SVSEF Program Director Andy Ware Charts Change of Course
June 1, 2016
After 17 years as a coach and program director with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, Andy Ware is stepping down to pursue new opportunities. Ware said he would begin work as a sales representative at Rocky Mountain Hardware in July. Jim DeWolfe, SVSEF Board President remarked, “Everyone in the organization would like to thank Andy for his devotion, extensive contributions, and positive attitude throughout his career with SVSEF. We are all very sorry to see him go. As an organization, SVSEF will take this opportunity to create the best program possible for our freestyle, freeskiing and snowboard athletes, and continue to build on the platform Andy has developed.”
Ware, 42, began working for SVSEF in 1999 as a coach on the freestyle team. He became head coach of the freestyle team in 2005 and program director of the freestyle and freeskiing programs in 2008, adding the title of snowboard program director in 2013. In 2008 the freestyle program was comprised of 46 athletes. During the 2015-16 season the three teams featured 130 skiers and 25 snowboarders.
“After 17 years coaching with the SVSEF I have decided to retire at the end of June. This was a difficult decision to come to but after discussing it with my family we decided it was time for me to step away from coaching and begin a new journey,” Ware said. “I have loved my time with the SVSEF. The experience I have gained and the relationships I have formed are cherished and I will take them with me. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish together over the last 17 years and I believe the athletes of the freestyle, freeskiing and snowboard program are poised to achieve incredible goals. I am looking forward to my new role as parent of an SVSEF athlete, a volunteer and spokesperson for this amazing organization which I love.”
Two new head coaches are scheduled to begin working this month; John Grigsby will be head coach of the freestyle team and Tyler Conway will head up the freeskiing team.
“I am still vested in the organization, I will continue working through June to ensure the transition is smooth and goes well,” Ware said. “I am confident that John and Tyler can step in to their new roles as full-time head coaches and lead our freestyle and freeskiing teams to success. I am going to miss being in the mix but I look forward to staying involved as a volunteer and proud supporter of the SVSEF. I am grateful to the many SVSEF Board of Directors, Don Wiseman and Rob Clayton for the opportunities I have been given over the years. There is such a dedicated and passionate staff here. It has been an amazing experience and incredible time in my life.”