NSA 2010-2011 Coaching Staff Confirmed
NSA is seeking highly qualified coaches to join our FIS National and Regional programs for the 2010-2011 season.
Starting date is August 15th and includes coaching at NSA's 8 week Saas-Fee and Zermat camp as well as western Canada fall camp(s) and in-season racing in Canada and the US.
Interested applicants should contact NSA Director Jurg Gfeller at info@nsa.on.ca with a full coaching resume.
There is something unusually odd about people travelling from across North America and paying to listen to guys (and gals) who don sideburns and pompadour wigs, squeeze into outlandish costumes, and “entertain” the faithful with voices best appreciated by the four walls of a shower.
Time to get out of town. Follow the immortal words of rock promoter Horace Lee Hogan who is said to have pleaded with concert goers not to leave their seats following a 1956 Elvis concert because “Elvis has left the building”. Hogan’s phrase became a ritual to mark the closing of subsequent Elvis concerts and Las Vegas shows.
Evidently, NSA coach Nick “Sarge” Kwasniak got a head start. Nick has left the Home of Ski Racing and Academic Excellence to head up the Vancouver Ski Team’s FIS program. Nick joined the NSA three years ago and has had a significant impact on the student athletes he has mentored. Last season, his two K2 guys - - Mac Senior and Ryley Remme - - benefitted from Nick’s coaching over the previous seasons and achieved personal bests including their qualifications for the K2 Nationals.
We’ll miss Nick. A good guy with lots of positive energy. Always ready to pitch in and help out. Always ready for a conversation about ski racing, the Tour de France or his Montreal days. Reliable and professional. We know he’ll deliver the same energy and benefits to Vancouver FIS athletes. Nick, we’ll look forward to e-mail updates and saying hello any time you are back in Collingwood.
Nick prepared the following words for this year’s NSA graduation banquet:
"Greetings and salutations!
As you have likely heard, I have accepted the position of Head FIS Coach with the Vancouver Ski Team. I am currently in Vancouver putting together the upcoming program and it is my great sorrow that I am unable to be there with you to celebrate the day.
I commend you the graduating students on all your successes both on and off the hill. You are leaving the NSA to embark on the next part of your journey and I wish you all tremendous success in your future endeavours, it has truly been a pleasure to work with you all, (even you Thomas!).
For the talented group of committed athletes that are continuing your ski racing careers I’ll see you in the trenches, work hard because I will be preparing this group to be your competition!
There are very few opportunities that could have tempted me away from the NSA (my home for the last 3 years) and the community of athletes, families and coworkers that I encountered here.
This however is one that I was unable to pass on. I thank you all for the hard work, commitment and love of the sport you have all shown me during our time together. It has been my honour to have worked with you (yes Jimmy too!)
All the best."
Speaking of alumni, one of the oldest NSA alumni, and also a CAST alumni is now a proud father. Graydon Oldfield (NSA 1987-1990) and his wife Angie are parents to a baby girl, Reece Oldfield, 9 pounds, 13 ounces born March 19th. That would make Reece about 2 months old which means by now Graydon is likely sharing stories with her about his days at NSA, overdue essays for NSA Academic Director Brian Traynor, racing on the national team, and convincing Reece to become a Canadian Speed Queen! Congrats to Angie and Graydon. Life gets very interesting ... only 22 months until the terrible two’s.
It is that time of year - - invitations to participate in charity golf tournaments to support worthy organizations. Some of those we’d suggest you consider supporting:
Alpine Ontario golf day at the Georgian Bay Club, Thornbury, June 22nd www.alpineontario.ca//site/news/files/Golf Tournament registration_2009_2.pdf
2nd Annual Sanford McFarlane Golf Tournament at the Raven Golf Club, Lora Bay, June 12 www.alpineontario.ca//site/news/files/Golf Tournament registration_2009_2.pdf
Canadian Cross Training Club High Performance Team golf day at Caledon Golf Country Club, Inglewood, June 4 , swim_bikerun11@hotmail.com (905) 838-5779
Winter is never officially over until Sheila has done her thing ... why name a storm after Shelia I’m not certain.
But thinking about Shelia ... it does bring back memories of the 1973 movie “The Last of Shelia” written by Stephen Sondheim, a notable influence on Broadway in that era. Closer to home, a recollection of short-term Conservative Finance Minister John Crosbie, the always irascible Newfie, when he taunted Liberal backbencher Sheila Copps . They actually speak today,
Making fun of Shelia earned both lasting notoriety but we digress.
