Student jugglers show off skills

John Satriand broke his back six years ago in a construction accident. He spent the next two years crippled, lying on his back, and physical therapy wasn't helping.

Then one night, while watching Cirque du Soleil, Satriand, 38, was inspired by world-renowned juggler Viktor Kee. The next day he picked up three tennis balls and became a juggler himself.

"It was the right amount of physical activity I needed," said Satriand. "Not too little, not too much. Within two months, I was healed."

Satriand was one of more than 200 jugglers from across the country who met in Ritchie Coliseum this weekend for the 15th annual "Congress of Jugglers," a three-day event sponsored by the University of Maryland Juggling Club.

Passersby and participants both inside and outside Ritchie witnessed a 10-person circle of jugglers catching and throwing flaming clubs, seven children all riding around on a one-person unicycle and others riding a six-person bicycle complete with a sun umbrella, among other feats of wonder.

The free performance, which happened Saturday night, was dominated by professionals. But throughout the rest of the weekend, professionals and amateurs alike were found showing off their skills and trying to impress.

Dan Shurlow, 55, came to the event during a 2,100-mile juggling vacation that has taken him from northern Michigan to Richmond, Va.

"I just came to hang out and learn some stuff," said Shurlow, who with his beard and glasses would look like Santa Claus if not for his bright, lime-green Midland Juggling Club T-shirt.

The weekend's event also featured a visit from world-class juggler Mark Nizer, who has appeared on HBO, MTV and CNN Headline News.

The "Congress of Jugglers" was founded by Wil Allyn, 50, for the area's jugglers to display their talents. It's been held on-campus since 1996, he said.

"I've been juggling for 40 years, but I'm not as good as some of these 10-year-olds," said Allyn, while pointing to the many children practicing their skills.

Daniel Hodge, 6, juggled four large rings, landing them around his neck at Saturday's show. His brothers Andrew, 13, and Chris, 12, juggled seven balls each. The three brothers learned to juggle last year after watching a video.

The show also included juggling comedian Michael Rosman, who juggled fruits while appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman, throwing them into a blender attached to his head in order to make a smoothie.

His trick for Saturday's show was a less healthy treat. He flipped a flaming marshmallow from his foot onto a chocolate graham cracker, which he gripped with his teeth, creating an incendiary smore.

Freshman journalism major Christian Kloc also performed, juggling seven balls by bouncing them off the ground.

"Juggling's really relaxing because you can't think about anything else while you're doing it," said Kloc. "It comes in handy during final exam week. It's a great way to procrastinate, too."

Some students may recognize junior Russian language and culture and Spanish language and literature major Greg Feehan from the First Look Fair. He has spent the past few fairs representing the club by standing on a chair juggling knives.

"Last night I caught my leg on fire while juggling flaming clubs," said Feehan, who quickly put out the flame after it scorched his leg hairs. "It's not the first time that's happened."

Contact reporter Mark Cullip at newsdesk@dbk.umd.edu.