February 28, 2013 (Craftsbury, VT) – The Craftsbury Green Racing Project (GRP) is now accepting applications for the 2013-14 training year. Space will be limited, but we hope to be able to add a few new members to the team. Applications will be due by April 1 and decisions will be made by April 15 at the latest.
The Craftsbury Green Racing Project is enjoying another successful year, with one member on the USST, several others who got World Cup starts, two members on the USBA World Cup squad, an USST U23 team member, several top-10s at Nationals, SuperTour podiums, and the Eastern Cup overall women’s winner to name a few highlights of the year thus far.
The GRP is a program of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is:
1) to support and promote participation and excellence in lifelong sports with a special focus on rowing, running and nordic skiing;
2) to use and teach sustainable practices; and
3) to protect and manage the surrounding land, lake and trails.
In exchange for coaching, travel support, room & board, GRP skiers are asked to take on projects that contribute to work of the Center. GRP projects in the past have included: ski trail mapping and improvements, construction of single-track trails, coaching of youth and junior skiers, outreach to area schools, growing vegetables for the Dining Hall, designing and building a compost system for the Center, construction of a stone/brick pizza and bread oven, organization of events and programs at the Center, design of the GRP website and clothing, blogging and writing articles, helping develop a regional trail system, and working to bring more local food into the Center’s Dining Hall.
If this sounds like work you would enjoy, while taking your skiing to the next level, then you may be a good fit for the GRP. You can read more about the team at their website: www.greenracingproject.com. The application is available here, and you will find FAQs here. Any remaining questions may be addressed to skiing@craftsbury.com.
Athletes applying, or thinking of applying are encouraged to talk to coach Pepa Miloucheva at one of the late season ski races, contact her at the skiing@craftsbury.com address, or call 802-586-7767 ext 33.
January 25, 2013 – A great coach can help athletes make the jump from having a promising career to having an Olympic medal. Much time, effort, and research has been put into discovering the best ways of motivating athletes and training their bodies and minds to excel beyond previous human capability in sporting activities. Coaching isn’t just for world-class athletes, though. A middle school football team or a recreational cycling class can be great ways to build athletic prowess, and professional coaches know how to help athletes at all skill levels get the best performance from themselves and their teammates. The sites on this list are kept by highly motivated, skilled, and well-trained coaches who have decided to bring their message of fitness and training to the web.
Check out the list of 100 Great Sites for Coaches as compiled by SportsManagementDegree.org HERE.
December 11, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – With the Alberta World Cup coming to Canmore this week, the Alberta World Cup Academy in conjunction with Ascent Physical Therapy is hosting the Canmore XC Ski Camps. This is an excellent opportunity for intermediate to advanced level cross country skiers to enhance their technique with the help of the World Cup Academy Coaches.
This Camp is for all levels and ages of skiers. This is not a complete beginners camp, but caters to intermediate level non-racing skiers up to racing level. Please call if you are not sure if your skills will fit the camp!
The Canmore XC Ski Camp is the perfect way to take advantage of world class instruction from some of Canada’s finest coaches from the Alberta World Cup Academy. The structure of the camp allows skiers to operate at their own pace and in a group environment that is catered to their ability level.
The on snow sessions concentrate on the technical aspects of both skate and classic, with real world modeling and feedback an essential part of the program. Ski waxing instruction along with advice on ski selection will ensure you come away from this camp well informed.
If you want to optimize your technique and learn from the best the Canmore XC Ski Camp is the place to be.
For beginner skiers, in skate or classic, the Canmore XC Ski Camp supports and encourages skiers to contact the excellent team at Trailsports. They can provide private and group lessons for those of varying ability and will be operating throughout winter and during camp time. This may be the perfect opportunity for those bringing a spouse, child or friend along for the week to enroll in one of their classes.
– 4 Days of Expert XC Skiing Instruction and Training – $599+gst – Register HERE
– NEW! 2-Day Skate only option Dec 22nd and 23rd – $375+gst – RegisterHERE
October 29, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – Since the first year when Competition Coaching-Introduction: Advanced (CCI-Advanced, T2T) workshops were offered in 2008-09, an increasing number of coaches have been trained for that context and will now complete their certification by undergoing the evaluation process. The next step in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) progression is the Competition Coaching-Development context (CCD).
Cross Country Canada (CCC) is pleased to announce that we will host a first CCD dryland workshop in Canmore, May 8-12, 2013 (5 very full days!). The On Snow workshop (4 days) is planned for November 2013.
Given the large number of currently trained CCI-Advanced (T2T) coaches wanting to start their training in the CCD context, registrations for this first dryland workshop next spring will likely be offered to targeted 2015 Canada Winter Games(CWG) candidates in priority. It will be up to divisions to provide a list of prioritized coaches in that regard.
2015 CWG coaching eligibility requirements have been somewhat lowered for part of the support teams by the Canada Games Council earlier this month but still require old level 3 certification or CCD certified status in the new system for the head coach of each provincial/territorial teams and CCD trained status for all other coaches (excluding team manager and wax technician).
If the demand is such that several interested and eligible coaches cannot take part in this first CCD dryland workshop next spring, CCC will consider offering a second dryland workshop in the fall of 2013.
To be accepted for the CCD dryland workshop in May 2013, all candidates must be at least trained in the CCI-Advanced(T2T) context (both workshops completed) and be in the process of completing the CCI-Advanced(T2T) evaluation process (at least three out of five outcomes evaluated, including “supporting T2T athletes at a competition”); see CCI-Advanced (T2T) page for details HERE.
As well, interested candidates should take note that they can start their CCD training right away by completing training and evaluation in the multi-sport modules required for cross-country skiing (see CCD page HERE for details).
To view the whole CCD training and certification progression, see the flowchart HERE.
October 06, 2012 – The 2012 BKL Coaching Clinic Series has been announced! Gather with other leaders from the region to get practical tips from some of the most experienced BKL coaches in New England. There will be presentations on all aspects of running a club, from logistics to game play! Click HERE to see full clinic information. Hope that you’ll join us!
Please join us for the 2012 BKL Coaching Clinic Series! These clinics are a great way to pick up some new tools for the winter ahead and connect with other coaches and leaders from across New England. These clinics will run from 9am-4pm and will include presentations from some of New England’s most experienced BKL Coaches!
Presentations [A more detailed agenda with presenter names will be coming in the next week. Stay tuned!] Both clinics will include ALL of the listed topics. There will be different presenters at each clinic so it’s worthwhile to attend both.
– Logistics of Running a BKL Program (What Goes on Behind the Scenes)
– Incorporating Biathlon into your BKL Practice
– Key Components of Fun Club Events
– Transitioning 7th & 8th Graders into More Formal Race & Training Education
– Ski Jumping
– How to Use Game Play Effectively
– Goal Setting and Program Planning
– Equipment and Waxing for the BKL Club
October 05, 2012 – Exciting news, I am starting my own xc ski camps. The plan is (as always), incredible xc skiing, the best coaches, the best atmosphere, the most fun and of course YOU!
The Coaching line up:
Dr. Mike Mandli, Munro Duncan AKA (Munny),Dr. Joe Bouscaren, Jennifer Tabbernor, Joanne, Pat Van Mullem and I will work to make your xc skiing more efficient and more fun.
Sun Peaks Resort
– November 26-30 – Monday to Friday Camp
– December 1 & 2 – Weekend Camp
Beautifully groomed Nordic trails are at the door step, cozy village with accommodation, restaurants, spa and so much more.
Online registration HERE.
Visit the Sun Peaks website HERE.
Delta Sun Peaks
The flag ship hotel at Sun Peaks Resort. Delta Sun Peaks Resort is a full service, luxury hotel where guests have exclusive use to a health club, featuring three outdoor hot tubs, an indoor entrance to a heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and a well equipped gym.
Whistler Olympic Park
– December 3-7 – Monday to Friday Camp
– December 8 & 9 – Weekend Camp
Whistler Olympic Park was built at a cost of $119.7 million to stage the Nordic ski disciplines of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping and nordic combined events and training were held exclusively at Whistler Olympic Park.
With 90 kms of expertly groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, Whistler Olympic Park has it all.
Online registration HERE.
Visit the Whistler Olympic Park website HERE.
Whistler Athletes Centre
The energy is amazing at the Whistler Athletes Centre, stay where the Olympians lived during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games!
I have blocked rooms in the athletes lodge under “Glenn Bond Cross Country Ski Camps”.