Just when we thought we could go to Tees Please and the Georgian Trail was clear for a run to Lora Bay ... Mother Nature gave us a winter wake call last Monday. A 20cm wake up call!
NSA English teacher Neil Lanz reported he spent two hours digging out his driveway on top of the escarpment so he could arrive at the NSA to deliver the first English class of Semester 2. Such great dedication may not have been particularly well-received by NSA students on their first day of classes!
Thinking of last Monday’s snow storm, we should begin a new Collingwood tradition ... “Jurg’s Brush” in honour of the last winter storm of the year that keeps all of us off the golf course or Georgian Trail a little longer.
The competitive ski season has ended.
NSA student athletes returned from the Nationals, Spring Series and Vermont races, packed away their ski equipment and began Semester 2 classes at NSA last week. Several of our student athletes are returning to their home schools to complete their academic year so the Home of Ski Racing and Academic Excellence will be a noticeably quieter with fewer athletes at the house. Daily fitness training continues under the watchful eye of Sarge Kwasniak. Jurg and the his coaching staff are already making preparations for the annual Saas-Fee and Zermatt training camps while NSA Academic Director Brian Traynor is organizing the annual NSA summer school membership program.
NSA’s Shannon Campbell, Kandace Kriese, Greg Moser, David Ghent-Kyle, Brandon Sutton and Charlie Kidd along with NSA Director Jurg Gfeller and FIS coach Jay Monette, competed at the recent Canadian Championships at Le Massif in Quebec. One of those important learning experience for the NSA student athletes as they competed against members of Canada’s national ski team, several of whom had just returned from the World Cup Finals and the World Championships.
A number of other qualified NSA student athletes left Thursday with coach Sami Piana for the annual Quebec Spring Series of SL and GS races.
Back home, NSA athletes competed in FIS SL races at Mansfield and Craigleith ski clubs. This group of athletes continued to demonstrate solid progress on their “ski racer’s journey” with some personal best results:
Justin Michelin continued his comeback from a nasty injury and defended last year’s win at Mansfield as he won gold and silver. Team mate Aiden Nelms won gold and silver. Thomas Moore finished two SL races, one of which was a career best and just missed three with a straddle near the finish – great work Thomas. Dan Cohen proved he is a true student athlete (he is a very bright and articulate young guy) by scoring a career best SL finish at Craigleith. Brendan Sommerville-Bathmaker scored a career best FIS point score with his 11th place finish at the Craigleith SL. Graham Woodhouse returned to his home club of Craigleith and scored a personal best SL finish. Teammate Mike Hardy scored a season best point finish at Mansfield. Devin Wittig prepared himself for a successful trip home for the Timmins SL Derby with a strong performance in the Craigleith race. Alex Thorne continues to rehab and cheer on his teammates.
On the ladies side, Giulia Battistin posted a season best SL result at Mansfield while teammates Brodie Lawson, Sabre Lee and Jenny Swallow continued their progress. Teammates Marisa Thiel and Sarah Hanna missed the series with their earlier season-ending injuries.
Closer to home, NSA coach Nick Kwasniak is preparing his guys, Mac Senior and Ryley Remme, for the Canadian Juvenile (K2) Championships at Silver Star, BC in late March. The boys will be training and competing at Alpine’s King Cup Invitational and the traditional Craigleith/Georgian Peaks Spring Series prior to departing with Nick and the Ontario delegation.
We also received news late Friday that NSA’s K2 guys under the watchful eye of Nick “Sarge” Kwasniak placed 1-2 in Friday’s K2 King Cup at Alpine Ski Club. Our intrepid reporter tells NSA's E-Snooze that Ryley Remme won the first run by approximately 2 seconds with teammate Mac Senior in 4th 3 seconds back. However, a big time move in the second run: Mac Senior blows the doors off the field according to our ace reporter, leapfrogging two competitors in front of him while Ryley puts down his usual solid 2nd run. Result, Ryley is the 2009 King Cup Winner and Mac Senior on the podium in 2nd place. A great confidence builder ramping up to Nationals. Nick ... you have developed a couple fast guys! Well done, dynamic duo.
Fabulous racing results for NSA student athletes at Mont Ste Anne, North Bay and Georgian Peaks.
