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RacerAN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA
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RacerAN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA
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World Cup to Kinder CupThomas Grandi sets new vision for Alberta Alpine
Spring 2008 - Issue 1 www.albertaalpine.ca
Q&A Jan HudecMeet the Alberta Ski teamApogee steps up support
RacerAN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA
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Content
Message From The President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Athlete Bios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Team Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Winds Of Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Q&A With Jan Hudec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Alberta Racer - Spring 2008
Thank You To All Our Sponsors
RacerAN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA
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On The CoverAlberta Alpine president and two-time World Cup winner
Thomas Grandi getting to know some of the skiers from ?? club.
Photo by Adam Hull.
Alberta Alpine Ski Association155, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Calgary, AB T3B 5R5
Phone: 403 247 5600 Fax: 403 247 5970
www.albertaalpine.ca
Graphic DesignCreative Engine
www.creative-engine.ca
WritersAdam HullRick Cook
Gordie Bowles
PhotographersACA Pentaphoto
Malcolm Carmichael??
Printed by Husky Energy
Editorial/Production BK Media Inc.
President’s MessageThomas Grandi
It has been with mixed emotions as I watch the recent flurry of races from behind the fences.
For so many years I was inside the fences, doing my best to go as fast as possible – while at the same time, staying out of them. Now as I watch, I sometimes – more frequently that I’d like – wish I was still putting it all on the line. In fact, earlier in the season I thought of making it policy that I would not race in any events, to maintain the healthy end of my career. But quickly, I realized the addition I could make to an Alberta Cup race and there I was strapping the boards back on pulling the bib overhead, doing up the chinstrap and throwing myself down the mountain.
Boy that was a good decision.
This has allowed me to see and feel the action first hand. Chat with racers and with coaches, officials and volunteers. The perfect way to get reacquainted with ski racing in Alberta.
One of the obvious aspects I have noticed being back on home snow is how blessed we are by the snow gods. The last few seasons in Europe you’d be hard pressed to find a slope with enough snow to put your drill into – and not have mud coming out before you were deep enough to set a screw gate. This is a perfect winter so far, not too cold, lots of snow and great racing and training conditions.
If the Europeans saw what we had to offer, boy would they be jealous. Everything in Alberta ski racing may not be perfect, but don’t forget just how lucky you are next time you get on the slopes and the conditions are, well, perfect.
It has been great to meet a lot of the voly’s out on the slopes. This dedicated group shows up just about every weekend to make sure the slopes are safe, well prepared the times are accurate and the blue dye is in all the right places. Which brings me to a little story I’ll share with you. One fine day as I was driving from Canmore to the office in Calgary and the snow was whipping and the trucks were spraying goop all over my windshield just as I was arriving at C.O.P., I ran out of windshield wiper fluid. As luck had it, I stepped into the office and there were two big jugs of the stuff…great! I grabbed one, opened the hood and poured it in and as I did I looked at the funny bright blue color, interesting…at the end of the day I pulled out and as the first squirt hit the windshield I realized that the funny blue color was the famous ski racing blue dye. I may be onto something here, as when it hits the windshield it’s a nice bright blue and does a fantastic job cleaning while leaving a blue haze behind. The next great AASA fundraiser might just be windshield washer fluid in all-different colors.
All kidding aside, I have seen some amazing skiing at all levels in Alberta. I have seen kids out enjoying the great sport that I still love. I have seen parents enjoying the sport with their kids. I have seen a passion for this great sport that I thought might have been waning. I have seen energy to improve upon our programs and always look for another edge. Alberta Alpine is in a transition, new president, soon to be new offices in Canmore. Please be patient as we explore new directions and fresh ideas.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the hills. And remember when in doubt, carve it out.
Thomas
Thomas Grandi President
Thomas is responsible for overall management
of Alberta Alpine. Reporting to the board of
directors, he is involved in helping to shape
the strategic direction of the organization.