Rates:
– $55.00 for a single room – one bed
– $80.00 for a double room – two beds
– Participants will need to plan their own transportation to and from Whistler Olympic Park.
April 18, 2012 – The Canada Games Council is pleased to announce the launch of the 2013 and 2015 Canada Games Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program and Women in Coaching Program.
The Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program (AACP) is a partnership between the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASB), the Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives (PTCR), the Canada Games Council (CGC) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The program provides the opportunity for each Province and Territory to send two coaches of aboriginal ancestry to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles.
“The Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program is a great opportunity for Aboriginal coaches in Canada who may not otherwise get a chance to participate in a high level games competition such as the Canada Games,” says Anthony Sauvé, Manager of Aboriginal Coach Development with the CAC. “The coaches who have flowed through this program have had the opportunity to be mentored under top level coaches in their respective sport discipline.”
The WiC program is a partnership between the PTCR, the CGC and the CAC. This program provides the opportunity for each Province and Territory to send two female coaches to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles.
“The Women in Coaching Canada Games apprenticeship program is a tremendous sport partnership which enables aspiring women high performance coaches to get the necessary experience and training to advance their coaching education and skills,” says Sheilagh Croxon, WiC Program Consultant with the CAC. “To be involved in all aspects of training, receive support from an identified mentor coach, and to attend the Canada Games are all extremely valuable opportunities.”
The purpose of the Canada Games apprentice coach programs is to provide aboriginal and women coaches with a practical and integrated major national multi-sport games experience.
Selected coaches have direct involvement in preparation and competition and receive support from an identified mentor coach throughout the duration of the program.
Apprentice Programs – 2
“The introduction of the first Canada Games Apprentice Coach Program in 2005 has paved the way to increased participation of women and aboriginal coaches in the largest multi-sport event in Canada,” says Sue Hylland, President and CEO of the Canada Games Council. “We are proud to see so many coaches who have participated in the programs further their development and go on to coach at national and international competitions.”
The Canada Games have featured apprenticeship coach programs in every Games since the 2005 Canada Summer Games in Regina, Saskatchewan. The 2005 through 2011 Canada Games have featured the WiC program, while the AACP was introduced originally as a pilot project for the 2009 and 2011 Canada Games.
Peggy Falkenham-Boutilier values the role that the WiC Program has played in her development as a coach. “The program helped to model a way forward by helping define values, inspiring a vision, identifying opportunities, and fostering collaboration,” says Peggy, a Biathlon coach from Nova Scotia who participated in the 2011 WiC Program. “It cultured opportunities with other women in sport and those relationships are tremendously valuable. An opportunity like this kept me focused.”
Hailing from Saskatchewan, Jonathan Smith was an Apprentice Coach at the 2009 Canada Games in PEI in wrestling. “Overall it’s challenging to get coaching positions, but I’m in a much better position now,” Jonathan says. One of the pillars of the AACP states that ongoing professional development will play a crucial role in the overall success of the program.
Jonathan has embraced this component and utilized the experience he gained at the Games to go on to coach the Carlton High School Wrestling team in Prince Albert as well as the University of Regina Wrestling team.
Coaches interested in either the WiC Program or AACP at the 2013 and/or 2015 Canada Games should consult the program guidelines posted on the CGC website HERE.
April 11, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – Teach a skill. Inspire the next Crosby. Be a role model. Because I had a coach that made a difference in my life. There are a million reasons to coach and the Coaches Association of Ontario is asking coaches to share their reason during Ontario Coaches Week from April 14-22nd where dozens of communities across the province will be celebrating the men and women who volunteer their time to build better citizens.
“Ontario Coaches Week is about inspiring new community leaders to take up coaching,” says Susan Kitchen, Executive Director, Coaches Association of Ontario. “There are many intrinsic rewards that come from being a coach. Introducing a young person to a sport you love has returns that last a life time.”
Twenty-five Ontario communities are hosting free National Coaching Certification Program workshops, and many other communities are recognizing the men and women who coach in their clubs, arenas and recreation centres. Whether your sport is swimming, fencing or baseball, get involved in your community through coaching.
“Ontario is committed to being a leader in sport development and we look to our coaches to continue to inspire all athletes to give their best. I commend everyone taking part in this week’s activities. Your role is vital in taking us to the forefront of athletic excellence while encouraging Ontarians to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.” – Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Individuals can take up coaching even if they are not highly athletic people with extensive sport backgrounds. Good communication skills, planning and organizing activities and having a positive attitude are the most fundamental skills a coach needs.
Throughout the week, free workshops will target new coaches including aboriginals, women and youth.
Activities for Ontario Coaches Week 2012 include:
– NCCP Free Days, delivering National Coaching Certification Program courses for up to 500 coaches in 25 communities.
– Kick-Off Celebration: 2012 Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards – Scotia Bank Theatre, Toronto
– FREE Getting Started Coaching Resources on www.coachesontario.ca
– Week long celebration of community coaches across the province.
The week-long celebration is funded by Sport Canada and the Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Visit www.coachesontario.ca for a complete listing of workshop dates and locations.
What’s Your Reason? Share your story on our facebook page or tweet using hashtags #myreason #OCW
The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit, coach-led organization that strengthens development opportunities and provides resources, representation and recognition for coaches in a variety of contexts. In 2012, The CAO celebrated its ten year anniversary.
Reasons For Coaching From Ontario Coaches:
I love that fact that I have a chance to be challenged every day in multiple ways! No two days are ever alike. I get to work with a great group of athletes and coaches who challenge me and I hope I challenge them to not only become better people on the court but also in every aspect of life. I love being able to help people grow and develop into amazing people doing amazing things; striving to points in their life that they may never thought possible. Seeing that transformation happen day in and day out is truly remarkable. – Michael Broughton, Provincial Head Coach, Wheelchair Basketball
April 06, 2012 – On this week’s edition of Talkin’ with the Gravy-Train, renowned sports journalist and announcer Peter Graves speaks with US XC Ski Team Head Coach, Chris Grover. In his interview, Grover reflects on the historic season for the US squad, that saw Kikkan Randall take home an overall World Cup series title, the American women storm the international circuit with tremendous results, the first distance points for sprint star Andy Newell, and a U23 Worlds silver medal for Noah Hoffman. Graves and Grover explore what changed within the US team and with the athletes themselves that made their fantastic season a reality.
Grover has a 25-year history in the sport, with nearly 20 of those years as a coach, telling Graves that Randall’s hard work, focus, and energy made her achievement a reality and showed the entire team it is possible to make it to the top. Looking at the next generation, Jessie Diggins floored onlookers this season with the incredible leap she made in her skiing, such as when she qualified first in the Moscow sprints.
March 02, 2012 (Barrie, ON) – Team Hardwood is seeking to hire qualified cross country ski coaches to fill two available positions: Junior Development Squad Coach. Both are part-time positions with most work responsibilities on Saturdays in the fall and winter seasons. Read on for all of the posting details. Coaches are based at the Hardwood Ski and Bike full-service cross country ski and mountain bike centre located near Barrie, Ontario.
Junior Development Coach
Team Hardwood is seeking to hire a cross country ski coach to lead our Junior Development Squad, one of the largest and most successful Midget racing teams in Ontario. This is a part-time position, with the majority of work being done on Saturdays in the fall and winter. The Junior Development Squad coach will also work closely with the coach of our Senior Development Squad. The ideal candidate will have at least NCCP Level I coaching certification or equivalent experience.
The Junior Development Squad coach will have the opportunity to be involved in one of the top racing clubs in Canada, one that routinely places athletes on the Ontario Ski Team and in National Training Centres, and consistently ranks in the top ten at Nationals. The entire team (including the Junior and Senior Development Squads and Masters) comprises nearly 60 athletes and is supported by dozens of enthusiastic and committed parent volunteers.
The successful candidate will work out of Hardwood Ski and Bike, a full service cross country ski and mountain bike centre located near Barrie, Ontario. The position also offers an opportunity to be mentored by the Senior Development Squad coach, as well as Jack Sasseville (former national team coach); and Petr Jakl (Head Coach, Southern Ontario Training Centre).
Responsibilities:
The Junior Development Squad coach is accountable for all aspects the delivery and growth of the Junior Development Squad, which is aimed at athletes in the Learning-to-Train stage of development, with the goal of preparing them for graduation to our Senior Development Squad. In particular, the coach will be responsible for:
– conducting Saturday training sessions from September to March;
– coaching and waxing support at local races and some O-Cup races;
– helping the Senior Development Squad coach to organize and deliver the SOD High Performance Training Camp in late August, and
– assisting with team fundraising, marketing and recruitment initiatives.