Several career bests and podiums for the NSA team. NSA team member Devin Wittig proudly mounted the podium in North Bay to claim gold! Ryley Remme was golden at the Wilcox Cup SG and K2 teammate Mac Senior posted a 7th and 12th. Shannon Campbell won the Mont Ste Anne Super Combined overall, Alex Thorne scored a 6th place after starting 66th, Marissa Thiel placed 2nd overall in the DH, Kandace Kriese finished 3rd overall in DG securing a fitst in J1, and Adien Nelsm finished 11th in the DH. For many NSA athletes, this was their first real SG and Dh with speeds up around 115km. See Jurg Gfeller's report for details.
Congrats to all members of the NSA team who are living the ski racer’s journey ... “a journey with more losses than wins, more downs than ups” ... and demonstrating resiliency and commitment - - the true characteristics of champions and leaders!
A special note about Roni Remme, a K1 Alpine Ski Club racer, younger sister of NSA’s K2 gold medalist Ryley Remme, and an honorary member of Jurg’s “Super Seven” (now super eight) Ladies FIS team.
Roni trains under the watchful eye of Alpine coach Chris Wall and she attended the six week NSA training camp in Switzerland this fall. Roni was quickly “adopted” by the “Super Seven” during the Europe camp. They gave her the nickname “pimple”. While smaller in stature than her “Super Seven” buddies, she displayed equal tenacity and focus at the camp. Thanks to the co-operation of Alpine Ontario, 12 year old Roni is competing in K2 races (ages 13 and 14) this season.
In each K2 race, Roni’s results have consistently improved against her older competitors. On Tuesday, she won both runs of the K2 Wilcox Cup SG race. An impressive day for a talented and balanced young lady who has benefitted from the expert coaching of Alpine’s Chris Wall, and NSA’s Jurg Gfeller and Nick Kwasniak. Coupled with Ryley’s gold medal in the boy’s SG, Tuesday was a very special day for parents Susan and Randy Remme and younger brother Austen.
Coach Jay Monette and his senior guys - - Greg Moser, David Ghent-Kyle and new NSA team member Charlie Kidd - - departed Friday morning for a SL/GS series in Vermont. They’ll be back in time for the annual NSA Ski Day on February 12th. The remainder of the NSA team will be training mornings next week and commencing their second semester classes at Collingwood Collegiate Institute and the NSA.
NSA House Supervisor Tim Boudreau continues to ride shotgun over the Georgian Flooring team that is installing the new gym floor at the Home of Ski Racing and Academic Excellence. The installation of the new Mondo cushioned flooring is now 99% complete. The flooring is installed, debris removed, and painting of floor lines about to begin. Tim has polished the overhead ceiling fans and ensured that all are functioning for his much anticipated one-on-one basketball game with the Big Cheese (Jurg) to commemorate the gym’s reopening.
We’re sure that NSA athletes and members of the Special Olympics Ski Team that regularly use our fitness facility will appreciate this 8mm athletic specific cushioned flooring compared the vintage vinyl! Thanks to Dave Labelle and Georgian Flooring’s for assistance with this major project www.georgiandesigncentre.cae
NSA FIS athletes, coaches Jurg Gfeller and Sami Piana, and NSA Wonder Chef Jim Lane, are at the Mont Ste Anne Speed Series until the end of next week. Two Downhills and two Super G’s.
Coach Jay Monette and his Senior Men’s FIS team welcome new team member Charlie Kidd to the NSA. Charlie will be competing as a NSA athlete along with Jay’s senior group at an upcoming race series in Vermont. In the interim, the mini-break in the competitive schedule has provided a training window to focus on SL and GS technical training in Collingwood along with NSA student athletes Sarah Hanna, Sabre Lee, Thomas Moore and Devin Wittig who stayed in Collingwood.
Coach Nick Kwasniak and his K2 guys - Ryley Remme and Mac Senior - - are due to return to Collingwood from a four day speed camp at Mont Ste Anne, Quebec. They were among a group of hot K2 racers from across Ontario under the tutelage of Nick and other highly qualified coaches. A great opportunity to focus on high speed turns and technique as they prepare for upcoming speed events at later in the competitive season.
NSA House Supervisor Tim Boudreau continues to provide “hands-on” supervision of the new gym flooring project at the Home of Ski Racing and Academic Excellence.
The installation of the new Mondo cushioned flooring is now 95% complete. The NSA athletes and members of the Special Olympics Ski Team that regularly use our fitness facility will appreciate the technological advantages of this 8mm athletic specific cushioned flooring compared the vintage vinyl! Georgian Flooring has supported NSA for many years and we appreciate their valued assistance on this major project www.georgiandesigncentre.ca
That’s it for this week.
