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www.ussa.org spring 2009

Eastern Nationals: Speed Dream!

2009 Skiers Edge Masters Nationals Masters return to Sun Valley Go east for the Nationals for speed events? for 2010 National Who would have thought it could be so Championships good. Sunday River T2/Cascades run is a Always a favorite for perfect Masters speed venue. Lots of terrain, Masters Racing, speeds over 60mph and four days of beauti- and the night life. Put ful weather. Add to that two DH training March 29–April 2 on runs with recorded speeds and section your calen- times for all racers. Then a DH where the dar for next top three men’s winners were separated by season. just .05 of a second. Add to that a training The four- day of SG, again with section times and event speed trap, all leading up to a classic SG schedule will National Championship event. The weather not have a DH did turn on us during the tech event, but by but will have a then the smiles were pasted on the com- Super Combined petitors’ faces. Thank you Eastern division to fill the sched- and Sunday River for a fun and friendly ule of racing, 2009 Nationals. most of which takes place on Central takes the Division Cup the Masters- for the 1st time! friendly The planets aligned this year and Central Warm division stepped up with a large team and Springs run. clinched the 2009 Division Cup decisively The 2010 over second place East and third Inter- National mountain. Stevo Lindemer, Central chair- Downhill man, although not in the start due to site and injury, was on hand to coach his team to dates will be victory. The Division Cup has been pre- announced Jennifer Kauffman sented since 1987 to the top performing in the fall. with Copper Mountain coach Nationals division. Ron Emery

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News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 2

More Masters Members! by Keith McCauley, Masters national chairman

I have enjoyed being the Masters PSIA (instructors), USCSA (college), and NASTAR have been paying national chairman for the last two off; we have had positive numbers of new racers racing in Masters years and I thank you all for giving from these various groups. Increased training opportunities, parties me your trust and support. It has and raffles during race events have also been a success. been an honor to serve you. Richard Zimmerman from PSNA has been compiling a list of ideas I would like to welcome Steve that you can do within your division to help increase membership. Slivinski from Sun Valley, as This list is posted on the internet and can be seen at: the new chairman. Steve has been http://sites.google.com/site/ussamastersskiracing/. Zim is retiring the Intermountain chairman for a from his PSNA chairmanship, but hopefully we can recruit some- number of years, and I am sure one to continue to update the list for us. that he will do an outstanding job Our goal for Masters must continue to be membership. We as your new Masters chairman. all want to see more ex-racers, more coaches, more students, more During my term as chairman, NASTAR people, and more instructors race with us. To do that, we my focus has been on member- need to get the word out about Masters ski racing, how fun it can ship. Upon reading the latest divi- be, and what it will do for your skiing. We need to strive to have sional reports from the different quality events and quality people working the events. Keep that divisions across the country, it was very encouraging to read about goal in mind! Masters having a presence at various ski shows like Boston and Have a safe, healthy and fun summer and I will see you next Minneapolis. Our recruiting efforts with various groups such as winter.

2010 Nationals Masters: State of the “Union” Next year, it’s off to Sun Valley for our premiere event. Sun Valley by Bill Skinner is offering an incredible lodging deal: room, including lift ticket, Thanks, Keith. as low as $139 single and $89 double at Sun Valley Inn & Lodge. I want to thank Keith McCauley They are already booking up. Call 800.786.8259 code: UAM10. for fulfilling the National Chair- 2010 Regionals man duties above and beyond Western: A repeat of last year’s hugely successful Park City four- what was asked for. His member- event series with the Super Combined on Payday. Centrally lo- ship initiatives were key to getting cated, all western divisions went for the location and early younger-class racers started in our February dates. sport. Keith set the standard of Eastern: TBA, but likely to be part of the popular Sise Cup schedule. motivated leadership. Sponsors Your Divison Leaders For the past eight years, Masters racing has been supported by the Do you ever wonder who gets Skier’s Edge company as our title sponsor for major events. Even in those dates on your calendar that tough economic times, they continue to support us. A special allow you to travel all across the thanks from all of us to Joel Loane and his great people. Their ma- country to enjoy our sport of ski chine has made a difference in my skiing and would in yours, too! racing? It’s those tireless fellow My wall is covered with five years of Rossignol Masters schedule racers that step forward in the off posters. You can track the success of the U.S. Ski Team with their season, then during race day to poster picture and racers. Thank you, folks at Rossignol. Molecule consciensiouly take the time to F Speed Series belt buckles and medals are the carrot at the end of ensure racers and organizers are the speed venue stick. Bill Tabar’s support has allowed for the all happy. Their thanks? A little speedsters across the country to get together each year at their fa- U.S. Ski team swag and appreciation of their fellow racers. Please vorite venues. take the time to thank our volunteers. This season, Rich Zimmer- Next season, the 2010 Competition Guide will be an on- man is stepping down in PNSA and Ann Ozuna is taking over. line publication available in September. Look for all division Steve Slivinsky is taking over the Nationals chairman duties and schedules and major event information on USSA’s Masters web site. Amy Lanzel will lead Intermountain division. Nobody illustrates a Check to see you have a current email address on file passion for ski racing more than Bill McCollom! His support with USSA. We will be doing numerous Masters update blasts in through articles in Ski Racing magazine puts Masters on the na- the coming season with the latest in Masters news. tional skiing map and his even-handed guidance of the far-reach- Your fall newsletter with the 2010 season highlights will ing Eastern Divison is invaluable. be in your mail box in November. Let’s meet again at the starting gate next season. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 3

