Years with SSRA: 16 (10 as athlete, 6 coaching) Years coaching/teaching: 6 Coaching/teaching experience: Various age groups in the SSRA YSL, DEVO and INTRO program. Certifications/Education: USSCA Club Coach. State SL Coach Racing Experience: Junior Olympics, NW Cup Occupation: Operator for Mutual Materials, Brick Manufacturer Hobbies: Cycling, camping, fishing, softball Best skiing memory: Watching my son ski by himself for the first time. What does it take to succeed in ski racing? Dedication, desire, strong work ethic and the need for speed. Coaching philosophy: Teach kids to ski with fun and humor; challenge when needed. Do anything interesting this summer? Rode the first leg of tour de lacs (120mi) and rode on the timber terror roller coaster for the first time. Favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane: Mt. Bachelor What ski equipment do you use? Atomic skis, boots, bindings; Uvex goggles and sunglasses, Boeri helmet Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi® Cats or Dogs? Dogs Paper or Plastic? Paper
MARK BURANDT, JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT
HEAD COACH
Years with SSRA: 34 Years coaching/teaching: 20 years Coaching/teaching experience: 1982-1985 SSRA Asst. Junior Coach, 1990-95 Gonzaga Ski Racing Team Head Coach, 1991-98 and 1999-present SSRA Coach. Experience coaching at YSL, DEVO, Junior (JO through Nor Am level) and Masters levels. 2000-2003 SSRA Junior Development Head Coach Certifications/Education: Level 2 USSCA (since 1987) Racing Experience: Competed in J1 Nationals 1979-1982, PNSA Alpine Team 1979-1982, Western Region Team 1981-1982 Honors/recognition: 7th at US J1 Nationals at Squaw Valley in 1980 Occupation: District Manager for greeting card company Hobbies: Soccer, camping, hiking Greatest skiing memory: Squaw Valley downhill in 1981. Reached 92 miles per hour at US Nationals and was in Warren Miller movie. What does it take to succeed in this sport? Desire, dedication and the ability to ski at your limits. Coaching philosophy: Learn how to improve while having fun! Do anything interesting this summer? Spent much of the time with family at Spirit Lake and Priest Lake. What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? Sun Valley What ski equipment do you use? Fischer skis, Lange boots, Tyrolia bindings, Scott/Swans poles and Carrera goggles Coke or Pepsi? Coke® Cats or dogs? Beagle (Bailey) Paper or plastic? Paper
JENNIFER CRICK, YOUTH SKI LEAGUE COACH
Years with SSRA: 13 (10 racing, 3coaching) Years coaching: 3 Honors/recognition: Co-winner, SSRA rookie coach of the year (2001-2002) Occupation: Teacher Hobbies: Running, mountain biking, skiing What is your favorite part of skiing/ski racing? The challenge of making great improvements in the sport of skiing. Coaching philosophy: Have fun, work hard and ski fast!
LINDSEY DAVIS, INTRODUCTION TO SKI RACING COACH
(SATURDAYS)
Years with SSRA: Many Years coaching: 1st year coach Honors/recognition: Occupation: Student at EWU Hobbies: Roping Sturgeon What is your favorite part of skiing/ski racing? Coaching philosophy:
GERRY FITZGERALD, J3 JUNIORS COACH
Years with SSRA: 38 Years coaching: 40 Occupation: Audiologist Coaching experience: Mt. Spokane Alpine Team-Head Coach 1964-66, SSRA 1966-present. Served as PNSA J3 JO Coach in 1960's and 1970's, Head PNSA Coach at Stratton, VT and Alpine Meadows, CA. Head Coach Fitzgerald Alpine Racing Team (F.A.R.T.) Honors/Recognition: Chuck gave me a cup Racing experience: Montezuma Basin, Colorado (12,000 feet). Junior racing thru collegiate, masters nationals, etc. Honors/Recognition: Blah, blah, blah Hobbies: Rock + Roll Best skiing memory: Too many to mention, best is yet to come. What does it take to succeed in this sport? Success will come with dedication and determination to reach a goal. NEVER QUIT, NEVER GIVE UP. Coaching philosophy: Try to inspire the young racers to do their very best thru hard work and lots of fun. Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi Cats or dogs? Dogs
KEITH GRZELAK, HELPER COACH
Years with SSRA: 2 Years coaching: 2 Coaching experience: College, youth programs Honors/recognition: SSRA rookie coach 2002-2003 Racing experience: USSA-MidAms Occupation: Patent Attorney Hobbies: Sailboat racing, skiing, fly fishing, kayaking Best skiing memory: Cat skiing the Palmer Glacier on Mt. Hood PRIOR to the Palmer lift. No one was there! What does it take to succeed in this sport? A positive attitude, athletic ability and time on the snow. Coaching philosophy: Teach by way of example (as the coach is a role model), be positive and challenge athletes to foster improvement. Do anything interesting this summer? Competed in a sailboat regatta (Melges24 World Championships) in San Francisco against many of the best Olympic and One-Design sailors in the world. What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? Squaw Valley What ski equipment do you use? Rossignol and Salomon skis, Atomic boots, Rossignol and Salomon bindings, Scott poles, Carrera goggles, Dirty Dog sunglasses and Carrera helmet Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi® Cats or dogs? Dogs Paper or plastic? Definitely plastic
