ALUMNI UPDATES
Andrea Canning (1998-99)The past year has flown by and I have literally flown all over the country covering the big stories for ABC News.
Spent time in New Orleans during Katrina, visited Kansas where the government is giving away free land to boost its population and covered NY fashion week interviewing Gwen Stefani at her first ever fashion show...just to name a few stories. I pretty much cover the President, Capitol Hill and The US Supreme Court on a daily basis though, learning a lot about US Government. Does Canada have a Prime Minister? Only kidding. Seriously I'm a little out of touch. :)
I have also appeared on Good Morning America quite a few times and World News Tonight which is a dream come true.
Looking forward to returning to Blue Mountain for New Years!
Tim Irvin (1990 - 94)
I think it has been a while since I wrote in to the alumni news, but I always enjoy reading what everybody else is up to. The NSA family just keeps getting bigger. 20 years! No wonder the Big Cheese has some gray hairs.
The last while has been difficult for me because my dear mom passed away this spring from heart complications. My Dad and I are coping with this big change in our lives and most of the time I think we are doing okay. It was comforting to see so many of the NSA crowd at the funeral. Thank you so much for your support.
At the end of June I headed to the arctic for a summer of canoeing through central Nunavut with 5 friends. We paddled 1000 km over 53 days and saw tremendous things along the way - muskox, wolves, 1000's of caribou, grizzlies, frozen lakes in July, raging rapids and arctic sea ice in August. It was an experience beyond words.
I headed back to the west coast of BC after the trip to work again as a grizzly bear guide and naturalist. The Lodge where I work is tucked into a corner of the Great Bear Rainforest where people come to watch the big bears, salmon, eagles and orcas. My job, in short, is to explain bear ecology to our visitors and to keep the bears safe from the tourists! It was another magnificent season in this remarkable place. My Dad even came out to the Lodge for a few days which was fantastic. I am currently up in Churchill, Manitoba where I am working as a polar bear guide at the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." The bears are majestic and massive(!) and last night the northern lights were spectacular.
In a few weeks I'll be heading back to the west coast where I'll get to spend some time with Pip and Jazz and Ollie and hopefully get into the mountains for some powder this winter.
I hope everybody has a great winter ahead of them.
Adam Law (1998-00)
Hi, lovin life in Kingston! I'm currently in my second year at Queens University, studying Economics. I didn't exactly branch too far away from the ski world as far as who I'm living with, but having a blast living with Everett Findlay, Mike Wilson, and Will Gyles. Looking forward to the University race circuit this year, as many of you know how mentally and physically demanding it can be, especially the
pre-race conditioning that usually occurs the night before. Hoping to do a little bit of coaching over the holidays, and hope everyone is doing well, and can't wait to see many of you around the Collingwood area over the holidays.
David Duncan (1997-2000)
Well, it's official, I'm in love with Alaska! I decided not to go back to Ontario this past summer and stayed in Alaska for the hiking, fishing, rugby and the 24 hours of daylight. Good times were had, whether it be winning the rugby Alaska state championship or driving the "Top of the World Highway" to Dawson City to do a shot with a real dead toe in it. Don't believe me? I'm number 19579 to have done it, umm nothing better then a little Yukon Jack and a dead toe. Now days I'm balancing my final year of school with the prep for my final year of racing, that's hard to say, so maybe not my last year of racing, who knows? Congratulations to the Academy and everyone that has ever been a part of it! If there is a 20 year Anniversary party hopefully I'll see you all there. Good luck to the NSA racers and Alumni whatever you're doing!
Simon Collins-Pallet (1997-00)
Well I'm writing this from Honolulu... I'm visiting an uncle here and pretty soon I'm heading to NZ with a buddy who graduated with me in May. I'm planning on working and travelling till August or so. Unfortunately no Collingwood this winter so I'm going to miss the coaching, the people and of course the partying. I just wrote the LSAT and I'm waiting for my results... eek. If that goes well then I'll be going to law school next Sept. If it doesn't go well then I'll probably end up doing a masters at McMaster in the Motor Behaviour lab or maybe at some other Ontario school. Hope that you're all doing well and keep in touch.
Ben Kangas
Hope everyone is well in the Wood and safe. Still in the States not sure when I will be back for good. Just finished midterms in my senior year at Iowa and have one more week of fall ball till the real practices start the conditioning side. Had to sit out last year do to transferring from Nebraska, so have one more year left of baseball and then we will see where that takes me. Studying Criminal Justice to become a police officer and hopefully get on the swat team. Be home over Christmas and for the New Year, hopefully everybody reads this is in good health and best wishes to all and see you over the holidays.
Benny Kangas rbkangas@hotmail.com
Martha (Lee) Marpole (1987-92)
Hello and best wishes to everyone.
Bruce, Harrison, (8), and Gifford, (6 1/2), our three dogs, and I are still living in Banff. The boys are both in a Nancy Greene program, playing hockey, and enjoying the fact that they are quickly gaining on me in size...could someone out there please design a ski boot for an 8 year old with size 6 men's feet?
