Hello,

To new and returning families, the IC coaching staff would like to extend a hardy welcome to the 2014-2015 racing season. We are scheduled to officially begin training this upcoming weekend, 12/13-12/14.

Your patience is requested as we undertake the initial process of assigning racers with coaches. For returning families your understanding of this process is appreciated. Please help relieve any tensions that “rookie” parents may feel entering new territory. As we all know, this sorting out task evolves over the course of the entire season.

Parents can help eliminate tensions and inevitable commotions this weekend in a number of ways. If you haven’t done so already, begin by organizing and checking equipment, including clothing, in advance of one hour before departing to the Mountain. Conduct a safety check of all equipment, especially a binding safety check. Make sure the bindings are attached to the skis and boot liners are correctly paired with the matching shell. Hard shell helmets are required by USSA and Tri State. We require goggles as well. New parents may not be aware of the helmet technicality. New parents can help us identify your racer by printing his/her first name on duct tape and attaching to the front of the helmet. Lastly, please transport racers early enough to the Mountain, so they can be at the base of the double green chair 15 min early so coaches can move their racers out of the staging area by 9:00 am.

Our coaching staff has added some new members this year, and several long-time IC coaches have joined the tri state staff. Moving to tri state are Chris Cashen, Chris Divecchio, and Peter Cross. Moving over from the parent ranks to the coaching staff are, Larry Hess, David Kozlowski and Jon Woodruf. Returning after a sabbatical is Karin Tannenbaum. Her Daughter, Kasey, will be a new addition as well. Kasey is an IC and USSA graduate from Catamount. Welcome to you all and the best regards to coaches in transition. Apologies in advance if I did not recognize any new comer.

Thanks to Bob Mayer, father of Max, who has volunteered to manage the IC component of the Catamount Race Site. Peter Chudy remains our faithful president of the IC Parents Association. As always, we are open to addressing all questions, concerns and input that will support the success of Catamount’s IC Race Program.

Regards and see everyone slope side this coming weekend.

John Greaser