FRANTZ STARTS STRONG
Coach
Mike Mezzetti
December 2024
What’s Inside:
3. From the Director’s Desk
4. What’s Next: Upcoming Races, Projects, Training Projects, & Events
6. NYSEF Athletes Runners-Up at State Championships
7. Frantz Starts Strong
8. Opening Day at Home
10. NYSEF/NWS Copper Recap
16. Ski Jumping Equipment Day
17. Learn to Fly with NYSEF
18. Thanksgiving in Canmore
22. Photos from Saas Fee & Sunday River
26. News From Northwood School
28. Meet Our Staff: Mike Mezzetti
31. Merrill L. Thomas Featured Listing
32. Season’s Inn Partnership
33. Thank You to NYSEF’s Sponsors
Cover Image: A NYSEF athlete skis off of the Whiteface summit during opening weekend. (Photo by Pat Bly, Whiteface)
From the Director’s Desk
Hello NYSEF Friends & Family,
We’re in it Many of our athletes are training and working out daily, putting the final touches on for their first races. Our weekend programs have started and we’ll be hosting races and events at our venues before we know it. We had an amazing early opening across our venues which has gotten us excited for the season ahead. However, as we all know, the only thing predictable in December is the unpredictability of the weather
As we come into the close of the calendar year in the world of winter sport, it reminds us to review where we ’ ve been It also marks the start of a new season that is full of new goals and fresh opportunities. Some major highlights this past year were the return of a Ski Jumping World Cup at the Olympic Jumping Complex, successful NorAm alpine events at Whiteface, and countless successful results throughout our sports. Looking forward, we ’ ve retained generous local support, and another year of over 600 athletes enrolled in our club and over 100 events calendared at our venues.
We are incredibly grateful this holiday season for the gift of the NYSEF community and looking forward to a great season. Thank you for your generous and continued support, we can’t do this without you
Think snow!
See you all soon,
John Norton, Executive Director
What’s Next: Upcoming Races, Training Projects, & Events
ADK Tour de Ski Race #1
10 AM December 15th @ Mount Van Hoevenberg
Join us for devo through masters-level racing at our home venue!
https://www.adktourdeski.com/
ADK Tour de Ski Race #2
10 AM December 29th @ Scotts Cobble Nordic Center
Join us for devo through masters-level racing at Scotts Cobble! https://www.adktourdeski.com/
XC: Mid-Atlantic Junior National Qualifier
January 5th, 2025 @ Gore Mountain Ski Bowl
Norwegian Open Ski Jumping Comp (HS10/HS20/K48)
January 4th, 2025 @ Olympic Jumping Complex
U16 RPS GS/SL Race Series @ Whiteface
December 19-22, 2024
U16+ Holiday Open SL @ Gore
December 22, 2024
New Years Open U16+ GS @ Whiteface
January 3, 2025
FIS Womens Eastern Cup GS/SL @ Whiteface
January 4-7, 2025
NYSSRA U16/U18 SL @ Belleayre
January 5, 2025
NYSSRA U16/U18 GS @ Gore
January 11-12, 2025
USASA ADK Rail Jam & Slopestyle @ Whiteface
January 4-5, 2025
USASA Snowboard SL/GS @ Belleayre
January 11, 2025
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NYSEF Athletes RunnersUp at State Championships
NYSEF Athletes Leila Fey, Kai McKinnon, and Holly Erenstone, were part of a 7-woman team from Lake Placid High School that placed second at the NYSPHSAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Queensbury High School, capping off a historic season for the Blue Bombers
This season, Lake Placid earned its sixth consecutive Section VII, Class D title, the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference crown, as well as winning the Division I Burnt Hills Invitational on Oct. 12, and the Division 2 race McQuaid Invitational race on Sept. 28, both against some of the top teams in the state.
Lake Placid’s top finisher was nordic combined athlete Leila Fey, who placed 10th overall in 19:50.4. On the men ’ s side, NYSEF athlete Connor Mannion qualified to compete.
Frantz Starts Strong
The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup kicked off its 2024/2025 season in Lillehammer, Norway on the weekend of November 23rd with two competitions on the HS140 Fresh off of his double National Championship win (HS100, HS128) in Lake Placid last month, NYSEF alum Tate Frantz had a hot start to his international competition season, placing tenth overall in both competitions, and now heads into the second weekend of jumping ranked tenth overall in the world, with 52 points
The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup returns to Lake Placid this winter on February 7-9, with the addition of a women ’ s competition We hope to see lots of our NYSEF athletes, friends, and families in the crowd to cheer on Tate and the rest of our US Ski Jumping Team!
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It’s
Open Season!