Presently, I am still working for the Alberta Alpine Ski Association, the CSCF, and the Sunshine Ski Club. I have also been given an incredible opportunity to attend the National Coaching Institute in Calgary, (NCCP Level 4 / 5), on the Petro Canada Olympic Torch Scholarship. The boys and I do our homework together, and the fact that I am often stumped by their homework, does not bide well for the material that I am faced with!
Again, best wishes to everyone, and keep in touch.
martha@albertaalpine.ca / marpole@shaw.ca
Alexandra Ponikvar (1995-97)
Currently living in Toronto and studying for my national physical therapy competency exam. I will be graduating with a Masters of Science degree (in
Physical Therapy) from the University of Toronto this November but will not be jumping into the physio profession right away--this winter I will be coaching
for an old club of mine in NY State. It will be fun and I am looking forward to it. Good luck to all the NSA athletes this coming season!
Colin Ardill (1994-98)
Well, well, well, the winter is coming once again!!! I have changed jobs in recent months and I'm now working for Tribute Entertainment Media Group in business development. We are the number #1 Entertainment Magazine and website in Canada. www.tribute.ca
I'm really looking forward to another winter in the Wood with some Masters races, cocktails in the lodge, dinner parties and ooh ya cocktails after dinner!!!
Happy holidays to all the NSA family!
Jasper Blake (1989-93)
Wow, I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since Pip, Ollie and I moved into the big house on Oak street....crazy!! I have a lot of great memories from the NSA and still maintain that it is where I learned how to channel my energy into a positive outcome. In the first year there were only 16 of us and only 3 women who strangely enough all had crushes on me...yes Lisa, Dianne and Martha don't deny it, I was way out of your league anyway.
I remember having wrestling matches with Gareth and Graydon only to be busted by legendary coach Ueli Berger and sent for a run at 10pm. I remember the days of Pete Nella...every minute you were late for morning warm up you had to get up a half hour earlier the next day....I remember Malcolm Verth running at 4am around the golf course. I remember the days of Jeff Thompson and the crazy mountain bike rides, long runs, epic weight sessions and killer dodge ball games. I remember sprint finishes on every single run with Jeff, Ollie, Tim, Gordo....I also remember never winning a sprint finish. I remember how Tim Irvin and I used to play pool for 11 cents/game and how he still owes me a lot of money. I remember being so smashed after dryland testing I would sleep for a day. I remember sitting on the chair with Jeff Crompton comparing gate marks on our shin pads and poles to see who was shinning more gates. I remember Paul Harnett turning on the snow gun in his face at the top of St. Anne in -35 degree weather. I remember laughing at Maclean making fun of Stu-guy...the greatest comedy duo to hit the Academy. I remember the leadership of wise old Jurg and the game where you exchange punches in the arm and the first to back down loses....which isn't much fun when you're a 90lb 14 year old. I remember laughing so hard once doing dishes with Jeff Crompton I nearly soiled my shorts...Jeff did, it was gross. I remember Matt Vermilia driving golf balls in the gym...always wear a helmet. I remember marvelling at Ryan Philips's ability to do just about anything incredibly well. I remember Graham Buckrell's red spandex running tights. I remember when Jim started working there and the place basically went downhill. I remember using Tim Boudreau's vacuum cleaner to suck up some water only to find out it basically trashed the vacuum....c'mon Tim, it's kind of funny now! I remember Rick Irvin showing us all how to put a condom on our heads and Tim loving every minute of that. I remember study hall with BT and how he really new a whole lot of nothing about nothing....but for some reason I still write an essay using his format. I remember watching Graydon earn the first ever World Cup points for the Academy. I remember having crushes on Martha, Lisa, Laura, Kelly, Becca, Brooke, Dallas, Sue Mealey (she had to pick me or you John, it was a close call I think).....ahhhh the ones that got away. I remember watching Mario Blanchet figuring out about speed but not necessarily about turning and how funny that looked in a GS course....I also remember how good the "weegie" was at hockey....and of course trying to give him blood thinners via needle after his crash in Europe...the weegie hates needles. I remember watching Billy Kritsch ski when I was 14 and thinking how great it would be to ski that well. I remember doing push-ups every night before bed because Tim O'neill did. I remember Rob Thorburn being the nicest guy on the planet. I remember Jordie Garnett's shock of red hair. I remember trying to help Heather Mcleod work on her reactions by kicking volleyballs at her in the gym...I don't think she liked that very much. I remember Pete and Wolfman...and will never forget them. And of course, I remember the fact that every day we got to ski and train and see how good we could get at something we loved to do. Thanks!