JOE HAMILTON, YOUTH SKI LEAGUE COACH
Years with SSRA: 3 Years coaching: 3 Coaching experience: Coached SSRA YSL 2 years and SSRA INTRO 1 year. Occupation: Owner/operator, Joe's Transmissions Hobbies: Skiing, snowboarding, drag racing, hunting, fishing Best skiing memory: Teaching my kids how to ski What does it take to succeed in this sport? Like anything in life, dedication and determination are most important. Coaching philosophy: Teach fun first and then strategy Do anything interesting this summer? Went camping at Rodgers Bar on Lake Roosevelt. (You have to boat in). It was awesome! What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? Whitewater! What ski equipment do you use? Atomic skis, Tecnica boots, Atomic bindings, cheap poles, Spy goggles, any sunglasses and a Briko helmet Coke or Pepsi? Coke®-it's got bite Cats or dogs? both Paper or plastic? Plastic saves trees
CHUCK HOLCOMB, PROGRAM DIRECTOR/HEAD COACH
Years with SSRA: 7th Years coaching: 12th winter/15 summers Coaching experience: 1993-94 Berkshire East, Deerfield and University of Mass. Varsity Ski Teams, 1994-98 Schweitzer Alpine Racing School. (YSL Coordinator 1994-97/HC 1997-98), Summers 1990-2000 National Alpine Ski Camp, 1998-present SSRA (1998-99 Jr. HC/1999-present HC/PD), Summers 2001-present SSRA Summer Ski Camps (Mt. Hood Oregon, Saas-Fee, Switzerland) Honors/Recognition: PNSA Outstanding Coach of the year 2002-2001 Certifications/Education: USSCA nationally certified coach, PSIA Lvl. 3 certified, Training Director, Alpine Official (ref., timing/calc, chief of course)
Posts: PNSA ACC; YSL Working Group Chairman, EEYSL President Racing Experience: J2 and J1 Junior Olympics, Regional FIS (Eastern Cup/Rocky Mtn. Trophy Series), NCAA/NCSA collegiate racing, FIS University Games, NCAA Eastern Champs. Occupation: Professional Ski Coach Hobbies: Mountain biking, boating, running, dodgeball, jarts(lawn darts) Greatest skiing memory: Skiing off the summit of Mt. Hood, training with US Men’s ski team at Norquay in 2000, Training SG next to Norwegians Aamodt and Kjus in Switzerland; riding the T-bar over crevasses. Watching the SSRA boys team win the Overall at the 2004 Buddy Werner Championships. What does it take to succeed in skiing/racing? A passion for the sport, enjoyment in learning, hard work and a desire to risk failure in order to succeed. Coaching philosophy: Find fun in the process of becoming a ski racer. Desire creates talent. Why not us? Why not now? Do anything interesting this summer? Took classes through GU, sold a house, bought a house, ran summer camps. Favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane: Red Mountain, B.C., Taos, New Mexico What equipment do you use: Volkl skis, Tecnica boots, Marker bindings, Scott poles, Smith sunglasses
Equipment advice: Get the ski boot with the proper fit and see Don Walde to get the boot aligned properly. If your boots are dialed, you can rip! Bush or Kerry? I use both oil and catsup, but for different purposes.
Favorite sports team? Boston Red Sox (are you kidding?)
Sailboat or motorboat? Submarine
KRIS HOLDEN, INTRODUCTION TO SKI RACING COACH
Years with SSRA: Many Years coaching: 1st year Coaching experience: Coaching credentials: Occupation: Physical Therapist Hobbies: What does it take to succeed in this sport? Coaching philosophy: Do anything interesting this summer? What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? What equipment do you use?
GARY PECK
Years with SSRA: 29 Years coaching: 25 Coaching experience: 25 years coaching with SSRA. The majority of my experience has been with Youth Ski League athletes, but I have spent several years coaching SSRA Juniors. Coaching credentials: USSA Alpine Club Coach, State Slalom Coach Occupation: Hospital Administrator Hobbies: Skiing, biking, water skiing, hunting, ski patrolling What does it take to succeed in this sport? Belief in oneself, persistence, physical conditioning, repetition and a good work ethic. Coaching philosophy: Athletes come first. I must nurture the athletes, create and environment where the athlete wants to learn and support each athlete in his/her endeavors as a ski racer to accomplish their goals. Do anything interesting this summer? Traveled to Switzerland. Skied in Zermatt. What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? Alta What equipment do you use? Dynastar skis, Lange boots, Look bindings, Kerma poles, Bolle goggles, Bolle sunglasses Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi® Cats or dogs? Dogs Paper or plastic? Paper
NICOLE SANDVIG, INTRO TO SKI RACING COACH
(SATURDAYS)
Years with SSRA: Many Years coaching: 1st year with SSRA, 2nd overall Racing experience: Grew up racing with SSRA. Coaching credentials: PSIA Lvl. 1 Certified Occupation: Student Hobbies: Putting up with my sisters What does it take to succeed in this sport? Coaching philosophy: Do anything interesting this summer? Kite surfed around Cape Horn What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? Mt. Fuji, Japan What equipment do you use?