The Junior Development Squad coach reports to the Board of Directors of the Hardwood Hills Nordic Development Centre (HHNDC), aka Team Hardwood, an incorporated non-profit organization.
Salary Range: Dependent on qualifications and experience
Type of Position: Part Time – Seasonal
View more details for Team Hardwood Junior Development Coach HERE.
Senior Development Coach
Team Hardwood is seeking to hire a cross country ski coach with the skills, experience, leadership qualities, and passion needed to lead our Senior Development Squad, one of the most successful junior racing teams in Canada. This is a part-time position, with the majority of work being done on weekends in the fall and winter. The ideal candidate will have at least NCCP Level II coaching certification, or equivalent experience. The Senior Development Squad coach will work closely with the coach of our Junior Development Squad.
Coaching at Hardwood offers the opportunity to lead one of the top racing clubs in Canada, one that routinely places athletes on the Ontario Ski Team, in National Training Centres, and consistently ranks in the top ten at Nationals. The entire team (including the Junior Development Squad and Masters) comprises nearly 60 athletes and is supported by dozens of enthusiastic and committed parent volunteers.
The successful candidate will work out of Hardwood Ski and Bike, a full service cross country ski and mountain bike centre located near Barrie, Ontario. The position also offers an opportunity to be mentored by two senior coaches who are also on site: Jack Sasseville (former national team coach); and Petr Jakl (Head Coach, Southern Ontario Training Centre).
Responsibilities:
The Senior Development Squad coach is accountable for all aspects of the delivery and growth of the club’s racing programs, which are aimed at athletes in the Learning-to-Train to Learning-to-Compete stages of development, with the goal of preparing them for success in provincial, national and international competition. In particular, the coach will be responsible for:
– the design and delivery of annual and seasonal training plans,
– conducting weekend training sessions,
– conducting training and testing camps,
– coaching and waxing support at Ontario Cups, World Junior Trials and Ski Nationals races,
– organizing and running the SOD High Performance Training Camp in late August,
– co-ordinating team fundraising, marketing and recruitment initiatives,
– mentoring the Junior Development Squad coach and leading parent volunteers, and
– ensuring that team equipment and waxing supplies are properly maintained.
The Senior Development Squad coach reports to the Board of Directors of the Hardwood Hills Nordic Development Centre (HHNDC), aka Team Hardwood, an incorporated non-profit organization.
Salary Range: Dependent on qualifications and experience Type of Position: Part Time – Employee
View more details for Team Hardwood Senior Development Coach HERE.
Contact Information:
Jack Sasseville
Team Hardwood
402 Old Barrie Rd.
Oro , ON
L0L 2E0
E-mail: jack@hardwoodskiandbike.ca
Tel. 800-387-3775
February 14, 2012 – US Best – Sunday’s relay effort by the US women has to be one of the top racing days in the history of Women’s Cross Country skiing in the US – if not the top day. It opened a huge gateway into the future. There were many reasons for this relay to be a bomb of the year rather than an effort that would have everyone over here cheering in their offices, breakfast nooks, cars, and where ever they were watching this effort on their computers.
For starters Kikkan Randall, the team’s best skier, sat out another race. On top of that the four ladies on the team had skied a very hard 15km CL WC the day before, Holly Brooks (the starter) is still wearing her wrist splint (now and then) and doesn’t have a bunch of races under her belt the last few weeks and didn’t finish the classic race the day before. Ida, the 4th lady in the pecking order, was replacing Kikkan the leader – BUT – on race day they came to the start line dressed in their striped USA red, white and blue socks over their uniforms and painted red and blue USA’s on their faces to lay down four of the best performances in their careers landing the best-ever USA relay result – 5th place.
Not only missing 4th place by a second, but being less then a minute behind Norway who won – that is something to talk about. QUESTION: What does the future hold – it’s exciting for everyone – and kudos to the coaches and the skiers for their dedication to having such an aggressive approach to building the relay team’s going forward – here we come Sochi! They now have quality and depth in taking this direction that they decided on in the summer months. Sounds like a plan!
Now North of The Border – You have just the opposite direction being taken by the Ladies program in Canada. As I wrote last week the women never made it to Rybinsk and now moving forward (or backward) from there only Perianne [Jones] was in Nove Mesto, while Chandra had to go home for a family emergency and Dasha, the lone member of the newly formed “senior team”, was in Seefeld with her boyfriend for training and an Austrian Alps holiday. It’s been two weeks and only one of the three ladies has raced once in that period – not an international scope in focus that I can see.
Here are some of the numbers that will show you the disparity between the US and the Candian women’s program when it comes to racing starts from the beginning of the season in Sjusjoen, Norway to Nove Mesto, CZE.
US Ladies: – Jessie – 24 – Kikkan – 35 – Holly – 34 (broken wrist) – Liz – 33 – Ida – 25 – Sadie – 19 (off the circuit a couple of weeks ago)
I don’t place the blame on the Canadian girls, but on the coaching staff, mainly [Justin] Wadsworth and [Eric] DeNys as they work with the ladies and chart the course for the year. But mainly it’s the coaches direction and expertise that is counted on here for going in the right direction. You say I’m not being fair, what about the Men’s program? They’ve been pounding the circuit since Sjusjoen in mid-November, so why not the Ladies? It’s a program that is not building towards Sochi.
I can remember watching Devon [Kershaw] fighting his way through season’s 5-6 years ago and getting beaten down but going back for more the next year… and look at him now.
The Canadian Ladies are racing about 1.4 races per week (mostly sprints) which is not enough to be in racing shape. This plan has way too many breaks – the training should have been done in the summer. I think this was the way of the 90s, the old North American way, not the new dedicated “we will be in Europe all winter way” adopted supposedly by both team this year. Sorry Canadian Ladies – you got the short straw this year.
Can any of the Canadian Ladies make it to Falun for the WCup finals…? Not likely – Chandra has a chance, but it is slipping away fast. Time for this program to change gears – real fast.
December 07, 2011 (St. Catharines, ON) – Brock University is conducting a study on Coaches’ perception of their ability to deal with athletes suspected of doping. The study is being conducted by Phd candidate Kaitlyn LaForge-MacKenzie under the supervision of Dr. Sullivan. Any coaches who complete the survey may enter a random draw for a $50 gift card. If you are interested in participating in the study, please click HERE and complete the survey. Your participation should take about 15 minutes.
November 09, 2011 – We’re excited to announce that US xc ski star, Holly Brooks, from Alaska, 2011 SuperTour overall winner, is joining SkiTrax’s team of bloggers this season. Her section on the site will be ready soon, but check out her great overview of APUs (Alaska Pacific University) stellar program that has produced top skiers like herself, Kikkan Randall, Lars Flora, James Southam, Kate Fitzerald, Morgan Smyth…
People often ask: What is APU? How does it work? You’re a University team that isn’t NCAA – What does that mean? These are all good questions and yes, the format (if you will) of APU can tend to be confusing to people looking in on us from the outside. However, here it is in a nutshell: We are community ski club based within a University such that skiers of collegiate age can attend school (undergrad or graduate) while pursuing ski racing at a high level. Our community program is then built both below and above the University-based team in age. We have APU skiers as young as 11 and as “senior” (!) as their mid-eighties! In all, our total program membership involves over 200+ people directly on a regular basis. It’s RAD.
Here we are, a small club in Anchorage, AK that has duel goals of winning Olympic medals and teaching 11 year old how to huck jumps! Or, making it possible for University students to attend online classes while at training camp on Eagle Glacier and teaching a mother of four to V2 alternate.
Erik Flora, the APU elite team head coach and APUNSC Director wrote a great update to our programs at 3am this morning – I thought it was worth sharing. It explains what each group has been up to the past couple of weeks!
APU Program Members Winter is off to a great start! We have already had groups skiing at Glenn Alps, Hillside, Hatcher Pass, and Russian Jack. Glenn Alps and Hatcher Pass have mid-winter conditions. With snow in the air, it is a good time for program update. Of course there are 100 more items, here are a few.
Junior Program has had a strong off-season of training. We have had full programs with lots of new faces and athletes reaching a new level of fitness. Part of the group participated in last weeks camp in Fairbanks. Next up is an early season snow camp in Hatcher Pass where they will focus on volume and technique (plus a whole lot of fun!). High School skiing started this week. Impressive as two junior team members were named to US National Training Groups Tarynn Hunt-Smith and Thomas O’Harra.