Adam Hull Director, Business Development & Communications
Adam is responsible for management of all
communications and partnerships with Alberta
Alpine. He is in charge of the Association’s
promotional development and fulfillment.
Jim Davis High Performance Director
Jim is responsible for management of all
technical and athletic aspects of the
organization. Jim leads the planning of
Alberta’s racing programs and oversees
the management of the Alberta Ski Team.
Erin McCuaig Member Services Coordinator
Erin manages the front office of Alberta
Alpine and is the key contact person for all
clubs, members, and general inquiries.
In addition, Erin also takes on the
management of many key functions and
projects including webmaster and raffle.
Dale Miller Director, Finance
Dale is responsible for the financial
management of the association. Dale
handles the day to day administration
of Association funds.
Alberta Alpine Staff
My first year behind the fences.
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Cam Brewington
Date of Birth: January 24, 1988 Home Club: Calgary Alpine Racing Club Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Equipment Suppliers: Rossignol, Carrera, Gabel Favourite Event: Downhill
Future Goals: To win the overall Pontiac GMC Cup Series and to earn a spot on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team Why do you ski race: The adrenaline and speed Favourite Book: It’s Not About the Bike Favourite Food: Sushi Music in my iPod: Rap, Country Favourite Movie: 300 Non-ski activities: Motocross, water sports, work out Favourite Place to Visit: Blackfoot Motocross Park Favourite Ski Racer: Daron Rhalves Biggest Influence: Jason Lapierre
Michael Mackie
Date of Birth: December 16, 1989 Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers Hometown: Canmore, Alberta Equipment Supplier: Rossignol Favourite Event: Speed Future Goals: To represent Canada at the Olympics
Why do you ski race: I love going fast and carving turns on newly groomed runs Favourite Book: Into Thin Air Favourite Food: Gluten-free anything Music in my iPod: Alternative Favourite Movie: 300 Non-ski activities: Cooking, biking, water skiing, hiking Favourite Place to Visit: My hometown Favourite Ski Racer: Rob Bosinger
Tristan Tafel
Date of Birth: February 26, 1990 Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers Hometown: Canmore, Alberta Equipment Suppliers: Rossignol, Gabel. Carrera Favourite Events: Slalom and Giant Slalom
Future Goals: To win a Pontiac GMC race this year Why do you ski race: For the adventure and love of the sport Favourite Book: Hermann Maier – The Race of My Life Favourite Food: Sushi Music in my iPod: Rap and Country Favourite Movie: Zoolander Non-ski activity: Mountain biking Favourite Place to Visit: Whistler Favourite Ski Racers: Thomas Grandi and Jan Hudec
Alberta Development Ski Team
Alberta Alpine has a proud history of producing some of Canada’s best skiers, national champions, World Cup competitors and Olympic heroes.
