Season Wrap-Up and Thank you!

Howdy crew. Below is what I submitted to the Nordic Center for the year-end newsletter. Check it out. Again; thanks to all for a great season. Emma and I are both ecstatic with how it went. Stay tuned for more updates on summer training and other happenings!

CBNT Season Wrap-up 2009 – 2010 Season

March 29, 2010

The Crested Butte Junior Nordic Ski Team has just wrapped up another successful season. With tremendous support from the community, unparalled encouragement from parents, and a unifying sense of team permeating every aspect of life, the CBNT posted their top results in several years, all while having fun with the process. The CBNT is poised to make a run at even greater results and experiences during the 2010–2011 season. We have initiated a ‘cultural revolution’ and we aim to keep the momentum rolling as we move into the future.

The Junior Recreation Program had a blast this season with over 20 kids participating in at least the 1-day-per-week program. These great kids learned the basics of both classic and skate skiing from program coordinator Lindsay Records. Lindsay did an outstanding job pushing these kids to learn difficult skills, all while making it a fun-filled experience for all involved. There were many parent volunteers who made this possible too by helping to herd kids around the trails. Thanks to all who assisted: you help to make this program a tremendous success. This program is centered on teaching the basics of XC skiing in a game-like format. There are many kids who have now been introduced to this sport and who will look to make the jump to the successful race program next season.

The race program posted top results this season in and around Colorado and the Mountain West region. This is a small program, but we are large in spirit and ‘top-heavy’ with fantastic results. Kai Sherman posted podium finishes all season in the boys J4 classification. Kai worked toward tremendous results while inspiring those younger than him to do the same. In the J3 boys classification, Pharwit Durgan and Forrest Smith tag-teamed all season to show that CB has a super bright future. Pharwit usually bested Forrest in the skate races, while Forrest typically out-performed Pharwit in the classic races. These two were on the podium all season and provide a great 1-2 power punch for the CB team. Both will be looking to qualify for Junior Nationals next season. Ian Boucher was not scared and indeed he did qualify for the Junior Nationals this season. Boucher, racing in the highly competitive J2 boys classification posted ‘top-5’ results all year and qualified for Junior Nationals, which were held in Presque Isle, ME in early March, where he barely missed skiing to an ‘All-American’ result. Boucher will be training extra hard this season as he makes a run at the National’s Podium next season.

With two of our girls on the injured-reserved list all season, Sara Sherman and Sofia Deer picked up the slack this year. These two girls skied well all year and improved dramatically from the previous season. Both will be looking to qualify for Junior Nationals next season as well. Sofia and Sara came everyday, asked questions, and focused on having a positive mind-set all season. This approach works and is responsible for the tremendous success that they both had this season.

The CBNT will be jumping into a solid summer of training shortly with the express goal of further building a strong team atmosphere and learning how to work hard as they strive toward their goals. The ‘Cultural Revolution’ moves on. Thanks for being a part of it.

 Live well. Train well.

Coach Duncan Callahan

Coach Emma Lohr