Devo’s have been ripping up with coach Charlie, Erin, and Dylan. This group keeps on getting faster and faster. It is amazing to watch this group as they continue to have fun and explore the joys of ski training. Keep an eye out, if you see a group of unusually fast moving-jumping-excited kids blasting through the woods and across the trails. It is a good chance it is the Devo’s!
Master Programs are in full-swing with Noon, Evening, and One-day Women Groups. Winter session has started off well with mix of dry-land and skiing at Hatcher Pass. The move to 2 and 5 day options has been a great way to get more people involved and enjoying ski training. We are excited to add a coach to the Master Programs this winter. Calisa Schouweiler is going to join Dylan and Sam for Evening Masters, Noon Master, and Women’s One-day. Calisa has a strong background in coaching. She will start in mid-November. More to follow.
The Elite team is getting ready to travel. We have had a good summer with most athletes setting record amounts of training and new PR’s on interval courses. APU members Kikkan Randall, Holly Brooks, Sadie Bjornsen, and Lars Flora are heading to Norway next week to compete on World Cup. The rest of the team will focus on early winter domestic race series starting in Fairbanks, racing West Yellowstone, Bozeman, SilverStar BC, ending at Kincaid at Besh cup 1 and 2. After Christmas we are competing in Maine at the US Nationals, World cups, Alaska Races, and World Junior and U23 World Championships in Turkey. APU added more athletes to US Ski Team programs: Kikkan, Sadie, Erik Bjornsen, Kinsey Loan, and Celia Haering. Plus Men and Women current Super Tour Leaders Lars and Holly. The Elite team was on tonight’s 10 o’clock news, click hereto watch. Best community outreach year to date with athletes really busy hosting Fast and Female events, helping at kids events, and working at junior camps.
Coaches have stepped up community support of nordic programs. Two of our coaches, Dylan Watts and Sam Sterling, are going to help with local high school programs. Dylan at West HS and Sam at East HS. Eric Strabel at Regional Elite Group camp at Hatcher Pass. Eric and Charlie will coach at Junior Nationals. Casey Fagerquist stepping up this fall to help World Cup waxing during fall schedule. Erik Flora coached 3 US ski team camps and First Tracks High School camp in Fairbanks. Plus we hosted a new Alaska “open” Junior Glacier Camp. This is a good year for coaches to extend their experience to help strengthen Alaska and US skiing.
Good for our programs, Anchorage skiing is really good for early season right now. Glenn Alps and Hatcher Pass are race ski ready with good coverage. Russian Jack and Hilltop are skiable, but quite a few rocks/grass. The NSAA did a great job rolling Hilltop today. Let’s help Nordic Ski Club of Anchorage set record sales of trail pins. The more support they get, the better grooming we will see! click hereto join.
This is a great club to be a part of. I look forward to seeing everyone on the trails!
November 01, 2011 (Silverstar Mountain, BC) – A number of readers wrote back asking “what is the difference between a ski coach & ski pro (instructor)?” To generalize, historically a ski coach will focus on how to increase speed whereas a ski pro will focus on how to control it.
Leading ski nations around the world cross-certify ski coaches & ski pros between their different skiing associations so as they are able to take a common approach when developing a skier.
The use of common terms, unified understanding of biomechanics / physics used by skiers, as well as a common methodology when communicating with a person has proven to develop a skier more quickly and to a higher level.
Over the past 25 years, the approach to our cross country camps has been just this – have a blend of top ski coaches and outstanding ski pros who are experienced and knowledgeable in developing you as a skier (technique) as well as how to apply it at higher level when competing / racing (tactical / strategies.)
With new snow on our upper trails this past weekend the excitement for skiing is growing. If you haven’t already – check us out on Facebook at “Silver Star Nordic.”
Look forward to seeing you soon!
Cheers,
Guy Paulsen, Nordic Manager
Time is starting to run out! Book your Silver Star Mountain Cross Country Camp between now and October 31 and receive 20% off your on-mountain accommodation. Now that’s something to smile about.
Did you know? Silver Star Cross Country Camps incorporate yoga / stretching sessions in our camps given by fitness expert Ms. Claudia Sorenson. Two more great reasons to come to our camps this fall. For more information and to book your Silver Star Cross Country Ski Camp please contact our Central Reservations at info@skisilverstar.com / 1-800-663-4431 / 250-558-6083
September 27, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – Join the Coaching Association of Canada in Toronto from November 10-12 for an electric gathering of the most innovative minds in sport at the 2011 Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif conference.
Here are the top five reasons to attend the event:
1) NETWORK with Canada’s best in the fields of coaching, sport science, coach education, research and business, including: marketing, sponsorship, and planning;
2) BE INSPIRED by Don Shula, Jay Triano, Marcel Aubut, Frank Dick and many others;
3) CHEER for our top coaches and sport administrators as they are recognized for their achievements at a heart thumping, colourful ceremony sponsored by Petro-Canada;
4) INDULGE in food prepared by the renowned chefs at Toronto’s finest hotel the Fairmont Royal York;
5) You will leave ENERGIZED and MOTIVATED.
REMINDER: Hotel bookings are due October 7 – we are 75% sold out so be sure to reserve ASAP to take advantage of our 35% discount.
These progressive speakers will challenge how you think, and inspire you for the year ahead!
– Headliner Don Shula – the winningest coach in NFL history, and co-author of the highly acclaimed book: “Everyone’s A Coach”;
– Frank Dick, OBE, presents “Leading under Pressure – bringing your ‘A game’ in a high-pressure Olympic/Paralympic environment”;
– Lieutenant-Colonel Angelo Caravaggio, PhD will give you the tools to lead with purpose, power and success.
PLUS! An evening of celebration and inspiration recognizing the accomplishments of Canada’s top coaches – the Sport Leadership Awards Gala.
Spend two days with us and change the way your brain works. Then take those ideas and go out and continue to make a difference in your sport.
September 21, 2011 – Are you coaching a local BKL Club this winter? Interested in learning more about how to manage your group more effectively? Looking to pick up some new games to jazz up your practice? Please join us for one of two BKL Coaching Clinics being offered this Fall. There will be presentations from some of the leading coaches and youth skiing gurus in New England.
Join Mary Anne Levins, Sverre Caldwell, John Ogden, Lauren Jacobs, Rob Bradlee, Jim Stock, Kate Koch, Cam MacKugler, and Eileen Carey in learning more about Youth Skiing in New England. Topics will include: game play, organizing practices with multi-level and age skiers, transitioning from BKL to Junior Racing, involving parents in a community program, how to welcome Adaptive skiers into your club, and how to put on BKL specific events.
These clinics are a great place to connect with other coaches and leaders in New England. Chat with some of your neighbors and help to strengthen our BKL community!
Both clinics have similar agendas, but since the presenters are different, the material is likely to vary. Come to both if you’ve got the time. Full schedule of events (including presenters) can be found HERE.
Saturday October 15th in Hanover, NH. Hosted by Ford Sayre.
Saturday November 19th at Rikert Touring Center in Ripton, VT. Hosted by Frost Mountain Nordic.
These clinics cost $10 and registration is online through the calendar listings. Hope to see you there!
September 19, 2011 – Whether you are a grassroots or high performance coach, in the boardroom or in the field, this is an excellent time to think about your coaching style. When is the last time you thought about your coaching philosophy, evaluated guidelines or policies related to your work or took a coaching education course? There are great national and provincial associations out there to help you like Coaches of Canada, Coaching Association of Canada, Coaches Association of British Columbia, and Coaches Association of Ontario. As well as upcoming events this Fall such as the SPIN Summit and the Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Conference.
September 17, 2011 (Park City, UT) – Space for the upcoming USSA Cross Country Coaches’ Symposium is filling up quickly. The conference registration is now open to all coaches, but space is limited. If you have yet to reserve your spot, please do so as soon as possible.
You’ll find a link to the registration form that can be emailed HERE. Email completed forms to TAdams@ussa.org
When: October 21-23, 2011, from noon Friday until noon Sunday Where: USSA Center of Excellence, Park City, UT Lodging: Park City Marriott (special discount using rate code “USNL”)
We are looking forward to sharing this special educational opportunity with you!
Best regards,
Toni Adams,
Nordic Team Manager
United States Ski and Snowboard Association
September 12, 2011 (Sugarloaf, ME) – Attention Maine EHSC, J2 Fest, or JO Team members – MWSC coaches Sarah Kamilewicz and David Chamberlain will be hosting a training weekend on Oct. 1 and 2 at Sugarloaf Resort for Maine Team members.
