2022 Baldy Hill Climb Results
Full recap coming soon, but in the meantime, here are the results from today's Baldy Hill Climb! Congratulations to each and every one of you for taking on Bald Mountain!
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Overall Race Results
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Women Race Results
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Men Race Results
2022 Women’s Race Podium Results:
1. Alexa Turzian 47:26
2. Cora Faye Scott 47:46 (SVSEF XC Comp Team)
3. Grace Sundali 48:24
2022 Men’s Race Podium Results:
1. Peter Wolter 36:18 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Miles Fink-Debray 37:29
3. Neil Bangs 38:15
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Race Age Group Results
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Overall Hike Results
Family Team Results:
- O'Sulibergers
- Wolfe/Lloyds
- Scales
2022 KinderClimb Participants*
- Blakeslee Tindall / 7
- Briony Cook / 3
- Finn Mallory / 4
- Genevieve Johnson / 3
- Gigi Hill / 9
- Hartley Tindill / 9
- Keenan Johnson / 5
- Lottie Cook / 5
- McKay Johnson / 6
*KinderClimb participants listed in alphabetical order by first name / age.
Registration Open for Baldy Hill Climb
Hike, Run, or Race in Support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation!
Online registration is open for the 44th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24. For the past 43 years, come rain, sun, or even snow, runners and hikers have made their way up the north side of Bald Mountain in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) programming.
“The Baldy Hill Climb is one of the longest running athletic traditions in our Valley,” said Rick Kapala, SVSEF’s Director of Sport Development. “It’s simple, and that is what makes it great! Climb up Baldy, as fast as you can. It is just you, your shoes, and your sheer determination; and at the end it’s a chance for you to get together with friends and family and celebrate our community and the wonderful place that we live.”
Organized by the SVSEF Cross-Country Ski Team, the course challenges participants to a grueling 1.86 miles and 3,140 vertical feet—straight up from the bottom of Warm Springs to the summit of Bald Mountain at 9,020 feet. All participants receive an iconic event t-shirt and a refuel at the summit aid station. In addition, and in partnership with Sun Valley Company, participants receive a much-deserved ride down on the Challenger Lift after they finish.
“The Baldy Hill Climb signifies the start of a new season,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s new Cross Country Program Director. “The coaches and athletes are excited to put on this challenging event that helps support our programming and brings the ski community together to enjoy an awesome race on the mountain. A huge thank you Sun Valley Company for their continued support of SVSEF—we wouldn't be where we are today without their commitment to our programs. And a special thank you to Olin Glenne and Sturtevant's for their title sponsorship—they give so much to this town and we couldn't be more grateful for their support.”
A $100 bonus is on the line in the race division for those who set a new course record. Morgan Arritola is the only woman to have beat the forty-minute mark in the history of the Baldy Hill Climb—she holds the women’s record set in 2010 at 39:51. Miles Havlick holds the men’s record with a time of 35:04, set in 2014.
Event Schedule:
8:00 a.m. Check-In Opens
8:30 a.m. Kinder Climb Start: Free for kids 11 years and under. No pre-registration.
9:00 a.m. Hike Start
10:00 a.m. Race Start
12 p.m. Awards at the summit
Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will not be available.
Thank you to title sponsor Sturtevants and lead partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
Photo of Johnny Hagenbuch, SVSEF Alum, U.S. Cross Country Ski Team
Photo by: Julia Seyfirth
Natalie Gowe Awarded Campion Scholarship, named ICL Fellow
The Campion family partners with ICL Academy to support Idaho’s aspiring athletes
Natalie Gowe, FIS athlete on the SVSEF Alpine team, has been awarded the newly funded Campion Scholar Athletic Scholarship as an ICL Fellow. This commitment by the Campion family provides financial support for the entirety of Gowe’s academic education at online private school ICL Academy, plus team tuition and associated expenses for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 ski seasons.
“Our goal is to inspire others to provide similar opportunities for student athletes,” said Ashley Campion, President of The Johnson Charitable Trust. “We understand what it takes to support an athlete making a run at the top in a sport – it’s a heavy lift. It requires total devotion of time and energy from family, coaches, and friends. Our goal is to inspire others to award comprehensive scholarships including both academic and athletic expenses, giving more of Idaho's aspiring athletes the opportunity to shoot for the moon.”
