Park City, UT –Audi FIS World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn was honored by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association with the Beck International Award, the organization’s highest athlete honor. The USSA also recognized longtime race official John Garnsey of Vail/Beaver Creek, Colo., with its Julius Blegen Award for three decades of service to the sport.
The awards were presented in Park City at the annual USSA Congress held last week at the Park City Marriott.
USSA GOLD AWARDS
Julius Blegen Award – John Garnsey (Beaver Creek, Colo.)
Presented to a dedicated USSA volunteer for a lifetime of service to the sport.
America’s ski resorts are the proving ground for the stars of the sport. As a ski area manager and a FIS technical delegate, few have done more to impact the sport of ski racing in the USA than John Garnsey of Vail/Beaver Creek. As a key leader of two FIS Alpine Ski World Championships (1989 and ’99), and a lightning rod for Vail/Beaver Creek’s successful 2015 bid, Garnsey has made a vital difference. Whether it’s producing the best World Cup ski races in the world on the Birds of Prey course, or managing races at every level for athletes as a technical delegate, his impact on the sport of ski racing made him an outstanding candidate for the USSA’s highest honor, the Julius Blegen Award.
Garnsey cut his teeth in the industry at Waterville Valley, N.H., in the early ‘70s, taking his knowledge of ski racing to Vail. He rose through the ranks at the resort, eventually heading the Vail Valley Foundation and managing the 1989 World Championships. He remains active in ski racing as its most visible face at Vail Resorts where he serves as President of International.
“John Garnsey has made a formidable difference for the athletes in our sport,” said USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt. “His efforts as a lightning rod for the sport have paid great dividends for athletes like Bode Miller, Ted Ligety, Lindsey Vonn and Daron Rahlves who have all won World Cups on the Birds of Prey course.”
Beck International Award – Lindsey Vonn (Vail, Colo.)
Presented to the top USSA athlete in international competition.
The U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s Lindsey Vonn, of Vail, Colo., was selected as the USSA’s Beck International Award recipient, the USSA’s highest athletic honor. Her record smashing season included an American record 12 World Cup races en route to a fourth Audi FIS Alpine World Cup overall title, a fifth straight downhill globe and fourth consecutive super G crown and third straight super combined title. Among those victories are two giant slalom wins – the first opened the season in Soelden, Austria and the second clinched the overall title on March 9th, a staggering five races before the end of the season. In addition to her four titles last winter, Vonn also reset the women’s single season World Cup points record to 1,980, a full 578 points over her nearest 2012 competitor.
“Lindsey Vonn’s 12 World Cup wins and three titles this season were amazing athletic accomplishments,” said Marolt. “It was a magical year of best in the world performances with ten athletes winning 14 season titles.”
USSA Club of the Year – FLY Freestyle (Park City, UT)
FLY Freestyle, based at Utah Olympic Park in Park City, has been named the 2012 USSA Club of the Year as well as Freestyle Club of the Year. Founded in 2001, FLY Freestyle has consistently grown from year to year and continues to place their club athletes on the national team. Under the leadership of Sharlee Holland, Andre Dumas and Tony Bushi, this past year the program recruited dozens of new athletes into aerials and worked with the U.S. Ski Team to establish itself as a major developmental center for the sport. FLY Freestyle is not only making a difference in its own Olympic community, but is dramatically impacting the sport of freestyle aerials nationally. FLY athletes achieved gold and bronze at the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championship, as well as a medal at the Marriott Junior Championships.
USSA International Coach of the Year – Chip White (Mammoth Lakes, CA)
As a U.S. Alpine Ski Team coach for 15 seasons, women’s speed Head Coach Chip White’s dedication and passion creates an unprecedented environment for success. The 2012 season was no exception as he guided the women’s speed team to become best in the world by winning the nation’s standings for downhill by a blistering 636 point margin over Austria. Led by Vonn, who captured her fifth straight downhill title and fourth consecutive super G crown, five other women finished the season ranked in the downhill top 25 – double that of any other nation. Adding to the success, White’s tireless effort drove Mammoth Mountain, Calif.’s Stacey Cook to the best season of her career, Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, Calif.) to her best winter since 2007 and pushed Alice McKennis (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) and Leanne Smith (North Conway, N.H.) to personal best finishes.
