Race Team Info Packet 2014-15

MSHS/SSC Nordic Ski Team Registration, Training and Racing Schedule
2014-2015:
I. Program Descriptions and Registration Fees:
Welcome to the MSHS/SSC Nordic Ski We are looking forward to continuing our strong tradition of
Nordic ski racing this season. This is our 21st year of supporting junior racing, and our 6th season as an
official MSHS sports team.
Nordic Skiing does not receive direct financial support from MSHS and is a
“self-funded” sport at MSHS in affiliation with the Superiorland Ski Club. Multiple child
discounts ($5) apply for other family members enrolled in SSC team programs (Prep,
Adventure, or Ski Cats). Please contact the MSHS Athletic office to request a
Scholarship or refund. Please return all fees and paperwork to the MSHS Athletic office by the
first day of practice (November 3). Please make payments to “Superiorland Ski Club”
MSHS TeamThe MSHS team is designed for the intermediate – advance ski racer whose goals are to be
competitive at the state level and train regularly to improve technique and to race.
– 5 days a week dryland and on snow training (Nov 3 - Feb 15)
– Use of club roller skis for advanced skiers (must have 1 year prior training and racing experience)
– Coaching support at all team races
– Ski Wax and equipment for races
Cost $150+club membership
Junior National (JN) TeamThe JN team is designed for the advanced ski racer who's goals are to be competitive at the
regional and national level.
– 5 days a week dryland and on snow training (Nov 3- March 5) with individualized training plans
– Use of club roller skis
– Coaching support at all team races
– Elite level waxing service at all team races and JN Qualifiers
Cost $300+club membership
II.
Additional Expenses for Training and Racing
Trail pass donations required for NTN Forrestville trailhead (see noquetrails.org). Parking at Blueberry
Ridge Requires State Rec Passport
Equipment: You will need both classic and skating gear to fully participate in training
and racing. There are discount purchasing options through local shops (Downwind and Sports Rack) and
at the SSC ski swap (members receive a preferred selection start time). SSC also has
limited rental gear for the season (see attached rental form) – please contact head coach Karmen
Whitham (802.733.6362) or [email protected] for SSC equipment rental information
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SSC provides racing suits for all athletes with generous financial sponsorship from River Valley Bank.
Warm-ups are available for purchase, and SSC has some extras for use for scholarship
athletes. Coach Whitham will be organizing a warm-up purchase for those wishing to purchase warm ups
this season
Travel. Out of town travel to races and associated expenses (food, transportation, and lodging) will be
necessary for athletes. This year our parent volunteer travel coordinator is SSC board member Kathy
Wright [email protected] (906) 250-1570
III.
Training and Racing Schedules
Participation and Varsity Letter and Schedule:
To qualify for a varsity letter you will be required to participate regularly in team training from
November 3 – February 15, have no more then three unexcused absences from training sessions, and you
will need to participate in races at the Michigan High School Championships as well as three other
qualifying races from the attached Schedule.
JN Qualifying Race Schedule: To qualify for JNs you must meet
qualifying criteria specified by the Great Lakes Division of USSA which is available for review at
http://www.nordicskiracer.com/gld/index.asp The list of qualifying races is shown on the
attached schedule. You will need to register with CXC to receive qualifying points and purchase a
USSA competition license to compete at JNs. More information will be provided at the mandatory
parents meeting on November 25.
Training Schedule:
November 3– until snow schedule (assuming December 2): Dryland and Roller skiing
Monday: Circuit training at Fit Strip 4:00-5:30 (All skiers)
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: Bounding Intervals at NTN south trailhead (on M553) or Blueberry ski trails 4:00 – 5:30
(All skiers)
Thursday: Roller skiing at south trailhead* 4:00-5:30 (MSHS advanced and JN teams)
Friday: Distance run at NTN South Trailhead 4:00 – 5:30 (All skiers)
Saturday: Roller skiing at TBD* (MSHS advanced and JN teams)
*BIKE HELMET/HHIGH VISIBILITY CLOTHING MANDATORY –
Snow schedule – 3:30 - 5:30 weekdays and weekend racing. Location to be determined by snow and
weather conditions on a weekly basis. Snow training schedule and locations will be prepared and emailed
on a weekly basis
Race schedule and other important events attached on following pages of this handout.
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IV. Important Communications
The coaching staff will send email notices of training and racing information and schedules on a weekly
basis, typically on Sunday, or as necessary to communicate changes to the team and parents. Also, the
team uses a public Gmail account to post important information on season schedule, such as training and
racing locations. To access this Gmail account follow these instructions:
Schedule and locations posted on Google via Gmail. The credentials are
Username: [email protected]
Password: skiteam2009
Once you access the Gmail account click on the Calendar button.
Other team communications may be sent to athletes via text or Facebook messaging as reminders, or if
weather/ trail conditions require short-notice training location changes. The coaches expect the athletes to
be self-motivated and disciplined about understanding the expectations for training and racing, including
communicating information to and from their parents and coaches or managers.
V.
Contacts
Coaches/managers contact information:
Head Coach: Karmen Whitham, cell 802.733.6362 (call or text); email: [email protected]
Assistant Coach: Dick Ziegler, [email protected] phone: 651.758.5794
Volunteer Team Managers/SSC Board Members:
Dan Wiitala, SSC Vice President, cell (call or text): 906 362 4462 email [email protected]
Debby Muskovitch, SSC Board Treasurer and Club Administrator cell (906) 362-4463 email
[email protected]
Kathy Wright, SSC Board and MSHS team travel coordinator: cell 906 250 1570
[email protected]
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