In Gowe’s second year as a member of the SVSEF Alpine U16 team during the 2021-22 divisional qualifiers, she brought home three victories and six podiums. From there, she represented the Western Region at the 2021-22 U16 National Championships in Sugarloaf, Maine, where she placed 6th in slalom.
Gowe has now also been named ICL Fellow through the Institute of Civic Leadership (ICL). The Campion Scholarship includes a two-year grant to fund her junior and senior year at ICL Academy – the premier online private school for high-performing athletes grades 6-12. “It takes a village to help an athlete get from good to great and we are so pleased to partner with SVSEF and ICL in this endeavor,” said Campion. The partnership with ICL grew from the shared belief that supporting an athlete both athletically and academically truly frees them to excel. ICL has long been championing athletes at top levels and the school’s innovative online Impact Learning model has attracted the support of numerous world champions, including Bode Miller and Andrew Weibrecht.
ICL Academy founder Kirk Spahn said, “We are proud to support student athletes, giving them the best possible shot at their dreams, while still providing the elite academics, high-excelling community, alumni network, leadership training, college and career consulting, even mentorship from ski champions like Bode Miller and Andrew Weibrecht that will help them be successful in college or pro sports, and in life. We thank the Campion family for recognizing that many underserved students need extra support to access the education and training needed to reach their highest potential. The ICL Foundation has been supporting students such as Natalie for 20 years and is thrilled to join forces with the Campion family and The Johnson Charitable Trust.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for Natalie to pursue her dreams in skiing while having educational support that can coexist with the demanding training, travel, and racing lifestyle that high-achieving ski racers need to maintain,” said Nate Schwing, SVSEF Alpine U16 Head Coach. “Having coached Natalie the last two seasons and witnessed her athletic, mental, and emotional growth, I’m excited to see where her journey takes her now with this inspiring support!”
“I was so surprised and honored to receive the Campion Scholarship along with being named an ICL Fellow,” said Natalie Gowe. “I am beyond grateful to the Campion family and ICL Academy for this amazing opportunity. Their belief in my pursuits academically and athletically is a strong testament to how they want to make a significant difference for ambitious student-athletes, while also inspiring others to do the same.”
“This is a game changing grant that sets in motion an incredible opportunity for an incredible young lady,” said Scott McGrew, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Executive Director. “Focusing support on the interface of education and sport is where young adults find their most solid footing. It is inspiring and we are excited and grateful to be a part of such an impactful project.”
About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
Since its inception in 1966, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has been a longstanding pillar in the community, providing snowsport programs and offering academic assistance to support student-athletes in reaching their highest potential. SVSEF offers an array of programs for athletes ages five and up, from learn-to-ski and ride through FIS and other national and international-level competition. The organization offers financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org.
About ICL Academy
ICL ACADEMY is an innovative, accredited Online Private School for grades 6-12 that tailors academics to students' passions through its award-winning Impact Learning model. ICL Academy unites 150 years of academic excellence from the Dwight School and 20 years of character & service leadership training from the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) non-profit in a mission to re-imagine online private education for high-performing student athletes. ICL’s online, college-like scheduling gives junior players more time to train, travel, and compete at the highest level in addition to all the benefits and prestige of a private prep school: elite academics, high-excelling peers, a global alumni network, award-winning character & service leadership training, customized college consulting and mentorship from world champions like Bode Miller & Andrew Weibrecht.
Photo of Natalie Gowe taken at the 2022 Western Region U16 Junior Championships in Big Sky, Montana.
Photographer: Marshall Tate/Crystal Images
Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship will Support Female Alpine Athletes in Pursuit of Ski Racing
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) announced today a new scholarship opportunity—the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship Award. The scholarship will provide $10,000 towards tuition and expenses for one high-school-aged female alpine athlete per year for the next ten years. The first recipient of the award will be announced as the 2022/23 season gets underway in September.
Ashley Snyder Briggs grew up skiing and racing with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation between 1974-1985, from her first turns on Baldy through high school. After graduating from Sun Valley Community School, she went on to ski race for Middlebury College’s Division 1 team. Snyder Briggs has remained closely tied to the Wood River Valley community and to SVSEF through her family and her nephews’ participation on the ski team, and has witnessed the consistent trajectory as a ski club over the years.