NYSEF’s three home venues for alpine skiing, snowboarding, and freeskiing had their earliest opening day on record this season! Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface Mountains all opened for the first time this season on Friday, November 16th with skiing and riding for season passholders only on Friday, and open to all on Saturday and Sunday. Downloading was required on some lifts, but the early season snow at home was phenomenal!
Although most of NYSEF’s on-snow training in New York doesn't begin until December, some NYSEF athletes and coaches were able to take advantage of the early opening dates and nab a few sunny November turns! The first official NYSEF skiers of the season at Whiteface were Coach Jackson Deeney and the freeski boys from Northwood school, who snagged the second summit chair of opening day!
“It was SO MUCH FUN!” said Whiteface Intro to Competitive Skiing athlete Lilly Gilbert, who made the 2.5hour drive north to Whiteface with her mom on Friday to rip some laps off of the summit.
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NYSEF/Northwood School Copper Recap
Alpine skiers from NYSEF and Northwood School’s FIS Men’s and Women’s Teams once again spent two and a half weeks at Copper Mountain in Colorado this November in preparation for the start of their competitive racing season Athletes were led by head coaches Jeremy ‘Worm’ Transue and Seppi Stiegler, assistant coaches Mike Gilbert and Colden Mrak, and Northwood School’s Brantley Beach and joined by collegiate racers from St Lawrence University, Clarkson University, and others
The group spent twelve days on snow at Copper Mountain, split into three blocks of training on the famous Copperopolis trail and the World Cup Tech Training Venue. On average, athletes ran 2,500 gates in outstanding conditions. The snow was firm and grippy every day of the trip.
While at Copper, NYSEF athletes rubbed elbows with many current World Cup athletes who also converge on the venue to train before the North American stops on the World Cup. Many athletes had the opportunity to meet Lindsey Vonn, and our ladies team had the incredible opportunity to train slalom alongside the current (at the time) World Cup Leader Frederica Brignone and teammate Marta Bassino of Italy.
In their time away from the slopes, athletes kept busy with dryland training, tuning, and school work Carrying on with tradition from the past years, the team spent one of their nights hosting a cookoff between genders. The men cooked up Chicken Riggis (using a sacred family recipe from athlete Charlie Howe’s mom, Donna) and chocolate dipped strawberries to serve to their counterparts, while the girls served up some hearty homemade burgers and fries (grilled by Worm), with all the toppings.
Athletes returned home a few days before Thanksgiving, ready to eat some turkey and carve some race turns!
Copper this year was great! We had excellent conditions and got 12 days of productive training in We also got to see and train with World Cup athletes such as Frederica Brignone, which was a really cool experience!”
-Lily Fisher, Winter Term PG, Women’s FIS
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“Predominantly clear skis and textbook Colorado grippy snow afforded athletes a chance to take risks and be successful at an aggressive racing line. “Driving it deep” was a theme that was explained thoroughly and then was executed superbly Many found it inspirational to train alongside World Cup athletes, notably, Italians Marta Bassino and Frederica Brignone who joined us for our first SL block. The lucky ones even got pictures with Lindsey Vonn at the beginning of her historic comeback ”
Mike Gilbert, FIS Women’s Assistant Coach
“We had a really great training session this year On top of making daily improvements on the hill, students took advantage of daily study halls to keep up with their course workload, making strides in Calculus, Chemistry, Statistics, Literature and Biology."
Brantley Beach, Northwood School
"Thank you to our athletes for another fantastic training period The season ahead is looking bright with improvement across the board for our men ' s team. Additionally, thank you to our tremendous coaching staff for making the trip a success and a pleasure to be a part of this hard working group "
-Seppi Stiegler, FIS Men’s Head Coach
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“Don’t let the constant blue sky, sun and perfect temperatures fool you! Every day in Colorado brings something new, exciting and challenging for the team to take on The quote of the trip was always “This is why we come to Copper!””
-Colden Mrak,
Men’s FIS Assistant Coach
“Copper always delivers conditions that allow the athletes to push their limits and hone in on precise technique and tactics This marks the end of a fantastic prep period and the athletes are ready for the competition season to begin.”
-Jeremy Transue, Women’s FIS
Head Coach
“During the last two weeks, my teammates and I traveled to Copper Mountain in Colorado for pre-season training. The skiing was phenomenal as always, and it was a great way to end to my last training trip as a Senior at Northwood School I’m looking forward to this season of racing and think that my teammates and I are all feeling strong and ready to throw down on the hill this winter.”
-Zach Wargo, Northwood School, Men’s FIS
FIS Teams are set to return to snow at Whiteface Mountain in the first week of December. That will start racing almost immediately at Sunday River (women) and Sugarbush (men) and then at venues across the northeastern US and Canada The first scheduled alpine races of the season at Whiteface begin on December 19th with a U16+ RPS Slalom series. Our FIS athletes aren’t scheduled to race at home until January. Keep up with them this season on instagram @nysef fis
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Sizing Up!