NSA athletes continue to train and work smart under the leadership of NSA Director Jurg Gfeller and NSA Coaches Jay Monette, Nick Kwasniak and Sami Piana. At yesterday’s opening Ontario GS race, NSA’s Kandace Kriese placed 3rd in the J1 category with teammate Brandon Sutton placing 4th in J1. Grizzled NSA veteran Greg Moser demonstrated he is on the road back after a frustrating early season hampered by a broken thumb: Greg placed 6th yesterday. Several NSA athletes turned in career-best performances. NSA coaches will provide a full report from the Ontario Championships in next week’s E-Snooze.
Coach Nick Kwasniak and his K2 guys - Ryley Remme and Mac Senior - - leave Sunday for a four day speed camp at Mont Ste Anne, Quebec. They’ll join a group of hot K2 racers from across Ontario under the tutelage of Nick and other highly qualified coaches. A great opportunity to focus on high speed turns and technique as they prepare for upcoming speed events at later in the competitive season.
NSA House Supervisor Tim Boudreau experienced a challenging week of frustration and “hands-on” supervision of the new gym flooring project at the Home of Ski Racing and Academic Excellence.
Shortly after the old vinyl gym floor was removed , prepped and levelled by the crew from Georgian Flooring, the “perfect storm” of heating the gym for installation and recent mild weather caused the snow covering the gym’s flat roof to melt. The result, as you might guess, was not pretty: water leaking onto the freshly prepped floor. Fortunately, Tim being the “take-charge” guy that he is, was up on the roof with crew clearing snow, installing heating cables around the downpipes, and sealing the roof. Problem solved. We’re good to go. Sounds easy, doesn’t it.
Tim has assures us that the installation of new Mondo cushioned flooring will be complete next week. NSA student athletes, and members of the Special Olympics Ski Team that regularly use our fitness facility, are looking forward to trying out this 8mm athletic specific cushioned flooring compared. Mondo is a long-time supplier of athletic flooring and supplied the track flooring for the Beijing Olympics. Dave Labelle and his team at Georgian Flooring has supported NSA for many years and we appreciate their valued assistance on this major project www.georgiandesigncentre.ca.
That’s it for this week.
Jurg sent the following brief report following his return:
"The Ladies Super 7 have started to perform on race day.
I am pleased with the results and the performance of the girls in the GMC Pontiac Cup races in Quebec. The races had all the best Provincial Athletes from across Canada and strong racers from the USA in the field.
At the recent Pontiac Cup races in Bromont and Orford the NSA ladies skied well and here are some of the highlights.
Bromont Slalom Jan. 8th:
9th Kendace Kriese
15th Marissa Thiel
Bromont Slalom Jan. 9th
3rd Shannon Campbell
12th Marissa Thiel
18th Sarah Hanna
20th Brodie Lawson. Brodie had her best results in Slalom ever
Orford GS Jan.12
5th Shannon Campbell
16th Kendace Krise. Just ask Kendace how her second run was
24th Brodie Lawson. Brodie also had he best ever GS results
Orford GS Jan.12
6th Kendace Kriese. Kendace was on the podium for 2end J1
9th Shannon Campbell
I am looking forward to next weeks FIS races here in Collingwood at Georgian Peaks and Alpine Ski Club. The Tigers will be ready."
The men’s team had an equally challenging series with DNF’s common among all competitors. Highlights include: David Ghent-Kyle with a 4th in the Bromont SL; Brandon Sutton 5th overall (3rd J1) in the SL. For team mates Greg Moser, Aiden Nelms and Mike Hardy, there is more racing and opportunity for redemption!
NSA Coach Nick Kwasniak provided E-Snooze with a brief report on his K2 guys, Mac Senior and Ryley Remme’s performance in recent races:
Snoooooze from K’twoooooze
"Well the racing season is on us in full force. January 3rd the boys jumped into the fray with the Swiss Chalet, Wendy Buda trophy GS at Osler. Mac Senior parlayed a strong 8th place 1st run into a 5th overall with equally impressive skiing in his 2nd run. Ryley Remme overcooked the pitch on his 2nd run leaving him out in the powder.
This past weekend we were ready for the hotly anticipated Swiss Chalet Alpine SL. Again the boys skied to their potential in the 1st run, Mac 11th, and Ryley 6th but, Slalom being what it is they ran into a little trouble during the 2nd with Mac skiing out on the lower pitch and Ryley being DSQ’d after hooking mid way down the pitch.