Tyler McLeod (1996-97)
Hey gang, well I seem to have planted myself securely in Toronto these days. Been sorting my life out since I returned from my travels last winter. I've just
finished renovating my loft downtown on King West. Just in time for winter which is nice. As for work, been juggling a few things... took on my first role as Co-Producer of a new travel show with a business partner in Australia, which has been kind of cool. Now all we need is a network to pick it up and who knows where it'll take me! Decided it's my last kick at the can with acting/film though (for now at least). I'm on the hunt for something in fashion now. Doing interviews and trying to line something up, or maybe start my own line as i've thought about doing for so long now. I'll definitely be around this winter, so looking forward to seeing you all out on the hills.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Becca Biggs (1993-95)
Hey Gang! Almost twenty years since it all began. Wow, how time flies! I guess the current gang is probably anxiously awaiting the season and things are getting into full swing. Such exciting times.
As for me, I'm still leading hiking and cycling trips worldwide. I've just returned from Turkey - what a place! It really is where East meets West. This year has been full of travel as I've spent time working in France, Thailand, Viet Nam, Turkey and home here in The Canadian Rockies. I have to say that all of the travel and working in these places really makes you appreciate the world, but most of all it makes you realize how incredible it is right here at home.
This next year looks like I'll continue to travel and work leading trips. At the moment I'm going to Viet Nam in January and February and then possibly moving from Canmore, AB to Australia for a year or two. My partner Mark is Australian and has a good job opportunity there. It doesn't make much difference as to where I live for my job, so Oz it might be! Should be an adventure!
Best wishes to everyone and I hope to see many of you throughout the holidays in Collingwood!
Brianne Law (1996 - 99)
A huge CONGRATULATIONS Jurg and the NSA on 20 years in operation! So when is the big party? The 10th anniversary party was my first year, and I've been looking forward to the 20th bash ever since (well really I just want to see Carrie do the worm in the middle of the dance floor). Since the last 'Snooze', I've started coaching with the men's Ontario HPDT team and Jill Fujino, where we are working hard to keep up to and ahead of the boys! So far so good, I'm really enjoying the change from K2 and am looking forward to the season. Spent most of the summer abroad at camps in Europe and just returned home recently from Chillan, Chile - home has never felt so good! Hope to see many of you up in Collingwood over the winter!
Christina Chapman (1999 - 00)
Well, it's been about 5 years since I was a member of the Academy, but I am happy to say I am still really involved in the ski industry.
After my year at the Academy, I decided it was time to focus on school and I have since completed an Honours Degree in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario. Throughout my university career, I spent my weekends coaching K2 out of Craigleith, and attained my level 3 coach, and my level 3 instructor. Last season, I coached the K2 high performance program out of Beaver Valley, and along with my co-coaches, took a number of athletes to training camps in Chile, Colorado, and Quebec.
This spring, I was invited to be a ski tester for Ski Canada Magazine. I spent a week in Panorama, tested approx. 50 pairs of skis, and skied about 50,000 vertical in 5 days! It was intense - to say the least!
BUT - it paid off, and shortly after the test, I was offered a full time position with The Forzani Group Ltd. (they own Sport Chek, National Sports, SportMart, etc)
I am now the Alpine Trainer for Sport Chek for Eastern Canada. So basically, I get to travel a lot, and talk about skis all day - I couldn't ask for more!
In August, I spent two weeks in Chile again, this time with some athletes from Caledon Ski Club, and along with Chris Wanzel - had a blast skiing the Volcano in Termas De Chillan.
So that's about it for me - the new career is super busy, and super fun, and I am looking forward to getting back on the snow. A big "Hello" to all my Academy friends, and I hope everyone has a great winter!
Carrie MacNaughton (1996 - 99)
I hope all of you are well!!!! So what is new with me??? I am now living in Toronto, actually looking for somewhere to live, so if any of you have any info or need a roommate please contact me. I was supposed to go to Teacher's College in September, however, I have differed my acceptance for a year due to potential back surgery I will hopefully be having soon. For the first time in a long time I did not live up in Collingwood for the summer, no Collingwood soccer league, no mountain biking and very little affiliation with the ski world unfortunately. However, I enjoyed a great summer in the
big city!!! Since May, I have been working for the Corporate Sponsorship office for House of Blues Concerts Canada. It has been great!!! I am learning a great deal and I have seen a ton of amazing concerts!!!!! Who would have thought, me, hanging out with Musicians??? hahaha. Anyways, I am really enjoying a new challenge in a very different industry, however, the skills required to succeed are not that different than those that I have needed from my past. I am very thankful for my alpine skiing background, especially my days at the Academy, I think my racing and coaching experiences have prepared me to handle any challenge.(Not to mention helping me develop an intensely competitive attitude!) Anyways, that is all that is new with me. If anyone is down in the city please drop me an e-mail, I would love to catch up carriemacnaughton@hotmail.com. I hope to see everyone around soon, I am not sure if my back will permit me to do any skiing this winter, but I still plan on making an appearance in c'wood from time to time.
Take care, best of luck to all you racers!!! And best of luck with all of
you with your endeavours!!
