Amie Smith

To all Eastern Cup Athletes and Coaches –

Our Eastern Cup Opener is just a week away – here are a few reminders and tips so you will be all set to race next weekend.

1. Registration is on SkiReg.com. Registration closes next Weds. 12/14 at 5pm sharp.
2. You must have valid and current NENSA and USSA memberships in order to register on SkiReg. If you have not renewed those memberships yet – NO NOT DELAY – DO THAT NOW.   NENSA memberships are instantaneous, but there is lag time in verifying USSA membership numbers, so get your memberships renewed, before going to SkiReg.  DO NOT wait and do it all on the final day.
3. 83% Classic Pole Rule: This new FIS ruling will be enforced at all FIS sanctioned races this season. Craftsbury is building a simple measuring guide that ALL racers can use, to be sure their classic poles are in compliance. The new rules say that your classic poles have to be no more than 83% of your height, wearing your ski boots. Pole height is measured from the tip of your pole on up to the top of your pole strap. NO racers will be allowed to race if their poles are too long. So, take time to stop by the measuring station well before the start of your race on Saturday, so if your poles are too long, you have time to exchange them.  For more information on this new FIS rule see fis-ski.com
4. Be sure to check the Virtual Team Captains Meeting (VTCM) page often for updates on the weekend. VTCM can be found on NENSA.net under EVENTS and EASTERN CUP SERIES.
5. THINK SNOW, and we look forward to seeing you all next weekend ~ let the season begin!

This coming March, the USSA Junior Nationals will be held in Lake Placid New York, site of the 1980 winter Olympics – and a town rich in Nordic skiing history and pride!

The New England Team coaching staff was selected through an application process that aims to support our young athletes with a strong team, blending some of our most experienced coaches with those who are ready for this next level in their coaching career.  This ensures an educational pipeline for coach development within our region.

A team of 50+ plus athletes takes a massive behind-the-scenes effort to ensure the athletes have the best experience they can once they arrive as a team.  This is accomplished with the help of the coaches and wax techs like these, who volunteer their time for the week of Junior Nationals.   All our JN staff members are USSA L100 (or L200) coach certified.

Our 2017 JN Staff include:

Matt Boobar:  Head Coach (SMS)

Amie Smith:  Team Leader (NENSA)

Our Awesome Age Group Coaches:

Adam Terko – U16 boys (Mansfield Nordic)

Katrina Howe – U16 girls (GMVS)

Pat Casey – U18 men (Holderness)

Robert Bradlee – U18 women (CSU)

Audrey Mangan – U20 men (Craftsbury)

Alexandra Jospe – U20 women (CSU)

The Magic Happens Here Wax Room Techs:

Ollie Burruss – Lead Kick Waxer (Craftsbury)

Jeremy Hecker – Lead Glide Waxer (SMS)

Justin Feresheian – Wax Tech (OSI)

Jake Barton – Wax Tech (Craftsbury)

Jeremy Nellis – Wax Tech (Gould)

Here are a few cool thoughts from our staff:

“Junior Nationals is an incredible event that brings together many different skiers, coaches, mentors, and leaders. A ski club relies on these same strong roles, and I always look forward to championship events as a melting pot of ideas and inspiration where everyone can not only experience the excitement of the competition, but also the community and development of the sport.”  ~ Adam Terko, U16 boys coach

“I am looking forward to learning as much as I can from the coaches and wax technicians at JNs. We have a great group of coaches in the East and I look forward to working with and learning from them as much as I can…I am looking forward to learning more about the juniors from other clubs and see what has worked for them as far as training, racing and race support.”  ~ Jake Barton, wax tech

“From a coaching standpoint, one of the coolest aspects of Junior Nationals is the opportunity and setting it provides for coaches to learn from each other as part of the same staff. Everyone runs their individual club programs a little differently, but when you gather 50+ kids together with area coaches for a week of racing for NE, the athletes aren’t the only ones learning from their peers. Coaches who are otherwise competing during the regular season get a rare glimpse into how other coaches do their jobs, from race-day wax testing protocol to running team logistics to helping kids stay loose and relaxed for the biggest races of their season.”  ~ Audrey Mangan, U20 men’s coach

“I like to think that I can inspire and motivate my skiers, and they often will request my cheering at certain spots of a race course. It’s time to turn the tables and allow the NE team to motivate and inspire me, bringing new positivity to my coaching at home. Building relationships among the other coaches can sometimes lead to new ideas for training, team building, and general fun, and JNs is a great way to spread those ideas among the coaches to percolate down to our skiers!”  ~ Alex Jospe, U20 women’s coach

“Making Team NE is not the goal.  Performing above and beyond your expectations at Junior Nationals is.  I love the fact we can rally around the Alaska cup for motivation, but I know there is even more in our team.  This year think “Next Level” across the board.  Set higher performance goals and even better process goals to back them up.  If everyone asks a little more of themselves, teammates and coaches, the sum will be huge.  With such a strong group of athletes and coaches working together, we can achieve an extremely high level in all aspects of our trip and racing!” ~ Matt Boobar, Head Coach

#bringbacktheAKcup,again!!  #4-peat

December greetings Eastern Cup racers ~

Craftsbury is excited to be hosting our Eastern Cup Opener in two weeks ~ the weekend of December 17th & 18th.  Although Mother Nature has not fully cooperated thus far with cold snowy weather in the NEK, please know that Craftsbury will be making snow, and are currently crafting the very best awesome race course for us that weekend.  The next 10 day forecast is showing cold temps, and it looks as if some real snow will fall between now and then too!  To be ready to race, be sure to get our NENSA and USSA memberships renewed now, and then go to SkiReg.org to register for the weekend.  Updates will be posted very soon on the VTCM page for the weekend schedule, so check back often.  Get psyched to race, and think snow!