Alberta Racer

Racer ALBERTA

AN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA

World Cup to Kinder Cup

Thomas Grandi sets new vision for Alberta Alpine

Q&A Jan Hudec

Meet the Alberta Ski Team Apogee steps up support

Spring 2008 - Issue 1 www.albertaalpine.ca

Racer ALBERTA

AN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA

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Content

Alberta Racer - Spring 2008

Message From The President.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Athlete Bios.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Team Dynamics.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Winds Of Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Q&A With Jan Hudec.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Racer ALBERTA

AN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA

On The Cover Alberta 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 Association 155, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW Calgary, AB T3B 5R5 Phone: 403 247 5600 Fax: 403 247 5970 info@albertaalpine.ca www.albertaalpine.ca

Graphic Design Creative Engine www.creative-engine.ca

Writers Adam Hull Rick Cook Gordie Bowles

Photographers ACA Pentaphoto Malcolm Carmichael ??

Printed by Husky Energy

Editorial/Production BK Media Inc.

Thank You

To All Our Sponsors

President’s Message Thomas Grandi

My first year behind the fences.

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.

Thomas Grandi

Jim Davis

President

High Performance Director

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.

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.

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.

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AN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA

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

Alberta Alpine Staff

Adam Hull

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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.

Erin McCuaig Member Services Coordinator

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.

Erin manages the front office of Alberta Alpine and is the key contact person for all clubs, members, and general inquiries.

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Meet the

SKI

ALBERTA

TEAM

2007/08 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

Alberta Alpine has a proud history of producing some of Canada’s best skiers, national champions, World Cup competitors and Olympic heroes.

Alberta Ski Team Alumni – currently on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team: Jan Hudec John Kucera Sherry Lawrence Danielle Poleschuk Shona Rubens

Gareth Sine Paul Stutz Trevor White Brad Spence

Alberta – Canadian Alpine Ski Team Alumni: Cameron Barnes Reto Barrington Peter Bosinger Jessica Dakers Rob Bosinger Jeff Durand Vania Grandi Vanita Haining Scott Henderson Keith Humfrey Jim Hunter Bill Irwin Mike Irwin Chris Kent Loni Klettl Shane Leavitt Diane Lehodey Wendy Lumby Andrea Marchand Darin McBeath Chris McCready Dan McEachren Erin McEachren

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AN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA

Peter Monod Philip Monod Ania Morton Blais Mullen Cary Mullen Chad Mullen Megan Mullen Brian O’Rourke Carolyn Oughton Cheryl Oughton Karen Percy Gord Percy Edi Podivinsky Anna Prchal Julie Rabnett Jim Read Michael Read Ken Read Bob Rooney Keith Shepard Ann Taciuk Tasha Tallas Darren Thorburn

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

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

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

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

Alberta Development

Ski Team

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

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The High Seas and Winds of Change

Team Dynamics

By Rick Cook, Manager Coach & Athlete Development

How well do Mike Mackie’s teammates know him?

What is his favorite discipline to race?

Jaime Philp

Phillip Matejko

Cam Brewington

Geoff Irwin

Mike Mackie

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!

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 was his first ever job?

Working on a 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 alltime 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!

Apogee’s Support Extends Outside the Fence 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.

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AN INSIDE LOOK AT SKI RACING IN ALBERTA

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

on coach licensing, education credits, in the field mentoring and evaluations, trained, certified, advanced certification, and ongoing coach education and development.

Rick Cook clubdevelopment@albertaalpine.ca

“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

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Q&A with Jan Hudec World Cup Winner

By Adam Hull

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’…

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!

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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.