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 3 3+)%23%$'%72!0 50

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News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 4 A Masters Racer’s Biggest Nightmare by Pepi Neubauer

capico.” (“I do not understand.”) He didn’t speak English. I tried German. No luck. I went to the finish to check the result board. My name and number were not there. I ran to the next official to ask him why I was not on the start list. With great difficulty, he told me to talk to the TD, who was from Croatia and who spoke a little English. I called the TD on the radio and ex- plained my situation. He told me that I was disqualified. I gave him 50.00 euros and asked for a provisional second run. He said okay and sent me to the top of the course. I stepped into the start. Just before I was ready to go, the starter pulled me back again and told me in Italian that I was done for the day! At 4:00 p.m., the Croatian TD came to me. He told me that he was sorry about my problem and said that they had made a mistake. The gate keeper had confused the numbers. The racer before me was the one who missed the hairpin. He returned my 50.00 euros. After a lifetime of ski racing, I have learned another lesson: When you race in a foreign country, make sure your language After an 18-hour trip over the Atlantic coach did not like the hill, so we moved to skills are up to par. Ocean, I finally arrived in the beautiful a different slope. The slalom was set with Of the 630 competitors in the 2009 Italian Village of Piancavallo, Italy. The only 34 gates—for a World Champi- World Masters Criterium, there were only night before, it had snowed three feet, and onships with 28 nations participating, it five Americans in Piancavallo, but three of the whole village looked like a winter was a letdown, but I figured everybody has us ended up in the medals! wonderland. My mind worked overtime, to run it. thinking about racing in these soft condi- The first run ran only 34 seconds. Anne Nordhoy: Silver SG, Bronze SL tions, but I was assured that everything With an interval of 30 seconds, the whole Tim Hill: Bronze SL would be just great by the race crew. race—310 competitors—was over in two Pepi Neubauer: Silver SG I checked into the hotel, which was hours. built in 1963 and has not changed since On the way to the start for the sec- After the Criterium, we all traveled to then. The hotel was an adventure itself, ond run inspection, I was told by a friend Sunday River, where it was a relief to with no television, no telephone and no that my name was not on the start list. I speak the native language, but best of all, Internet. I was glad that I had brought checked right away to see if it was true. I the ran a perfect National three books with me. was not on it. Not knowing the reason, I Championships. On slalom race day, the location for went to the TD to ask him why. He looked the slalom was changed. The Austrian at me for a moment, then he said, “Niente

Thanks to this issue’s photographers: All images were captured by Lisa Densmore, Bob Skinner, and Erik Schramm. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 5

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 5 Innovation Leads To Success Jesse Keene, Rossignol National Race Coordinator

My name is Jesse Keene, I am the Rossig- and what is available to the juniors and letes’ success. Rossignol has been one of nol Race Director. The topic of discussion masters racers. Whether you believe this or those companies, by producing the best in several of my articles has been the link not, many of you will still be looking to GS ski in the world to help Ted Ligety win between the products on the World Cup purchase the latest and greatest product to his first GS title during the 07/08 season. versus the product the consumers use. compete on for next season. It is impor- That same ski he used was available to Many people, for some reason, still believe tant when making that choice to look at every junior and masters ski racer in the that there is a large separation between the the manufacturers who not only have the world for the 08/09 season. During the product that the World Cup athletes use results on the World Cup, but who is 08/09 season, Rossignol was once again bringing that same product that the best in one of the companies to show their inno- the world compete on to the market for vation by designing the new “Slant Nose” every junior or masters racer in the world SL ski. This ski helped Jean-Baptiste to use. Grange win his first SL title and Rossignol Coaches, parents, and athletes must will once again make this ski available to understand that the level of competition every junior or masters ski racer in the on the World Cup is so competitive that world for the up coming 09/10 season. manufacturers must be constantly innovat- For those of you who have kids that ing in order to provide the best product for ski race or you are self-funded, you know the athletes. If you watch a World Cup race how expensive it is to compete in ski rac- and you see some of the best athletes in ing. It’s not only an expense in cost, but the World like Ted Ligety, Lindsey Vonn, or it’s also expense in time and effort. The last Jean-Baptiste Grange skiing on some thing thing you would want to do is spend all that looks completely different that yours, the time, effort, and money and then this is a good thing. This gives you proof chose a product that isn’t proven on the that we are constantly being innovative to World Cup. build the best products to not only help Good luck in your off-season train- the best in the world achieve their goals, ing and enjoy your spring and summer. but also help every junior and masters racer achieve theirs. Jesse Keene The past couple seasons, we have Sincerely, seen some innovation by the manufactur- Jesse Keene ers that has been very beneficial to the ath-

Tip of the week Daryl Gladstone dis- plays his ingenuity after ingeniously leaving his shin guards at home. A couple of issues of Ski Racing magazine and some always- crucial duct tape make for good quick fix. Note: using the wrong magazine could have disastrous results. Guns & Ammo, Redbook, Pop Star and Arizona High- ways are among the many titles that could actually hinder your chances. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 6

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 6 Molecule F National Speed Series

Erik snow changes added to the spectacle of all Solider Mountain. Lack of the white stuff Klemme the races. The race crews were top-notch, cancelled the race I looked most forward (RM), Bill and worked hard to get races off when to, and have yet to run. If you have never Tomcich Mother Nature and safety allowed. Anyone been to Schweitzer, Idaho, it is beautiful. (RM) and who has spent time in speed events knows The area, the course and the people are Kevin Butler that if you want or need a good snow wonderful and eager to share the energy of (RM) trav- storm, just plan a downhill! Ever wonder our sport. eled the why speed skiers are so good at tuning I really enjoyed following the Series tour east to win their class and take home or playing foosball? What else you going and I plan to do it again next year. National Speed Series Belt Buckles. to do for 3-4 days inside? From Erik Klemme: Such was the case in Mammoth this Overall Molecule F Trophy standings The 2009 N.S.S. was an interesting year—TWICE! The opposite happened at A/B – MEN (59 & YOUNGER) and enjoyable one. This was my first time 1 Erik Klemme (RM) 155 to actually follow it from site to site. As in 2 Ben Green (EA) 50 all ski racing venues, there is always some 3 Willy Scoggins (PN) 42 adventure awaiting that you just can't plan for. In speed, the venues are bigger and D – MEN (60 & OLDER) longer, thus requiring more work to ensure 1 Rauli Karjalainen (IM) 107 safety for athletes and the public. This 2 Knut Olberg (PN) 80 tends to multiply the adventure factor even t3 Bob Andree (EA) 50 more. t3 Bob Dreyer (IM) 50 Because we cover a great distance in races, sometimes from the top of a ski area C – ALL WOMEN to the bottom, weather conditions and ter- 1 Jennifer Kaufman (RM) 115 rain work hand in hand to magnify their t2 Jenny Badger (IM) 45 effects on descents. The Sunday River na- 2009 Speed Series winners t2 Jeanette (RM) 45 Jennifer Kaufman Complete standings and class belt buckle tionals were a perfect example. Intense and Erik Klemme sporadic wind, sun, temperature winners can be found at www.ussa.org

