(Above image by Julien Bordes , all others by Bryan Fish)
I left the Jackson camp motivated and encouraged about the future of USA XC skiing is today. Thanks to the young athletes, their coaches, and clubs for the hard work that is clearly being put in. The athletes were engaged and focused within the training sessions and had many insightful questions throughout the week. Most importantly, I was witnessing friendships form outside the training sessions. I am sure these friendships will be further forged as they continue their unique paths within our sport.
The National Under-16 camp would not be possible without the collaboration of club coaches and clubs’ willingness to host this project within their communities.
Will Wicherski (Project Leader) – Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club
Paul Smith – New York Ski Educational Foundation
(Jackson U16 camp athlete alum that now have returned to coach)
Tegan Thorley – Alaska Nordic Racing
Anna Fake – Big Sky Education Foundation
Max Polito – Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
Ross Williams – Superiorland Ski Club
Julien Bordes – Tahoe Endurance
Elysha Dyer – Team Summit Colorado
Grace Erholtz – University of Wyoming Nordic Ski Team
Orion Berryman – Ice Badgers (Missoula, MT)
A special thanks must go out to the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club for hosting this camp in their community as well as Will Wicherski for leading this project. Jackson showcased how lucky we are as a sport to train and compete is some of the most beautiful locations in the world.
The origin of the National Under-16 camp was the concept of four collaborating junior coaches as they saw the need for a broader group of young xc skiers to come together and identify with one another as well as identify with the sport of cross-country skiing. Those four coaches are:
Rick Kapala – Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
Janice Sibilia – former NENSA Director
Ali Sehnert – current Jackson Hole Ski Club Director
Josh Smullin – Steamboat Springs Winter Sport Coach XC ski coach
Rick Kapala had continued to organize and lead this project up until the last two seasons. We owe thanks to them for creating the vision. I have been at all National U16 camps with the exception of three camps. It has been impressive to watch our young athletes evolve in the sport we all have passion for.
A huge thank you to National Nordic Foundation for its on-going support to this project. I strongly believe the National Under-16 camp is a project that NNF and our XC community should continue to support. The future of USA XC skiing has a bright future based on what I witnessed in Jackson this past week.
“Thank you to @enjoywinter and @swenor for supplying the camp with 20 pair of matched skate rollerskis to host a fair full sprint competition.”
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