The guys are heading out to Mt Ste Anne for some speed training in preparation for the upcoming Swiss Chalet Wilcox and Sauder cups at Georgian Peaks and Osler Bluff."
The new gym flooring project at the Home of Ski Racing and Academic Excellence is proceeding under the watchful eye of NSA House Supervisor Tim Boudreau. The old vinyl flooring has been stripped and the floor is being prepared for next week’s installation of new Mondo cushioned flooring. Mondo is a long-time supplier of athletic flooring and supplied the track flooring for the Beijing Olympics. The NSA athletes and members of the Special Olympics Ski Team that regularly use our fitness facility will appreciate the technological advantages of this 8mm athletic specific cushioned flooring compared the vintage vinyl! Georgian Flooring have supported NSA for many years and we appreciate their valued assistance on this major project www.georgiandesigncentre.ca
Cam Powell of Collingwood Sporting Life, NSA’s official retail sponsor, leaves for the annual Las Vegas ski industry trade show Monday and has committed to providing readers of NSA's E-Snooze newsletter lots of photos his comments on next year’s gear.
The NSA athletes and coaches arrived back Wednesday/Thursday from training camps and the race Quebec series. Typical cold condition in la belle province! Some impressive and positive results from the NSA FIS team.
Have a wonderful holiday season ... enjoy the skiing, snowshoeing, and your family and friends. Look forward to communicating with you in the 2009! Cheers!!
The “Home of Ski Racing and Academic Excellence” returned to a hint of its normal frenetic character this week: NSA Director Jurg Gfeller spent Monday and Tuesday back in the Big Cheese chair before leaving with athletes for Val Ste Come. NSA House Supervisor Tim Boudreau continues with his restoration project in the change rooms and gymnasium - - more about that next issue. For the rest of the support team ... time spent on organizing our new marketing, communications and fundraising initiatives before the Christmas break.
Craigleith Ski Club is hosting the NorAm slalom series on January 3rd and 4th. The GS series is to be held at the Peaks January 5th and 6th. This series was to have been held at Mont Ste Anne but changed last week. Fortunately for the NorAm competitors - - the best in North America - - Craigleith and the Peaks stepped in to help out on extremely short notice.
Craigleith is asking for volunteer help to organize and run the event. Please contact Craigleith Race Administrator Leanne Mackle at leannemackle@craigleith.com if you can lend a hand. We’re sure the Peaks would welcome volunteer help also to make this series a typical success. Our race crews at Craigleith and the Peaks are the best!
A reminder to World Cup racing fans: the white circus is now back in Europe.
Saturday, December 20th CBC broadcasts the men’s Downhill at Val Gardena, a bumpy ride down the Italian cattle track and a scene of past Canadian team triumphs, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm (EST). Sportsnet will broadcast the men’s SG from Val Gardena on Sunday, December 21st. Check your local listing for times.
You can watch our Canadian Speed Queens - - best wishes to NSA alumnus Larissa Yurkiw and Collingwood resident Britt Janyk - - competing at St. Moritz, Switzerland next weekend. CBC is broadcasting the ladies Downhill on Saturday, December 20th from 5:00 to 6:00 pm (EST) and the Super G on Sunday, December21st from 2:00 to 3:00 pm (EST).
Special note for World Cup cognoscenti: the CBC Bold channel typically broadcasts the world cup races with full coverage. This past week, Bold with Todd Brooker as the color analyst broadcast first and second run coverage of both the ladies GS from La Molina, Spain and the men’s GS from Val d’Isere. If you subscribe to CBC Bold and have a PVR, you’ll have hours of World Cup racing to dissect!
For a listing of CBC coverage go to www.canski.org/webconcepteur/web/alpine/en/nav/tvschedule.html?page=details.jsp&iddoc=77825 and for Rogers Sportsnet coverage go to www.canski.org/webconcepteur/web/alpine/en/nav/tvschedule.html?page=details.jsp&iddoc=77826.
NSA’s senior men’s and ladies team wrapped up their western camp under the watchful direction of NSA’s Director/Ladies FIS coach Jurg. Gfeller and NSA men’s coach Jay Monette. Several of the senior athletes remained at Lake Louise to compete in the NorAm speed races - - DH and SG - - at Lake Louise. The NSA student athletes not competing in the NorAm races returned to Toronto/Collingwood with Jurg for a brief rest before departing for Quebec where they will join NSA athletes who trained at Mont Ste Anne with NSA coaches Sami Piana and Nick Kwasniak. NSA’s team will participate in technical races over the next the ten days at Val Ste Come and Tremblant, conditions permitting.
