May 24, 2008 – During the USSA Spring Congress in Park City, UT, Scott Wilson, Hayward WI, was awarded the Al Merrill Nordic Award. In a letter from USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt, the CXC Program Manager was cited as follows:

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on having been selected to receive the 2008 Al Merrill Nordic Award, which is presented to the individual involved with any aspect of nordic skiing (cross country, nordic combined or ski jumping), who has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, leadership, and devotion to excellence. Each of the three nordic sport committees submits a nominee with the final selection being made by the sport committee chairpersons. You should share a special pride in being recognized for your efforts by the leadership of your organization.

I am really pleased about this award. In your nomination, the committee stated that, “Scott is the Program Manager for the mid-west based award winning Central Cross-Country Ski Association and has been since the organization’s inception. He is in practical terms the ‘unpaid race consultant’ to the USSA. He is a working dynamo and a walking encyclopedia on TD issues, competition rules and event logistics.

Mr. Wilson has provided invaluable support to the US National Championships and has been instrumental in formulating the operations of the US SuperTour, which is our Continental Cup and major vehicle for FIS and National Ranking in the US.” You have been a leader in the evolution of what is becoming a strong national program, and I am grateful for your leadership.Again, our congratulations!”

In his brief acceptance speech Wilson recognized the tremendous support CXC has received from the Central Cross-Country Ski community and the exceptional dedication to excellence displayed by the board and staff, coaches, athletes, and their families.