We have one condo available for Saturday night to be filled first come-first served. Any others interested will have to find lodging OYO. Meals will be provided including lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Meeting place will be the Sugarloaf Inn at 8:30AM on Saturday.
Maine Team Fall Training Weekend: When: Oct. 1 – 2 Where: Sugarloaf Resort Bring: skate rollerskis, classic bounding poles, running shoes, sleeping bag, towel, and pillow. Cost: $40. For those who are interested please reserve a spot with Sarah Kamilewicz at sarah@mainewsc.org
September 10, 2011 (Telemark, WI) – The Ski and Tea ladies, a year round training group based out of the Birkie Trail area and founded by Linda Cook and Juli Lynch, came to Telemark today! With a motto of “No Woman Left Behind” and focus on feeling successful and proud to be a Nordic Skier, and over 102 women on the mailing list, this training group is a force to be reckoned with!
The event was coached by myself, Caitlin Gregg, Carolyn Ocariz, Sara Hewitt and Jennie Bender. We started out with some introductions and organization, led by Caitlin.
Then Sara took us through a light jog and mobility warm up that was fun yet challenging.
I worked over some technique highlights before Carolyn explained the workout: 6×4-8 min ski walking up Telemark hill.
But I’m afraid we may have underestimated some of these ladies, because I’m quite positive that many of them went back for more and by the end of the workout had done up to 8 intervals! Impressive.
Then Jennie took everyone through some stretching and yoga, before we had tea in the Telemark Lodge.
It was inspiring and motivating for me to be able to work with ladies who are committed to improving technique and training during the summer. It was fun to meet new people and get to know the Hayward/Cable area better. I’m looking forward to being involved with more Ski and Tea clinics in the future!
September 07, 2011 (Lake Placid, NY) – Join us for a NENSA L1 and USSA L100 Techique clinic to gain some new ideas for improving ski skills! This week starts the annual fall USST training camp in Lake Placid, NY. As is tradition now, NENSA will have a group of Elite team athletes participating alongside the U.S. ski team members and coaches. There will also be a technique clinic held in conjunction with the camp for coaches and athletes interested in improving their skiing and coaching skills.
Clinic will take place Sunday September 11th from 2- 4 PM. Meet at the Olympic Training Center on Old Military Road at 1:45 PM to sign in. Bring equipment for both classic and skate rollerskiing (helmet is mandatory) and running shoes. Bryan Fish (USST) and Janice Sibilia (NENSA) will instruct. This clinic will satisfy the technique requirement for USSA’s L100 coaches certification and NENSA’s L1 module for NENSA certification. (Anyone interested in working towards NENSA’s full L1 certification can plan on an additional 30 minutes following the technique clinic, for a basic physiology/training discussion.) To sign up please contact Janice Sibilia at janice@nensa.net. There is no charge for this clinic however, sign up is recommended so that we can have an idea how many people will participate!
June 21, 2011 – USSA L100 Coaches Certification Technique Clinics will be held at all of the REG camps this summer. These clinics are part of a four-step process to become USSA certified, and participants in the New England clinic will also be able to apply it towards NENSA L1 coaches certification. Join us in Craftsbury, VT for some new exercises and drills that will help improve ski efficiency!
June 11, 2011 – Check out these informative articles from the Coaching Association of Canada about pre-exercise nutrition and Fundamental Movement Skills to help ensure your athletes at all levels are receiving up to date info in these two important areas.
Pre-Exercise Eating
Eating out is not the only option when an active schedule has you on the go. A little preparation can go a long way. Planning meals, whether for at home or on the go helps ensure an athlete (at any level) receives the proper nutrition, which is a factor in athletic performance both on and off the field. Read more HERE.
FMS – The missing link in coach education
After a full day of observing over 160 primary school students, Kathy Brook was amazed, shocked and startled. It was at that moment that she realized, more than ever before, how lacking our students are in fundamental movement skills (FMS). Read her blog HERE.
May 13, 2011 – Applications are now being accepted for four coaching intern positions for the 2nd annual USSA National J2 Talent ID Camp. All travel and on site expenses will be covered for these positions. Coaching interns will help head coaches supervise daily scheduling for the skiers, help manage workouts and gain valuable experience towards a post-college coaching career. Applicants should have strong skiing backgrounds, good communication skills, blend enthusiasm with maturity and be willing to work as a part of team of a staff.
Coaching interns will need to be USSA licensed coaches. Camp runs from Aug 1-8th and staff should plan on arriving on the 31st.
May 12, 2011 – The start of May also signifies the start into the new season – summer preparations have now begun for most Cross-Country World Cup teams. For the coming season, some changes in the coaching structures have taken place. Below a summary of some that have come to the attention of the FIS so far:
In France, Christophe Deloche will be responsible for the men’s team in addition to being the head coach. As his assistant, Patrice Paquier will join the team and work as a conditioning coach. The newly introduced sprint team will be led by Matthieu Fort. Anael Huard will take over the role of the ladies’ coach while former world champion, newly-retired World Cup racer Vincent Vittoz will be responsible for the U-23 team.
In Norway, Åge Skinstad has been appointed Head of Cross-Country Skiing and will be responsible for the national team, recreational Cross-Country and marketing. Vidar Løfshus will move to Skinstad’s former position as head coach. After the retirement of Morten Aa Djupvik this spring, the position of the men’s coach is still open. Meanwhile Roar Hjelmeset (33) will become new coach for the female sprinters succeeding Jon Arne Schejtne who stepped down after last season. Roar is the younger brother of Odd-Bjoern Hjelmeset who retired in 2005.
In Germany, the coaching structure for the national team stays the same with Jochen Behle in the lead. Bernd Raupach will be returning to Germany after a spell in Austria to lead the training base in Ruhpolding. Norwegian Guri Hetland has extended her contract as the Swiss head coach and World Cup distance team coach whilst her husband Tor Arne Hetland stepped down as the sprint coach for the Swiss team. Christian Flury, who was coach of the ladies’ team last season, has become new head of the National Cross-Country Performance Center in Davos and will coordinate the training base there.
In Canada, head coach Justin Wadsworth continues in his role as does Finnish head coach Magnar Dalen. The Swedish coaching trio, Joakim Abrahamsson, Rickard Grip and Arild Monsen, will work at least another year together. The Czech team remains in the hands of Miroslav Petrasek.
In several countries, negotiations are still underway and new appointments will be announced shortly. For the latest updates, visit www.fiscrosscountry.com
May 12, 2011 (Park City, UT) – A notice to all USSA Cross Country Coaches – please save the dates of October 21-23 for our 2011 National Coaches’ Education Symposium. Location: USSA Center of Excellence, Park City, UT. We will limit the Symposium attendance to 60 coaches total. All attendees must be a USSA licensed coach. We will also give preference to USSA certified Level 100 coaches. More information will follow in the upcoming months. Hope to see you in October. Contact Chris Grover, XC Head Coach, for more info. cgrover@ussa.org
May 11, 2011 – Professional cross country ski coach Fredrik Auklund, who trains Olympic and World Cup medalist Dario Cologna (SUI), declined the dream job offer of Norwegian XC Team Head Coach, formerly held by Coach Morten Aa Djupvik, who retired unexpectedly at the end of last season. Aukland, a husband and father of two, was not able to commit to the over 200 days of travel that the position required, according to an NRK article. Read the full story HERE.
May 11, 2011 – Each spring NENSA recognizes an outstanding coach who has made a difference in not only the sport of cross country skiing, but in the lives of the people around them. This year NENSA is pleased to announce Sverre Caldwell, Head Nordic Coach at Stratton Mountain School as our 2011 Coach of the year! Most recently, Sverre has led his group of athletes to multiple medals at this years Junior National’s; In addition to individual top placings, they also won the girls and boys and overall for the Roger Weston Award and the boys and girls and overall Club award!
Sverre’s talents go beyond getting results though, to fulfill an even greater role in the lives of his charges. The wisdom Sverre brings from being immersed in the sport for a long time aids his athletes in every sapect of their lives. He has run the gamut from coaching youngsters all the way up through the National and Olympic team skiers -but has always returned to his true love of coaching juniors. If you had the chance to see his presentation at last years NENSA symposium, then you are aware of the SMS philosophy of “Cradle to Grave”. A unique name but one that captures the philosoply fabulously! He has found a way to motivate all of these age groups, keep them returning home to mentor up and coming skiers, and teaches them the importance of giving back to the sport.
