I met sports photographer Rich Cruse at my 1st XTERRA– Richmond VA 2001.

Since then we have become close friends, but also we managed to do a lot of business together. He would shoot pics at races and make me look good- not an easy task- and I would offer it to the press and sponsors who would buy them off Rich. That way Rich made a living, I looked somewhat good, and the sponsors and magazines got great pics.

I attended Vineman 70.3 this past weekend to work at the Avia stand– my shoe sponsor. We worked the expo and race day, sold shoes and had great meals and wine afterward. Shoe designer Ike and I also brainstormed on the 2010 Avia AVI STOLTZ.

From the AVIA booth I saw Rich sprint across a big field with about 60lbs of camera gear flapping in the wind. I ran over and offered to help him carry. We got to the finish just before Aussie Joe Gambles, the winner. I wanted to give Rich’s camera back but he said:“Shoot!”

So I “shot”:

Thanks for the credit Rich!

 Rich Cruse has been shooting XTERRA since my 1st intro to dirty triathlon in 2001. Since then we have become great friends, and we have done a lot of “work” together.

Our working relationship:

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