NAME: Mike Polzin AGE: 37 HOME: Racine, WI OCCUPATION: Software Engineer RACES: 1999 Pathfinder Challenge, 2000 2-Day Pathfinder Challenge, 2000 ASA Warrior's Adventure Race, 2001 2-Day Pathfinder Challenge, 2002 Coast to Coast Challenge, 2003 Driftless Race, 2004 Southern Kettle Moraine Challenge. BACKGROUND Mike is the founder of Mid-America Xtreme, a world-class adventurer, race director for the MAX Adventure Race and is one of the top event organizers in the world. Mike is an experienced adventure racer and has competed in many adventure races from single to multi-day expedition length races in the United States and abroad. "It is important for me to continue to compete in events so that I do not lose focus, it reminds me of why I got into adventure racing in the first place, and what it is like to be a racer", say Mr. Polzin. "It is an intense and very spiritual sport and the dynamics of my team make it a truly enjoyable experience." Mike has been involved in directing in excess of 25 events over the past several years, including many single, multi-day, and expedition length races. Mike and his teams latest expedition length race, held in March 2003 in the country of Costa Rica led competitors on a 4 - 5 day journey that started on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, into the rainforest, through the mountains, to the foot of the active Arenal Volcano, and over the continental divide before finally ending on the Caribbean coast. Mike has successfully launched several other companies, worked as a whitewater guide, and is a PADI certified open water diver.

NAME: Keith Lamb AGE: 39 HOME: Pewaukee, WI OCCUPATION: Self Employed RACES: 1999 Watertown Adventure Challenge, 1999 Pathfinder Challenge, 2000 ASA Warrior's Adventure Race, 2004 Southern Kettle Moraine Challenge. BACKGROUND Like most people Keith was introduced to adventure racing while watching the Eco Challenge on the Discovery channel.After a year of training he did his first race at the Watertown Adventure Challenge and Keith was hooked. Mike needed volunteers for the first Mid-America Xtreme Race and he jumped at the opportunity and was honored when Mike asked him to join on as a team member. Keith enjoys maintaining the website, helping to organize team training schedules & races, and he is the race director for the Fall Classic.

NAME: Tom Grow AGE: 38 HOME: Morton, IL OCCUPATION: Environmental Consultant RACES: 1999 Pathfinder Challenge, 2000 Watertown Adventure Challenge, 2000 ASA Warrior's Adventure Race, 2001 2-Day Pathfinder Challenge, 2002 Coast to Coast Challenge, 2003 WAR Adventure Race and numerous triathlons, mountain bike races & road races. BACKGROUND The team first met Tom when he volunteered at the first Mid-America Xtreme Race and was asked to join the team shortly after. Tom is a devoted father and husband; he manages to balance his team actives and family life and spends quality time with his wife Jennifer, daughter Hannah and son Gabriel. Tom never sits still and when he isn't with the family or team you can bet he is out Rock or Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Mountain Biking, Hiking, or Skiing, you name it and he's doing with it with passion.

NAME: Brian Weber AGE: 49 HOME: Lake Mills, WI OCCUPATION: Social Services RACES: Watertown Adventure Challenge 1998 and 99, 2000 2-day Pathfinder Challenge, ASA Warrior Adventure Challenge, 2001 2-Day Pathfinder Challenge, Coast to Coast Challlenge 2002, numerous yacht racing events, tin man triathlons, and windsurfing events. BACKGROUND Brian joined the team in Spring of 2000 and is the co-director and founder of the Watertown Adventure Challenge in 1998. He was responsible for planning and facilitating the largest contingent (250 South African Boy Scouts) ever to leave South Africa. Embarked on a 28-day camping trip through Canada, Mexico and America. Try taking 250 boys white water rafting down the Snake River. Now that's adventure! Brian also founded the Mid-America Xtreme Youth Camps, held every summer, the team lead by Brian takes youth for a week of adventure and fun. His interests include sailing, adventure travel, windsurfing, skiing, biking, and spending time with his two daughters.

NAME: Laura Coleman AGE: 27 HOME: Madison, WI OCCUPATION: Environmental Technician RACES: Ironman Wisconsin 2002,2003; multiple other triathlons; Watertown Adventure Challenge 2000; ASA Warrior's Adventure Challenge 2001; 2-Day Pathfinder Challenge; Coast to Coast Challenge 2002 BACKGROUND We met Laura when she was a competitor at the Watertown Challenge. Laura's 2-person team was very impressive and we were in contact with her after the race. We offered Laura a chance to train with the team and she took the opportunity and ran with it. Laura was part of Brian's sprint team at the ASA Warrior's Adventure Race and she has showed the spirit and attitude we were looking for in a team member. Laura's interest in competitive athletics began about 10 years ago with swimming. She swam on a summer team for about 8 years and was an All-State swimmer and member of the track team during 4 years in high school. Laura felt she was ready for something new in college, and competed with the UW-Madison Women's Rowing Team her freshman year. Laura graduated from UW Madison in 2002 and was a 3-year member of the Triathlon Team. She earned 2 BS degees in zoology and conservation biology, with a certificate in environmental studies.

FRIENDS OF THE TEAM

NAME: Kevin Rassi AGE: 30 HOME: Morton, IL OCCUPATION: Maintenance Manager BACKGROUND Kevin and Tom Grow are brothers-in-law and began climbing together in 1999. Since then, Kevin's skills as a mountaineer, rock climber and ice climber have improved rapidly. He has been assisting Mid-America set and run the ropes sections of our races with Tom for the past three years. Kevin, once again showed his dedication to the Team by stepping up with very short notice to race the 2003 WAR Challenge in excellent fashion. His relaxed style and never quit attitude makes him suited for the adventure racing lifestyle as well as being able to put up with Tom on their many mountaineering/climbing exploits. We consider Kevin a highly valued asset and are lucky to have him aboard.

Brian Dopke was the co-founder of the Watertown Adventure Challenge which later became the Watertown Challenge. Brian has sponsored the race and supported our organization beyond what any of us would have asked. He also is the owner of Cool Bikes located in Watertown, WI one of the best bike shops you will find in the Midwest.