Jan HudecJohn KuceraSherry LawrenceDanielle PoleschukShona Rubens
Gareth SinePaul StutzTrevor WhiteBrad Spence
Alberta Ski Team Alumni – currently on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team:
Alberta – Canadian Alpine Ski Team Alumni:
Cameron BarnesReto BarringtonPeter BosingerJessica DakersRob BosingerJeff DurandVania GrandiVanita HainingScott HendersonKeith HumfreyJim HunterBill IrwinMike IrwinChris KentLoni KlettlShane LeavittDiane LehodeyWendy LumbyAndrea MarchandDarin McBeathChris McCreadyDan McEachrenErin McEachren
Peter MonodPhilip MonodAnia MortonBlais MullenCary MullenChad MullenMegan MullenBrian O’RourkeCarolyn OughtonCheryl OughtonKaren PercyGord PercyEdi PodivinskyAnna PrchalJulie RabnettJim ReadMichael ReadKen ReadBob RooneyKeith ShepardAnn TaciukTasha TallasDarren Thorburn
Anya Holinski
Date of Birth: January 24, 1989 Home Club: Edmonton Alpine Sports Academy Home Town: Edmonton Equipment: Volkl, Technica, Carrera Favourite Discipline: Slalom
Career Goals: To take ski racing as far as I can Future Goals: To go to University and take nursing What I like about ski racing: The thrill, and the discipline it takes Accomplishments: Making the Alberta Ski Team Other Activities: Field Hockey Favourite music: Country Favourite movie: Wedding Crashers Favourite city: New York Favourite ski racer: Anja Paerson
Geoff Irwin
Date of Birth: March 10, 1988 Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Equipment Supplier: Fischer Favourite Events: Giant Slalom and Slalom Future Goals: Make the
national team and win a World Cup Why do you ski race: Grew up racing, love the speed, competition and the fun Favourite Book: Facing Muhammad Ali Favourite Food: Cookies n’ cream Music in my iPod: Rap, R&B, country and alternative Favourite Movie: Rocky Non-ski activities: Soccer, golf, biking, basketball, hockey Favourite Place to Visit: Switzerland Favourite Ski Racer: Benjamin Reich
Stephanie Irwin
Date of Birth: August 21, 1990 Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Equipment Suppliers: Rossignol, Gabel, Carrera Favourite Event: Downhill Future Goals: qualify for
the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and race for Canada in Vancouver 2010 Why do you ski race: I love the sport, snow and people Favourite Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns Favourite Food: Perogies Music in my iPod: Bob Marley Favourite Movie: 300 Non-ski activity: Soccer Favourite Place to Visit: Europe Favourite Ski Racer: Lindsey Kildow
Andrea Bliss
Date of Birth: September 6, 1989 Home Club: Edmonton Alpine Sports Academy Home Town: Edmonton Equipment: Volkl Favourite Discipline: Slalom and Giant Slalom
Future Goals: Making the Canadian National Ski Team What I like about ski racing: The friends, traveling, experiences, and success! Accomplishments: Winning my first Pontiac GMC Cup year 2006 - J1 National Champion Hobbies: Music, movies, shopping, dancing, cooking Favourite Music: Anything that’s good, except twang and yodeling Favorite Ski Racer: Allison Forsyth & Thomas Grandi
Brett Haney
Date of Birth: April 10, 1987 Home Club: NATC Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Equipment Supplier: Rossignol Favourite Event: Slalom Future Goals: Qualify for the National Ski Team
Why do you ski race: It’s the best job in the world! Favourite Book: Angels and Demons Favourite Food: Protein Powder Music in my iPod: Rock, hardcore, punk, and Alanis Morrissette. Favourite Movie: Donnie Darko Non-ski activities: Guitar, video games, soccer Favourite Place to Visit: Anywhere with white beaches Favourite Ski Racer: Manny Osborne-Paradis
Sean Alexander
Date of Birth: July 7, 1989
Home Club: Calgary Alpine Racing Club
Equipment Suppliers: Head/Tyrolia
Career Goals: To win the Overall World Cup Title
Why do you ski race: For the speed and the competition
Music in my iPod: Rap and Country
Favourite place to visit: Hintertux, Austria
Favourite ski racer: John Kucera
Alexa Birdgeneau
Date of Birth: February 1, 1990
Home Club: Fortress Alpine Ski Team, National Alpine Training Centre
Equipment Suppliers: Rossignol
Goals: Ski the World Cup circuit and go to the Olympics.
Why do you ski race: For the challenge and the experience of meeting people
Music in my iPod: Rock, indie, punk, alternative
Favourite Places to Visit: Scotland, France and ON
Favourite Ski Racer: Janica Kostelic
Philip Matejko
Date of Birth: December 14, 1990
Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers
Equipment Suppliers: Head / Tyrolia
Future Goals: To win a World Cup gold medal
Why do you ski race: For the rush and satisfaction
Music in my iPod: Hip Hop /Alternative
Favourite Place to Visit: Hornby Island, BC
Favourite Ski Racer: Hermann Maier
Tatum Monod
Date of Birth: October 21, 1990
Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers
Equipment Suppliers: Monod Sports, Rossignol
Favourite Events: Giant Slalom, Super G
Goals: The National Team and win a World Cup Giant Slalom.