Dave Campbell (1992 - 96)
Married life is good! Heading out West for 5 weeks until December 18th for training and races with Ontario Men's Ski Team who I am coaching for this year. My amigo's consist of Kip Harrington and Joey Lavigne. So far the training has been great! A trip to France in June and two trips to Chile in Late August and late September have hopefully got our guys ready to kick some serious ass this winter!!!
All the best to all this winter whether you are racing, coaching, or just free riding on the slopes everywhere!
Stefan Overgaard (1993 - 97)
I'm going into my 4th year at Ryerson studying business. I'm now accustomed to saying "I'm a student". It's safe to say life as a student is far from that of a ski racer. It's a lot easier (and more fun) to get up early in the morning to find yourself in the Alps ready to fly down a ski hill then it is to grind it out in the 8am accounting class. Hitting the weight room it definitely more enjoyable then cracking open that text book and studying. And it's certainly much more exciting stepping into the start gate at Beaver Creek then sitting down to a Stats exam. Despite some of these differences I find myself learning tons and also acquiring new skills that will help me in my life after skiing. So I'm now used to the different life style and I'm enjoying it, although there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about hitting the slopes. I'm also keeping myself busy working- I have my own training business (Sculpted by Stefan). That's right, so if anyone is interested in returning to the same shape (or better) they were in back in their academy days let me know. McT is one of my latest clients and he is seriously thinking about dropping his accounting career to become an underwear model. I will also be coaching K2 at Osler beside Jeff Crompton this winter. Look forward to seeing everyone at the Alumni Basketball Games- lets get some more people out there this winter!!!
ALUMNI STAFF
Nigel Cooper (Coach 1994-95)
Starting year number 5 at Whistler. Things are good when you get to hire guys like Level 4 candidate Ollie Blake. He is our new Athletic Director and will play a huge role in making me look smart and bringing up the best kids in ski racing. For me it is a natural fit as Jeff Thompson was probably the best boss I ever had and Ollie is obviously inspired by the guy. I think we are going to make a great team along with the killer staff and membership we have here. Snow is half way down the mountain so we are looking forward to a great year. See everybody in March and April for the Sr Nationals and Whistler Cup.
Pippa Blake
Jasper, Ollie and I had no idea what was in store for us when we strapped all our worldly goods to the roof of the car and drove across Canada to the National Ski Academy in Collingwood in August 1987.
200 Oak Street looked very frightening indeed. But the next fifteen years were extraordinary growth experiences for each of us and opened up doors we never knew existed. Now we look back with pride to have been part of the NSA ride. I miss being surrounded by the wonderful energy of the students and staff all being herded along by the Big Cheese in the pursuit of excellence.
Victoria seems a long way away from those days but luckily for me there are some NSA alumni around; Tim Irvin working with the grizzly bears up at Knight Inlet and now with the polar bears in Churchill; Becca dropped in with her lovely gentle giant, Mark. Jazz is training here and Ollie pops in and out from Whistler.
I have just finished playing a wacky part in a Gilbert & Sullivan show. This summer I was very involved in a sailing program with Recreation Integration - I'm pretty hopeless but love being 'out there'.
On a more serious side, I am the Client Representative on the MS Board of Directors and Steering Committee for the British Columbia MS Read-A-Thon. Life certainly isn't dull!
It is always great to hear what is going on at the Academy thank goodness for the You Snooze You Lose news to keep us alumni up to date.
Rebecca Estoesta (Dobbin) (1993 - 95)
Hello! I hope everyone is doing well and getting excited for the first snow flakes to fall. A couple of exciting updates for me - I recently got married this summer on July 9th to Daniel Estoesta. We are now living in Whitby and I am still working at GM as an Ergonomist. I look forward to reading everyone's updates.
Jen Mickelson (1993 - 96)
2005 has been a busy year full of big changes. Got married to the love of my life in March; was hired by the Vancouver Police department in April; started training at the police academy in May; was working as a police constable in downtown Vancouver with a partner for the summer/fall; and now I'm back at the police academy for final training. I'll be fully certified and on the street as of Christmas. The experiences that I've had this year have been amazing and I am so excited for what 2006 will bring!!
Brianne Law (1996-99)
Almost 20 years for the NSA (this is #19...wow)! Already looking forward to the big bash next year. The 10th anniversary party was my first year, and I've been looking forward to the 20th bash ever since (well really I just want to see Carrie do the worm in the middle of the dance floor). Caught up with a crew of alumni over the summer at the alumni golf tournament, and would be fun to see even more of you. Since the last 'Snooze', I've started coaching with the men's HPDT team and Jill Fujino, where we are working hard to keep up to and ahead of the boys! So far so good, I'm really enjoying the change from K2 and am looking forward to the season. Spent most of the summer abroad at camps in Europe and just returned home recently from Chillan, Chile - home has never felt so good! Hope to see many of you up in Collingwood over the winter!
