UPDATE FROM NYSEF SNOWSPORTS
December 2017
Coaches Corner: Share Your Story!
Name: James Jimbo Johnston
Job Title: U14 Head Coach Whiteface
Favorite Hobby: Mt. Biking
How did you get involved with NYSEF Snowsports?
I was a NYSEF athlete in the early 1980s. I finished at Plymouth State and moved to Utah for a few years. When I returned, Horst Weber asked me to ski with 3 home-schooled boys and coach J5’s (U12’s now). My first assignment was to ski with the Weibrecht boys and it has been 'downhill' ever since... At NYSEF, young kids want to improve their skills as skiers. This shows passion which is so important to a coach. Results will come if they work hard and are excited about what they are doing.
What are the top three ‘unique’ things that make NYSEF special?
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The long term friendships that are forged between athletes, their coaches and the whole community here.
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It provides you with the skill set to be a quality skier for the rest of your life.
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The Mountain is the BEST Coach. If you can ski Whiteface you can ski anywhere in the world.
NYSEF WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Upcoming Snowsport events:
NYC->LP-> CO: Freeride
The NYSEF Freeride crew already has some serious highlights just days into the 2017-2018 season. In case you missed it, Head Coach, Justin Perry, Gore Coach, Andris Blumbergs, and a handful of NYSEF skiers traveled down to NYC on November first for another live Railjam on NBC’s Today Show. JP is currently spending 10 days with athletes in Summit County, CO getting in some high quality pre-season training.
Meanwhile back home, the Freeride program kicked off the season at Whiteface and Gore Mountains with 50 plus skiers and snowboarders getting their legs back under them. With snow falling and temps dropping, all our athletes are busy setting ambitious goals and getting excited about a great winter. Get more updates here.
Sunny near the River
The coaching staff was thrilled with the engagement of the athletes during the 2017 NYSEF Eastern Fall Camp at Sunday River this fall season. "The opportunity to coach and spend time with several athletes was a privilege," writes John Morgan, Gore Head Alpine Coach. "Everyone, no matter what level, came away from the camp with new information and a clear understanding of what it takes to be a ski racer. From learning the fundamentals of skiing to tuning equipment, there were lessons above and beyond ski racing that were learned during the week." Have questions? Want more info about upcoming Gore Camps? Contact Coach John Morgan at johnm@nysef.org. More photos from the camp can be found here.
soaring into 2018
The Elite Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined team opened up their season in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The hills were in great shape despite the relatively little snow that has fallen. We are thankful for the efforts from coaches and staff members at Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club to get the hill in prime condition. There were 4 days of training before competitions began. NYSEF athletes Bryce Kloc and Tate Frantz,competed in their first USA Nordic US Cup competition on the HS100 while NYSEF alum Beckett Ledger put himself in a position to start in the FIS Nordic Combined Continental Cups. For more information on the competition, click here.
30K on a .5K loop
Athletes have been training and racing hard this fall! Recently, several junior athletes took to the loops in North Creek in a classic and skate race. During the classic race, Kai Frantz and James Flanigan took top two spots in the men's division while teammates Marli Damp and Anya Morgan took first and third in women's division.
During the freestyle sprint, Scott Schulz nabbed the win in the men’s division. Damp and Morgan took first and second in the women’s division. Photos from the race can be found here.
Also, the Annual Holiday Camp will be December 27-30. The camp is open to grades 8-12. If you would like to learn more about the camp, contact Head Coach Shane MacDowell at shanem@nysef.org.
Playing in Colorado
Over 60 athletes headed to Colorado in November to improve their early season turns and take advantage of some terrific snow. Athletes ages 11 to 18, along with a talented coaching staff, had the opportunity to work in a world class environment, key to starting the competition season off right. The great tradition continues and athletes were able to cheer on local fixtures and program alumni Andrew Weibrecht and Tommy Biesemeyer at the Beaver Creek World Cup.