Why do you ski race: I love the satisfaction of carving down a steep race course.
Music in my iPod: Everything! Literally
Favourite Place to Visit: My cottage in Ontario.
Favourite Ski Racer: Thomas Grandi
Terra Moran
Date of Birth: November 6, 1990
Home Club: National Alpine Training Centre/Kananaskis Alpine Racers
Equipment Suppliers: Rossignol, Uvex
Goals: To go as far as I can, have a successful career
Why do you ski race: The adrenaline rush and the feeling of crossing the finish line after a great run
Music in my iPod: Rock, punk, alternative
Favourite Place to Visit: Anywhere I haven’t been
Favourite Ski Racer: Thomas Grandi
Jamie Philp
Date of Birth: November 27, 1990
Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers
Equipment Suppliers: Volkl/Tecnica, Carrera
Future Goals: To win a World Cup and go to the Olympics
Why do you ski race: It’s a lot of fun to set new goals and work hard to achieve them
Music in my iPod: Rap, rock
Favourite Place to Visit: Austria
Favourite Ski Racer: Daron Rahlves
Nicole Poleschuk
Date of Birth: November 5, 1990
Home Club: National Alpine Training Centre
Equipment Suppliers: Rossignol, Carrera
Goals: To make it through the season injury free
Why do you ski race: Because I love it
Music in my iPod: Country
Favourite Place to Visit: Fernie, BC
Favourite Ski Racer: Kalle Pallendar
Erik Read
Date of Birth: May 31, 1991
Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers
Equipment Supplier: Salomon Skis, Boot & Bindings
Future Goals: To compete in the 2014 Olympics
Why do you ski race: I love to be out on the hill
Music in my iPod: Techno, Rap & Classic Rock
Favourite Places to Visit: Ontario and Europe
Favourite Ski Racer: Erik Guay
Curtis Timmons
Date of Birth: ?
Home Club: Banff Alpine Racers
Equipment Suppliers: Rossignol, Gabel, Carrera
Future Goals: To win an overall title
Why do you ski race: For the good times and the challenge
Music in my iPod: All kinds - depends on the mood
Favourite Place to Visit: Windermere, BC
Favourite Ski Racer: Davide Simoncelli
2007/08Meet the
ALBERTA T E A MSKI
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Alberta Alpine is proud to announce an
exciting initiative with Apogee Executive
Search. In addition to the two-year title
sponsorship of the K2 race series in
Alberta, Apogee has also agreed to
donate a percentage of each search
back to Alberta Alpine for every successful
search that can be directly linked to the
sponsorship relationship.
“Not only is Apogee supporting ski racing
from the grassroots in Alberta, they are
paying the ski community back for sending
them business,” said Alberta Alpine
President, Thomas Grandi. It’s great to
see one of our finest partners realize
some of the business advantages in
partnering with us.”
The changes to the national coach
development and education system have
been refreshing, and innovative to say
the least over the past few seasons.
As with any program design changes, the
waters have been turbulent at times, and
the environment, unpredictable. The biggest
challenge comes to those fearless captains
at the helm: keeping an even keel, ensuring
your crew is motivated, while trying to stay
true to the course without capsizing.
With so many new directives to consider
(coach licensing, education credits,
in the field mentoring and evaluations,
trained, certified, advanced certification,
and ongoing coach education and
development) many head coaches and
program directors feel like they are sinking.
For the coaches that are in the thick of
it, the journey through the certification
pathways can seem an eternity away
with no land in sight.
As with any challenging journey, the
captains need to look for solutions, and
create an action plan to make the journey
a success.
