Ear to the Snow

Club News

January 1, 2004

 

Welcome from Race Director.

Tom Muscatello who is available for questions at the mountain (race finish hut or lodge) and via email or phone (mtngoers at aol.com, 793-6606 x303 – West, 743-1115 – H; 796-9089 - cell)

 

Tuning Tips from Head Coach, Steve Hammond and John Jacobs, Club President:

EDGES (especially under the binding area) should be sharp at all times. Use a diamond with an angle guide each day before practice and tune regularly. (See your coach for guidance.)

“Upon inspection, many of the skis used by Xmas camp racers did not have sharp edges.  Extremely sharp edges are required for maintaining body position in turns.”  Steve Hammond

I recommend swiping edges with a diamond and angle guide before each training session in addition to regular tuning.  Keep these tools in the car and fine tune each day.”  John Jacobs

BOOTS should flex easily for all racers.  Steve Hammond and Tom Muscatello have the tools to modify boots that are too stiff.  (See Steve, Tom or coaches for boot adjustments)

SIDEWALLS on skis need to be skyverred (stripped) away exposing the metal edge to the snow without interference from the fiber-glass on the top of the ski. (Use a sidewall skyver, ask your tuning shop or see your coach.)

“You are not getting the most from your training if your equipment is not maintained on a daily basis.  John Jacobs

POLE LENGTH should be accurate and precise for your child’s height.  The wrong length pole will negatively affect the weight and position of the body on the ski.  Consult with your coach on pole length.

 

CLUB MEMBER CONTACT SHEET

Will be emailed to all West Mt. Race Club Members soon by Jeff Casey, Race and Events Coordinator

 

SAFETY NETTING SEPARATING THE RACE COURSE

Was not set up at race camp, because there are only 2 trails available to the public and parent volunteer, Gary Moore and coaching staff are monitoring safety until the mountain gets more snow.

 

EMERGENCY MEDICAL WAIVERS

Must be on file with Tom Muscatello.  Please see Tom for a form if you have not already submitted this information.

 

West Mountain “New Families to Ski Racing” Handbook

Compiled by Lynn Underhill, Parent Volunteer, and Coach Alfie Merchant is available for new race families of any age who are trying to navigate the sport.  See Alfie Merchant for a copy.  Rusty O’Neil is adapting this Handbook for racers of all levels for future distribution.

 

Race Registration Fee

For races that take place at West for West Race Club members for the ‘04 season is $15.00.  West registrations should be sent to Sheryl Salerno, 215 Lockhart Mountain Road, Lake George, N.Y. 12848, 668-3935

 

JIV Racers competing with tall poles

For the first time this year.  Helmets with chin guards are strongly recommended, as are shin guards!

 

Discussion took place on the following:

- Communication with new families, the need for outreach information and welcome at the time of registration

- Coaches training (T. Muscatello and S. Hammond assured parents that coaches are participating in USSA  training seminars.  Staff Coach Marty West is a National certified USSA coach.)

- Need to perform well as a host for our first JI/JII USSA point race which will take place on January 18.  NYSSRA will be watching! (See Race Committee board members Gary Moore or Sheryl Salerno to sign up to volunteer).

 

Coaches

Requests for timing equipment at occasional training sessions must be scheduled well in advance with Jeff Casey.

 

Label all Race Jackets

And snow pants with name and mountain.  This is a request from Coach Bennett who along with other coaches brings clothing down from the start gate to meet the racers at the finish.  Your child will race at other mountains and it is very helpful to have West Mtn. as well as a name on all clothing.

 

WHO DO I CALL?  

 

SEEKING VOLUNTEER RACE SECRETARY FOR NEXT SEASON!

After many years of great service, Sheryl Salerno will be resigning as Race Secretary for West Mountain at the end of this season.  We are seeking a committed volunteer to shadow Sheryl this season and learn the process for on-coming years.  We host up to 5 USSA sanctioned races per year.   Specific USSA software is provided.  By regulation, the new race secretary will be enrolled as a member of USSA by the Club.  To learn more about what’s involved, interested parties should contact Sheryl directly at zsalerno@capital.net, or 668-3935.

 

VOLUNTEERING AT RACES

 

All West, races will need volunteers and each race will be preceded by a meeting approximately two weeks before the event to coordinate the volunteer staff.  Please volunteer whenever you can and you will be trained by our experienced volunteers on the day of the event.  Volunteers are needed for tasks such as gate-keeping, registration, raffle ticket sales, set-up, break-down, decoration and more.  A call for volunteers will be put out to the membership approximately 2 weeks before a given race.  The JI/JII race on January 18 will require that families of all level skiers be involved if possible.  It will be a great education to all our racers and families to witness USSA caliber JI/JII racing.  Current and graduate West Mountain racers will be competing.

 

West Mountain is hosting the following races this season:

                    1/18    WM Empire JI & JIII Slalom Race

                    2/8     JIV Slalom Council Race

                    2/15    JIV Giant Slalom Council Race

                    3/21    Ides of March, JIII, JIV, JV Slalom Race

 

 

A warm welcome the following new families to the Race Team: 

 

Ashley Dougan, JI&II (James &Lorraine)

Katie Michaels, JI&II (John &Sheila)

Emma Harvey, JI&II (Jayme & David)

Stephanie Smith, JIII (Steve & Judy)

Brian Morris, JIV (Beth & Brian)

Chelsea Barody, JIV (Michael & Ann)

Alexander West, JIV (Marty & Kasandra)

Brandon Barody, JV (Michael & Ann)

Nicholas DePalo, JV (Connie & Peter)

Mary Morris, JV (Beth and Brian)

 

Please send all future news items to mcsmith@albany.net, Volunteer Editor, Toni Smith