Jurg sent a report on the final camp before the competition season begins:
“Six male and five female Athletes and two coaches left for Nakiska and Norquay for the final preparation before the competition season begins.
We arrived on November 24th in Canmore Alberta, our home for the next two weeks.
The boys stayed with Jay in condominiums in Canmore and the girls with Jurg in the private home of Scott Hutcheson. Scott and his family have generously provided their Canmore home to us again this year. Scott is a former National Ski Team member, past Chairman of the National Ski Academy and now lives in Calgary with his wife Kathryn the two boys Parker and Avery. I had the opportunity and fortune to Coach Scott at the National Ski Team and he became a dear friend to me.
The first 9 days we trained at Nakiska. Nakiska has very challenging terrain for early season training and that is exactly what we wanted. Most World Cup teams train at Nakiska before they go to Lake Louise. The hills are well prepared fenced from top to bottom for good training in GS and Super G.
At the beginning the terrain was a bit intimidating but after a few days we saw good adaptation and progress of all the Athletes. We did lots of timed runs to get every one more comfortable to be under race stimulation. The Super G training also went well specially at the end where Jay and myself were pleased with the effort and improvements of the boys and girls. The last few days we trained at Norquay and again the terrain and snow condition where great with the hill fenced from top to bottom for safety.
Jay and I feel that the athletes improved, and are ready to be tested in the upcoming races. We now had nearly 50 days on snow in pre season training and everyone is looking forward to the competition season.
Shannon, Greg, David and Brandon will compete in the Nor Am Cup Downhill and Super G at Lake Louise starting on Monday December 8 and then travel to Quebec. The rest of the west camp Athletes will travel to Val St Come to compete in the Quebec super of 4 Slaloms and 2 GS races.”
At the NSA, House Supervisor Tim Boudreau is busy with contractors finalizing a major restoration project for the gymnasium – new gym flooring and change room renovations. NSA Academic Director Brian Traynor looks lonely without students and teachers to supervise. NSA Director of Development David Jeffery – recovering from moving his family to a new home - and our new NSA Marketing & Communications Manager Louise Picot are busy planning the NSA Ski Day and developing collateral marketing and communications materials for our new fundraising and recruiting campaigns. On her off days, NSA Finance Manager Patti Hopkins is chasing painters and contractors in the mad dash to complete work at her new home.
November 28th Weekly Update
Coach Jay Monette departed early Saturday morning with Nic Fontana, our guest FIS racer from Italy, for Nakiska, Alberta. They made a brief stopover in Sudbury to pick up teammate Greg Moser and give Nic the tourist a chance to take a photo of the “Big Nickel” – his first trip to Canada. The guys arrived late Monday and promise a story of their trip across Canada in an upcoming E-Snooze issue.
NSA Director Jurg Gfeller left early Monday with the rest of the senior men’s and ladies FIS team for a training camp before the NORAM race series.
The students remaining at NSA completed their English course under Neil Lanz’s leadership. He proudly showed each student’s writing portfolio to E-Snooze on Friday – an impressive collection by a talented group of young writers. Considerable growth in their capacity to write with clarity and impact since they began in October. Well done everyone and thanks to Neil for keeping the English “pedal to the metal”.
Sunday, NSA coaches Nick Kwasniak and Sami Piana along with NSA wonder chef Jim Lane and the junior FIS team and K2 team head down the 401 to Quebec City for a training camp at Mont Ste Anne and the pre-Christmas race series at Val Ste Come and Mont Tremblant. Congratulations to NSA K2 team member Ryley Remme (Alpine Ski Club) who was selected to participate in the Thomas Weisel Partners Rising Stars camp this week at Panorama, BC.
Blue Mountain is now open ... two days earlier than last season! The wait at McKee Tires is now “only” 1-2 hours compared to 5-6 hours last week. We survived Grey Cup ... too bad for the Alouettes ... and, as we promised in last week’s update to provide an update, Neil Lanz did survive the expedition to reclaim his snowshoes at the back of his property!
Enjoy the week ahead ... ski fast, leave narrow tracks!
A very busy couple of days at the NSA last weekend.
Saturday, the coaching staff and Academic Coordinator Brian Traynor met individually with student athletes’ parents to discuss each student’s progress academically and athletically (skiing and conditioning) and the individual athlete schedules for pre-Christmas training and racing. Later in the day, Jurg Gfeller hosted an All Parent Meeting with the coaching staff, Brian Traynor and NSA House Supervisor Tim Boudreau prior to the NSA shopping evening at the Collingwood Sporting Life store. Our thanks to Neil Buie, Head of Guidance at Collingwood Collegiate Institute, for providing parents of the graduating group his wise counsel on college and university options.
