In Ski Jumping our regional coaches are tending to the business of setting down firm foundations for this next generation of athletes using the system which Kari Ylianttila has established in this country. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Athletes like Clint Jones and Alan Alborn are starting to emerge into the International spotlight with good skills and we've already seen good results of the Nordic Combined system with their development team on the podium at World Junior Championships. If we continue to stress basic skills and building a strong foundation at the regional/club level the skiers whom we are working with now will have the proper skills to reach the next level when they arrive at the National Team like Brian Welch and Morgan Goodwin. There are no short cuts. It has all to do with good fundamental coaching, learning the basics and having good facilities. We have a good group of feeder clubs and coaches in the East with AOC Tim Norris and LOC Jon Farnham and NYSEF consistently turning out talented jumpers. Salisbury is back in the mix and with Alexei Sotskov now at Vermont Academy there appears to be a good possibility of rejuvenating the Vermont jumping scene. The Gunstock Nordic Association (GNA) is looking to boost their program and stay involved as a regional site - it is important to keep that site going. The GNA K87 meter hill is still a great hill and with their little hills GNA can make a huge contribution to the regional program. We wish them good luck in finding a new coach. The future is bright and it looks like the winter is starting off well with cold weather and early snow. It's a time of change with a new Junior Olympic structure and the new North American Junior Championships kicking off in Calgary. Let's get to work and, of course, have fun. See you on the hill!
Here we go… into a another winter...what a great summer… hot… dry… perfect for training… and growing tomatoes and hot peppers! The camps were well attended and it was good to see you all without your wool hats and heavy coats! Several of our skiers had the chance to jump for (and truly impress) the New York Islanders NHL Team and former First Lady New York Senator Hilary Clinton. How cool is that! The Flaming Leaves Festival was successful with a spectacular fall day. The Eastern Crew brought in some greatly needed cash with the silent auction and raffle. Thanks kids for selling those bells! Some changes here in Lake Placid… we will try again for a night jump with the New Year's Masters Meet and we'll try like heck to have the NYSEF New Year's Meet on the 120K. Pray for a real winter and we'll try to keep the 120K open all winter. Keep your fingers crossed for the K60 jump project to take flight next spring. Remember to thank all those people that work hard to snow and groom the jumps, organize your meets, hand out the bibs calculate the results, drive you to practice, etc. – they do it for you! And don't be afraid to pitch in and help… you could learn a thing or two! Think cold, think snow!
from the Eastern Committee Desk
Among the many generous supporters of Eastern Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined, we offer a special thank you to our good friend Douglas Hoffman, CPA of Lake Placid for his dedicated service to the accounting and financial details of the Eastern Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined Committee. Doug is also an active Eastern jumping judge and the father of three grown children (the youngest being the renowned Taylor Hoffman). This year Doug is celebrating 25 years in his business, Douglas L. Hoffman, CPA & Associates. His wife Carol, is the president of the Lake Placid Ski Club (LPSC). The Hoffman family organizes the annual LPSC Antique Car Show every Labor Day weekend and this past year organized the Corvette Pace Car Raffle Fundraiser. The LPSC offers financial support to it's member athletes. Doug, with his quiet demeanor and quick smile, has always stepped up to the plate and willingly jumped in to help with whatever needs to be done. THANK YOU DOUG!
NEWS and NOTES
The Silly Season
This years cascade was started when U.S. Head jumping Coach Kari Ylianttila changed his job description so he would travel less. Finnish native Riku Ayri will assist Kari as the new World Cup jumping coach.
On the Nordic Combined side, Tom Steitz retired as head coach and has been replaced by his former assistant Baard Jorgen Elden.
NC jumping coach Jan Erik Aalbu has returned to his homeland as the Norge Ski Team Nordic Program Director. Corby Fisher, who was the top guy in the National Sports Foundation (NSF) program in Park City has moved up to take Aalbu's place.
Closer to home:
Eastern Competitors:
"Aude Volare" -- Dare to Fly!
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