NYSEF’s youth ski jumpers recently converged at the Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex to gear up for the upcoming jumping season on snow! Athletes turned in their gear from summer training before being measured and fit with new equipment for the winter The jumpers were particularly excited for all the fun new colors of jumping suits! NYSEF is grateful for a LEAF grant obtained last season, which has provided our jumpers with equipment in all sizes so that they can continue to jump as they grow!
If you or someone you know would like to tr earn to Fly Sessions, listed on the adjacent page!
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Thanksgiving in Canada
NYSEF’s Junior Race Team was thankful for snow this Thanksgiving, even though they had to travel to find it! A group of ten athletes were accompanied by Head XC Coach Paul Smith and Head Biathlon Coach Maddie Phaneuf as they departed for Canmore in Alberta, Canada on November 23rd. The team spent seven days on snow, mixing classic and skate techniques, with the focus of getting their skiing legs back underneath them, and building on technique and form. NYSEF’s biathletes were also able to spend four days on the range dialing in their shooting with Coach Maddie In their free time, the team was able to do lots of shopping, and team bonding, even sharing a Thanksgiving dinner together!
“This training session is a great opportunity for the Junior Race Team to get quality early on snow training. I think the biggest benefit for our group is being able to really focus in on improving performance on skis and pushing the body without any distractions. It always helps to do it in a super cool place with some nice views" said Head Coach Paul Smith
“This training session has given me the opportunity to meet new people, as well as come closer to those I already know It has also given me the taste of what skiing at a another world class venue is like and further cemented my aspirations to pursue Olympic biathlon.”
Jenna Stainken
“This trip has been an amazing opportunity to get in some great early season skiing on snow The team environment was also super great which made this trip even more enjoyable.”
Abigail Van Dorn
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“Practicing on snow early in the season is something that New Yorkers don't always get the chance to do. To do so in such a beautiful venue, alongside so many great skiers, is an incredible opportunity Hopefully, this week will set the season on the right track for all of us. ”
Nathaniel Burke
“This trip has allowed me to get on some good snow, spend time with some good people and eat some good food”
Forrest Slingerland
“This trip has been a great experience to bond with the team and experience training in such an amazing place”
Daven Linck
“This trip has been incredible, fun, and difficult with excellent training Furthermore, it has cemented my decision to move to the Canadian Rockies”
Holly Erenstone
“This camp was an amazing experience where I was able to bond with the team and coaches. In addition, from extremely helpful advice from coaches, I feel confident to start off the season ”
Sylvia Slingerland
PRESEASON
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News from Northwood School
With the competition season quickly approaching for all of our teams, I am proud to report that the team as a whole is ready to compete. The effort our team has put into reaching this point would not have been possible without the support of our NYSEF coaches and Northwood faculty members Balancing the demands of athletics and academics is a constant challenge, but the accommodations made by our teachers and coaches ensuring structured and effective remote learning while traveling internationally create a unique opportunity for our studentathletes Northwood and NYSEF's commitment to student-athlete development reflects our belief in maximizing each student-athlete's potential.
We are excited to report that Whiteface, Mt Van Hoevenberg, and the Jumping complex are ready for our student-athletes to continue their path forward. Looking ahead, if you are interested in learning more about Northwood School, please follow the steps below. The first deadline to apply is February 1, 2025.
Tommy Biesemeyer, Olympian, Director of Skiing Northwood School
Northwood School Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the inquiry form (Northwood School) https://webappsca.pcrsoft.com/Clue/Inquiry-Form/52907
Step 2: Complete the online application (Gateway to Prep School) https://gateway.applywithus.com/apply/to/northwood
Step 3: If you wish to apply for financial aid, complete the application https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up
Step 4: Schedule an admission interview. This can be done virtually if you cannot get to campus. (Contact Elenor Mandigo to set this up. Her email is mandigoe@northwoodschool.org)
dependent boarding school in Lake Placid, New York ratory curriculum for students in grades 9 through 12, Northwood School and NYSEF’s long-standing partnership, we share experienced coaching staff and work together on dryland programs and on-snow training camps. NYSEF also provides the Northwood Ski Team with lodge facilities and training opportunities at the venues in partnership with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) Learn more at northwoodschool org and on Instagram @northwoodnysef
Meet Our Staff: Mike Mezzetti
Mike Mezzetti has been coaching with NYSEF since 2007 and this season will take over as the Head Coach of our U14 Full Time Alpine program at Whiteface Mountain. We caught up with Mike to see how he is preparing for the upcoming season on snow...