Angela Vacchino (1996-00)
Another year of snowcross racing has gone by and it was my best year ever. I won the World and Canadian Pro Women National Championships, so I could not ask for a better year. I will be racing again next year with Team Arctic Cat. I finished my first year of police foundations and now I'm back in Timmins for the summer. I will be working for Hydro One as summer student. Also I was picked up to race jet skis out of Texas this summer so that will be my new challenge. I hope every one had a great winter and hope to see you all this summer at the Alumni Golf Tournament.
Paul Harnett (1991-95)
Still training to be an Orthopaedic Surgeon in London, England, it's a long road, but I'm loving it.
Mary Beth Schwalm (2001-05)
Well I just got back from New York, I was there for a bit getting a little R&R. School went well this year, it went by freakishly fast, but I had the time of my life. Finals were stressful as per usual. Summer could not have gotten here fast enough. London had a really mild winter and there was a lack of snow which made it easy to go out at night!!!
This summer I am interning at FQ, which is a Canadian fashion magazine located downtown Toronto, it is a part of Kontente media group and has some great ideas. I am anxious to start my internship and to zip up teeny tiny models in $20,000 Valentino gowns. Hope everyone has a great summer!
Kelby Carter (2002-03)
I finished my second year of university at Guelph about a month ago; it's nice to be done for a while. Now I'm working at the Georgian Bay Club driving the beverage cart around the course for the summer. It seems like it will be a pretty easy job. I hope all is well with everyone and I will probably see some of you around this summer.
Christina Metzger
Well it's been a while since I last gave an update. I graduated from the University of Denver in June 2004 and then struggled with how to move forward, as many of you I'm sure can empathize with. Believe it or not, this past winter was only my second season out of the downhill suit. I was competing for NCAA Division I at DU up until 2004. Winter of 2004/05 my aunt Heather Metzger suggested sharing my experiences with the new up and comers at the Peaks. I coached at the Nancy Greene level for my first season and quite enjoyed myself, other than the harsh return to Ontario winters. I was also able to catch up with a lot of the ol' gang who are either sharing their expertise or making frequent social appearances. Shortly after the season ended I decided to join the business world and have now been employed at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. for about a year. It doesn't really seem like work though, as the industry and the people I work with are spectacularly fun and dynamic. I also made the move down to the big smoke, which has been pretty exciting . . . a lot more so than Barrie anyways! So I hope everyone else is doing well and I look forward to running into more of the ol' gang. I know a lot of you are in Muskoka in the summer, so I'll see you at the Kee!
Christina Chapman (1999-00)
Well - it's been a very busy year! I am still working for The Forzani Group as a trainer for Sport Chek. I train our managers and associates on how to sell ski and snowboard equipment, bikes and in-lines in the summer. It's great - I just talk about skis and boot-fitting all day and get to run lots of demos and ski trips. I was a ski tester again this year for Ski Canada Magazine. It was another great test with lots of exciting product hitting the stores this fall.
My winter weekends were spent coaching K1 at Caledon Ski Club. It was a blast and I really enjoyed working with that age group. I plan to be back at Caledon again this season.
And here's the BIG news - I'm getting married!! Yep - March 10th, 2007 is the big day. Doug Ribey and I are planning our wedding in Kitchener and the honeymoon is a two-week Caribbean cruise...can't wait!
Hope everyone enjoys their summer and I'll see you all on the slopes this
Patrick Corney (2001-03)
Hi everyone, I just started working again for the summer; still in the clothing business. Other than that I'm playing a lot of competitive Ultimate, and hopefully competing in the National championships this August. In my spare time I am studying to write the LSAT, and trying to get volunteer legal experience in some form or fashion. Planning on applying to law school
this year or the next; I'll probably be back in Ontario before I know it. At the least I'm trying to find work in Toronto next summer. Jordie, Joseph, Louis, Wilkie, Cale, and the rest of you guys I'll be needing roommates and I'm looking in your direction...oh, the nostalgia...haha. That's it for now; I'll be heading back to Bishop's this September. Let me know if you are in
the area - patrickcorney@hotmail.com
Becca Biggs (1993-95)
Well, this past year has been pretty eventful! After spending last fall working in Turkey for Backroads I took Christmas off and spent time with my family in Canmore and Ontario. It was so nice to actually be with my own family for Christmas! Following the holidays I went back to Asia and worked in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand leading biking trips again for Backroads. The Cambodia portion was new for me so I enjoyed the change and learning about a new place. Really a great country and well worth a visit! Following that I moved and am currently living part time in Australia. Mark and I got engaged (!!!) and he is working for the next 2-5 years down under teaching Outdoor Education, Math and Science to Grade 9 boys. It's a great place to be and works well with my job up in Asia. We're located south of Sydney by around 2 hours in a small town called Kangaroo Valley. I've now just returned to Canmore to work the summer here and then will return to Australia in Sept. No plans on when or where we'll get married, we just love where we're at. Poor fellow having to deal with me and my crazy travels! Well, I think of you all often and hope things are going well. Keep in touch! beccabiggs@hotmail.com
Brandon Davies (1999-02)
I'm still on exchange in Denmark finishing up my business degree with Wilfrid Laurier. I'll be heading home after I finish exams (in late June) and hopefully spending the summer in Muskoka to relax after a stressful year long study term/vacation in Europe. I'm anxious to hit the links when I get back so anyone interested in playing a round or two should look me up. Plus, I think that I've got some pretty good European stories that would be best told over a couple cold ones on the course.