“I have always wanted to give back to an organization that gave so much to me,” said Ashley Snyder Briggs. “There are so many acquired traits, lessons learned, and experiences gained through sport and competition, and you come away with a skillset that serves you for the rest of your life. Work ethic, goal setting, leadership, resiliency, teamwork—I am thrilled to be able to give this opportunity to a young SVSEF athlete who wants to take their sport to the next level.”
The Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship will be awarded each year by a committee of SVSEF coaches and Snyder Briggs. All high-school-aged SVSEF female alpine athletes are eligible to be considered for the scholarship. Ultimately, the Scholarship will be awarded to the athlete who consistently shows love and passion for alpine ski racing, shows dedication both on the hill and in the classroom, intends to pursue the sport after high school, and demonstrates an appropriate need for financial support to chase their dreams in ski racing.
"For an athlete to work towards the highest level of ski racing, it takes a tremendous time commitment and dedicated mindset by the athlete, it takes a team of people to support so many aspects of growth and technique in the sport, and it is a significant financial commitment to cover equipment and coaching, travel, entry fees, and oftentimes some level of tutoring to maintain high-level academics,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “Ashley’s genuine understanding, generosity, and vision to help support young women who want to take this sport as far as they can, is an incredible gift to our program and to all the athletes who are awarded the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship in the years to come.”
Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Snyder Briggs
Rick Kapala Receives USSS Russell Wilder Award
Congratulations, Rick!
U.S. Ski & Snowboard honored individuals and organizations for their service to the sport with its final gold and silver level awards. The gold and silver-level awards recognize volunteers and organizations around the country for their service to athletes in a variety of categories, following the acknowledgment of athletes, coaches, and clubs of the year announced earlier.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announcement:
Two recipients were recognized with the Russell Wilder Award for service to youth. Longtime Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation cross-country leader Rick Kapala (Sun Valley, Idaho) and the Youth Sports Alliance (Park City, Utah) were each recognized for their long service to youth. The award is the second oldest from U.S. Ski & Snowboard, dating back to 1955.
Kapala, who is retiring from his role as program director and head coach for cross country at the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation after 35 years, was recognized for his work in developing Sun Valley into one of the premier cross country clubs in America. He has long been acknowledged for not only providing youth with opportunities to grow into top, elite athletes, but also building an environment that focuses on being good citizens and good people, as well.
He was cited for his impact on literally thousands of youth and their families in the Wood River Valley. Kapala’s mission has been to develop character in young people and to teach a lifelong respect for the outdoors that goes far beyond sport.
His work also extended well beyond just Sun Valley. He was long been actively engaged in national programs, both as a regular host of events as well as his participation in governance at a national level. His impact has been felt across the Wood River Valley and the entire nation.
Austin Savaria Joins U.S. Ski Team Coaching Staff
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announcement:
Following spring planning meetings, the U.S. Alpine Ski Team has announced key staffing changes for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Despite a 2021-22 season filled with challenges associated with COVID-19, the alpine team had its fair share of success, featuring 19 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup podiums, six World Cup victories among four athletes, an Olympic silver medal, one Overall Crystal Globe, three World Junior Ski Championship medals featuring one victory, and many solid results across levels. The staff, once again, were the real superheroes behind the scenes, working day in and day out to keep their athletes safe and healthy.
Along with the previously announced addition of Anouk Patty as Chief of Sport and Patrick Riml as Alpine Director, there are many new faces and the return of longtime staff members. The program features a new structure, with the World Cup and Europa Cup tech groups merging across both the men and the women, enabling athletes to train together in an effort to create a positive competitive team environment.
“This structure allows for a better team culture,” said Patty. “Not only is it operationally more efficient as we are one team rather than a group of disparate teams, but it also drives performance as higher-performing athletes pull up the rest of the team.”
On the women’s side, with longtime coach Alex Hoedlmoser’s move to the Austrian Federation, Jeff Lackie will take on the role of women’s speed head coach. Lackie had previously been working with two-time Olympic champion and six-time World Champion Mikaela Shiffrin, and more recently the Europa Cup women’s team. Lackie will be joined by Burkhard Schaffer, who has vast experience on the World Cup speed and tech circuits, having worked for the Austrians, Norwegians, Slovenians, and, most recently, the Canadian men’s speed team.