How do you prepare for the upcoming ski season?
You pray for snow and cold weather first. Second, you do your best to make training sessions good and productive Third, make sure all the athletes are all set with the right equipment We want to hit the snow as soon as possible and get excited for a great season.
What is it like for you as a coach when a racer has a breakthrough moment in their racing, whether during a race or in training?
To see that excitement and confidence that an athlete just accomplished something is why I coach. It could be as easy as learning the correct stance, to crushing the correct line in a course Most of all, watching them enjoy skiing and racing... It is why they do it.
How has coaching and training changed since you were racing?
The technique has changed in some aspects But the equipment has changed significantly. While I was racing, my slalom skis were 205cm long. That is a SG ski now. Now my slalom skis are 165cm. Much easier to turn now than in the old days
What does the future of training and coaching elite athletes look like?
Great question. I think that line and technique will change slightly. We are going to see faster equipment come from factors Athletes will have to adapt and move forward if they want to keep up with the talent of the rest of the world.
What about coaching for NYSEF are you most excited for?
I've been with NYSEF for around 15 years. Started with coaching Masters, then to U16's as an assistant. After that,I moved to U14's as Jimbo's assistant.
Working with all the staff here is why I stay Between the FIS crew, U16 crew and everyone else, we all seem to work well together and for the same goal...To help our athletes strive for the best, have a passion for the sport and most of all, for skiing!
Featured Listing:
Click to View: Merrill L Thomas Vista Views
$595/night plus taxes/fees, 4 beds, 3 5 baths, sleeps 8, no pets
For more information, Contact Merrill L. Thomas, Inc.
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NYSEF Receives LEAF Grant Funding
The Lake Placid North Elba Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund has once again generously awarded NYSEF with a grant that will facilitate the purchase of laser biathlon rifles NYSEF head biathlon coach Maddie Phaneuf plans to utilize these rifles to expand our outreach to local schools and community ski centers, Scott’s Cobble in Lake Placid and Dewey Mountain in Saranac Lake This technology is exciting for us because it allows us to emulate the shooting experience without the use of live ammunition. As a result, the laser rifles can safely introduce young athletes to the sport in a new and exciting way.
Coach Maddie Phaneuf shared: “On behalf of NYSEF, I'm very grateful for the funding provided by the North Elba LEAF fund, which we’ll use to purchase a fleet of our very own optical laser rifles! These laser rifles will provide not only NYSEF athletes, but kids of all ages in the surrounding communities the opportunity to be introduced to the Olympic sport of biathlon in the safest way possible. We intend on using the laser rifles primarily with our NSYEF developmental athletes, as they are the perfect training tool for this age group (U12/U10) We’ll also be planning on creating more “try biathlon” events and opportunities with local schools, ski programs, and other organizations who are interested ”
Previously LEAF has awarded our organization grants to support the purchase of a set ski jumping skis that are being used by local athletes as we speak. These important initiatives are allowing us to lower the barrier to entry and increase participation in snow sports. Both of which are mission driven goals that will allow NYSEF to continue to be a national leader in snow sports education Thank you LEAF and way to go Maddie and all involved in procuring this important funding
NYSEF Head Biathlon Coach, Maddie Phaneuf on the range with NYSEF athletes.
Thank You!
Thank you to grant-giving organizations who gave to NYSEF this year!
Community Foundation for the Gore Mountain Region: $2,500
These funds will be awarded to NYSEF-Gore athletes to offset enrollment costs and race or travel fees.
Lake Placid Education Fund: $2,000
These funds will be used to support the purchase of a SmartBoard and art supplies for NYSEF’s Winter Term program
Johnsburg Bed Tax: $11,330
These funds will be used to support the purchase of a multi-use shed for the NYSEF Gore program.
Belleayre Mountain Lodging Partnership for NYSEF Families
NYSEF and the Catskill Seasons Inn are partnering to bring to families fun and reasonably priced accommodations within 10 minutes of Belleayre Mountain.
NYSEF families will receive 10% off our published rates with extra amenities, and flexible check-in and check-out times.
The Catskill Seasons Inn features a pub with a family-friendly menu, a game room for skiers and their families to relax after a successful day on the slopes, and space for tuning skis. Rooms have been recently updated and many of them have kitchenettes, NYSEF families can check in as early as noon and check out as late as 7 p.m.
Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis so if you want to secure yours for the season now, visit: www catskillseasonsinn com/NYSEF/
Use the code “NYSEF2024” at checkout to receive your discount.
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Thank you to our sponsors: Merrill L Thomas, Long Run Wealth, Lake Placid Family Dental, Black Rock Foundation, Sports Insurance and the Donald C. McGraw Foundation.