2009 Skier’s Edge National Championships Sunday RIver, Maine 2010 Spyder Masters National Team The 2010 Spyder National Masters team is selected from the top finisher in each age at the 2009 National Championships, based on total World Cup points in the 3-event SG-GS-SL. Women Men Class Competitor Competitor NOTES 13 Richard Calvert (EA, 1-1-1) W10—tie between Marietta Frinell (FW) 12 George Caner (EA, 2-1-1) and Chris Liegl (CN) at 60 points. Both 11 Jane Cooke (EA, 1-1-1) Alphonse Sevigny (EA, 1-1-1) competitors had equal finish records (1-2- 3), so the tie is broken by the second 10 Marietta Frinell (FW, 1-2-3) Haldor Reinholt (EA, 1-1-1) tiebreaker rule of lowest total race points 9 Anne Nordhoy (EA, 1-1-1) Knut Olberg (PN, 1-1-1) goes to Frinell (19.20) over Liegl (108.36) 8 Dee Larsen (EA, 1-1-1) Pepi Neubauer (EA, 2-2-1) W07—Johanne Gosselin of Canada won 7 Heidi Flood (IM, 2-2-2) Hans Truckenbrod (EA, 1-1-10) the combined with 1-1-1 finishes; Heidi 6 Deb Lewis (FW, 1-2-3) Erik Klemme (RM, 1-1-4) Flood of Intermountain is the top Ameri- 5 Lisa Densmore (EA, 1-1-1) Timothy Hill (PN, 2-2-1) can finisher and named to the Spyder U.S. 4 Carolyn Beckedorff (EA, 1-1-1) Scott Berube (EA, 2-1-1) Masters National team. 3 Jennifer Kaufman (RM, 1-1-1) Toby Chapman (N, 1-2-1) W06—Andrea Esson of Canada won the combined with 2-1-1 finishes; Deb Lewis of 2 Mike Shklovski (CN, 1-2-3) Far West is the top American finisher and 1 Jenny Badger (IM, 2-1-1) Ben Green (EA, 1-1-1) named to the Spyder U.S. Masters National team. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 7

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 7 21st Masters Summer Fun Nationals July 26 & 27, 2008

Palmer Snowfield at 7:00 am, leaving just race. Camps are listed on the web page enough time for two 1-mile chairlift labeled “Race Camp Info”. Any way you rides and inspection before the 8:30 am choose to do it, the race is half way from first run starts for the Saturday GS and last spring to next fall, giving you a defi- Sunday Slalom. Everyone is off the hill by nite jump on the season ahead. Fly into Join the celebration at the Rooly USSA 1:00pm. Saturday afternoon festivities PDX and join in on the racing and fun! Masters Summer Fun Nationals, July continue in the Day Lodge at Timberline 24–26, 2009. Fun in the Sun! This fourth with kegs of beer, lots of food at the Friday, July 24 weekend in July has traditionally been a Chicken BBQ, awards, raffles, silent auc- 3:00-6:00 Welcome/ sunny, warm time of the summer for ski tion, and many giveaways. The Sunday check in Brew Pub in Govy racing and training at Mt Hood. It is also awards party is over by 2pm, still time to No day of race entries the best time to demo next year’s race catch a plane for home from PDX. Saturday, July 25 equipment from all the major manufac- It is a truly fun time for all. Bring turers who set up shop each summer in your sunscreen! 6–7:00 am Late check-in Day Lodge Government Camp on Mt. Hood. Many racers show up early for a 6:30 am Ticket office open The action-filled race weekend few days’ race training at a camp to warm 7:00 am Lifts open starts off Friday afternoon with a wel- those legs up for the race. Some train for 7:30 am Inspection come party and racer check-in in Gov- just a day or two of warm up, while oth- 8:30 am 1st run GS ernment Camp. The lifts open on the ers just show up and 11:00ish 2nd run GS 4:30 pm Beer & raffle @ Day Lodge 5:00 pm BBQ 6:00 pm Awards: GS Sunday, July 26 6:30 am Ticket office opens 7:00 am Lifts open 7:30 am Inspection 8:30 am 1st run SL 11:00ish 2nd run SL 1:30 pm Awards @ Day Lodge

Register Here!

2009 USSA Masters Summer Fun Nationals • Timberline/Palmer Glacier, Oregon • July 24–26, 2008 DNS refund requests must be in writing. Name USSA # Address City, State, Zip Phone: Day ( ) Evening E-mail Birth Date / / Class: Sex: I Men I Women

Events Cost Enclosed T-shirt Size: For More Info Full Weekend: GS, SL, BBQ $115 ______I XS I S I M Go online to www.SummerFunNationals.com I I Sat only/GS, BBQ $80 ______L XL [email protected] Sun only/SL $45 ______(541) 490-5888 Late Fee if received after 7/14 $10 ______Entries/check payable to: Masters Summer Fun Race Guest BBQ $32 ______3624 Lois Dr., Hood River, OR 97031 TOTAL PAID $ ______214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 8

Who are these people, and why are they all leaning in the same direction? Check your answers below. If you get them all right, pour yourself a libation and gloat in the direction of anyone in the room. If you miss any, have two drinks and try again. Find something else to gloat about, which will be easier the more drinks you have.

God is my co-pilot. God, and Bear. “Bear” Bryant provides race support. Erik Klemme gains psychological advantage when skiing as “Lobsto, The Crustacean Avenger.”

Chris Liegl celebrates winning the slalom with a hearty three-way limbo. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 9

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 9

It only takes one to spoil the symmetry. Nice going, Tom.