But before you feel completely adrift,
coaching development has been put on
the priority list for ACA, with the CSCF as its
messenger. The PSO’s have been given
the task of creating development strategies
to ensure that their captains can stay
afloat, and the crews stay motivated. This is
the biggest challenge that comes to mind,
as there are many ships in a large sea, and
many salty captains at the helm.
Alberta Alpine is your fleet commander,
planning the missions, and building
the ships. As for where the club and its
leaders fit, they are the hands on people,
working hard in the field with their
own set of challenges. The key to a safe
and effective voyage is communication
to your fleet commander, and looking
to them for the support to make your
challenges into solutions.
The more clubs can look to finding
innovative solutions to these challenges,
the easier the journey becomes, and the
greater the reward at the days end.
Consider looking at things like a mariner,
and seek out solutions to our challenges.
Together, we must be resourceful, and
try new approaches to keep our ships
sailing with the wind at our back and the
sails full. The more solutions a captain
and its crew come up with, the more
chances for rewards, and support from
the fleet will come.
Alberta Alpine is dedicated to excellence
in ski racing with the overall goal of
“being the best at every level”. We must
all work together to find solutions to our
ongoing voyage, and with a little more than
traditional thinking we can overcome the
seas of change and prevail.
Contact me anytime for more information
on coach licensing, education credits,
in the field mentoring and evaluations,
trained, certified, advanced certification, and
ongoing coach education and development.
Rick Cook [email protected]
BANFF KIDS SKI FOR FREE!Team Caribou loves kids and loves to ski. We are
also proud of our community and committed to
re-investing in it in a meaningful way.
It is for these reasons that we have partnered
with Ski Norquay to launch the Caribou Kids
Season Pass. Under this program, Caribou has
committed to purchase a Norquay season pass
for all students at the Banff Elementary School
(participants will pay a nominal fee of $25 plus
GST to cover Norquay’s processing costs). Each
child will be receiving a flyer and registration
form at school with additional details.
We at Caribou appreciate our mountain
environment and believe in an active and healthy
lifestyle. We also choose our attitude, have fun,
and are passionate and enthusiastic in all that
we do. It is for these reasons that we are behind
this program to support healthy, active kids – we
see it as a perfect way to give back to the Town
of Banff.
See you on the slopes!
Gordon Lozeman, President, Banff Caribou Properties.
FROM THOMAS GRANDI:“Our sponsorship with Banff Lodging is the best
kind of sponsorship for sport,” said Thomas
Grandi, Alberta Alpine president.
“Banff Lodging’s intention is really to help all
young people have an opportunity to try skiing
and learn to love the sport. Gord Lozeman and
Sean O’Farrell have put their heads together to
put together a fantastic initiative that will put
more kids on the slopes and ultimately more ski
racers on course. It’s a model that hopefully can
be copied in other ski communities. I find this
incredibly generous and innovative!”
Thanks!
Thomas Grandi
The High Seas and Winds of ChangeBy Rick Cook, Manager Coach & Athlete Development
Apogee’s Support Extends Outside the Fence
Team DynamicsHow well do Mike Mackie’s teammates know him?
Jaime Philp Phillip Matejko Cam Brewington Geoff Irwin Mike Mackie
What is his favorite
discipline to race?
Downhill Downhill Anything but speed
because he screams
like a girl when he goes
fast!
Speed events, cause he
can squat four plates
a side
Suppa G!
What was his first
ever job?
Working on a golf course Something to do at a
golf course
Asking his parents for
money
He keeps telling me his
parents have jobs why
would he need one
Turf care specialist at
the golf course
What band would
he pay any money
to see?
I’m going to say “Death
Cab for Cutie”. The first
song I heard him play
in the van ever was by
this band.
Nelly Furtado Celine Dion He doesn’t have any
money
Lupe Fiasco’s got some
madd beats
Mike’s favorite sport
after skiing is…
Road biking, he does
sooo much of it when
there’s no snow on the
ground.
