As Deaflympics ends, Americans look homeward

by Martin Dale-Hench on September 15, 2009

As the Deaflympics crescendoed to an end Wednesday evening at Taipei Stadium, the U.S. contingent was thinking ahead about things they would do or eat back home or elsewhere. For one, Ronnie Zuchegno, a bowler, was resolute about the first thing he would eat when he returned home. "Mashed potatoes and gravy and corn," he said. These culinary items were largely absent from Taipei's restaurant menus. Mark Cross, a wrestler, said he was ready to go back after the first week in Taiwan. He also was not a big fan of Taiwanese cuisine and said he already had his first plate planned out. "I'm going to scarf a steak the first thing I get home," the Marylander said. Anton Jackson, who played a key role in the U.S. Men's Basketball Team's victory in the gold-medal match against Lithuania on Tuesday, said he would see his family and celebrate his new medal once he returns stateside. "I'd also like to travel here a bit more," Jackson said. "but you'll see me in the 2011 World Championships in Rome." Some athletes are going on extended vacations, such as Jim Cude, a water polo player. "I'm going to Palm Springs for four days after this," Cude said. "I'm just going to relax there." Cude's fellow teammate, Shahram Shahidi, of Los Angeles, probably will be the first to arrive home. "My home's just a bus ride from LAX," Shahidi said with a chuckle. "I'm going to rest and spend time with my wife." Some are wishing their travels were longer. Tae Kwon Do fighter Rusty Nawrocki currently is a Gallaudet student and will return directly to school after Taipei. "I wish I could stay here and travel," Nawrocki said, "and not go back to school. … I'll see my closest friends first and then go straight to sleep before my classes begin the next day." Zuchegno, who married his wife over videophone August 9th, also said he would spend valuable time with his new wife and his 20- and 6-month-old sons. "And the weather will be better in Rochester, New York. No more humidity, and it'll be 75 degrees there. Just right," he said.

As Deaflympics ends, Americans look homeward

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