Photos from the trip can be found here.
leaving a legacy
The Wilkins Family created a scholarship fund in memory of their passionate and charismatic son, John 'Harriman' Wilkins. John participated in the NYSEF freeride program for ten years and it was a major part of his life, as NYSEF has been for countless other athletes. John was a snowboarder, and a good one! The goal of this fund is to raise $100,000 and thereby become self-sustaining. Family and friends are motivated to honor John’s memory and keep his spirit alive through this scholarship fund. Recently, family and friends commemorated the life of John on November 30, 2017. The day began with a some skiing and BBQing at Whiteface Mountain and ended at the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery. More information on the scholarship fund can be found here.
Apres Ski? Yes, please.
NYSEF Snowsports and our sponsors, Hanover Real Estate Partners, Long Run Wealth Advisors, LLC and Skyward Hospitality are hosting a showing of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Sunday, December 17 at 3:00PM. Doors open at 2:15PM. The showing will take place at the Palace Theater in their main cinema. The coast is $20.00 which includes ticket, popcorn and soft drink! Pay at door with cash or check.
You do not need to be a part of NYSEF to join us! More information can be found here.
Please join us for a snowsport themed fundraiser generously hosted by the Taylor Family on Saturday, December 23 beginning at 4PM at their home in North Creek, N.Y. There will be imported wine accompanied by delicious tasting menus. Additionally, libations will be paired with wood fired pizzas and desserts! Beer and soft drinks will also be available. The cost is $50.00/per person, $30.00/Young Alum (and staff) which includes all drinks, food, a commemorative gift and the finest apres ski company in the East. Get your tickets here.
Join us for an evening of taking chances at the Harden Fundraiser on Friday, December 29! The cost is $150 for a Couple, $75 for an Individual, $50 for Young Alum (and staff). The price goes up at the door so please purchase your tickets in advance so we can have an accurate entertainment and food count! Although there will not be black jack tables or performances at the Harden Residence, there will be opportunities to ‘test your luck’ at the event. Get your tickets here.
Deck da' halls with some NYSEF gear!
Year-end giving incentive!
NYSEF continues to stock our gear closet with warm and stylish gear. From Patagonia Better Sweaters to signature Woolrich Flannels, we've got the perfect gift for every member of the family!
Check our gear at the NYSEF Buildings at Gore and Whiteface!
Your efforts on and off the snow are ‘Tearin’ it up.’
But can we ask for a little more ‘Kick’ or ‘Glide’ this year?
A small amount will make a big difference ‘Soaring’ into 2018.
Every gift over $50.00 receives an Eastern Collective NYSEF hat!
Save the Dates
December 15, 2017: Liquid Courage Commemorative Beer Release Party - Social
December 17, 2017: Private Showing of Star Wars- Social
December 23, 2017: Wine with a View in the Gore Region: Holiday Fundraiser - Social
December 28, 2017: NYSEF New Year’s Jump - Ski Jumping Competition
December 29, 2017: Chairman Fundraiser - Social
January 6-7, 2018: NYSEF Family Social and Hovey Memorial Race - Whiteface
January 13-15, 2018: USSA Eastern ‘A’ Moguls - Whiteface
January 20, 2018: Harry Eldridge Memorial and Junior National Qualifier - XC
January 27-28, 2018: USASA SS, SX & BX Competition - Freeride/Whiteface
February 2-4, 2018: Empire State Winter Games - all disciplines
February 13-16, 2018: USSA Women’s NorAm GS/SL, Whiteface
February 19, 2018: USASA SX, BX - Gore
February 23-25, 2018: NYSSRA U19 State Championships, Gore
March 1-4, 2018: NYSSRA U14 State Championships, Whiteface
March 15-18, 2018: USSA Eastern U14 Championships, Whiteface
March 22-25, 2018: USSA Eastern Finals, Gore
June 10, 2018: Annual Golf Classic - Social
August 18, 2018: Summer Benefit - Social