Eckert-Rusher Letter

November 27. 1997

Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame

Attention: Selection Committee

Re: Nomination - Figure Skating Coach, Sue Susic Ervin

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my understanding that figure skating coach, Sue Susic Ervin is being considered for nomination to the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame. As I am a former skater, I have a few words I would like to say about Sue and her impact on myself and figure skating in general.

I skated competitively for the Wauwatosa Wisconsin Figure Skating Club from 1972 - 1983 during which
time Sue was coaching. Although she wasn’t my primary coach, she did help me from time to time with
technical aspects of my skating, and we always worked together in the annual production of Red, White
and Blades. Sue was an exciting and demanding coach and always expected the best from her skaters. As
a result, her skaters generally were the best performers!

Figure Skating in general was very important in helping me develop confidence, self-motivation,
self-discipline and the ability to work unending hours towards a goal. Obviously these skills were essential for me later on, as I went on to a different sport, rowing, at the age of seventeen. I certainly would not have had the same rowing success I enjoyed (1986 National Collegiate Champions. 1988 Olympics - 5th, & 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist) without the strong foundation that was built during my 10 years as a
skater.

The ability to work hard and strive to be the best also helped me become a Sports Physical Therapist and, most currently, take on the most demanding job as a mother of two.

Sue Susic Ervin and the sport of skating certainly had an enormous impact on my life, and I would love to see her in the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame.

Sincerely,

Cindy Eckert Rusher

721 Pleasant Avemue
Glenview, Illinois 60025