Longtime head coach for multi-discipline athlete Shiffrin, Mike Day, will remain in his head coach role, as Austrian Mark Mitter joins the group as assistant coach. With the World Cup and Europa Cup groups merging, Magnus Andersson will remain as head coach, with Kipp Spangler as assistant coach, and they will be joined by Marjan Cernigoj as head Europa Cup coach, moving up from the development group. With Cernigoj’s move to Europa Cup, Shaun Goodwin—who was most recently serving as a private coach at the NorAm and Europa Cup levels—will take over the women’s development program, along with former U.S. Ski Team athlete and two-time All-America First Team Dartmouth College NCAA athlete Foreste Peterson. Paul Kristofic will remain as the head coach for the women’s alpine program.
Notable changes on the men’s side include the return of Parker Gray, who comes from Gould Academy to join the World Cup and Europa Cup tech group. Ian Garner will oversee the World Cup and Europa Cup tech groups, while Matt Underhill will focus on leading the Europa Cup tech team. Former Slovenian World Cup skier and Olympian Matic Skube, who most recently coached for the Polish Federation, will be joining the crew with a focus on the men’s World Cup slalom team.
On the speed side, Randy Pelkey remains head coach of the men’s speed team, along with Urban Planinsek, Scotty Veenis, and Ben Black as assistant coaches. Austin Savaria will join the men’s speed team staff as an assistant coach, most recently serving as a coach for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Graham Flinn will continue to lead the men’s development program, along with assistant coach Nathan Bryant. In addition to his role as Alpine Director, Riml will also directly oversee operations for the men’s alpine program.
“It has been energizing to be back with the U.S. Alpine Ski Team, working with our coaching staff to build what I know will be a solid, dynamic support staff for our athletes,” noted Riml. “It’s not only rewarding to see former U.S. Ski Team coaches like Parker (Gray) rejoin the team, but it’s equally rewarding to see former athletes like Foreste Peterson join the program as a coach who has the opportunity to create a significant impact on these young athletes’ development. I look forward to working with this staff to support our athletes achieve their dreams and reach the podium.”
The men’s and women’s teams have already hit the slopes at Official Training Sites Mammoth Mountain, California, and Copper Mountain, Colorado, as well as in Norway to kick off the 2022-23 season. Many of the staff and athletes are currently at the USANA Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah for a vital strength and conditioning block, physical testing, and SkillsQuest testing prior to their next on-snow camps in the Southern Hemisphere.
A full staff announcement will be released this fall, in tandem with the official U.S. Alpine Ski Team announcement.
Jake Adicoff with guide Sam Wood Named Adaptive Athletes of the Year
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announcement (June 20, 2022) (LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT)
Jake Adicoff with guide Sam Wood - Adaptive Athletes of the Year
Jake Adicoff and his guide Sam Wood were named Adaptive Athletes of the Year. The duo teamed up for a pair of individual silver medals at the Paralympics, plus anchored Team USA’s gold in the mixed team event. At the World Championships, they won gold, silver and bronze. Beyond the medals, Adicoff and Wood have been role models in the sport with their professional way of working together and communications style - setting a new high bar for how visually impaired athletes and guides work as a team. Their example has elevated the entire U.S. Paralympics Nordic program.
CLICK BELOW TO READ THE LOCAL MEDIA STORY:
Idaho Mountain Express Story
"Their example has elevated the entire adaptive team."
—U.S. Ski and Snowboard, on Jake Adicoff and Sam Wood
Alpine Staff Additions and New Roles for 2022/23
SVSEF Alpine has some Key Staff additions and new roles leading into the 2022/23 season.
Full-Time FIS Coach: Will Courtney
We are excited to announce that Will Courtney will be joining our FIS staff starting July 5th. Will is joining us from the US Ski Team, where he was a World Cup Men’s Tech coach and Strength & Conditioning coach for the past three seasons. Before his time with the US Ski team, Will gained experience as the head Men’s FIS coach at Park City Ski & Snowboard for two years, one year as the Fischer Race Director and two years with Global Racing.
