February 7, 2007

Stepping it up

       They decided to tackle Saturday's 24th Annual Bop to the Top race up the stairs of a Downtown high-rise wearing 55 pounds of protective gear.  And for these overachievers, one trip wasn't enough.  Steve Coover and Eric Wiseman climbed the OneAmerica Tower's 806 steps four times.  "I don't have to prove anything," said Coover, 38, a Bloomington firefighter.  His shirt was damp with sweat after his second trek up the stairs.  "We're trying to motivate other firefighters to stay in shape."  Wiseman, 29, a firefighter in White River Township near Greenwood, said he was starting to feel the burn in his legs as he rested and had a Power Bar.  "My calves are starting to get a little bit sore," Wiseman said, "but I know I got two more in me."

         Organizers were thrilled as this year's Bop drew a record of 1,100 participants to the building at 200 N. Illinois St.  Founder Don Carr said Saturday's event has raised more than $41,000 thus far, more than the $40,000 it raised for Riley Hospital for Children last year.  Carr is president of the Tuxedo Brothers event management company.

         One year, one person died after suffering a heart attack during the event.  But this year, medical officials said injuries and problems were minor, with one woman taken to the hospital after suffering memory loss and dizziness.

         Firefighters from around the state were well-represented.  Hamilton County Professional Firefighters Local 4416 fielded a team of about 30 and raised $12,500, said Scott Oaks, 39, a Noblesville firefighter who bopped in a T-shirt and athletic shoes.  Nicole Detrick, Carol Cramer, Julie Meyers, and Stacey Joslin, who called themselves "The Step-Sisters," went up as a team.  Detrick, 37, Fishers, said she felt a little soreness in here chest immediately after completing the trip through the dry and slightly dusty stairwell.  "Our glutes might be feeling it tomorrow," Detrick said.  The climb was quick, with most participants finishing in less than 10 minutes.  Several reported hearing the eerie echoes of heavy breathing as they made the climb.  "It's such a different kind of workout than running," said Cramer, 47, Indianapolis.  "It's quick and over."  Meyers, 48, Fishers, said the Bop was a blast.  Joslin, 25, Dublin, Ind., said she was glad the money was going to a good cause.  "Feel the burn for Riley," Joslin said.  LaTonoya Sultzer, 37, was trying to catch her breath but said it felt good.  "I feel liberated now that it's over with," the Indianapolis woman said.  "I guess I feel liberated because I didn't think I was going to be able to do it."  The oldest bopper signed up this year was Bob Terry, 79; the youngest was Alex Carr, 4, organizers said.  Hilary Broderick, 17, completed the trek with three of her classmates from Martinsville High School.  "It was fun.  I'll do it again now that I'm through," Hilary said.  "But halfway through, I was like, 'I'm never doing this again!'"  (Reprinted with permission from the Indianapolis Star)

  
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