CASEY SMITH, SNOWBOARD HEAD COACH, MENTAL SKILLS COACH
Years with SSRA: 7 Years coaching: 4 Coaching experience: Junior ski racers, Regional level snowboarders Coaching credentials: Former USSCA Level 2 Racing Experience: Western Region FIS Automatic (skiing), Grand Prix Automatic (snowboarding); 16th in US, 71st in the world. Honors/Recognition: MRSST Team Captain Occupation: Open. Contact 325-8847 for opportunity Hobbies: Soccer, mountain biking/cycling, motorcycle road racing Best skiing memory: Powder days with friends What does it take to succeed in this sport? Every goal reached is a success. Coaching philosophy: Thorough preparation for future opportunity Do anything interesting this summer? Rode my race bike (motorcycle) at over 170 mph! What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? Whistler, BC What equipment do you use? Board: Coiler, Boots: Raichle, Bindings: Bomber, Poles: don't need 'em Skis: Volkl, Boots: Tecnica, Bindings: Marker, Poles: Scott, Goggles and sunglasses: Smith, Helmet: Boeri Coke or Pepsi? Coke® if not Red Bull® Cats or Dogs? Dogs Paper or plastic? Neither
LACEE STEWART, YOUTH SKI LEAGUE COACH
Years with SSRA:
Years coaching:
Coaching experience: Racing experience:
Honors/Recognition: Hobbies: Greatest skiing memory: What does it take to succeed in this sport? Coaching philosophy: Do anything interesting this summer? What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane?
What equipment do you use? Coke or Pepsi? Cats or dogs? Paper or plastic?
ALEX TYSON
Years with SSRA:
11 years
Years coaching:
2nd year
Honors/Recognition:
2003-04 SSRA Rookie Coach of the Year Racing experience: J5-J1 with SSRA
Occupation:
Deckhand and Ski Coach Hobbies: Skiing and boating Greatest skiing memory: Deep powder, big air, and intense
arcs. What does it take to succeed in this sport? Devotion,
the quality of being devoted or committed to something. Being Optimistic,
confident and focusing on the good things rather than bad; a positive
attitude about work. There are many more definitions in the dictionary,
but on these are what a skier/racer needs to concentrate. Coaching philosophy: Always, in a safe environment, to
have fun and make great improvements in all the racers skiing capabilities.
Do anything interesting this summer? I worked from June
though October on a fishing boat in Alaska tendering salmon and fishing
crab. What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane?
Any!
Equipment advice:
It's all in the boots, and always get the equipment that fits.
What equipment do you use? Atomic
skis, Tecnica boots, Atomic bindings, Gipron poles, Oakley goggles and
Briko Helmet. Bush or Kerry? I don't want to get into any trouble here...Favorite
sports team? The ski team! Sailboat or motorboat?
Ship
ANDY WALKER, INTRODUCTION TO SKI RACING
HEAD COACH
Years coaching: 3rd Year Coaching experience: 2 Year Intro, 1 Year Masters, 1 Year Youth Ski League. Coaching credentials: USSA Alpine Club Coach, State Slalom Coach Occupation: Software User Interface Designer/Developer @ Itron Hobbies: Family, Friends, Cycling, Wind Surfing, Water Skiing, Backpacking, Technology, SSRA Website Development Greatest skiing memory: Seeing my kids enjoy skiing. Powder skiing at Bridger Bowl in 72" of COLD SMOKE! What does it take to succeed in this sport? Passion for the sport and the ability let them run like water down the mountain side through obstacles! Coaching philosophy: Make sure each athlete is getting what they want out of their ski racing experience and most of all having fun. Do anything interesting this summer? Going to the water slides at Lions Head, Priest Lake. What is your favorite ski area other than Mt. Spokane? Areas... Alta, Snowbird, Sun Valley, Fernie, Whistler, Big White, Park City, Solitude, Deer Valley, Crystal, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Suger Bowl, Whitewater, Jackson Hole, Bridger Bowl, Big Mountain, Big Sky, Taos....Did I miss any?
What equipment do you use? What ever I can get cheap! Coke or Pepsi? Coke® Cats or dogs? Dogs Paper or plastic? The making and recycling of paper can waste thousands of gallons of water. The human and mechanical efforts and costs are very high. Plastic requires less energy to produce and is efficiently recycled. It is my unbiased opinion that plastic is indeed more beneficial to the environment. Of course a reusable nylon or cloth grocery bag is the best.
BILL ZEHNER, FIS JUNIOR HEAD COACH
Years coaching: 103 Coaching experience: 92 Coaching credentials: General der Infanterie Occupation: Schematismus für das Österreichische Bundesheer und die Bundesheeresverwaltung Hobbies: Large Military Formations Greatest skiing memory: Seeing my students salute me
