Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/621126
K R I S TA S E R I A N N I MEET THE ATHLETE In the ring By Mae Jacobson Portland, Oregon, native and 2015 University of Washington graduate Richard Vansiclen recently joined the WAC. A lifelong athlete, Richard fought at the U.S. Olympic boxing trials in the light heavyweight division this past December 7–12 in Reno, Nevada. We caught up with Richard to learn more about his boxing career and his dream to write a book. When did you start boxing? I took a year off from sports in 2011 after deciding not to try to walk on to the UW football team my freshman year. I joined the UW boxing team in 2012 because I missed competitive sports. How did you reach the U.S. Olympic trials? I fought in a pre-Olympic trials qualifier tournament last summer in Colorado Springs and won. That qualified me for the trials. There are only seven other boxers in my division fighting to be the 2016 Rio hopeful. You fought at The Main Event at the WAC in 2014 and 2015. How was it? It is the best show to fight in without question. The Huskies have home-field advantage. It's great having everyone in the crowd rooting for you. The energy in the room is electrifying, and it pushed me to win my fight in the final round last year. As a new WAC member, how do you plan on using the Club? I'm looking forward to using the WAC to play basketball. I also like the beautiful weight rooms, the pool, and the locker rooms. Most important, I'm looking forward to meeting new people. I'm honored to be a member because I really like the amenities and the relationships the WAC has to offer. I think the WAC can really help me better myself for the future. What is your dream for your boxing career? I would love to win the Olympic gold medal and have a professional debut. What do you do when you're not boxing? I like to cook and cut hair. I am also working on writing a book that I hope to finish by 2018. Do you have any advice for aspiring boxers or other young athletes? Absolutely box for UW! J.J. Watt said: "Success isn't owned, it is leased and rent is due every day." To be great at anything, you need to work hard. 58 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 the weekend warrior, or the actively aging, an FMS—developed by noted physical therapist and strength coach Gray Cook— will uncover poor biomechanics in order to determine your unique road map to greater movement, coordination and stability. Screening starts at $35 Yoga Private yoga instruction tailored to your experience and goals. Starts at $75 Boxing Learn boxing fundamentals, speed, and agility with focus pad and interval bag work. $75/hour PILATES For more information or to sign up for any of the following Pilates sessions, contact the Fitness Coordinator at fitness@wac.net or 206.839.4781. Pilates Apparatus Pilates is the ideal core workout. Semi- private instruction available to those with instructor approval. Members only. Private: $65/50-minute session, $200/intro four-session package (new clients only) Semi-private: $50 per person/session 4th Floor Studio A. Package pricing available. Pilates Tower Experience the power of the Tower! The Pilates Tower Wall Unit apparatus is a great way to take your Pilates experience to the next level. Instructor approval required. $25/session, package discounts available Two-person minimum/four-person max 8th Floor FTR-B AQUATICS For more information or to sign up for any of the following classes, contact Aquatics Manager Kelly Parr at 206.464.3073 or kparr@wac.net. All sessions in the WAC pool. Toddler Time Tuesday and Thursday mornings are all about the little ones at the WAC pool. Come play in the water Tuesdays during Preschool Swim, with music, toys, and