Jaden Hibler has been around the block a few times. Ok, just once. He’s one of the youngest members of our team, and proud of it. He often will make “ageist” comments to yours truly, and once I almost cried, but then considered the source. I jest, you see, Jaden has a very dry sense of humor and a spot light on him without some humor would seem dishonest. Honestly, Jaden is a great guy, fun to be around, and an active member/volunteer for the team.

Duck Digest: Hey Jaden, when and why did you join QUAC?
Jaden Hibler: I joined QUAC in January of 2005 (geeze has it really been that long ago?) and I joined QUAC for a few reasons. I was trying to bulk up and get more toned, I had just come out and was looking for an interaction with a group of gay people outside the club scene, and everyone on QUAC is low drama and very friendly. My first day at practice people made me feel like we had been friends for 10 years. Oh yeah, did I mention the orgies in the shower afterwards? …I AM SO KIDDING [ed: Jaden IS kidding. This has never (or will ever) happen.]

DD: What keeps you coming back?
JH: The people, everyone there is really friendly and it makes working out that much more enjoyable.

DD: What’s your favorite thing about being a member of QUAC?
JH: Honestly the events that we host Ski and Swim, Aqua Aid and many others it’s a chance to meet people that you normally wouldn’t. Giving back to the community that has given so much to me, QUAC is not just a swim team it is its own community; in fact it’s almost like a big family if you want to go that far.

DD: We do. What got you into Swimming?
JH: Three words: boys in speedo’s! DUH!!! No but really I like the water but its good cardio and you don’t feel sweaty after your workout. ICK!

DD: Is there something about you that most people in QUAC would be surprised to hear?
JH: I am a top! Just kidding. Probably it would be that I love the outdoors, as long as it’s only day trips (I need a place to plug in my laptop). I like things like boating, hiking, ultimate Frisbee (even though I suck at it). In the winter I love to snowboard.

SALT LAKE CITY WINTERPRIDE AND QUAC SKI-N- SWIM
Co-Present “10 Gay Days” in Utah , February 8-17, 2008

Salt Lake City, UT- The Utah Pride Center and Queer Utah Aquatic Club (QUAC) have partnered this year to co-present Utah ’s biggest gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (GLBTQ) winter festival. The best of the Salt Lake WinterPride festival returns in 2008 now combined with the 10th annual QUAC Ski and Swim Weekend over Presidents Day weekend February 15 – 17.

Utah Pride Center ’s Executive Director Valerie Larabee explains that, “We produce this festival so that Salt Lake City can be a gathering place for everyone as a great locale for winter festivities. I hope that all our straight allies join us for this celebration and take the opportunity to enjoy our wide array of activities.”

The “10 gay days” run from February 8th through 17th with events including: bingo night with the Utah Cyber Sluts, an art exhibit at IAO Gallery, a movie night at the Tower Theatre featuring local directors, writers, and actors, family ice skating at the Gallivan Center, and a comedy variety show at Club Sound featuring local talent as well as comedienne Karen Ripley from San Francisco.

Gay Ski Day on February 16th will be hosted by Park City Mountain Resort. This year’s ski day was expanded to include not only downhill skiing, but snowshoeing, snow boarding, a NASTAR timed course, half pipe, the alpine coaster and a biathalon (timed skiing and swimming) as well. A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided at the Park City Mountain Resort for all community members and participants.

A US Masters sanctioned swim meet will be held on February 17th, along with QUAC’s international gold medal winning water polo players and divers, in friendly competition at the University of Utah Aquatic Center. “Last year we had athletes fly in from approximately 20 states and Canada . We certainly expect to see continued growth as we expand WinterPride and Ski and Swim,” says Dave Robinson, chairman of QUAC Ski and Swim Weekend. “We are working closely with SKI OUT UTAH, the Salt Lake Visitors Bureau, Utah Sports Commission and Park City Chamber of Commerce to build this into one of the premier winter events in the country.”

Brandie Balken from the Utah Pride Center agrees. “QUAC is one of the best known gay athletic organizations in the country. We are thrilled to combine efforts for WinterPride to strengthen Utah ’s GLBT community. There are over 30 independent gay organizations functioning in Utah , so we hope each organization recognizes the Utah Pride Center as a resource and potential partner for future needs and functions.”

Winterpride will conclude with the social party of the season, celebrating Utah ’s own version of Mardi Gras. The Golden Ski Boy and Girl will be crowned along with NASTAR medals, swimming medals and other prestigious awards. Tickets and pre-registration are required for most events, and will be available online at www.slcwinterpride.org Several other events are also offered, so visit the website for a complete listing. Registration and ticket sales begin on January 7th and end January 31st. Event prizes will also be awarded throughout the evening of the closing party, and participants will need to save their ticket stubs for prize announcements.

Mark your calendars from February 8th through 17th, and tell your friends and family. We’ll see you at WinterPride/Ski-n- Swim 2008!