Not only can these guys ski, they set the standard in sweaters, too. Key Top row, left to right, with bib numbers: Jenny Badger, 48; Keith McCauley, 80; Deb Lewis, 31; Anna Droege, 8; Bob Skinner, 157; Victoria Valar, 36 Bottom row: Thunder Jalili, 123; Kevin Hendrickson, 127; Rich Slabinsky, 158; Scott Tanner, 165; Mike Falk, 114; Tom Wood, 180. Tengdin, Sevigny, and Rich The new presidential administration has made leaning left more chic. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 10

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 10 Division News

New England Masters racing excellence; awards like the Bunny Luke Hiebert and captured the overall Sise Nadine Price, chair Bertram Memorial, the Thomas Inneson Cup in the showdown at finals at Sugar- www.nemasters.org Memorial, the Janeway Cup, the Gibson bush. The women’s overall race was no less As we began the 2008/2009 season under Cup and the Hochgebirge Challenge Cup, hotly contested between last year’s champ, the clouds of financial crisis and sur- the oldest continuously run ski race in the Carolyn Beckedorff, and Jessie McAleer, rounded by all manner of fiscal detritus, country. These events tend to bring out but this year McAleer came out on top. We with folks losing jobs, businesses failing some of the best masters-level racers also recognized the overall winners in the and nearly everyone talking austerity, I around, and even though many of them individual disciplines of SL and GS. (We wondered if I might have taken up the are not able to participate in the entire se- hope to add speed for next year.) The mantle of president of this venerable or- ries, they make it a point to enter these men’s SL and GS titles both went to Luke ganization at a bad time. I felt great sym- races. At Suicide Six, one of the oldest ski Hiebert, and Carolyn Beckedorff won both pathy for Mr. Obama and wondered if areas in the country, local coaches and for- women’s titles. there was a way to translate his “hope” jar- mer U.S. team members Scott Smith and This season, the Eastern Regionals gon into ski racing lingo. Then, through Neal McNealus joined the pursuit. But de- returned to the world-class venue of Lake the efforts of Bill Skinner and the assis- spite valiant first-run efforts, and loud Placid. Although the attendance was on tance of USSA, we ran a booth at the cheers from the kids they coach, neither the low side—perhaps potential partici- Boston Ski Show for the first time (at least could wrest the Bunny Bertram SL trophy pants were still scared by all the rain that in my memory). We were able to talk with from 2007 overall Sise Cup champ Mark prevailed last year—it was a great event. quite a few people who had never heard George. For excellent coverage, see Barb Brum- about Masters ski racing and a few others baugh’s article of March 14, 2009 at who had forgotten about us. My modest SkiRacing.com goal was to get about 10 starts out of the Finally, the Skier’s Edge USSA show and though we haven’t crunched all Alpine Masters National Championships the numbers yet, we definitely exceeded were hosted by Sunday River resort in the goal. We collected email addresses of Maine. Although westerners never seem to more than fifty interested skiers who now figure it out, every time Nationals are in get our new electronic newsletter on a reg- the East, we have great weather, great ular basis. events and a great time! The weather was The race season began in earnest at perfect for the speed events. OK, it was a a venue that is becoming an early-season little challenging in the morning for the Ben Green tradition, Ragged Mountain, in the center first runs of the SL and GS, with fog limit- had a stellar year. of northern New England. Following an- ing visibility to as little as two gates in GS other New England tradition, the days be- and requiring a brief hold for the C and D fore the races were filled with copious groups when visibility dropped to ski tips. amounts of rain and nail biting. However, In a preview of the overall season, But the fog burned off to reveal perfect the weather cleared and the slush froze Ben Green and Jessie McAleer captured the bluebird skies for the afternoon runs of into a surface any Zamboni technician men’s and women’s Inneson prizes. This the technical events. With start lists domi- would have been proud of, and we had year the Janeway Cup, awarded to the nated by Easterner competitors, Easterners two excellent season opening races with al- fastest male and female racers over 40, was garnered a lot of medals, but some of the most 150 eager racers for the GS and hotly contested on the men’s side. With an performances were particularly notewor- nearly as many for the SL. overall third place finish, Bob Hill man- thy: Ben Green won the men’s DH and The season started strongly, with aged a mere .14-second advantage to group A/B SG. Luke Hiebert was 2nd in the largest fields of the season, and we squeak by home hill racer Scott Hardy. the A/B SG. Barb Brumbaugh finished 3rd managed to hold our own reasonably well. This was not the first time Hill has won in the women’s DH. In the women’s SG, Our overall membership held steady but the Janeway, but Hardy has won it three Jessie McAleer and Beata Wiktor finished we had fewer starts. It seems people are times in the last six years to Hill’s once. 2nd and 3rd. In the men’s D group, Bob still interested in racing; they just aren’t There was no such contest in the women’s Andree and Pepi Neubauer were 1st and going to quite as many races. Maybe ski race. The dominance of last year’s overall 2nd in both SG and GS. Carolyn Becke- racing is one way to maintain sanity in the Sise Cup winner, Carolyn Beckedorff, dorff won the women’s GS and SL. Lisa midst of whatever chaos and uncertainty caused the race organizers to conclude that Densmore was 3rd in the women’s GS. The we may have to deal with in the rest of our 40 must be the new 20! The two-race com- group A GS was an eastern sweep: Brandon lives. To quote our last newsletter: When bined Gibson Cup went to Luke Hiebert Dyksterhouse, Ben Green and Brian Irwin. the going gets tough, the tough go ski racing! and Jessie McAleer. In one of only a few Tip Kimball won the group B GS. In the In that spirit, many of the favorite outings this season, Brandon Dykster- group D SL, Neubauer was 1st and Bill Mc- venues featured on the New England Mas- house took the rest of the field to school Collom was 3rd. The group A SL was an- ters Sise Cup circuit were as popular as as he claimed the Hochgebirge Challenge other eastern sweep: Dyksterhouse, Green ever. These venues host some of the more Cup by over six seconds. and Jim Thoman. Mark George took third historic events in American ski racing and In a battle that spanned the entire in the Group B SL. There were also many offer prestigious individual awards for ski season, Ben Green closed the door on other great performances by Easterners 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 11