USSA Development Coach of the Year – Ashley Berger (Steamboat Springs, Colo.)
In her second year as Head Coach for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s Snowboard Freestyle Program, Ashley Berger has quickly risen to the top ranks of coaching and is a fixture at the top of every pipe in the world. She sets high standards for her riders and they have responded with great results at every level of the sport. Her female crew swept the top three spots in the overall standings of the Revolution Tour and were all nominated for Junior World Championships spots. On the men’s side, she works with several members of the U.S. Rookie squad.
Westhaven Award – Jack Nantz (Portland, Ore.)
Presented in recognition of service as a FIS Technical Delegate.
A veteran of 29 years as an International Ski Federation technical delegate, Jack Nantz received the USSA’s Westhaven Award – the organization’s highest honor for competition officials. Nantz has been one of America’s most notable international officials, having worked over a dozen FIS World Cup events in his career. The Westhaven Award is presented annually in the name of donors Fraser and Teddy West family. Fraser West has been a longtime USSA supporter and official.
USSA SILVER AWARDS
Paul Bacon Award – Stratton Mountain Resort, Vt.
Presented in recognition of contribution to event organization.
Battling 85-degree temperatures in late March, Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort rose to the occasion to successfully host the USSA’s Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships against all odds and was recognized with the USSA’s Paul Bacon Award for event organization. The resort deployed unique resources to move and manage snow to ensure the successful and safe conduct of the national championship event. The award was originated by the Bacon family and USSA Rocky Mountain Division in memory of Paul Bacon, an outstanding contributor in the field of race organization.
John J. Clair Jr. Award – Jim Goff (Lake Placid, N.Y.)
Presented in recognition of service to the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding
The award was originated by the Long Island Ski Club in memory of John Clair, a longtime supporter of the U.S. Ski Team and one of the originators of the New York Ski Ball. Longtime Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) events manager Jim Goff was recognized for his long tenure with the USSA’s John J. Clair Jr. Award for service to the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing. A native of Lake Placid, Goff was a veteran of the 1980 Olympics and became event director for ORDA in 1996. While working with nearly every sport imaginable, Goff was cited by the USSA for his great partnership that resulted in strong USSA events in Lake Placid and, especially, opportunities for U.S. athletes at the Olympic venues in Lake Placid.
Bud and Mary Little Award – Jim Roberts (Vail, Colo.)
Presented in recognition of service to the International Ski Federation or U.S. Olympic Committee
Jim Roberts, longtime mountain manager at Vail and Beaver Creek, was named the recipient of the USSA’s Bud and Mary Little Award for his decades of work to provide alpine ski racers with best in the world courses. Roberts has been a fixture at World Championships at Vail/Beaver Creek including the resort’s annual Audi Birds of Prey World Cup. The award is presented annually to an individual who has contributed significantly to the USSA skiing or snowboarding interests through a long-term involvement in the FIS or Olympic sports communities. The award is named in honor of longtime USSA and FIS leader Amos “Bud” Little, who was instrumental in helping elevate the position of ski racing in America during his service on the FIS Council.
Buddy Werner Award – Sarah Schleper (Vail, Colo.)
Presented to an outstanding USSA athlete who demonstrated leadership and good sportsmanship.
The U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s Sarah Schleper was selected to receive the USSA’s Buddy Werner Award. The honor is given annually to an outstanding USSA competitor who demonstrated leadership and good sportsmanship in national or international competition. Over the course of her 15 years with the U.S. Ski Team, the 33-year-old Schleper has raced in four Olympics, five World Championships and amassed 186 World Cup starts. She’s also risen to become a prolific team leader. Schleper’s energy both in training and on race day is infectious, boosting the level of performance from her teammates and coaches. That influence was never so evident as it was in her final World Cup season as she helped teammates Mikaela Shiffrin and Resi Stiegler climb onto the first World Cup podiums. Almost magically, Shiffrin, who was born the year Schleper started her first World Cup race, landed a slalom third the day Schleper skied her final World Cup gates. Schleper is also an inspiration for active women worldwide as she successfully skied among the elite for three seasons while raising her young son Lasse, who turned four just after her World Cup retirement.