Will’s vast experience with all levels of racing and athlete development will be a great asset to our program. He has a personality that connects with athletes and truly cares about everyone’s relationship with the sport of ski racing. I am excited to see Gladys and Will lead the FIS program for years to come.
New Position - Alpine Coach Education and Career Development Director: Sue Schwartz
We're excited to announce Sue Schwartz's new position within SVSEF Alpine. Sue will oversee the Alpine coach education pathway and advancement of our SVSEF coaches through the US Ski and Snowboard certification process. In addition, she will help facilitate the career development of our alpine coaches within SVSEF.
Sue will continue within the FIS team in an assistant role, but she will start her new position immediately and can be reached at sschwartz@svsef.org.
New Position - Junior Program Director: Chuck Harris
We are also thrilled to welcome Chuck Harris back to SVSEF! With the amazing growth and excitement around our program, we have decided to onboard Chuck as our new Junior Program Director. In this position Chuck will oversee all programming for our Baldy Devo, All Home Teams, U12 and U10 Travel Teams. He will be implementing the new Cheeso Cup Home Series and supporting all Mini World Cup and North Series Home events.
With a wealth of experience and coaching knowledge, we can’t wait for Chuck to rejoin our team. Most recently Chuck was the Alpine Director at Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, where he was in charge of all alpine programming from entry level teams through post graduate ski racers. Before becoming Alpine Director at Sugar Bowl, Chuck was Head U16 and FIS coach with us here at SVSEF in addition to prior experience as Head U16 Coach at Jackson Hole Ski Club, Alpine Director at McCall Winter Sports Club, Head Women’s Coach at Ski Club Vail, and Men’s FIS Coach at Burke Mtn Academy.
As Junior Program Director, Chuck will provide additional support for our families, athletes, and coaches in our rapidly growing youth programming. He will also facilitate proper team placement for EVERY young athlete within SVSEF Alpine. Starting July 5, Chuck Harris can be reached at charris@svsef.org
KEY Departure - Austin Savaria: US Ski and Snowboard World Cup Men’s Speed Assistant Coach
We are excited to announce that Austin Savaria has accepted an offer to become an Assistant Coach with the US Ski Team: World Cup Men’s Speed Team. Losing a coach on our staff of Austin’s caliber is never easy, but just like our athletes it is incredible to see our staff develop within our organization and chase their dreams. Austin’s passion for the athletes he works with will be missed. We look forward to following the World Cup for years to come knowing that two recent SVSEF staff members are on the hill supporting the US Speed Team (Randy Pelkey also coached our FIS team, and is the Head Coach for the US men’s speed team).
Returning Full-Time & Head Coaches:
- Gladys Weidt: Head FIS Coach
- Nate Schwing: Head U16 Coach
- Anika Angrimann: U16 Coach/ Social Media Coordinator
- Charlotte Gourlay: Head U14 Travel Coach/Alpine Team Coordinator
- Adele Savaria: Head U12 Travel Coach
- Jude Arvidson : Head U10 Travel Coach
- Brian Eggleton: Technical Coach/ Boot Service
We are anticipating a majority of our amazing assistant coaches to be returning to their roles for the 22-23 season. There will be some shuffling of our assistant coaches due to career development and staffing needs once registration is finalized for our programs.
I am extremely excited about the additions and changes we have made this spring. I look forward to working with this world class staff to create another amazing ski season for all our athletes and families.
—Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director
SVSEF Welcomes Becky Woods as New Cross Country Program Director
Woods brings wealth of collegiate Nordic team competition, coaching and leadership to SVSEF
Effective August 1, 2022, Becky Woods will step into the role of Cross Country Program Director at Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF). Woods comes to SVSEF from Bates College in Lewiston, ME, where she served as the Head Men’s and Women’s Nordic Ski Coach alongside additional leadership roles from 1994 to 2022.
“We are thrilled to welcome Becky Woods to the team at SVSEF and to embrace her exceptional leadership and coaching experience at the helm of our Cross Country programs,” said Scott McGrew, SVSEF’s Executive Director. “Her proven ability to guide athletes in the pursuit of excellence both on the trails and in the community, along with her deep appreciation of the Nordic culture and the passion behind the sport, will make Becky a tremendous asset for our cross country teams and for our greater ski community in the Wood River Valley.”
