April 7 – Corby Fisher, U.S. ski jumping head coach for the past two seasons, has resigned, the U.S. Ski Team announced.

Fisher, 30, who grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colo., was a member of the national team in the mid-Nineties before a severe concussion ended his career and he decided as the World Cup season ended that he was leaving, U.S. Nordic Director Luke Bodensteiner said Friday. Before taking the jumping head position after the 2004 season, Fisher – who previously had been program director with the National Sports Foundation in Park City – had been jumping coach for two seasons with the U.S. Nordic Combined Team.

“Corby’s tireless and he’s given us four strong years, and we’re going to miss his positive and energetic approach to coaching,” Bodensteiner said Friday. “We certainly wish him the best.”

“It’s been a great four years, first with the nordic combined team and working with Johnny [Spillane, 2003 sprint world champion] as he achieved his gold medal, and then these last two years with the special jumpers,” Fisher said. “This was my dream job, the one I’ve always wanted, but it takes a lot out of you every day. Luke knows I have a great passion for jumping and want to help the next coach – and the program – in any way possible. I’m still going to cheering for the Ski Team, but I’m taking a step back and I’ll be rooting from a little farther away.”

Fisher said he was exploring “a couple of possibilities – but, first, I’ve got some powder skiing to get caught up on with my wife.” He and his wife Emily, U.S. freestyle program manager, live in Park City.

Bodensteiner said replacement plans would be announced.