We still need a lot more volunteers for the Catamount Interclub Race on Feb 1st. Hosting a race depends on this. Please contact me at peterchudy@mac.com

Thanks, Peter

Greetings,

After completing a productive month of training in every imaginable form of climatic episode, Catamount IC racers traveled to Blandford for the perennial kick off to the race season. 78 (38 girls & 40 boys) racers brought family and friends to enjoy the first GS of the season. Although natural cover was sparse, Blandford operations personnel managed to provide adequate cover; in spite of repairing broken water lines through the night and grooming the freshly made snow only a few hours before the start of the first run.

Ten of our newest and youngest racers (U8s) tested their skills and knowledge at this inaugural race event. An equal number of girls and boys charged out of the start gate. The five U8 girls skied to a top ten finish with one racer, Lillian Dase, achieving a podium spot. Two U8 boys raced to a solid top 10 finish.

Looking at our total girl contingent, we can identify 21 top 10 finishers (55% of total) while 11 advanced to a top 5 (29% of total) finish. In both of these result categories boys were a few shy of matching the girls results. At the end of the day, 16 boys (40% ) raced to a top 10 finish, whereas 8 (20% of total) climbed onto the podium.

Top honors for the most consistent results of the day belongs to the 5 girls comprising our U12/11 contingent. The entire group secured a top “6” finish. Given that 14 total divisions exist, 7 girl and 7 boy, 14 first place awards are possible (excluding ties). Catamount racers achieved 3 of these notable awards. As noted in an earlier posting, Pia Whyte (first year racer) earned recognition for the fastest girl on the hill.

Congratulations to all competitors for your commitment to become better skiers and racers. Next race is on our home turf. Parents please note that it’s not to early to inform Peter Chudy of your preference for race day duties.

Regards,

John Greaser

One of the key positions that needs to be filled for Catamount’s home race on February 1 is that of gate judge. If you are interested in taking on this responsibility please email me this week. An informational meeting will be held in the small room located in the Taconic Bubble this coming Saturday @ 11:30. If anyone has volunteered as a gate judge in the past and would like to serve as a “chief gate judge”, please let me know via email or this weekend.

Thanks.

John Greaser

Monday is not an official/organized day of training. Inter Club training is scheduled for the normal Saturday-Sunday time frame during this Holiday weekend..

Thanks.

John Greaser

Thank you John, Your recognition of Shiau-sing’s contribution sums it up perfectly. I can’t ever remember when a young first time coach impressed so many veteran staff members. Just being near by and overhearing the comfortable confidence with which she guided her group during a training session, it was obvious that she was the right person to inspire the girls in our program to do their best.

Shiau-sing be proud of the skill and talent that you brought to our program, I am glad that you could be at the race to see your girls do so well. I agree with John the you are welcome back anytime and simply THANK YOU !

Steve Adams

Race Director

During the course of the past month, we have been fortunate to have Shiau-Sing as a member of the IC Coaching Staff. She has enriched our program with her racing experience and knowledge applied to technical and tactical aspects of ski racing. In particular, she has been a dedicated role model for our aspiring higher-level female racers. Her inspiring work ethic and tenacious attitude has affected her students in a positive manner. From observations, it is evident that her prodigies respectfully respond to her teaching style. Although results do not paint the total picture of one’s contribution to any endeavor, the recent Blandford score card validates Shiau-Sing’s complete contribution to our program. By my count a total 13 of girls benefited from Shiau-Sing’s coaching this past month. The entire contingent earned a top 10 finish. Eight of these racers achieved a top 5 finish. In the girls U11/12 division, Catamount racers were one shy of coming away with a sweep of the 5 podium spots. The over all female finisher was Pia Whyte, Catamount U13/14.

We would like to extend our gratitude and well-wishes as Shiau-sing resumes her academic pursuits and embarks on her racing schedule for the 2015 collegiate season.

Shiau-Sing, we welcome your return when your schedule permits you to do so. “May the Force Be With You” as you address challenges both in the class room and race course.

Coach John and Staff

Jackets – Spyder offered a 20% discount but could not confirm a ship date or any status. After getting some parent input, I asked for the order to be cancelled as some kids may never get much or any use from the jackets. Spyder agreed and will refund our money. We will look for an alternative. I will provide refunds once we get the money from Spyder.

Interclub Race — Head Coach John Greaser will have a meeting with Parents at 11:30 on Saturday to go over the race.

Mike Stevens’ email for tuning services is blackdiamondtuningcenter@gmail.com No “ski”

Garrett Gagne, a former Tri-State Ski racer, died in a tragic accident over New Years. Garrett raced at Berkshire East and was a repeat Mass State HS Champion. He was also a stand out lacrosse player and won repeated Scholastic Athlete awards. As a senior at St Lawrence University, he was a leader of their lacrosse team, as well as, an outstanding student.

Garrett’s father Chris has been a leader in the Tri-State organization, serving as a board member and race starter at Berkshire East.

Our thoughts are with Garrett’s family, team mates, and our friends Berkshire East who do so much for our sport. The Parents Association will honor Garrett’s achievements and memory with a donation to the Garrett M. Gagne Memorial Fund.

For more on Garrett please go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=garrett-mather-gagn&pid=173723179