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 11 Division News

within classes in both individual disci- granted because he has undertaken so & SL. Bob Tengdin, being the only “sea- plines and in combined standings. The many responsibilities so gracefully and run soned” racer for the men, started out the complete results can be viewed at things so seamlessly. But now, as we look week with a 4th in the DH, then a 3rd and www.USSAMasters.org. for someone to succeed him, we are keenly two 5ths, with a 3rd in the combined. For In an interesting footnote to the aware of the impossibility of filling his the men, Gary Konsza (4th combined), women’s GS, and as a testament to the de- shoes. We will miss him in the office but Kermit Anderson (5th combined), Michael sire to win, or at least finish, Jessie McAleer hope to see him on the hill more often! Levan (7th combined), and Scott Larson was ultimately DQ’d, but in the process, (5th combined) put in some great races to provided a comic high point to the race. earn their combined titles. Ryan Fuller got Her time was announced at the score Central Division’s National Championships 5th in 2 events. Mike Shklovski, ever push- board but there was no Jessie in sight. The at Sunday River, 2009 ing the envelope, showed his fast racing next racer, Jen Kaufman, came to the finish Steve “Stevo” Lindemer, chair coming in with two 1sts, a 2nd and 3rd to and saw first one ski, then another, then www.midwestmasters.org get 2nd in the combined. Then-new to the poles, but no skier. Apparently, and unfor- The biggest news is that our Central Divi- scene were the age-group 1 racers: unsea- tunately not in front of a camera, Jessie sion won the Division Cup for the first soned in age but super-seasoned in had lost all of her equipment at the last time ever!!! Lots of cheers and liquid of skill…brothers Tyler and Brett Sprockhoff gate and even though she had knocked the choice sloshing out of the silver urn! We and Jesse Lindemer…(yes, another Linde- wind out of herself, managed to get up, had 13 racers to bring the cup “home.” mer…Steve’s nephew). They produced fast, run through the finish line and hide be- They were: Chris Liegl (10), Lilla Gidlow super racing, usually finishing with 3rd, hind the timing cushion before Jen ap- (9), Sherrie Glas (4), Bob Tengdin (11), 4th, and 5th, with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, re- peared. You gotta love that Eastern Gary Konsza (7), Kermit Anderson (5), spectively, in the combined. Mike tenacity! Michael Levan (5), Scott Larson (4), Ryan Shklovski (again) won the age 2 Spyder Every year, the Tobin Award is National Team award. Quite a few presented to an Eastern Masters buckles were won for the Mole- member for outstanding contribu- cule F Speed Series. (The down- tion to Eastern Masters racing. This hillers at Sunday River were: Bob year’s recipient is Bill McCollom, a Tengdin, Lilla Gidlow, Gary Kon- lifelong contributor to ski racing in sza, Scott Larson, Mike Shklovski, general and to Eastern Masters in and Jesse Lindemer.) particular. He has offered his time TECHNICAL DATA FOR THE SUNDAY and energy tirelessly and been an in- RIVER NAT’L CHAMPIONSHIP MASTERS spiration to all of us. We are all very RACES IN 2009: grateful for his seemingly endless Weather: wind, then warm. hard work and hope we will con- Snow: ice, then slush. tinue to be the beneficiaries of his ef- forts for a long time to come. Course conditions: always hard This year marked the presen- and well-prepped. tation of the first annual George An- Hill management: great to get on derson Spirit of Masters award. This The Division Cup travels lift early before public and have a in comfort and safety is presented to the New England to its new home. training hill! Masters racer who exemplifies the Starts: 2 wind delays, otherwise spirit of Masters in the way that on schedule. George did, through participation, congeniality, friendship, and of Finishes: everyone wishes theirs course, coat carrying! Justin Rubin- were faster! stein has demonstrated these quali- Officiating: didn’t see ties in abundance and is this year’s them…that’s good. honoree. Crowds: none. As always, our series is made Fuller (3), Mike Shklovski (2), Jesse Linde- Food: better every day. possible and enhanced by our spon- mer (1), Tyler Sprockhoff (1), and Brett Camaraderie: friendly, supportive. sors. We owe special thanks to Artech Sprockhoff (1). Congratulations, all! and Denby for their continued sup- The “seasoned” racers for the women in- Awards: best-ever division cup. port. We also wish to thank Booster and cluded Chris Liegl and Lilla Gidlow. Chris Conclusion: WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF SkiChair.com for their contributions. held her own with her competitors taking PEOPLE THE USSA MASTERS RACERS And finally, I and all of the mem- a 1st, 2nd & 3rd and a 2nd in the com- ARE!!! bers of New England Masters wish to bined. Lilla, after winning the DH, then What a great year of racing for Cen- thank Gary Colwell for his many years of battled it out in her ever competitive age tral. We look forward to the races ahead service to this organization. He has been group and took 2nd in the SG, GS, SL and and the great people that ARE what Mas- such a fixture that we may have been guilty the combined. Sherrie Glas rounded out ters racing is all about. upon occasion of taking him a bit for the women from central with a 2nd in SG 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 12

