her Dallas team that I have already started to put together a team in Vancouver so we will hopefully be ready for next year.
I am so sorry that I had missed the awards.  I BROKE MY FOOT!!!  Right after the competition I broke my foot jumping onto a marble floor and could not make the awards and had to go home.  I am now in a cast and trying to stay positive. 
Thank you for a great time and I look forward to seeing you next year.
Kristina Bangma, Canada

 
Hey Al! Congratulations on a great job in Vegas! I hope you've gotten some rest since coming back. I had lots of fun. I can't wait to do it again. Hey, I was wondering if you could send me my scores. I was so exhausted after every event that I forgot to write my times down.
Thanks Al. See you soon.
Ceci.Santos, Florida
HEY AL, BEFORE I FORGET TO TELL YOU, PLEASE PASS WORD TO YOUR STAFFERS/VOLUNTEERS THAT THEIR SUPPORT WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED.  NOT ONLY DID THEY DO A GREAT JOB WORKING THE COMPETITION BUT THEY WERE WONDERFUL CHEERLEADERS ON TOP OF IT.  I AM SURE MOST OF US WERE TOO STRESSED AND PREOCUPIED TO HAVE THANKED THEM, BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY APPRECIATED.
JEN CHEN-EDWARDS, CALIFORNIA

Thanks so much Al!!!  I had an amazing time.  I'm definitely looking forward to next year!
Barbara Wylegly, Canada

Thank you,
It was so much fun...I’m getting ready for next year...
Emily Gregg, California

... THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!      I had a blast this past weekend. such an amazing experience.   So yes you will definitely be seeing more of me........... What are the next WTF shows coming up?
Janelle Haney, California

Al,
Thank you so much for a fantastic time. This have given me a new outlook and how fit I really want and need to be and will be spending the next year with WTF in mind.
I look forward to seeing you and all the WTF girls soon.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Acevedo, California

Yo AL....
Thanks so much for EVERYTHING!!!  It was a lot of FUN!  I know I had good results swim suit & routines) and I know I need to work on other things (skills).  But hey...I made to Las Vegas with WTF. 
I want to tell you THANK YOU for the time you put into to coach us.  You have really made it challenging and fun to sweat on workouts again.  It is a great goal to try to reach...a better time or more reps.  Just as you would say, get it done.  Really you are a great person and again thank you!
Welcome home!  C U Soon.  Thanks for my results on Las Vegas.
Yo-Adriane Kulvinskas, Florida

Al,
Thanks sooooooooooo much.  I could not have done it without you.  I am already preparing for next year  I am very happy with my performance (except the bench press- I am working on that - ha! ha!). So, I promise I will do better next year. Right now I am eating (yea!!!) and preparing for my wedding in November.  I will stay in touch. Again THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!  YOU ARE THE GREATEST AND THE BEST COACH!!
Love,
Frances Glenn, Georgia
Hi Al...
Thank you so much for taking the time to send my individual results.  I really appreciate it.  I had the best experience at your competition.  Being my first experience, I couldn't have been any happier with my results.  I rave about your competition to everyone and as it turns out, we might have a bigger group of competitors from our area next time.
Sherlyn Roy, California

Thanks Al!
I did have a great time in Vegas and I am really looking forward to competing again.
I just talked to Darla, and she told me about the picture with the kids, the fitdreamteam.com, and also mentioned the possibility of getting to train with you in Tampa!!  I would love that, and I know it would help tremendously. 
I'm going to get to work on the picture tonight.  Hopefully I can get my boys to sit still long enough to pose for a picture with me!
Thanks for that extra 7/8ths on the bench! I was so close, and so frustrated with myself that I couldn't get that last one up.  But afterward I realized that 49 is still a pretty awesome accomplishment. And it's what won the skills for me!
Robin Sinclear, California

What's up Coach????  I had such a blast in Vegas this year.  Thank you so much for everything!!!!!  I am very happy with my results...... I think you put on a phenomenal show this year.  I am very grateful to be apart of such an awesome event.  The girls were outstanding and I always love the reunion of friends every year. Hope you are doing well.  Take care ........
Jessan Romans, California

