Meet Eric Mace. Coach, Physical Therapist
Q: What inspired you to your current career?
A: I am a physical therapist and have always been interested in health. My grandmother was a DO and I didn’t really like the medication side of things and all of that. When physical therapy popped up in my life it had already become a popular career. I volunteered at the hospital and at an outpatient clinic in Flagstaff while getting my bachelor’s degree. I fell in love with the work, which led me to become a physical therapist.
Q: Tell us a little about what you do at Sedona Red Rock High School.
A: I’m the high school mountain bike coach. I started that nine years ago when I found out there are high school mountain bike clubs throughout the country; each state becomes its own chapter. I learned that Arizona had started a chapter. My son was in high school here and we both really liked hiking. I became aware that a lot of his friends never got out and hiked the trails, let alone mountain biked them. I took all the training to become a coach and learned all I could about the high school program. It’s way more than just mountain biking; it’s really youth development. And mountain bikes just happen to be a tool that helps youth develop. I got super excited about jumping on board with the program. We started with three kids and had about 20 kids on the team last year.
Q: How long have you lived in Sedona, and what brought you here originally?
A: I’ve lived in Sedona since 1996. I got my bachelor’s degree in Flagstaff and my master’s in Ohio. I knew I wanted to live somewhere in Northern Arizona. When getting close to graduation I applied for jobs everywhere from Prescott to Lake Powell. I got an interview in Sedona and accepted the job. I moved here right after graduation and have been here ever since!
Q; Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Sedona?
A: I’ve had some patients who are really into the alternative side of health: the crystals and vibrational power of gems and walking barefoot on the earth. This one person also treats people who have been through a lot of trauma in their lives. I guess people come to Sedona for that kind of care. It was so different from anything I’d been part of or experienced before, but to listen to her talk and watch how she helps heal people with her unique set of beliefs was fascinating to me. And she’s just one of many unique clinicians in this area.
Q: Is there anyone living or dead with whom you would love to have dinner? Why?
A: I guess it would be my dad’s dad, my grandfather, who was an important part of our family but was gone before I was born, and I don’t know a whole lot about him.
Q: What one piece of advice were you given that changed your life?
A: I guess the idea that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. That got me through college and many different tough times, and got me to go into physical therapy. Getting into school was a grueling and arduous process, and you don’t always get in on your first try, so that advice resonated well with me.
Q: When a friend comes to visit you in Sedona, where do you take them? What do you do with them?
A: I try to get them out on the trails for sure, whether it’s hiking or letting them borrow one of the mountain bikes I have in my quiver. It all depends upon their fitness level. If they’re very unfit, we’d probably drive to the Trailhead, observe the amazing views and walk 30 feet. If they’re in really good shape, I’d take them to Chicken Point, where you have great views and where the Pink Jeeps take the tourists. These are two iconic spots.
Q: How would your closest friend describe you?
A: I guess they would say I’m dedicated and persistent, and that I follow through on what I say I’m going to do and what I believe in.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: I’d say that exercise is a pathway to being successful in so many ways. It keeps you healthy; It helps bring clarity to your thinking; it helps you stay fit so you can enjoy the many things life has to offer, and helps prevent all kinds of terrible things such as anxiety and depression.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: My last job right before I buckled down and went to school full time was working for a trash guy. I had experienced being a diesel mechanic. While working there the trash company bid on a new area to remove trash that would also help reduce taxes in the new community. I knew I was the man for the job.
Q: What three words come to mind when you think of the word “home”?
A: When I think “home,” I definitely think Sedona. I think of being around people who are loving toward you. I think of a place where your point of view is accepted and acknowledged regardless of the other person’s point of view.