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 12 Division News

Rocky Mountain Division In an attempt to counter the effects rib dinner as well, with great success. Jennifer L. Kaufman, Vice President of the lousy economy and boost participa- Hans’ efforts throughout the year enabled and Division Chair tion, we gave away a brand-new pair of us to manage our post-race party costs, www.rmmskiracing.org skis at every race weekend this season as a without sacrificing any of the fun! Rocky Mountain Division completed a door prize during our awards party. We ex- As always, we are incredibly grateful highly successful 2008/2009 season, de- pect to continue this tradition and pro- to our sponsors without whom we could spite the faltering economy and missing a mote it heavily to recruit new members not offer the quality racing our members few of our active members due to injuries. and to reward current members for their have come to enjoy. This past year, we ob- We are fortunate to start skiing early in participation. tained a new title sponsor, AltaColorado Colorado, and this year was no exception. RMM went green this season and (Evergeen Land Company), and continued We kicked off our race schedule in Decem- replaced our paper-based Snownews with relationships with Technica/Blizzard, ber and held 10 regu- an email-based newsletter. In addition to Skiers Edge, FuxiRacing USA, SKS Tools, lar-season race saving PC Conferencing, Descente, Video Com- weekends, which in- postage, this pare and Booster Strap. Hammer Nutrition cluded 27 starts new format also introduced its products to our mem- across all four disci- allows us to bership this year. We also thank the train- plines. Our diverse communi- ing programs that continue to support circuit included our cate with Masters, including Swissam/Loveland Race first race at Beaver our mem- Club, Copper Mountain Masters, Ski and Creek in quite bership Club Vail, Eldora, Aspen, Tel- awhile and a fun more fre- luride and Steamboat. new three-day race quently, pro- Complete results from our event (SG, GS, SL) at vide details 2008/2009 season are available on our Vail, sponsored by about up- website. The Rocky Mountain Masters Fast women in gaudy jewelry… the Treat family. In coming board is already hard at work planning does it get any better than this? addition to the regu- races and next year’s schedule. We welcome racers lar season, we hosted recap the from other Divisions at any of our a “Last Chance” event in late March as a previous week’s race, as well as post pho- events—check our website and join us as fundraiser for Loveland Race Club, one of tos and links to other important informa- often as you would like. Many thanks to our local ski area race programs. We wel- tion. We also revamped our website, our entire membership for a fantastic sea- comed a number of newcomers to our www.rmmskiracing.org, and our online son—we can’t wait to see you next year! races throughout the season and we hope registration system continues to set the that many of them will rejoin us next year. standard. 2009 New York State Snow Masters Series Creating a quality race-day experi- Our “Sponsor-A-Race” program ence for all members which allows By Jack Eisenschmid, chair continues to be our members to www.nymasters.org primary focus. This purchase a The 2009 NY Masters Series was a great year we launched a race and be season. Once again, last fall brought early new initiative recognized snowfall and cold temperatures to western through which we as the spon- NY, and many ski areas opened a week be- had a Rocky Moun- sor for that fore Thanksgiving. Throughout the season, tain Masters coach day’s event there was nice weather and good snow on the hill at nearly continued to conditions for our 37th race season. This all races; at DH races be hugely year, we reduced the number of races to 20 we had two coaches. successful. races on 10 race days. We had good atten- Gunnar Sorensen The enthusi- dance at the races, from 50 to 98 racers at and Doug Briggs asm of our each event. As in years past, we were fin- were our RMM Rocky Mountain women, recharging. sponsors hit ished with 4 race runs by 2:00 and every- coaches this year. new levels one had time to free ski and enjoy the While functioning in this capacity, our this year as aprés race awards party. coaches wore specially-designated red jack- many found ways to enhance the post-race As with every season, the competi- ets and were available during inspection to parties through contributions of prizes and tion never gets any easier. We had close help all racers with line and other ques- libations. Board member Hans Wolf took competition in most age classes, as well as tions. They also took video and provided over as our social chairman this year and for the overall, all season. For the men’s technique advice. It was a highly popular brought a new focus to fundraising as part overall champion it came down to the program and facilitated better/safer skiing, of our social activities. Hans converted our final races at Swain. Greg Sarkis came back particularly at speed events. We hope to now-famous Fall Party into a fund raising from his 2008 injury, to once again take continue this program in the future. event and orchestrated a mid-season prime the overall Marshall Skiff Cup. He nipped 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 13

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 13 Division News

Jim Thoman for 2nd and Joel Solly for 3rd, NEW YORK MASTERS 2009 OVERALL STANDINGS Intermountain Division by only a few points. For the women’s over- Women Steve Slivinsky, chair all, once again it was Megan Thayer who 1. Megan Thayer www.ussa-imd.org/masters took the overall women’s Joan Skiff cup. She 2. Angela Schneurch The Intermountain Masters white circus was took an early lead and never looked back, 3. Barb Brumbaugh more like a Ferris wheel this year: it had its and was followed by Angela Schnuerch in 4. Barbara Settel ups and downs. But being mostly an up guy, 2nd and Barb Brumbaugh in 3rd. 5. Lynn Thomas I like to remember the awesome Western Re- This year we had some great spon- 6. Kristin Buckholz gionals at Park City, and our fabulous finale sors to help keep the NY Masters series 7. Marie Eve Noel at . As in the past, most of going and also some great prizes. Many 8. Hannele Sundberg the credit for making it all happen goes to thanks to Swix, Transpack, Coyote Eyewear, 9. Nancy Fella Meri Stratton. She is undoubtedly a travel- Mountainside Ski and Sports, Rico Robi- ing ski race all by herself, all packed into her Men son’s Eurotrash and Southtown Beverages, overworked Subaru. Many thanks also go to 1. Greg Sarkis for their continuing support! Also big our newsletter editor and chief Amy Lanzel. 2. Jim Thoman thanks to all the volunteers that help out To continue in the tip of the hat mode; 3. Joel Solly with our series each week: Nancy Fella, race Dona our chief scorer; Thunder who keeps 4. Mark Sertl administrator; Jim Spillane, co-chairman; us mostly honest; Sally who gets us the 5. Lou Moore Mark Sertl, treasurer; Laura Moats, scoring; wonderful fundraising stuff to sell—my 6. Doug Paul Margit Poirier, webmaster; Don Fella, ban- deepest appreciation. To the people who 7. Jack Eisenschmid ners; Jennifer Frazer, Joie Komarmi, David make things work on the hill; Harry, Chris, 8. Eddie Linsler Bennett, Sandy Simmons, Shelly, Don & and Yves at Jackson; Rauli at ; 9. Rico Robison Marge Rassmusen and Joan Evans. Bob at Sun Valley; Keith at Wolf Mountain; 10. Ward Melville Last month at the Eastern Regionals and Bill at Park City. Next year looks like a at Whiteface, there were 18 racers competing banner year already. We come back from the NY Masters. They had some great to Park City for the Western Re- results, with Bob Andree, Jim Thoman, Greg gionals, and my own little ski Sarkis, Lou Moore and Angela Schnuerch all area, Sun Valley, has been wining their classes. selected for the Nationals. At the Nationals at Sunday River the Finally, a Nationals with NY Masters had a good showing of 13 racers marble bathrooms! As a re- and quite a few medals: Jim Thoman 1st in minder to all you Inter- M2, Pepi Neubauer 1st M9, Rockett Prentice mountain racers, at the last 2nd M10, Mark Sertl 3rd M6, Greg Sarkis Nationals at Sun Valley, we had 3rd M5, Tyler Sprockhoff 2nd M1, Brett a waiting list. You need to Sprockhoff 3rd M1, Barb Brumbaugh 2nd think about participating in In- W5, Angela Schneurch 2nd W4. Good ski- termountain races to ensure ing, all! your place at the Nationals Enjoy the summer, and see you all next year. Finally, I for the 2010 season! would like to let every- one know that I have been promoted to a higher-paying job as na- tional chairman. I have Greg Sarkis displays the form asked Amy Lanzel to take over. I that made him the division leader. know she will add a lot of energy and spice to your Intermountain Masters racing program. It’s the people that make Masters ski racing happen, and thanks to all of you, it’s been a fun ride for me. Keep your ski tips pointed downhill, and we’ll see you at the start next season! 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 14

