 2003/2004 Winter Elite Team Named Ski Jumping Elite Team: Evan Bliss, Nick Fairall, Ryan Nicholson. Nordic Combined Elite Team: Matt Delaney, Willy Graves, David McCahill. Congratulations!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
HOPPER HIGHLIGHTS
 Grasshopper K18 Meter Madness!
The August Grasshopper Camp was just as intense. Newcomers to the
Grasshopper posse included crazy Joe Novakowski and his "No Jump"
sister, Marne, and Hudsen Timon, Gage Fichter, and Jake "The Snake"
Jacobs. I was very impressed with the ski jumping styles of all my first
timers. Way to go! Both Grasshopper Camps also saw some deep sea diving
into Copperas Pond, and intense tennis, basketball and golf matches at
the Jack Rabbit Inn. And, last but not least, wild and wacky K90 landing
hill rides! I hope to see all of you Grasshoppers out this winter going
BIG! Look out US Ski Team, here comes the Eastern Grasshoppers
gearing up for the 2010 Olympics, Vancouver Style!
Not for Grasshoppers Only In addition, the camp lets us meet other jumpers. They are as crazy for the sport as we are. From the soccer game in the morning, to the last ride off the hill, to the evening activities, one day is full of surprises. Moreover, from the first day down the hill to the fun comp, the week is, to quote my little brother, "pretty sweet".
A Week of Fun and Ski Jumping Much of the time was spent jumping but we also did other fun activities such as playing soccer and swimming. On most days we would play a game of soccer to warm up, then do roller jumps, and then go take an hour of jumps on the K18. In the afternoon we would jump some more and then go swimming or play basketball and tennis back at the hotel. During the camp I learned many new skills. I worked on getting a better in-run, and locking everything up in the air. I learned many new skills to improve my jumping, and had a great time doing. I can't wait to go back next year!
WHOA! Summah sure flew by! A thank you to those involved over here in Lake Placid-from songbirds Lisa Kling and Jennie Frenette to the "results meister" Tony Goodwin and everyone else in between. Another great season in the East. Some skiers made remarkable improvements this summer that will hopefully continue through the winter. As winter approaches there are a few issues to be addressed and resolved. The East's turn for upcoming national events in 2005 and 2006 will be upon us before we know it. Although Lake Placid is the most likely site in the east for the '05 North American Championships, the door is open for the '06 Junior Olympics. Gunstock or Brattleboro could also be candidates for Nationals if the hills were up to specs. Dr. P.T. Bland (U.S. ski hill guru) came to the region to visit sites he didn't get to on his fist trip-Gunstock, Andover, Hanover, Newport, and Lebanon. "My general impression is that these hills are a bit old fashioned and could use some modernization. An effort should be made to improve these facilities if you are to continue producing good competitive jumpers," said Dr. Bland. He sent each club a synopsis of what needs to be done. The East needs a JO bid package to present in Alaska this spring to keep our place in the rotation and the Eastern Committee needs to decide which site to put forth. This is an opportunity to improve a facility, build a volunteer base and jumpstart a program. I think Lebanon would be a great site.with Dr. Bland's proposed improvements... but that, of course, is up to the Lebanon folks. Lake Placid does not have a jump that fits into the current rules (K50-70) but Salisbury does. Upgrading our sites to be able to host national events is good for our athletes and great for our sport. Anyone who wishes to take a look at Doc's report let me know and I'll get a copy to you. Doc had a great trip-he loved the lobster-thanks to all who made it happen. See you soon. Think cold. Think snow.
Death of Gene Ross Gene coached at Plymouth for twelve years, and this past season led his team to the runner-up spot in the NHIAA Ski Jumping Championship. Gene did a great job promoting participation and sportsmanship, while turning beginners into aggressive flyers. Rossco was the kind of guy who made one cheer up whenever he showed up. He always had a grin for everybody, and he managed to infuse that same joy of life into his jumpers. He was always ready to grab a shovel or rake, and pitch in to ready any jump before or after a practice. Gene Ross was a great man, a super friend, and a wonderful coach. He will be missed by many. The Plymouth Jumping program will continue, a new staff has been lined up, but it will never be the same without "Rossco". I'm sure that when many of the coaches arrive in Lake Placid for the Annual NH High School Camp, much of the discussion will involve thoughts of Gene Ross and how to honor his dedication to a sport that we all love. Jon Farnham proposed awarding a Gene Ross Cup. Gene is survived by his wife Kathy and three young sons, Jake 8, Nick 4 and Zack 2. Jake ski jumped last year and has every intention of training with the Plymouth jumping team this year.
A scholarship has been established in Gene's name at Plymouth
Regional High School. Contributions can be made to the Gene Ross
Scholarship/ Plymouth Regional High School, c/o Community Guarantee
Savings Bank, 28 S. Main Street, Plymouth, NH 03264. Cards or notes may
be sent to Mrs. Eugene (Kathy) Ross; PO Box 677; Holderness, NH 03245.
"Aude Volare" -- Dare to Fly!
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