Sarah Arendse (2000-04)
Hey everyone! I currently completed my first year at McGill with fellow alumni Brendon Duvall. I am majoring in Commerce and minoring in Canadian Studies. It is definitely a big change from high school and Academy life. The food however couldn't come close to the calibre of that served in Jimmy's kitchen. This summer I'm living in Collingwood again and working in the kitchen at the Georgian Bay Club serving in the halfway house. I hope to see you all around this summer!
Alexandra Ponikvar (1995-97)
This past winter I coached J1 & J2's in NY State. Great kids, had a lot of fun! Starting my first physio job in May. I will be part of a research team working out of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Will be moving to Toronto by June. Just got back from skiing in Whistler. Hung out with Nigel Cooper and Ollie Blake when I was out there! It was a fantastic trip and I hope to go back again soon! alexandra.ponikvar@utoronto.ca
Jasper Blake (1989-93)
What can I say; it was a wet winter of riding in Victoria. It has been more of the same for me this year. I am heading full on into another season of racing in my swim briefs, it's totally awesome. I've raced a few times so far this year and it has gone quite well. This year I am scheduled to do Ironman Canada again as well as World Long Course championships in Australia in November. I got back on skiis this winter which was really exciting only they were of the cross country version. I raced at the World winter triathlon championships in Norway in March. It was a whirlwind trip but tons of fun. We run, mountain bike and cross country ski and it all happens on snow. The riding and running can be brutal if the conditions are soft, my lungs felt like they were bleeding at the end. I also had a chance to rip it up in Whistler with Ollie and Tim which was great. I was sore as hell the next day and Ollie had a good laugh at how spastic Tim and I were on skiis after such a long break. My girlfriend and I bought a house in Victoria so we have a spare bedroom and thermal underwear for people to borrow.
All my best to everyone this summer.
Kelly Behan (1993-96)
Not sure where I left off but Mike and I bought a house in Oct and are all settled in now. I am keeping myself busy by captaining Toronto's top women's touring Ultimate team, fostering kittens from the Toronto Humane Society (spay your cats!!!!), volunteering with several charities, hosting lots of parties and my newest passion is pottery-making it not buying it. Keeping
in shape and hoping to get north every weekend I am not throwing a disc for 8hrs a day. Hope to see some of you up in cottage country.
Neil McVeigh (1998-01)
Well I'm just wrapping everything up here in Waterloo. I have a full class load because of my co-op option, but come August I'll be a free man (with no real plans, just some 'ideas'). Things are going great though; our summer softball league keeps me on my toes, the cottaging season is upon us, the links are green, and plans for travelling out west to visit friends in a few weeks. Come September I'm hoping to either be working in Europe (either with my co-op employer or someone different), or teaching English in south-east Asia while travelling. Hope everyone is doing well, as I haven't seen many of you in years (except for randomly running in to Polzl the other week loitering outside a bar). Good-luck in the coming season, and take care.
Tyler McLeod (1996-97)
Hey Crew!
These days I'm running safaris in the outback of the South African jungles these days, where I've been living with the locals and training in their native hunting techniques for the past few months. Pretty soon I'll be able to take down a water buffalo with my bare hands and a hunting knife I carved out of an elephants husk from the last hunt. Sweet. My body art warrior tattooing will be all finished by the end of the week, which will qualify me to marry and take residence permanently within the tribe...so I'm pretty
pumped about that... ...still with me? HAAA!!!! Bet I still had some of you there. I know, I wouldn't put it past me either!
Anyways, NO, I'm not in Africa. I'm just living life in the Tdot, doing my thing. My real job these days is Director of Public Relations for Tribute Media (you know, that mag you get in the movies). A little less exciting than living at an African warrior camp, yes,
but a much lower risk gig in my mind. Besides, most warrior hunting chicks aren't really marriage material.
I'm also doing some event promotions for a few places in the city, which keeps my night life on par. Looking forward to the Toronto Film Festival later this summer, as a film I was working on in Australia is being launched there. It's the in-house production company for Tribute - Sharkwater Productions. If you're around you should try to get out to see it. I can't mention the title yet, but just look out for the "shark movie". I'd love to catch up with all of you face to face, so if anyone's ever looking for a good event to hit up this summer, feel free to drop me a line and I'll add you to my database. tylerm44@yahoo.ca Hope everyone has an awesome and safe summer!