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 14 Division News

Far West ten, and going back this year proved it. The sponse was very positive with great sugges- By Marietta Frinell, chair greatest gift the Masters have given me over tions. www.FarWestMasters.org the past for years is, without a doubt, the The 2008/2009 race season turned out to friendships I have made. You have opened my OUR SEASON: be a tough season to run scheduled races, eyes to ski racing beyond the crazy, competitive Snoqualmie: Our Kick-Off classic had but in spite of lots of snow we managed to world of the junior level, and made me re- plenty of snow but the base wasn’t quite get off 19 races, of which six were speed member that ski racing should always be FUN settled. Race ruts were okay, but chunks of events. Two of our racers competed in all first. snow made the ride between the gates in- 19! Our champions for the season were So thank you again, friends, for the teresting. Teddy Cantanho, Margerethe Richter, Mar- continuing financial support, and another Crystal: The Rosenquist-Vala Memorial cie Pettigrew, Gun Griswold, Elizabeth great experience at Copper Mountain. I hope scheduled but lack of entries led them to Kennedy, Liesle Panke, Gary Mouck, Peter you all have a wonderful, successful season cancel. Had some very disappointed racers. and I hope to see you out there on the moun- Feldenheimer, Dan Simmons, Randall Mt Hood Meadows: The Turkey SL and GS tain! Sussek, Archie Monaco, and Kurt Belden. race came back this year after a long ab- Only seven of us made it to Nation- Sincerely, sence. Ran the GS on Middle Fork with the als at Sunday River: Don Smith, Buck Thys, Christie Patient SL on Stadium. It was a little soft for the Bob Davis, Rus Probert, Ara Papazian, Deb GS but the SL had been salted enough to Lewis, and myself. The weather was great, This is an inspirational observation and I withstand everyone. With fantastic weather the track was fast and the race crew was hope we will perpetuate it! Far West Mas- and a party after – could it get any better?! outstanding! The parties and banquet were ters want to thank Bill Skinner and his 49 Degrees North: The area puts on a fan- excellent. I just wish I could find a way to staff for an excellent job this year. We all tastic Elderdaze race with everyone from get more of our racers to travel. know that it is a lonely job at the top. the F.A.S.T. ski team to the Ski Patrol help- One notable accomplishment for ing assemble and take down the course. our division was that the Far West Masters This year we had epic conditions for three Scholarship Program raised over $35,000 PNSA SG races with hard, fast snow and sunny this year. There were fifty recipients. I want By Richard Zimmerman skies. The Sportsman’s Bar and Grill in to share with you a letter from one, as I be- www.PNSAmasters.org town was able to handle our unannounced lieve this is the future of Masters Racing. PNSA SURVEY: group. This is a favorite watering hole of We started our season with a Masters’ many PNSA racers “ Dear Masters, Survey. Our purpose was simply to under- I am so thankful to say that almost all Over the Hill: Three SLs in two days. of you know me by now. During the past two Heavy-duty gate bashing, weeks in Copper, I met some new people, and with bruises galore. reminisced with many old friends. I have tried Weather was good both a few times to describe the Masters to my days. Had our first (guess friends from outside of skiing, and I realized it’s the first) contested race. that I can not even find the words. Represent- The judges interviewed sev- ing the Far West Masters Scholarship Program eral people, had serious se- is an honor in itself, but to actually get to cret discussions and the know all of you is truly a blessing. It is a magi- race results stayed the same. cal sight when you see a group of people from Only thing of significance age 7 to 86, all in one place because they have was it took over two hours. a passion for one common thing. Spending two Schweitzer: The Don weeks skiing in Copper with all these amazing, Brooks Memorial is a major unique individuals is an experience that I race on our circuit drawing can’t put into words. I have learned so much Awards and suds make for racers from Canada, Mon- from the Masters I befriended during the two an attentive group. tana, Idaho, Washington years I spent at Copper. Probably the most im- and Oregon. Schweitzer did portant thing is that ski racing is timeless. I stand what our Masters think of the PNSA its normal well-managed love watching all the old guys ripping down Masters program. Our key perspective was race with the hill operation, ensuring that the course just like I am, and I can’t help but to get the Masters’ view of what was im- all the runs were solid and ready. The ban- wonder what they were like when they were portant to them. Plus we wanted to under- quet, always a big hit, was loaded with my age, or what I will be like when I grow old. stand what we can do to increase racer give-aways. I only hope that I will still be as passionate participation. We took advantage of some Mt Hood Meadows: The Skiyente race goes about skiing as I age and that I can give a kid of the questions and format of the earlier back a long ways—the all-ladies ski club an experience like you have given me. New York Division’s survey. The survey was runs the show. Sunshine and fantastic It was obvious two years ago when I conducted online and we had 56 re- views. Plenty of after-race wine, good food went to camp with you that the friends I sponses to the structured questions and a and schwag at Government Camp made, young and old, would never be forgot- lot of comments. Overall, the survey re- Huckleberry’s. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 15

News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 15 Division DivisionNews News

