July 30, 2008 – The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) has lots on the go. Applications are now being accepted for 2009 Junior National Staff to be held in Truckee, CA at the Auburn Ski Trails, and the J2-EHSC Camp recently concluded.

Applications now being accepted for 2009 Junior National Staff
The 2009 Junior National Championships will be held in Truckee, California at the Auburn Ski Trails.

Trip dates are tentatively March 6- 14th, 2009.

Applications are now being accepted for Head Coach and Wax Techs. For the wax staff, there will be several positions available: Classic Wax tech, Skate Wax tech and wax testers.

Truckee was previously the host of JO’s in 2005. The trails are fun and challenging for the racers and the venue and surrounding area of Tahoe/Donnor is truly spectacular!

Classic and Skate techs should be well versed with wax room organization and will work closely together with each other and the wax testers. They should also be familiar with several of the major brands of wax. Testers should be fit enough to ski continually through the day and be able to ski fast to simulate race conditions.

Head Coach will oversee aspects relating to athlete preparation / racing during the week (including working closely with Wax tech’s) , and will work lightly with Trip Leader prior to JN’s to ensure a positive experience for the athletes.

Please email applications/resume’s by August 31st to Janice Sibilia at janice@nensa.net, fax to: (845) 896-0148, or mail to Janice Sibilia, 6 Orbit Lane, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

A Call for applicants for Age Group Coaches will follow in Late August. Please check back to the website for details.

NENSA J2-EHSC concludes today with classic roller ski

The NENSA J2-EHS camp concluded this afternoon following a morning of specific classic technique work and a distance ski.

Last night Ethan Townsend (SLU), gave an informative talk about things that skiers can do to make an easier transition to college.

Today the skiers received very specific feedback on Double pole, Kick Double Pole and striding. 3 groups rotated through the technique stations which allowed the coaches to work more hands on with each skier.

A few of the principles that were addressed included good body position, strong leg and arm drive and pole retrieval, and fluidity when skiing. This group of athletes has many of the important technique fundamentals in place, enabling them to begin thinking about the nuances that will help them ski faster and with more power.

Following the technique work, a distance ski on Bear Cub Road completed the session. Camp concluded after a great lunch at the OTC.

Many thanks goes out to the athletes that participated in this camp- it was a pleasure to work with them! And also to the coaches who took time out of their summer schedules – Pete Philips of Burke Mtn Academy, whose astute eye and succinct way of explaining things makes it easy for athletes to understand and make corrections; For Ethan Townsend of St. Lawrence University whose insight from a collegiete perspective is really helpful for this group of athletes; to Kathy Maddock, whose High School coaching experience brought another dimension to the camp and to Abby Weissman for helping out despite a badly sprained ankle!

We were also fortunate to have two athletes helping us impart knowledge: Paul Smith- UVM athlete and Burke alum and Bates College Team Captain Sylvan Ellefson both in the A-dacks for summer work and training…