October 08, 2013 – John J. Hugus M.D., age 57, from Wausau, passed away Sunday, October 6, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, after a courageous 17-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was an avid cross-country skier who founded the Knicker Nordic Ski Club and coached both the Wausau West Ski Team and Junior Olympic National Ski Team. He was also a member of the CXC Board of Directors and is survived by his wife, Robin, and children Ellyn, Benjamin and Mark, and step-children, Emily and Tyler Gilles. John’s obituary is here.

“John Hugus, member of the Board of Directors of CXC and a giant in the Midwest cross country ski community, passed away. We will miss John so much, as a close friend, generous contributor and wise counselor to our organization. Even in the face of his severe illness, John offered pure enthusiasm, energy and support in a way that was a huge inspiration for all of us who worked with him. John had a set of core beliefs that were so solid and well guided that we always felt confident with his direction. He will leave behind a legacy of inspiration to think clearly, organize well, and ski and paddle full bore. John, we will do our best to continue to leverage all your contributions to develop the sport you loved so much.”

– Oyvind Solvang, President – Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC)

“John served junior Nordic skiers of all ages through his involvement with the Wisconsin Nordic Ski League, the Wausau East and West High School Ski Teams and the Wausau Nordic Ski Club. John was president of the Ski League from 2008 to 2012, and was a high school and middle Nordic coach from his initial arrival in Wausau in 1996 to present. John attended countless Ski League meetings and provided clear direction on growing the sport. In addition, most weekday evenings in the winter John could be found at the 9 Mile Recreation Area providing instruction to junior skiers of all ages. John was also instrumental in the creation of Knicker Nordic in 2009 which subsequently sponsored junior national qualifying ski races in the Wausau area. John was very insightful in looking out long term to create better opportunities for Nordic skiers young and old.”

– Jake Barnes, President – WI High School Coaches League

“The Midwest Junior committee was saddened to hear of the passing of John Hugus. John joined the CXC/Midwest coaching game late in life, but made a big impact in his few years working with us. When he joined the Midwest team in 2009 he brought a new outlook to the staff. As an entrepreneur and surgeon he thought of things a little differently than the those of us who had only coached for our careers. John offered different solutions to problems we kept butting our heads up against. He made the Midwest a better place to coach and ski. John was a volunteer coach, but he brought a professionalism and passion that was unmatched. John was head coach of the Midwest Junior National team in 2011 and 2012. We will sorely miss him.”

– Reid Lutter – Midwest Junior National Head Coach

SkiTrax joins the Nordic ski community in sending condolences to John’s family and friends.