Jay Keddy - Coach 1999-04
Not much new in my world, still with the same women's SL-GS team, a few new coaches this year, but all is good. Weather in Calgary is not as good as Ontario, but the hockey team (Oilers) makes up for it. Still trying to help Jimmy escape Collingwood, but he has a hard time taking the first step...Have a good summer.
Adam Law (1998-00)
What's Up? Just finished my first year at Queens, and it was definitely a huge lifestyle change from ski racing that took some serious getting used to, but I finally found my stride around April and am looking forward to next year! Planning on working in Collingwood for the summer, training some young up and coming skiers, and teaching downhill mountain biking. Looking forward to the summer months, and can't wait for another shweeetie at the Alumni Tourney at the Highlands! Hope to see everyone there! Have a great Summer!
Stuart McFarlane (1992-95)
I know it's been a while since I have written in to the alumni updates, so instead of the long, I will give you the short but sweet. Currently, I work at Kraft Canada and have been there for the past three years. I own a house in Orangeville were I live with my fiancée who works as elementary school teacher. Currently, we are looking at the summer of 06 for a possible wedding date. If anyone wants to get a hold of me, my work number is 416-253-3441 and e-mail is stuart.mcfarlane@kraft.com.
Linsey Ferguson (1995-96)
Hey everyone - life continues to surge ahead now that winter is over and golf has begun! BOOM! Marketing continues to employ NSA Alumni with Kate Hankey and Stu Ayers on the roster. Anyone job hunting? Give us a call!! Hope everyone is well - have a great summer. See you all soon.
Charlie Savage (1999-02)
Hello everyone!
I hope you are all well and enjoying the start of what I hope will be a great year. So... after nearly eighteen months, some grey hairs (not joking), some peaks and many troughs I have finished cabair. Unlucky civil aviation here I come and it looks like there are a few jobs around these days. After spending a stressful holiday season at my folk's chalet helping out with the clients,
I am back in the UK for a few interviews, one of which took place yesterday and went very well and I should find out soon what the deal is there (fingers crossed)!!
Chrissie and I have decided to live and work in St. Martin de Belleville for the rest of the season and enjoy some skiing so if any of you are in the area make sure you guys stop over for a bit or if you need a skiing break come out and stay for a while! For all you flybe guys, Chambery is only an hour away so if you can wangle a standby ticket then you're laughing. Any ways not a whole lot of news from me but let me know how things are going. Best wishes
Andrea Canning (1988-89)
You may have heard I received a big promotion and finally made it to one of the big 3 U.S. networks! I'm working as an ABC News correspondent in Washington, D.C. You can catch me on CTV or your local ABC station usually early in the morning. It's been a great learning experience covering The White House and Congress. I saw the President up close last week for the first time honoring the New England Patriots at The White House for their Superbowl win. He is very charismatic in a puppy dog kind of way! I have also traveled to Florida for the Terry Shiavo story and West Virginia to cover Martha Stewart's release. The only thing killing me are the hours... 2 am to 10 am! YUCK!! But you have to start somewhere right?! :) My first piece ever will air on Good Morning America on "overweight social clubs" in late May/early June. I have also been asked to anchor the National overnight news and World News Tonight!
My e-mail address is andrea.canning@abc.com if you are ever in the nation's capital.
Rob Fedun (1993-96)
At the end of this past season, I had the pleasure of enjoying a 3 day holiday in Victoria with the Blake's and Irvin's, good times were had by all. It's true, the Vic campus is infested with frantically breeding bunnies and Ollie is still running every chance he gets…..it's an illness called "sexual frustration." Wanz is still around and looking to settle down, so ladies, grab him while you still can. I am actually starting a new Job Mon May 16th with Effem Inc. and Toronto is my territory. I am proudly passing on the Mars Alpine account to a new and lucky individual. Jurg, sorry that I wont be there for the on-hill chats any longer. And yes, I am still living with Jim Lane (the guy in the back, kind of loud at times) during the winter months….I think its 9 years now and still going. Please feel free to drop by the Academy and give him a big hug, then thank him for all that he has done. We all couldn't have done it without him! Please do it before he shrinks to a size where he is only tall enough to pat on the head.
Mike Polzl (1998-00)
I hope everyone had a great winter. This season I gave it all I could on the Master Series after being coaxed out of retirement...good to see some familiar faces like Pat Brown, Aldo, and Taylor Simms-Brown. A highlight was my win of the overall in my age group at the Masters National Champs. I'm working in real estate development and having a great time while learning lots. I wish everyone a great summer!
Ollie Blake (1991-97)
I have just spent the last 8 months doing the class work for the level 4 coaching course at the National Coaching Institute in Victoria. Needless to say I did not get to ski much on the towering slopes of Victoria, but was fortunate to be able to coach and ski in December and January in Whistler. There seems to be an ever-growing population of Alpine Ontario and Academy alumni migrating to Whistler with Mr. Nigel Cooper still running a good show. At the moment I can't really see the future past this week, but hopefully it involves a lot of skiing, windsurfing, paddling, biking, running,... and anything else I can find to keep me running away from a responsible, respectable and well paying job!! Good luck to all the students at the academy who may be moving on after this year (the journey just keeps getting better!) and say a big hello to the big cheese (no not you Jim).