Sverre’s consistency has led to this impressive achievement: He has had a gold medal winner at Junior National’s for the past 15 consecutive years and consistently puts SMS kids onto the Jr and U23 world championship teams. Andy Newell, SMS alum and current USST member sums it up best: “I think Sverre is the greatest coach because he combines experience and leadership with a laid back fun coaching style. Over the years he’s be so successful because he’s always willing to learn and try new things, but at the same time sticks to basics of simple training plans and hard work.” NENSA is proud to present this very deserving coach, with our Coach of the Year award.
May 05, 2011 – If you’re interested in coaching, you will find these resources compiled by SIRC in their May newsletter on the topic of Creative Coaching very useful. Topics include Coach’s Work, Knowledge, Skills, and Personality; teaching styles; changing team culture; and learning from “Glee”. SIRC has also included a list of links to other valuable coaching resources.
Click HERE to read SIRC’s Creative Coaching newsletter.
May 04, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – The Alberta World Cup Academy (AWCA) is pleased to announce that Chris Jeffries will be the new Head Coach for the 2011-12 season. Chris will be taking over from Mike Cavaliere, who will continue to act as Program Director.
After a successful first year with the team, we are excited to see Chris’ role continue to expand, providing the opportunity to lead and implement the core programming for athletes in the Learning to Compete stage of Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development framework. In addition to AWCA athletes, Chris will also lead the integration of the Alberta Ski Team and the National Talent Squad.
The Alberta World Cup Academy is also pleased to announce that Stefan Kuhn will also be joining the coaching staff for the 2011-12 season. Stefan, a regular World Cup Skier for the past few seasons and 15th in the sprint race at the 2010 Olympics will pass on his knowledge and expertise to our next generation of skiers. The AWCA is fortunate to have Stefan as a coach and mentor for our developing team. In addition to applying his tremendous practical coaching knowledge, Stefan will study the theory of coaching through courses offered at National Coaching Institute in Calgary.
Eric Groeneveld will also be returning to the AWCA for his third year and will have a strong leadership role working with our Alberta Ski Team/National Talent squad athletes. We have been very pleased with Eric’s continued growth and development as a coach and we expect him to continue to develop in a strong leader.
Mike Cavaliere is very pleased with the AWCA program’s progress during the first three years of operation. “This is an exciting time for athlete development in Western Canada, and we are proud to be at the forefront of these efforts. Our goal, from the start, was to create a very positive environment, which encourages athletes to work hard and to dream big dreams. The 2011/12 Academy coaching and support team is allowing us to take further steps in achieving our program goals and continuing to produce superb results.
The AWCA remains loyal to it objectives of athlete development and will continue to use the very best professionals to help us achieve our goals. Continuing with our resource team in 2011/12:
– Rob Soffer – Strength training
– Dr. Jean Armstrong – Medical support
– Hugh Simpson – Physiotherapy support – www.activemotionphysio.ca
– Patrick Moore – Technical Services
April 16, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada (CCC), the National Sport Organization for cross-country skiing in Canada, is currently seeking to fill the position of Coaching Development Coordinator (CDC). The national office is located in Canmore, Alberta. It is required that the successful candidate work out of this office.
General Responsibilities
This Coordinator position is designed to support CCC’s coaching development system up to the international level. Coaching development is fundamental to CCC’s ability to improve the capacity and productivity of the various components of the sport system that facilitate athlete development.
A successful candidate should possess:
– a solid understanding of CCC’s Long Term Athlete Development Guide (Cross-Country skiing – A Sport for Life);
– NCCP training in cross-country skiing;
– the ability to prioritize tasks and achieve high standards and timeliness of all work products;
– all standard Microsoft office software understanding and have website content management skills;
– current NCCP (new system) Learning Facilitator training in cross-country skiing (preferred); and
– polished communication in written and oral form in English (essential) and French (preferred).
The Coaching Development Coordinator will be provided with employee benefits in accordance with the standard benefits provided for CCC employees. The starting salary will depend on the qualifications and experience he or she brings to this position.
Please click on Job description for more information. Applications should be in the form of a letter of application, with CV and three references, submitted by e-mail to:
Cross Country Canada/Ski de fond Canada
c/o Cathy Sturgeon
Director – Administration and Communication csturgeon@cccski.com
Deadline to receive applications and references is April 29th, 2011.
Cross Country Canada would like to fill this position by the middle of May.
CCC is an equal opportunity employer. This position is financially supported in part by Sport Canada.
April 15, 2011 (Ottawa, ON) – Nakkertok Ski Club and the Nakkertok Racing Program has an opening for a full-time coach starting in the spring of 2011. This position is focused on developing our Midget and Juvenile skiers on their path towards excellence. and is one of the three core coaching positions for the Nakkertok Racing Program,
The lead Training to Train Coach will design and deliver an effective program in collaboration with a number of volunteer coaches and the lead coaches of the other programs. In this role the successful candidate will work towards creating an environment that is fun, keeps kids in skiing and puts them on a path towards being a competitive cross country skier. Candidates must have effective organizational and communication skills to coordinate a program of up to 70 skiers and 15 volunteer coaches.
The position is based in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and reports to the Racing Director and Racing Program Committee.
Term: Full-time. The hours of work will vary from week to week but an average of 38 hours per week is expected with travel in the winter months on weekends.
General Responsibilities:
The Nakkertok Racing Program uses a collaborative coaching model with professional and volunteer coaches working together as a team. Regular communication and collaboration with other coaching staff both professional and volunteer is expected.
– Develop an overall season plan with other coaches, identifying dates and locations of camps, key activities, coach development sessions, training sessions, trips and the competition calendar.
– Establish regular, timely and effective communications using web tools to athletes and parents.
– Organize and chair regular monthly volunteer coach meetings and development activities.
– Work with volunteer coaches to plan and deliver Stage 1, 2 and 3 practices. Develop and provide T2T volunteer coaches with practice plans for each training session 48 hours in advance of each session.
– For year round program athletes, meet annually to review the program and athlete goals; prepare (with support from the LTC / T2C coach and interested volunteer coaches) generic periodized training programs and monitor and communicate at least monthly with athletes maintaining an internet training log.
– Quebec provincial races, as established by the Racing Program Committee.
Qualifications: Mandatory:
– NCCP CCI-LTT, or equivalent, working towards CCI-TTT
– Proven ability to motivate younger athletes
– Excellent interpersonal and organizational expertise
– Unrestricted class G driver’s licence (or equivalent) and access to a vehicle
Knowledge of:
– Technological tools used to support coaching: internet based coaching and monitoring programs, heart rate monitor use and analysis, video analysis
– Ability to use internet –based communications tools and social media
– Yearly training plan preparation
– Cross country skiing technique development and analysis
– Waxing Expertise: Ability to accurately test skis and suggest appropriate waxes and covers; coordinating and working with a team to quickly and efficiently wax skis for a large number of skis for provincial and national level races.
As a full-time employee, the compensation package for this position will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Applications should be in the form of a letter of application with CV and three references, submitted by e-mail no later than April 27th, 2011 to:
Nakkertok Ski Club
c/o Jennifer Tomlinson
Director – Racing Program tomlinson@rogers.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
April 12, 2011 – The Coastal Nordic Ski Club (CNSC), a nonprofit organization located in southern Maine, is seeking a Head Coach for the Maine Coast Nordic (MCN) Ski Team. MCN currently has over 25 athletes representing several southern Maine towns and school systems. MCN has been training on a regular basis throughout last Summer, Fall & Winter under the previous MCN coach Jordi St.John.
The Maine Coast Nordic (MCN) Ski Team was formed in 2004 as a vehicle to support and encourage aspiring youth skiers in Southern Maine with year-round coaching and training opportunities supplemental to existing school programs. The position also includes oversight of our very successful Bill Koch Youth Ski League program from early January to mid-March. The BKYSL program had 90 skiers this past winter.
The MCN and Bill Koch programs in southern Maine have grown significantly over the last several years. This is a unique opportunity for a person with a strong Nordic skiing background to positively influence a wide range of highly motivated young athletes while also helping shape the program for the future.
Please email a letter of interest and resume by May 6th to Mike Pratico at mpratico@maine.rr.com.
March 10, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada, the National Sport Organization for cross-country skiing in Canada, is currently seeking a full-time employee to fill the position as Senior Team Coach for the National Ski Team (NST). This position is designed to be part of a dynamic high performance team that is totally committed to developing and sustaining our international excellence in cross-country skiing.