Stevens Pass: Osborne-Grage Memorial They kicked butt. Knut was first in his class with the rest of the Masters nation. We will had a new twist this year. Started with SL for every event. Tim and Willy are in the all learn from this year’s situation and im- training on Friday, SL on Saturday, GS on same class. In the DH Willy was first. In prove our events, schedules and product Sunday and 2 SG on Monday—I guess the SG Willy was first, Tim was second. In and plan to grow in the future. that’s our first Monday race. They also had the GS an Eastern guy got first but Tim and Our season began slowly, with the one start position for all races and just Willy had 2nd and 3rd. In the SL Tim and unexpected cancellation of our first race moved the finish down the hill—it worked Willy got 1st and 2nd. The overall was scheduled for Dec. 13–14 at Lookout Pass. really well. Knut 1st; Tim 1st and Willy 2nd. Seems even the snow was in a downturn in Crystal: In January, Frank Nickels Mt Bachelor: Four days of hard PNSA Mas- December. (1955–2009) lost his battle with cancer. ters Championships racing. All the races We regrouped and held our one SG, GS and SL were held on cliffhanger— Northern speed event of 2009 at Big Sky, great run with multiple grade changes. The which was also a Molecule F Series race. MBSEF team put on another professional The crew at Big Sky did a great job with the race job, and another banquet with liba- course. The resort provided great facilities tions. For several years we did not include and discounts and Meri Stratton of Inter- the PNSA Championships in our year-to- mountain provided the organization. date results. This year we merged them. At Thanks, Meri. the Saturday night banquet we awarded The perennial event, The Hellgate most of the year-to-date medals, but we Cup, our slalom showdown, was once had a significant number of class races again well attended and provided a stern where the winner would be determined by test of both edge, nerve and aerobic exer- the Sunday SL race. There were some seri- cise just to get to the start gate. Thanks to ous taunts, some on-the-slope trash talk- Big Sky Brewery for supplying our Valen- ing and a very close inspection of the tine Day’s Party favors. times. Our season would be incomplete Winding down after Thanks: We want to give all our without the support of our neighboring di- a hard day of fun. race administrators our appreciation. They visions, Intermountain and Pacific North- have a tough job with a constant stream of west. Thanks for inviting us to race with Frank trained and raced with the CMAC hiccups that have to be handled. And they you at SnowKing, Sun Valley, Schweitzer Masters. To honor Frank’s memory, a recre- do it marvelously. Our areas also get our and 49 Degrees N. ational GS was scheduled for March 15. applause. They prepared the race venues The Black & White Challenge was The plan was to hike to the South Back and allowed us to ski wildly down the held over a three-day weekend this year, Country after the race and scatter Frank’s slopes. And thanks to our sponsors: World with an afternoon SL at Blacktail Ski area ashes in Silver Basin. Unfortunately, Crys- Cup Skiers Services, Custom Boot Services on Friday and a GS and SL at Whitefish tal received 18 inches of snow and an ad- and Podium Wax. Mountain Resort over the weekend. As in ditional 7 inches during the day. So the years past, this proved to be our best-at- race was cancelled. But, we all met at the tended and most completive event of the top of the course at start time. We sent off Northern Masters season. The winners, Toby Chapman and the Class 6 racers (Frank’s class) through Rick Murphy, chair Jodi Harms, were awarded their champi- the deep powder. The first to the bottom www.northernmasters.org onship hats during the awards party at Wasabi Sushi Bar in Whitefish, where we was Bob Gue who had not raced in over This ski season held many challenges for watched video of the race and consumed 15 years and was an in-law of Frank’s. The Northern Division, which we faced along Back Country was not lots of sushi. open, so Frank’s Our two remaining events, the Knut Olberg and friends ashes will be taken rescheduled Lookout Pass and Bridger celebrate their success. out there at a later Bowl finished up our Northern season, time. We all went with our members battling for divisional powder skiing and bragging rights. then gathered for a Northern appreciates the help of all party. The party seg- its members. Special thanks go out to Fran ment of all races Noel for his work with the Bridger Bowl seems to be a race, Dave Shappee for his hosting skills at mandatory event. Big Sky and Snowbowl, Dennis Wilhelm- son for representing us at Nationals and Sunday River Na- Laurie Murphy for producing and main- tionals: We only had taining our website. Thanks also go to Bill three racers from the Skinner (USSA) for his support and help PNSA—Knut Ol- during the season. berg, Tim Hill and Willy Scroggins. 214080_Masters NL:Layout 1 4/23/09 4:54 PM Page 16

USSA MASTERS CONTACTS:

National Masters Chairman Eastern/New England: Nadine Price Pacific Northwest: Richard Zimmerman Keith McCauley tel: 802.746.8850 tel: 253.752.0502 tel: 435.649.6414 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Eastern/New York: Jack Eisenschmid Rocky Mountain: Jennifer Kaufman USSA Masters Manager tel: 585.288.4554 tel: 720.855.8427 Bill Skinner e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] P.O. Box 100 Eastern/Southern: Horst Locher Park City, UT 84060 tel: 540.856.2121 tel: 435.647.2633 fax: 540.856.8567 fax: 435.649.3613 e-mail: [email protected] 2010 Skier’s Edge e-mail: [email protected] Regional Championships Far West: Marietta Frinell Western: Park City, Utah, Feb. 4–7, 2010 DIVISION CHAIRPERSONS tel: 760.934.6972 Super Combined/SG/GS/SL e-mail: [email protected] Alaska: Gary Randall tel: 907.243.4259 Intermountain: Steve Slivinsky Eastern: to be announced e-mail: [email protected] tel: 208.726.3442 e-mail: [email protected] Central: Steve Lindemer 2010 Skier’s Edge National Championship tel: 651.635.9181 Northern: Rick Murphy Sun Valley, Idaho, Mar. 29–April 2 e-mail: [email protected] tel: 406.471.1573 Super Combined/SG/GS/SL e-mail: [email protected] Eastern: Bill McCollom tel: 802.234.9561 e-mail: [email protected]

The VISION of the USSA Alpine The MISSION of the USSA Alpine Masters is to make this vision a re- Masters is to provide adult skiers ality by developing, promoting, organizing and coordinating the highest with a lifelong opportunity to enjoy level of alpine ski racing throughout snow country in the United States and the challenges and rewards of alpine internationally, and to fulfill our passion for and love of nature, the out- ski racing. doors, mountains, freedom, self-challenge and accomplishment.

Non profit U.S. Postage PAID 4753 P.O. Box 100 Salt Lake City Park City Utah 84060

Katie George and Jenny Badger