Survive, then thrive
By Matias Saari
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Jordan has affected more than just his student-athletes
"Dan's positive influence helps co-workers realize what's important in life, set higher standards for themselves and set higher standards for their programs," UAF athletic director Forrest Karr wrote in an e-mail. "Dan's positive attitude helps make the university and the greater Fairbanks community better places to work and live."
Nearly 10 years earlier, Amber Darland, also then a UAF rifle shooter, witnessed Jordan's accident and rushed for help. They became best friends, but it took seven years before they were a committed couple. That occurred in 2006 after Darland moved into the vacant half of a duplex that Jordan had purchased.
"Pretty soon it was no longer a duplex. It was a house. We knocked down a wall," Darland said. The couple was married in June in Fairbanks.
Darland said Jordan is both honest and open-minded
"The thing I admire most about him is his integrity. He's always honest, whether it be in competition or just in his life. He's never afraid to tell you what he thinks," Darland said. "He's also a very fair and objective person."
Like everyone, Jordan has his bad days and times of frustration.
Jordan cites the one or two times each winter when he has trouble getting around in freezing temperatures or deep snow.
"This is stupid. I'm in a frickin' wheelchair. Why do I live in Fairbanks, Alaska? I could live anywhere else," Jordan said he asks himself. "That always kind of makes me laugh, but it doesn't last for long. Maybe five minutes, then it wears off."
All Jordan needs to do is think about Darland, UAF rifle and his beloved surroundings.
"I've got my dream job and my dream place to live with my dream woman," he said.
Matias Saari is a freelance writer and sports reporter at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
UAF alumni featured in this story: Amber Darland, '02; Dan Jordan, '01