Belated Greetings,

We ended the season in fine form with a venue that challenged the versatility of our racers. Initially there may have been some parental grumbling circulating about the one run event, however, the terrain variability, duration and intensity of the Bousquet Kombi surpassed the typical 40 second course offering our racers normally face. With times exceeding 1:30 on average, in essence the majority of the racers were treated to an extra run. Eighty three Catamount racers strapped on a bib and enjoyed the unique race experience. 37 girls and 45 boys competed. A total of 19 Catamount racers made the trek to the podium (top 5 finishers). 12 boys or 27% skied with enough vigor, skill and speed to secure a top 5 finish. Whereas, 7 girls or 19% earned this honor. As we look back on the season, and focus for a moment on the total number of racers who achieved a coveted podium honor, Catamount boys earned 66 top 5 recognitions. Catamount girls raced to 42 top 5 finishes over the course of the five races. Given that there are 7 classes for both boys and girls, each gender has an opportunity to score 35 possible top 5 results at every race. So, if Catamount boys amassed a total of 66 top 5 finishes, they accounted for 38% of the season’s top 5 results. Catamount girls pinned down 42 top 5 honors, or nearly 25% of the overall total. I’d like to mention one additional note regarding results from the Bousquet race. This year the overall fastest time was earned by a Catamount racer, John Mueller. In the previous 12 or so years that I’ve been in attendance, the 2014 edition is the first year where a Catamount member achieved this honor.

As we know results are not the only measure of an alpine race program. In keeping with the primary focus of USSA racing, the Catamount IC race staff strives to develop strong skiers first. Laying the groundwork of fundamental skills helps assure the progress towards developing technically sound and tactically savvy alpine racers. Optimal sport performance or an athletic success formula is dependent upon a compilation of factors including, genetics, training, coaching, equipment, decision making (mental strengths), diet choices, and parental support. As parents we recognize that adolescents change in 3 predominant ways; i.e., physically, cognitively and “psycho-social.” In the physical realm, and I’ll leave the discussion here for now, a youngster typically, over time, improves their strength, speed and coordination. A young ski racer needs time and experience to develop coordination and muscle strength. Our cadre of U10s and older were once dealing with movement challenges and progressions that our majority of U9s and younger are refining. With patience, experience, tailoring training to meet specific needs, and support our racers will continue to evolve toward the goal of confident ski racers.

Our youngest racers, U9s and younger, demonstrated proficiencies in the elements that anchor “basic parallel” skiing. The parallel as opposed to the wedge is helpful in teaching skiing because it’s a reference point for the alignment of the body when making an alpine (carved) race turn. Coaches overseeing the younger groups focused on balanced stance, upper body posture, establishing quiet hands, building “turn shape.” As the season progressed, terrain and conditions dependent, we were witnessing solid outside ski engagement and various degrees of carving. A number of our older groups were assessed on their ability to initiate and complete a carved race turn. The drill used to assess the level of mastery with this task is the “Apex Drill.” The apex of a turn is referenced by a “peak in the carved turn path left by the skier representing the outer most point of a race turn.” Proper turn shape, parallel position, quiet upper body, early turn initiation and active lower body movements are crucial elements to efficient apex turns. The greater % of our racers who have matured to the upper developmental stages is well on their way to technically sound carved race turns. Racers considering advancing to tri state should be able to perform mechanics @ level 3 or greater; spelled out on the assessment handout. As we know other factors need to be considered when contemplating a racer’s graduation to tri state. To those families who move on to the next level, we greatly appreciate your IC support over the years and look forward to your continued presence @ the Mountain. Until next season, stay active and healthy.

Regards,
John