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I luv ya Coach! That was crazy and fun! Well, good job, Coach! You got through another Vegas Competition without major trauma.  I'm really proud of you.  You really know how to put together a show.  Fitness skills and awards were awesome in the theater. Anyway, I wanted to organize a birthday thing for you, Patty and Johanna the next few days. Can you email me addresses of all the Tampa girls/guys. I have a few but not all of them. I was thinking of doing a dinner thing Coguina Blue near your house, during a live band night. A hawaiian theme for you.  I would love to do that for you.
Caroline Portugal, Florida
I had a great time.  4 more of my trainers want to do it next year.  FYI, I plan on winning next year. Please keep me posted on any training camps for the obstacle course.  If you ever have one on the West coast, I have a lot of people who would love to play... I supervise 80 trainers and they all thought it looked like fun.  If you are ever in LA, please stop by the Sports Club LA.  I'll have one of my best trainers run you through some obstacles ;) By the way, I saw Sarah and her little boy, Troy, last weekend, I told her all about the competition.  She is doing great and looking beautiful. 
Gretchen Ritter, California

Excellent! Thanks so much Al I know you are a busy guy, but I also know that all of the competitors sincerely appreciate that you take the time and effort to organize such a great event!  I will absolutely be back next year and hope to bring a few more “newbies” to compete too! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Shelly Korobanik, Canada

Al, Thank you and I had a great experience.  I will be back and hopefully will be fully fit to do the obstacle course better rather than coming off knee surgery.  Thanks again.
Veronica Hudgell, Texas

The show was great, Al!  Everything ran so smoothly and it was very professional.  You should be proud of your hard work . . . I’m proud of you
Patty Mitchell, Florida

Al,
Thanks for the encouragement!  I had a great time in Vegas and you're right Steve had lots of luck at the tables...paid for all my WTF expenses for the competition, trip and still had $2500.00 in my pocket!   My friend, Jennifer Aaron, who came to Vegas to see what she is getting into for the Tampa competition is going to email you to schedule a training time with you.  We will both come to Tampa to train one weekend in September.  Can't wait to learn all of your secrets so I can accomplish my goal of completing the obstacle course in 1:00!!!
Kathleen Wilson, Georgia

My dearest Al...You surely are one amazing and crazy man. I love the crazy part, don't you?!  Of course I appreciate ALL that you do. Isn't it just wonderful to think you have made a difference in soooo many lives? For REAL!! I think one of my favorite responses you got so: "How often do you hold these events....I am trying to plan my life around your events."  As funny as that is.....I AGREE!!:)  I look on line just to see if I can get low airfare to come see you,  I mark my appointment book and cancel appointments if necessary.  Al, I think we are addicted to you. Be in touch. Love you Cutch!:)
Anne Groff, Pennsylvania

I am still in an “unbelievable” mode after this past WTF!! I left for a 12 day vacation up north and it still hasn’t registered that I placed at the competition. As you can tell, I am thrilled! I also wanted to compliment you on how organized and smoothly run the days went. You did a terrific job! I thought this July would be my last WTF…. But there is one thing nagging at me to do…doing the course under a minute!! Any ways, I will be seeing you again and once again I am grateful for all your words of wisdom!
Kathy Gordon, Texas

We love you Al! You are the best coach ever!
Caroline Portugal, Adriane Kulvinskas, Edna Talmadge, Amy Janas, Florida

You are so loved and appreciated! Thank you for all you do for us year round.
Melissa Lake, Florida

You are the best man. Thank you for your unconditioned inspiration and support.
Dione Miller, Florida

You are so loved and you have such a big heart. You are one of a kind!
Amy Pierce, Florida
I would like to thank you for what you’ve done. Do you have any idea what gift you have? You have been such a positive influence on those athletes. There is a real special way about the way you talk to, encourage and coach… even cheer. The slowest in the group finishes like a hero when you are around. That enthusiasm is very contagious. Now all the team has caught it… it is going nationwide! What a group….what an organization… what a guy name Al. Thank you for all your hard work. As a mother I appreciate what you’ve done. You have no idea how many lives you have touched. I had a great time in Vegas!
Belinda Talley (Adriane Kulvinskas’ mom), Alabama

I had a great time in Vegas and look forward to 2006. I appreciate all of your hard work planning and facilitating the WTF. Training for the competition really has made such a difference in my
lifestyle.
Lynn Erikson, California
Thanks Al.  I had a wonderful time.  This was my first competition and I swore I would never do it again, but not only am I going to do it again but I am rounding up the troops at my gym to join me.  There are at least three others that I know of that are going to compete with me in Vegas next year. 
Heather Fairbanks, California