USASJ Story Project- Nov 8 JOHNSON/WELCH

Paul Johnson- Innsbruck '63.  Can you say 20.0?

Story No. 15

PAUL JOHNSON

Port Sanilac, Michigan

Skied out of Iron Mountain, Michigan

Part of the 1963 US team sent to Europe for winter

BOOKS BY THEIR COVER

Innsbruck '63 (l-r) John Bower, John Balfanz, Ralph Semb,
Paul Johnson, and Art Tokle

Back in 65 or 66 I was sent to represent USA at the Canadian Nationals with Willie Erickson and the Jacobson twins. We landed in Ottawa and one of the Jacobson boys needed help off the plane because of illness or too many free drinks offered by the stewardesses. We were approached by a dandy English accented gentleman traveling with his mother. Keep in mind we were young and stupid and knew nobody would travel with their mother. We giggled and poked each other’s ribs at the sight. We competed in the tournament where I think I was third or fifth but that is not the point. Our departure flight was scheduled way too soon so we were in a panic mode changing out of ski gear in the men's room at the airport. It was pretty much chaos and "Dummer" Jacobson claims he lost his plane ticket although I think he lost it playing acey deucey the night before. We are now up at the ticket counter trying to explain the predicament when this same dandy English accented gentleman, still with his mother, comes up and inquires as to the problem and our state of partial dress. He accepts Dummer's story and pulls out his check book, pays for Dummer's ticket, and says that "Your daddy can pay me back when and if he can". The name on the check was the late and great Peter Jennings (went on to be long time ABC News anchor). I learned in an instant about Books and Covers.

Story No. 16

BRIAN WELCH

Age 28

Scarborough, ME

Scarborough Ski Club, Lebanon Outing Club, NYSEF

Brian Welch in 2002 Olympics

Not to have a generic answer but in reflection of my ski jumping career it is tough to point out one moment in particular because there were so many.  If  I had to I would say the moment my name was announced while sitting on the bar during the 2002 Olympics, the noise and the excitement. Making the team was a real long shot and great personal and Eastern Team moment. Larry actually pranked me by using a discouraged voice up until the point he told me I made it. Willy Graves and I ran up and down the halls of the National Sports Academy for about an hour that night making sure everyone knew.

Growing up on the Eastern Program and National Programs the ski jumping community became family. We grew up together and shared most of our first life experiences together. There really aren't too many days where I'm not reminded of something we did. I remember very vividly the early careers of all the athletes currently on the team. Every moment I see them succeed truly is a great one.