Sunday, the Blue Mountain Special Olympics Ski Team, under the capable leadership of Coach Janet Ellis, used the NSA fitness facility for their conditioning program – the NSA regularly provides its facilities – and coaching expertise – to the SOO Ski Team as part of a partnership support program launched last season. Interspersed with the SOO athletes in the gym, NSA Conditioning/Injury Prevention Co-Leader Nick Kwasniak conducted the annual fall fitness testing day for NSA athletes. Reports from our athletes indicate that several NSA fitness testing records were shattered on Sunday which reinforces the hard work by students and the NSA conditioning program benefits. Well done!
NSA students celebrated Christmas earlier this week ... This group is not only quick on skis, they’re also quick to clear their schedules for a festive season dinner party invitation! Not too surprising as our 22 member team won’t be back at the NSA house until after Christmas. Athletes and coaches begin departing next week for training camps in western and eastern Canada followed by a series of pre-Christmas races in Alberta and Quebec. So ... we celebrated Christmas in November, just it as we have every year for the past 22 years.
Santa Claus Tim Boudreau (our NSA House Supervisor Mrs. Claus (Tim’s wife Marlene) and merry elf Jimmy Lane (the NSA Wonder Chef), organized and hosted the traditional NSA students’ Christmas party and dinner. Santa made an early appearance at the student’s gift exchange much to the delight of the students. According to Santa, the elves performed their usual spectacular job in organizing the event – Mrs. Claus began preparations shortly after Halloween and the very merry elf Yimmie cooked a couple large birds to perfection. Thanks to Tim, Marlene and Jimmy for keeping this popular tradition a part of each student’s experience at NSA.
NSA student athletes and coaches met with Dr. Dana Sinclair of the Human Performance Institute at the NSA earlier this week www.humanperformance.ca. Dr. Sinclair is a practicing sports psychologist who has and is working with several professional sports teams - - including the NHL teams such and a number of Olympic teams and athletes. She attended the Olympic Games in Nagano, Sydney and Salt Lake City in her capacity as the psychologist for a number of Canadian Olympic teams.
Dr. Sinclair is providing NSA student athletes with a toolbox of mental training techniques to optimize their training and competition performance. One of the techniques she has developed specifically for alpine ski racers is an online "training and competition diary" where athletes can record their race preparation and race execution on a number of components. The "diary" provides athletes with an ability to review and learn from their past performances and make adjustments to improve in future competitions. Dr. Sinclair will continue to provide the benefits of her expertise to NSA athletes throughout the ski season.
Collingwood is a winter wonderland! Snowing as we wrap this issue. Mid-February conditions in mid-November. We received the first significant snow of the season late Sunday followed by a foot on Monday and additional accumulations over the past couple days. For those of us who delayed the inevitable, McKee Tire in Collingwood had a 6 hour backlog on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings for snow tire installations ... we’ll revisit that rite of winter next week. NSA English teacher Neil Lanz reports that he needs snowshoes to get to his snowshoes: Neil’s snowshoes spend the "off-season" in a shed on the back part of his property in the Duntroon area (top of the escarpment). Neil tells us he is waiting for the snowdrifts to compact before attempting the trek across the property. We’ll keep E-Snooze readers updated on the success of his expedition. We’ll be up on Three Stages or at Walters Falls on the Bruce Trail for our inaugural snowshoe of the season - - a week earlier than last year.
And, all of this winter stuff before beginning this weekend’s Grey Cup weekend festivities that is supposed to mark the end of fall!
NSA Featured in Collingwood Life
The recent issue of the Collingwood Life newspaper devoted a full page to the NSA Ski Day at Devil’s Glen. Several photos and an article appear. Great coverage for NSA with the local and skiing communities. Copies are available at A&P, Loblaws etc.
22nd Annual NSA Ski Day a Success!
Over 150 friends, parents, student athletes, alumni, coaches, staff, and sponsors of the “Home of ski racing and academic excellence” attended the 22nd annual National Ski Academy fundraising ski day.
The event, held at Devil’s Glen on Friday, February 15th, featured a day of fun, racing and feasting … including a taste of the infamous NSA raclette … better known as the “stinky cheese”.