Graydon Oldfield (1987-92)
Have been living and working in Barrie for almost a year now, managing the ScotiaMcLeod Branch for Barrie, Collingwood and Muskoka. Had a great winter, skied a lot, maybe too much so my knees tell me. We had a blast night skiing on Tuesday nights at Blue....some weeks there were 2 of us, other weeks we had as many as 12....lots of fun. Buckrell somehow convinced me to sign up for the Collingwood House League soccer, it's been a while since I've been on the pitch.....Buck assured me that I will be playing the position of "Left Out". Should be a riot!
My warmest thoughts and wishes to Tim and Dr. Rick Irvin. Keep your chins up, looking forward to seeing you guys around town!
Marcus Vogel (2001-04)
It's official! I am on my way to pursue my dream of being a commercial helicopter pilot. I start my program at Canadore College with Gateway Helicopters in North Bay this August. Can't wait! Got my Level II coach last fall and coached Nancy Greene at Devil's Glen this past winter. This summer I am back at Monterra Golf at Blue Mtn. and pounding nails with my dad.
ALUMNI STAFF UPDATES - Summer '05
David Campbell (1993-96)
The Buck and Doe was amazing and thanks to all the alumni and friends for their support!!! The wedding is this summer on July 30th. Plan on coaching again this upcoming season again with AOA.
Besides all of the craziness this summer will hold for me I hope to be able to swing a few golf clubs, hit the beach and throw a few shoes! Hope everyone has a fun and relaxing summer!!
Rob Crossan (1995-01)
Dear Academy Friends - our 4 year old Angus has finally mastered the big hills and took nine runs with me near the end of March in one afternoon. The twins Liam and Hillary are now 2 years old and are starting to get quite demanding but Lori and I are very grateful that there is a new show called the Supernanny to help bring balance to our life. I was surprised that the Supernanny wasn't Pippa! Programs here at the TSC are going strong with a lot of new families joining and the big guy Kelby Halbert had a great K2 season due to the great coaching of Zack Hopkins during the season and Jurg's expertise at the Nationals. Take care everyone and if you are looking for babysitting jobs in Collingwood look us up because not only ourselves but our friends are always looking.
Andrew Lambert (1999-01)
Hope everyone is well at the NSA. A fair bit has happened in my life since the last update. I have recently taken up a new position, still with BC Alpine, working with the B2B Development program full time. This will no doubt keep me busy. I also bought an apartment in Vancouver last October, which I have spent about 2 weeks living in since. Ah, the life of a ski coach......
Pippa Blake (forever)
Hurray for you all at the National Ski Academy as you celebrate the end of eighteen years. So very much water has passed under the bridge for all of us alumni but it is comforting to see that things are still going very strong at the NSA under the Big Cheese's watch with the very best of staff: Beckie, Marlee, Tim, Marlene, Jim, Brian and Jeff.
Winter 2005 was a dream come true for me as in January, February and early March I went to Africa and traveled around with two wheelchairs and a bucket (to avoid having to balance over a hole in the ground - balancing not being one of my better skills!). And best of all - where the wheelchair couldn't go I was carried around by Masai Warriors and other tribes too! Africa is vibrant and magical. The people we met were gracious, beautiful and kind. It is so frustrating to know that whilst everything looks so wonderful to the tourists, corruption at the government level is rife. We visited a school in the slums of Nairobi and despite the squalid setting the children (many orphaned by Aids) were proudly dressed in their clean brightly, coloured uniforms. They were in great spirits doing their lessons in corrugated iron rooms with very little light coming through cracks in the walls. We were given a tour and introduced to each class. The children were fascinated and initially a bit scared by the wheelchair. I was embarrassed and realize more and more how privileged I am to own such a means of transportation. But no such thoughts entered their heads as we chatted and giggled together. This visit, whilst only tapping the surface of the reality of the country, at least gave us a bit more of a balanced memory of Africa.
We bounced around the brutally bad roads of Kenya on safari with a keen informative guide called Peter whose passionate love of his country soon rubbed off. He was on a mission to show us every animal possible ... and he did...up very close.... we saw lions (mummies, daddies and babies), giraffes, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, wildebeest, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, hippos, gazelles, hyenas and much more. We carried on, squashing into a very small plane and hoping we weren't making the plane's load go over its limit by putting in my two wheelchairs and the bucket and flew to Tanzania, landing near Mt Kilimanjaro. We stayed at 7,800 feet on the top of a volcano in a fascinating conservation area called Ngorongoro Crater - a microcosm of Africa - so lush and perfect for all the birds and animals in such a dramatic setting. We ended our travels by flying to Mombasa and staying by the warm brilliant blue Indian Ocean.
Here is a photo of me kissing a camel as our adventures in Africa came to an end.