The position: The Senior Team Coach is a coaching position that will deliver comprehensive technical leadership and coaching for Canada’s athlete’s competing at the World Cup level. The successful candidate will have extensive coaching and technical qualifications supplemented by strong communication, motivational and presentation skills, and effective organizational skills. This position requires extensive traveling during the entire year to attend training camps and competitions.
The candidate must be able to adapt to coming into a four year quadrennial plan, the core of which will not change. While the next two years is not a time for major changes in the Canadian program, innovations brought forward by the candidate, which do not affect the core program requirements, will be encouraged and considered by the head coach and director high performance.
The position is based at the National Training Centre in Canmore, Alberta. All of the team athletes live and train year round at this location.
This position reports directly to the NST Head Coach.
Term: Full-time position
General Responsibilities (These include but are not limited to the following):
– Work with the Head Coach and other coaching staff to design, implement and monitor an annual training and competition plan for the National Ski Team senior teams;
– In coordination with the Integrated Support Team (IST), coordinate athlete support services including sport science, sport medicine, and technical support;
– Coaching and leading international and domestic competitive tours;
– Provide timely and effective communication to athletes and other coaches and members of the IST;
– Manage administrative tasks and accountability measures established to evaluate the program.
Required Qualifications:
– Experience coaching at the international level with the proven ability to deliver and integrate the key components of the program: technique, physiology, tactics, psychology and health;
– Must be dedicated to high performance excellence through creative and innovative approaches to delivering training programs;
– Proven ability to motivate and gain the trust and confidence of high performance athletes;
– Excellent interpersonal and organizational expertise;
– Ability to work as a team member and independent contributor;
– Proven skills in distance and sprint training.
As a full-time employee, the Senior Team Coach the compensation package for this position will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Applications should be in the form of a letter of application with CV and three references, submitted by e-mail no later than April 1, 2011 to:
Cross Country Canada/Ski de fond Canada
c/o Cathy Sturgeon
Director – Administration and Communication csturgeon@cccski.com
Cross Country Canada would like to fill this position before the end of April.
CCC is an equal opportunity employer. This position is financially supported in part by Sport Canada.
March 07, 2011 (Rossland, BC) – Dave Wood was Canada’s most successful National Team cross-country ski coach, with career highlights including Beckie Scott’s legendary Olympic pursuit gold in 2002, Sara Renner’s sprint bronze at the Nordic World Championships in 2005, Chandra Crawford’s sprint gold in 2006 in Torino, and nine top-10’s at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Wood spent 18 years with Cross Country Canada (CCC) and lead the program for 12 of those years. He resigned in May 2010 and is still very much involved with skiing, currently coaching the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland, B.C. He talked with SkiTrax’s Marty Hall about his new New Nordic Academy program.
It’s been 9 months since your departure from the Canadian National Team, what’s been happening with you and your career – bring us up to speed?
Dave Wood: In the spring I began working with the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland, BC. The program here has younger skiers ages 13 to 17, all in high school. We have an ideal natural environment for Cross country skiers in Rossland.
Most of the training can be completed “out the door”. We have to travel for Roller skiing to find different terrain, but we have everything from flatter gentle terrain to long continuous uphills (10 to 25 km). The trails are superb and with the Red Mountain alpine area only 15 minutes running from town we can do as much ski simulation on foot as one can stand!
The program had a couple of training camps in the summer, the Haig Glacier, and a dryland camp in the Bow Valley. This is an opportunity to begin to introduce these skiers to training at altitude. We began skiing in Early November up at the Paulson trails (local). There are 3 areas for Cross Country here, and the Paulson trails (maintained by the Castlegar club) have snow a little earlier than Black Jack.
I went to Boston in September for a NENSA seminar. I made a presentation and sat in on the rest of seminar. Always good to get into other areas. As well I went to a COC function (Olympic Excellence series) for summer sports in November.
The club hosted a very successful NorAm in December. I did not have involvement with the event, except I worked with the club to build a better sprint course. The tracks and the event were well received.
The club and the Red Mountain Academy are joining forces to create an educational component to our Nordic Program. Al Fisher (Racing Program Director) and I initiated this in the spring and over the summer when we hammered out the details. At the end it has been Wannes Luppens (Club President), Al Fisher and I that are spearheading this initiative.
Now we are into the racing season and going full blast. Life in Rossland right now is being very good to Coach Dave Wood!
I hear you’re announcing a new high school aged skiing program at one of the best training and skiing locales in North America – tell us more about the Red Mountain Academy and its new educational component for your Nordic Program.
DW: The Red Mountain Academy (RMA) has been in operation for many years. It began as an academy program with the Red Mountain Racers (Alpine racing) and over time has expanded. The cooperation with the Black Jack Cross Country ski club was initiated this spring and we finalized the association this past fall with a three pronged program. Read more about the Academy here: www.redskiacademy.com
With the Home Stay Plan athletes that are not local in Rossland are placed with families in Rossland. We also have service providers such as physiotherapy, mental training, etc.
The home stay is organized and delivered through the administration end of the academy program. The athletes stay with families in the area. There is an education for the home stay families with respect to the nutritional needs of the athlete. The cost for this is $750/month, which includes some of the travelling needs. With their application to academy the process for home stay is initiated.
Another component of this program is transportation to and from the training venue to the school. In Rossland you can walk from “home” to school
The Educational Component of the Academy is delivered at Rossland Senior Secondary school. This will provide the athletes with a flexible academic schedule that allows time for proper training and competition programs. Read more about RMA here: www.rss.sd20.bc.ca
The third component of the program is the Training and Competition Program that is managed and delivered by myself. I have several coaches and experts who are assisting me in the Black Jack Racing team. We provide an intensive, individualized training and preparation programs.
Athletes in the academy program will train alongside the athletes training with the Club Program. Currently we have athletes from Rossland, Nelson, and Trail that work with the Black Jack Racing Team.
General program for 2011/12
– May 1 is the training year start
– Will plan for a spring snow camp where it can happen, likely Vernon, however we can do it here in some years
– June is dryland, going into the local mountain trails as the snow melts
– July will have a week at the Haig glacier
– August will have two weeks in the Bow Valley with two trips to the Haig glacier
– Fall camp with altitude. Most likely the Bow Valley if the stored snow works out
– December NorAms
– World Junior trials
– National Champs
– Other racing as is available
In Rossland we enjoy the perfect natural environment for developing Cross Country Ski Racers. We have an extensive network of trails and paths that are ideal for running and ski simulation on foot. As well we have mountain trails that are up to 2200 meters in elevation.
This means we can train between 400 meters and 2200 meters, an ideal situation for altitude training and lower elevation for speed work. We have long continuous roller ski climbs, up to 25 km, or we can have gentle rolling terrain to roller ski on. A lot of this roller ski terrain has very limited traffic.
We have access to a rubber surface running track in Warfield (6km away), an aquatic center in Trail (10 km), gyms in Rossland, and the alpine area (Red Resort) is about 5km from town, a perfect distance for warm up for a hill session. This is as good as it gets for dry land training!
We have three areas where we can ski. The Black Jack Club (www.skiblackjack.ca) is about a 10 min drive from anywhere in Rossland. The club has about 30 km of trails that are groomed daily by one of the two Pisten Bulleys the club owns. The normal season at Black Jack would be December to April. There is a biathlon facility up the highway from Black Jack. There is a 5km loop with the shorter tracks inside the 5 km track. The biathlon facility is about 300 meters higher than Black Jack, and gets earlier snow (2 to 3 weeks) and the snow lasts much longer in the spring. Finally the Castlegar ski club operates a trail system at the Paulson Summit. This is about a 30 min drive from Rossland, and it is also higher (about 1500 meters) so it is another option for early skiing
We can offer a training environment that is very high quality and lets the athletes maximize their training time do to the proximity of all training venues.
Dave, I think that wraps it up for any young teenage skier it doesn’t get any better. Sort of a home away from home feeling with the Home Stay Program and one of the best facilities and training centered programs you could want to be involved with – how do I sign up? DW: Contact Kristi Calder at kristi@redskiacademy.com for information on the overall program. I can be contacted at davidwood53@gmail.com or 250-521-0223 for specifics on all aspects of the programs
March 01, 2011 (Bend, OR) – The XC Oregon elite development program based in Bend, Oregon has officially opened new funded level athlete applications for the 2011/2012 ski season. Complete information on the very simple XC Oregon application process is now available by visiting www.xcoregon.org.
