August 12, 2011 (Horseshoe Valley, ON)  – The Southern Ontario Training Centre (SOTC) recently concluded its first week-long training camp of the summer. Based out of Horseshoe Valley, ON, the camp ran for six days, from July 25 – 30, under the direction of SOTC Coach, Petr Jakl. Among the committed athletes in attendance at the camp were Adam Birosh (North Bay Nordic), Scott Hill (North Bay Nordic), Evan Odell (Team Hardwood) and Cam Raynor (Arrowhead Nordic).

The main goals of the camp included developing physical and mental stamina, building general and ski specific strength, improving rollerski technique, and enlarging cardiovascular capacity. Typical days consisted of three training sessions, with most workouts conducted right from the door of the team’s accommodations at Horseshoe Valley (generously provided by John Monette and Joanna Newman).

The camp agenda included a heavy dose of cardiovascular work, including trail running, road and mountain biking, and rollerskiing, as well as circuit strength and double-poling strength sessions. Coach Petr Jakl kept things fun over the course of the week by including excursions to Horseshoe Valley Resort for a session on the resort’s high ropes course, and to nearby Hardwood Ski and Bike, for a round of disc golf. In addition, the athletes attended a workshop with sports psychologist Bob Palmer.

After completing a 24 hour training week at the camp, the SOTC athletes focused on recovery before returning to normal training. The next major event for the athletes and coach will be the Southern Ontario High Performance Camp, which is being hosted by Team Hardwood at Hardwood Ski and Bike, August 27-31, 2011. SOTC is still accepting athletes for the 2011-12 season – to apply, see details below. For photos from the SOTC camp visit HERE.

Here’s a short video from the camp:

About SOTC
The Southern Ontario Training Centre is an initiative of the Hardwood Hills Nordic Development Centre (aka Team Hardwood) and other Founding Clubs, including the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club, Arrowhead Nordic, and the Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club. SOTC’s mission is to further the development of cross country skiing in Ontario by providing a high performance training centre for athletes who have graduated from high school and are committed to personal excellence in cross country skiing. Under the guidance of a full-time professional coach, athletes will explore their potential in cross country skiing while engaging in post-secondary studies if they choose. SOTC athletes train together on a year-round basis while representing their home clubs at provincial, national and continental competitions. SOTC is hosted by Team Hardwood, utilizing the world class trails and other training amenities at Hardwood Ski and Bike and the surrounding area. SOTC is still accepting athletes for the 2011-12 season.

Athlete inquiries should be directed to Petr Jakl at 1-800-387-3775 or sotc@hardwoodskiandbike.ca. Athletes interested in applying to SOTC should send a letter of interest outlining their background in the sport, performance highlights, and future goals in the sport to: Petr Jakl, Coach, Southern Ontario Training Centre, c/o Hardwood Ski and Bike, 402 Old Barrie Rd, Oro, ON, L0L 2E0.