This year, the athletes and coaches from the Simcoe County Special Olympics Ski Team attended with some of the athletes showing off their racing skills in the fun race against NSA student athletes, parents and friends.
Madeleine Welton and her organizing committee ensured that the day proceeded on schedule. Cheryl Michelin and her silent auction team amassed some great items to ensure fundraising success. Beckie Vogel promised and delivered fresh powder and sunny skies - - rarely seen this year in Grey County. Graydon Oldfield sprung himself from his Barrie office to again serve as a superb Master of ceremonies. Jimmy Lane - - the hot item at this year’s live auction - - prepared the raclette to his usual exacting culinary standards. NSA student athletes served as ambassadors, greeters and ski sherpas.
Jurg Gfeller, the NSA’s Executive Director welcomed the participants and thanked everyone for their continued support of NSA and its student athletes: “For the past 22 years the NSA has provided programs and support that enabled dedicated student athletes to achieve ski racing and academic success. The support from our NSA families, friends and sponsors at the annual ski day is important to our success. It helps to ease the financial burden of delivering our world class programs. We thank everyone for their support at ski day and we look forward to seeing you at our Annual NSA Golf Day in August”.
NSA & Special Olympics Partnership
Jurg Gfeller, Director of the National Ski Academy in Collingwood, is pleased to announce that the National Ski Academy and the Collingwood Special Olympics Alpine Teams have established a partnership beginning in the 2007/08 season.
Founded in 1986, the National Ski Academy is the "Home of ski racing and academic excellence". The NSA provides an opportunity for dedicated student athletes to pursue academic and alpine ski racing excellence in programs designed to meet their needs and maximize their potential.
This exciting partnership will allow Special Olympians to use the NSA dryland facilities to develop their fitness training. It will also give the NSA coaches a chance to share their coaching and skiing expertise with the dedicated volunteer coaches of the Special Olympic Alpine Team. This exposure will help to strengthen the skiing knowledge for those working with Special Olympians. As well, the NSA athletes will be given the chance to help out as volunteers with the Special Olympians on-hill, serving as mentors, role models and friends to the Special Olympic Alpine Team.
Brian Traynor, Director of Education at NSA, stated that the volunteer hours will be used towards the NSA student’s Community Service Hours needed for the compulsory portion of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma These volunteer hours will combine a valuable life learning experience with their academic accomplishments.
Patty Federer, Ontario Sport Alpine Technical Advisor, Special Olympics Ontario is pleased with this partnership: "On behalf of all the Special Olympian alpine athletes and coaches I would like to thank The National Ski Academy Board of Directors, staff and students for supporting us. They have opened up their hearts, offered their time, expertise and facilities to allow our athletes the opportunity to be the best they can be. Often our athletes struggle to find appropriate supports to excel in their sport and now with National Ski Academy’s help, some of those challenges will be met. We are thrilled to be working with them."
This partnership will be a wonderful benefit to all the athletes involved with both the NSA and Special Olympics. As competitive athletes they are all striving for the same thing . . . to be the best they can be at their chosen sport.
SPORTING LIFE supports NSA "Home of ski racing and academic excellence" and its student athletes.
Our athletes recently returned from another successful training camp in Saas Fee and Zermatt, Switzerland.
We owe Sporting Life, Cam Powell & Bill Ford our thanks for their professional help and support to all the athletes. Cam Powell is one of the leading boot fitters and was very helpful on a daily basis with boot fitting and repairs. Bill Ford is a superb ski technician who offered daily ski tuning and tuning education to the athletes. Both were always available for any help required on and off the and this is an important part of a very productive camp.
Thank you again from all of us at the National Ski Academy for your dedication and help.
NSA 2007 - 2008 Coaching Staff
Jurg Gfeller – Founder/Director NSA will continue as Women's FIS Head Coach for the 2007-08 season.
Fred Potvin - 3rd Year with NSA - CSCF Level 3, CSIA Level 2, NCCP Level 3 - Men's FIS Head Coach
Nick Kwasniak - 2nd Year with NSA - CSCF Level 3, CSIA Level 3, CASI Level 1, NCCP 2, CASI Alpine Level 1 - NSA K2 Coach
Samuele Piana - 1st Year with NSA - Federation Ski Coach European Level 3 - Men's FIS Coach
National Ski Academy Facility Rental
National Ski Academy has off-season rental of facilities available for organizations. Facilities include - 26 beds, full gym, weight room, common rooms, classroom, dining room and full kitchen.
For further information please contact: Jurg Gfeller, Director jgfeller@nsa.on.ca