Wakeboarding or biking Exotic dancing I know he’s a fan of
swimming
Biking or waterskiing
Who is Mike’s all-
time favorite skier?
Rob Bosinger Rob Bosinger Cam Brewington Other than me, Cam, or
Grandi, probably Bode
Rob Bosinger
What is his usual
pre-race meal?
A meal that doesn’t
consists of gluten.
Something gluten-free Burnt gluten-free Kraft
dinner
Grilled cheese with ham
on mom’s home-made
bread.
Gluten-free power
bars...yumm
What is Mike’s
favorite TV show?
Lost, he informs the
team every once and a
while that he’s bought
a new season of this
show.
Lost or Entourage Gossip Girl Any show that a female
tween would enjoy
LOST! Best show ever! I
suggest watchin it
What type of skis
does he have?
Rossi!! OBVIOUSLY. Best
ski on the circuit!
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ALBERTA RACER: First off, tell us about your
most recent injury – how is the rehab going?
JAN HUDEC: Rehab is going great. Doctors
gave me the normal six-month timeline for
recovery. Out of all the surgeries (this is my
fourth to date, third reconstruction) this
one feels the best.
AR: As tough as the injury must be, are
you able to take some satisfaction in
knowing you earned your first ever World
Cup podium before getting injured?
JH: I’m definitely able to take some
satisfaction in knowing I had that
podium result. It takes a bit of the sting
out of my current injury and it really
motivates me to comeback and know that I
can have the results that I’m looking for.
AR: Out of the current CAST members,
who best personifies what it means to be
a “Canadian Cowboy?”
JH: Toss up between, Kucera, Stutz,
Spence…I would like to say me, but that
wouldn’t be right.
AR: What is your favorite race course on
the World Cup?
JH: St. Moritz, location of the 2003 World
Championships – it has a really neat
layout…and when it’s sunny it’s just the
best place to be.
AR: As the theme of this issue of Alberta
Racer is “Grassroots Development”, tell
us about one of your best memories of
your days with Banff Alpine Racers?
JH: I loved waking up in the morning,
jumping in the team van, going to the
hill, and getting to spend the day with my
buddies. To this day, I still love going on
road trips, and just being on the hill and
hanging out with my friends.
AR: Was there a coach, or individual
growing up that you feel is particularly
responsible for helping you get to where
you are today?
JH: Overall, I’d have to say that my Dad has
been the most influential person in my
career; he taught me everything I know.
Even things he was teaching me when I
was 8-years-old, I’m still hearing now at
25. I’ve also had great coaches throughout
my career – one in particular was Burkhart
Schaeffer.
AR: If you couldn’t be a full-time skier,
what career do you think you’d find
yourself in?
JH: Ahh...motorcycle racer, or rock star.
AR: Leading up to the 2010 Olympics,
what areas of your training are you hoping
to improve in?
JH: Staying healthy, and getting a six-pack…my
goal is to get one almost as good Thomas’…
AR: What is your favorite summer workout?
JH: Dirt biking.
AR: Thomas Grandi, your old teammate, is
now the President of Alberta Alpine. Will
you share your best ‘Thomas’ story with
the Alberta ski community?
JH: The last couple of years of his career
he really he exemplified hard work and
perseverance. I think he’s definitely
responsible for a lot of the success the
team is having now – the guys really looked
to him for leadership. It was just incredible
that a guy that had been on World Cup for
10-15 years achieved his best results at the
end of his career.
Q&A with Jan Hudec World Cup WinnerBy Adam Hull
Alberta Cup Championships are Back!Join Thomas Grandi, and a group of National
Team Skiers, at the Alberta Cup Championships,
April 12-13, 2008 at Nakiska Resort.
This two-day series, will give FIS eligible
Alberta skiers the opportunity to measure
themselves against some of the best in the
country.
Go to www.albertaalpine.ca
for more information!