Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Headlines

Chris performs on the trapeze wire.

Q. What is your major here at Western?

A. My major is exercise science with a minor in health and I am a super senior.

I hear you are into many different activities. Which one is your favorite?

I am a trapeze artist and it is by far the thing I enjoy doing most.

How did you get started as a trapeze artist?

My mom was a trapeze artist in the late 70's before I was born. When I was growing up she was a nurse at a performing arts camp in the summer. It was at these camps where I learned how to trapeze.

Are you involved with any trapeze groups or camps in Oregon?

No. Trapeze as a sport has not really taken off here. Trapeze classes are quite expensive and can be maintained only in larger cities such as Boston or New York. As soon as spring term ends each year I head directly to the east coast to work and teach at a variety of camps that teach people how to trapeze. I travel up and down the east coast to different summer camps throughout the summer and do not get back to Oregon until just before fall term begins.

What is the best thing about trapezing?

It is the best hobby I have ever come across. While as a sport or hobby it is still pretty small, I believe it is on the rise and becoming one of the new extreme sports. What I would like to do is bring it to Oregon because I feel it could benefit a lot of different people. Maybe bring it to the college so that students could learn to do something exciting, instead of bowling.

Why do you think trapeze is beneficial?

It is more than just a great physical workout. When I began to learn how to trapeze it was a challenge because there are so many fears that come along with flying through the air. Because I stuck with it and learned how to do it I am a much more confident person and am now willing to try anything.

What kind of safety precautions do you have to take as a trapeze artist?

When you are a beginner you are strapped around the waist with someone holding onto a cable on the ground. When you fall they are able to give a bit of tension to make your fall into the net a bit easier. When you get better you must learn how to fall into the net correctly, which is landing on your back. If you land incorrectly you could seriously injure yourself; you just need to be careful and learn how to do it.

What kind of other activities are you involved with on campus?

When I was growing up I was involved with a number of sports. Everything from wrestling, football, track and swimming kept me pretty occupied. Now that I am a college student I am the assistant coach of the cheerleading squad and am a member of ASWOU Senate.

How do you like being a member of the Senate?

It is really a new experience for me. Getting involved with the senate has given me an insight on how politics work. A lot of the debates we take on are ones that concern students directly, since the students are the ones submitting their concerns through student concern reports.

How do students submit their concerns to the senate?

Student concern reports can be found around campus wherever brochures and fliers are laying out. Any student can fill them out and submit them if they feel it is necessary. •

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