Woods’ leadership as a collegiate coach, mentor, administrator, and teacher offer a unique skillset and balance to the Cross Country Program Director position at SVSEF. In her role as Head Men’s and Women’s Nordic Ski Coach at Bates College, Woods was responsible for leading and managing all aspects of a successful Division I Nordic Ski Program, while bringing staff, athletes, and volunteers along to carry out a clear mission as a top priority. She attributes much of her success in her career to fostering a culture of trust, respect, and support, and understands the importance of imparting a true love of skiing and a respect for the process it takes to be successful.
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead this great group of SVSEF coaches and athletes,” said Becky Woods, incoming SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “It is evident there is expertise, talent, and support within the organization—and a true sense of community. Having spent time in the Wood River Valley, I am honored and excited to become a member of the team and help SVSEF Cross Country continue to grow and excel as a ski community.”
In Woods’ role as SVSEF Cross Country Program Director, she’ll provide program-wide leadership and day-to-day management while supporting the overall vision and mission of the organization. She’ll be instrumental in the successful recruitment, training, and retaining of a world-class coaching staff and the ongoing development of an athletic program that supports each participant in achieving their personal and athletic potential.
Founded in 1972, the SVSEF Cross Country Program has consistently been recognized as one of the best in the country; most recently as the 2021 USSA Cross Country Club of the Year, and in 2022, the Junior Girls brought home their third consecutive National Championship team title. From the youngest Devo kids to elite athletes at the Comp Team, Post-Grad and professional level, our program is 250 athletes strong and steeped in Nordic traditions driven by a strong sense of family, community, competition, and camaraderie.
During the 2021/22 season, three members of the XC Gold Team competed in the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, and two additional SVSEF alumni were named to the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. For the upcoming 2022/23 season, five athletes from the SVSEF Cross Country Program have been named to the U.S. Cross Country and Para Nordic Ski Teams.
Current Cross Country Program Director, Rick Kapala, will be assuming a new role with SVSEF as the Director of Sport Development. In this new role, Kapala will lead with a broader strategic lens for SVSEF, alongside event management and fundraising for the cross country community.
For more information about the SVSEF Cross Country Programs, please visit svsef.org.
Photo: Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College
SVSEF Congratulates Paul Smith on Move to NYSEF
Smith to Take Over as Head Coach for New York Ski Education Foundation Cross Country Skiing Program
After six years as a member of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Cross Country coaching staff, Paul Smith is moving home to the east coast to lead the New York Ski Education Foundation’s Cross Country Skiing Program. Smith’s new role will leverage his years of coaching experience along with his drive and capacity to lead junior athletes to success at every level.
“My time at SVSEF has been tremendous for my own growth,” said Paul Smith, SVSEF Cross Country Post-Grad Head Coach and Comp Team Coach. “There is a structure in place that allows coaches here to work independently enough to learn to help athletes find success at the highest level. It goes without saying how beneficial it has been to work with such an experienced staff as well. My biggest learning lesson however will be how well SVSEF builds a community that is supportive of and enthusiastic about winter sports. The position at NYSEF is a great opportunity. I feel I have the skills and knowledge to help grow the sport in a region I am familiar with and I’m excited about this next chapter in my career.”
Originally from Barneveld, NY, Smith is a successful athlete and graduate of Burke Mountain Academy and the University of Vermont. His coaching career began after competing on the NCAA circuit and graduating from college. His first coaching position at Mansfield Nordic led to an assistant coach role at St. Michael’s College, and from there, Smith moved to the Jackson Hold Ski and Snowboard Club as the Nordic Comp team coach, and then to Sun Valley.
“Paul brings a very high level of commitment and enthusiasm to all aspects of his coaching with the SVSEF program,” said Rick Kapala, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “We will miss him for sure and are also excited for him and his stepping into the Head Coach role at Lake Placid. No doubt Placid is fortunate to have him lead their program and we wish Paul every success.”
In Smith’s role with NYSEF, he will manage the athletic preparation and competition plans for all ages while overseeing on-snow camps, strength and conditioning, and technical equipment support. Smith will begin working with the NYSEF this summer.
For more info, please visit nysef.org.