Based on current budget projections and likely retirements by several top athletes, XC Oregon anticipates having the financial resources to support 2-4 new “funded” level athletes interested in racing full 2011/12 regional/national/international schedules. XC Oregon also continues to welcome an unlimited number of “associate” athletes to apply at any time with less stringent racing qualifications and expectations than the funded level. Per the program’s tradition, XC Oregon does not charge fees to any roster athlete for team membership.
Specific financial support for interested athletes is highly individual and often has incentives built-in for new athletes with high level credentials. We are very happy to discuss specifics with athletes as they work through the application process.
The first round of 2011/12 new athlete applications will be accepted until April 15, 2011. Athletes meeting that initial deadline will have preferred status for early funding allocations. After April 15 XC Oregon will continue accepting new athletes throughout the year on a case-by-case basis.
Founded in 1998, XC Oregon is North America’s longest-running elite development club with the same leadership and organizational design since inception. A 501c3 non-profit organization, XC Oregon is supported by several Oregon-based corporations and by generous Friends of XC Oregon patrons from around the ski world. Past and present XC Oregon athletes over the past 13 years include U.S. Olympians, World Championship Team members, World Cup skiers, National Champions, SuperTour Champions, World Loppet Champions, ASM Series Winners — and more. Our program has also proudly produced over two dozen alumni ski coaches.
Current program athletes live throughout the state of Oregon, with residency for a significant portion of the year in the state being one of the few requirements of the program. Coaching and program management is provided by program founder J.D. Downing on a year-round basis. Training and racing annually involves a mixture of individual and group training/travel — with the program adapting each year to fit the needs of our current roster. Year after year, XC Oregon continues to provide a proven support structure for independent and motivated young adult athletes that enjoy living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Although based in one general geographic location, the XC Oregon roster proudly features permanent and visiting athletes from around the globe. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for either roster membership or funding support.
XC Oregon also prides itself on having one of the widest age and ability ranges of any elite club. Whether a recent college graduate, a cross-over athlete from other endurance sports, a veteran athlete looking for a fresh start — over the years XC Oregon has welcomed athletes with incredibly diverse backgrounds.
After viewing the materials on www.xcoregon.org we encourage interested athletes to contact J.D. Downing with any questions you may have and to visit us in Bend sometime this spring as we once again enjoy the longest easy-access ski season in North America well into June.
February 25, 2011 (Rossland, BC) – Dave Wood was Canada’s most successful National Team cross-country ski coach, with career highlights including Beckie Scott’s legendary Olympic pursuit gold in 2002, Sara Renner’s sprint bronze at the Nordic World Championships in 2005, Chandra Crawford’s sprint gold in 2006 in Torino, and nine top-10’s at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Wood spent 18 years with Cross Country Canada (CCC) and lead the program for 12 of those years. He resigned in May 2010 and is still very much involved with skiing, currently coaching the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland, B.C. He talked with SkiTrax’s Marty Hall about his new New Nordic Academy program.
It’s been 9 months since your departure from the Canadian National Team, what’s been happening with you and your career – bring us up to speed?
Dave Wood: In the spring I began working with the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland, BC. The program here has younger skiers ages 13 to 17, all in high school. We have an ideal natural environment for Cross country skiers in Rossland.
Most of the training can be completed “out the door”. We have to travel for Roller skiing to find different terrain, but we have everything from flatter gentle terrain to long continuous uphills (10 to 25 km). The trails are superb and with the Red Mountain alpine area only 15 minutes running from town we can do as much ski simulation on foot as one can stand!
The program had a couple of training camps in the summer, the Haig Glacier, and a dryland camp in the Bow Valley. This is an opportunity to begin to introduce these skiers to training at altitude. We began skiing in Early November up at the Paulson trails (local). There are 3 areas for Cross Country here, and the Paulson trails (maintained by the Castlegar club) have snow a little earlier than Black Jack.
I went to Boston in September for a NENSA seminar. I made a presentation and sat in on the rest of seminar. Always good to get into other areas. As well I went to a COC function (Olympic Excellence series) for summer sports in November.
The club hosted a very successful NorAm in December. I did not have involvement with the event, except I worked with the club to build a better sprint course. The tracks and the event were well received.
The club and the Red Mountain Academy are joining forces to create an educational component to our Nordic Program. Al Fisher (Racing Program Director) and I initiated this in the spring and over the summer when we hammered out the details. At the end it has been Wannes Luppens (Club President), Al Fisher and I that are spearheading this initiative.
Now we are into the racing season and going full blast. Life in Rossland right now is being very good to Coach Dave Wood!
I hear you’re announcing a new high school aged skiing program at one of the best training and skiing locales in North America – tell us more about the Red Mountain Academy and its new educational component for your Nordic Program.
DW: The Red Mountain Academy (RMA) has been in operation for many years. It began as an academy program with the Red Mountain Racers (Alpine racing) and over time has expanded. The cooperation with the Black Jack Cross Country ski club was initiated this spring and we finalized the association this past fall with a three pronged program. Read more about the Academy here: www.redskiacademy.com
With the Home Stay Plan athletes that are not local in Rossland are placed with families in Rossland. We also have service providers such as physiotherapy, mental training, etc.
The home stay is organized and delivered through the administration end of the academy program. The athletes stay with families in the area. There is an education for the home stay families with respect to the nutritional needs of the athlete. The cost for this is $750/month, which includes some of the travelling needs. With their application to academy the process for home stay is initiated.
Another component of this program is transportation to and from the training venue to the school. In Rossland you can walk from “home” to school
The Educational Component of the Academy is delivered at Rossland Senior Secondary school. This will provide the athletes with a flexible academic schedule that allows time for proper training and competition programs. Read more about RMA here: www.rss.sd20.bc.ca
The third component of the program is the Training and Competition Program that is managed and delivered by myself. I have several coaches and experts who are assisting me in the Black Jack Racing team. We provide an intensive, individualized training and preparation programs.
Athletes in the academy program will train alongside the athletes training with the Club Program. Currently we have athletes from Rossland, Nelson, and Trail that work with the Black Jack Racing Team.
General program for 2011/12
– May 1 is the training year start
– Will plan for a spring snow camp where it can happen, likely Vernon, however we can do it here in some years
– June is dryland, going into the local mountain trails as the snow melts
– July will have a week at the Haig glacier
– August will have two weeks in the Bow Valley with two trips to the Haig glacier
– Fall camp with altitude. Most likely the Bow Valley if the stored snow works out
– December NorAms
– World Junior trials
– National Champs
– Other racing as is available
In Rossland we enjoy the perfect natural environment for developing Cross Country Ski Racers. We have an extensive network of trails and paths that are ideal for running and ski simulation on foot. As well we have mountain trails that are up to 2200 meters in elevation.
This means we can train between 400 meters and 2200 meters, an ideal situation for altitude training and lower elevation for speed work. We have long continuous roller ski climbs, up to 25 km, or we can have gentle rolling terrain to roller ski on. A lot of this roller ski terrain has very limited traffic.
We have access to a rubber surface running track in Warfield (6km away), an aquatic center in Trail (10 km), gyms in Rossland, and the alpine area (Red Resort) is about 5km from town, a perfect distance for warm up for a hill session. This is as good as it gets for dry land training!
We have three areas where we can ski. The Black Jack Club (www.skiblackjack.ca) is about a 10 min drive from anywhere in Rossland. The club has about 30 km of trails that are groomed daily by one of the two Pisten Bulleys the club owns. The normal season at Black Jack would be December to April. There is a biathlon facility up the highway from Black Jack. There is a 5km loop with the shorter tracks inside the 5 km track. The biathlon facility is about 300 meters higher than Black Jack, and gets earlier snow (2 to 3 weeks) and the snow lasts much longer in the spring. Finally the Castlegar ski club operates a trail system at the Paulson Summit. This is about a 30 min drive from Rossland, and it is also higher (about 1500 meters) so it is another option for early skiing
We can offer a training environment that is very high quality and lets the athletes maximize their training time do to the proximity of all training venues.
Dave, I think that wraps it up for any young teenage skier it doesn’t get any better. Sort of a home away from home feeling with the Home Stay Program and one of the best facilities and training centered programs you could want to be involved with – how do I sign up?
DW:
February 28, 2013 (Craftsbury, VT) – The Craftsbury Green Racing Project (GRP) is now accepting applications for the 2013-14 training year. Space will be limited, but we hope to be able to add a few new members to the team. Applications will be due by April 1 and decisions will be made by April 15 at the latest.
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