“She is truly one of a kind,” said Stiegler. “She is a brilliantly beautiful woman who has accomplished so much in her life. I am so happy to have been around to have her support, her inspiration and her energy.”
Russell Wilder Award – USA Snowboard Association (USASA)
Presented in recognition of contributes to youth
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association recognized USASA (United States of America Snowboard Association) with its Russell Wilder Award in recognition of USASA’s continued contribution to youth. USASA, which was founded in 1988, has over 5,000 snowboarding and now freeskiing members and produces over 350 events each year. Over 2,000 athletes took part in the USASA Nationals this year at Copper Mountain, CO. USSA and USASA work closely together, with USASA’s youth program providing strong pathway to the USSA’s elite programs.
J. Leland Sosman Award – Dr. Vernon Cooley (Park City, Utah)
Presented in recognition of service to the USSA’s Physician’s Pool
Longtime U.S. Ski Team physician Dr. Vernon Cooley was awarded the Dr. Leland ‘Doc’ Sosman Award for his extensive service to the Team over 15 years. Cooley is an integral member of the Team’s Medical Committee providing direction and guidance since the group’s inception. He serves personally as a team physician and also draws on his wide network of medical providers to help support U.S. athletes.
West Family Award – Bill Gaylord (Flagstaff, Ariz.)
Presented in recognition of service as a USSA official.
Longtime international ski official Bill Gaylord was honored as recipient of the USSA’s West Family Award in recognition of his long tenure of service to athletes. Like many volunteer officials, Gaylord’s tenure started in the ’70s while he was shuttling his children to ski races. His passion for working as an official grew and outlasted his children’s career. In 1989 he served in a key role with event timing at the FIS World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek. Today, he continues as one of the many volunteers who are on-site every year for the Audi Birds of Prey World Cup at Beaver Creek and countless other competitions. The West Family Award is presented annually in the name of donor of the Fraser and Teddy West family. Fraser West has been a longtime USSA supporter and official.
USSA COACHES OF THE YEAR
Adaptive Domestic Coach of the Year Award – Diane Barras (Sunday River, Maine)
Diane Barras, the head of Maine Adaptive based at Sunday River, was named the USSA’s Adaptive Domestic Coach of the Year. A multi-faceted leader, Barras serves as a program director for the highly successful Maine Adaptive program and also as a coach and guide for athletes like Lindsay Ball, who finished second in only her second World Cup competition this past season. Barras also led the largest team ever to the U.S. Paralympic Championships in Waterville Valley, N.H., and has been instrumental in the Diana Golden Race Series, named after the late athlete who was her sport’s first major international star.
Adaptive International Coach of the Year Award – Jonathan Mika (Aspen, Colo.)
The USSA has named U.S. Paralympic National Team Coach Jonathan Mika as its Adaptive International Coach of the Year, following a highly successful season on the World Cup. As adaptive coach of the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, Mika’s leadership helped eight of his athletes compete with the national team – dominating the NorAm circuit and picking up 14 World Cup podiums and six national titles.
Alpine Domestic Coach of the Year Award – Konrad Rickenbach (Squaw Valley, Calif.)
Konrad Rickenbach was named the USSA’s Alpine Domestic Coach of the Year. Rickenbach has consistently produced some of the most well rounded athletes in the West has had many athletes nominated to the U.S. Ski Team. He uses his coaching to promote positive attributes in all aspects of young racers lives. A former U.S. Ski Team coach now working with the Squaw Valley club program, He is an example of what a good coach is – a mentor, a teacher and a friend.
Alpine International Coach of the Year Award – Chip White (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.)
As a U.S. Alpine Ski Team coach for 15 seasons, women’s speed Head Coach Chip White’s dedication and passion creates an unprecedented environment for success. The 2012 season was no exception as he guided the women’s speed team to become best in the world by winning the nation’s standings for downhill by a blistering 636 point margin over Austria. Led by Vonn, who captured her fifth straight downhill title and fourth consecutive super G crown, five other women finished the season ranked in the downhill top 25 – double that of any other nation. Adding to the success, White’s tireless effort drove Stacey Cook to the best season of her career, Julia Mancuso to her best winter since 2007 and pushed Alice McKennis and Leanne Smith to personal best finishes.
Cross Country Domestic Coach of the Year Award – Rob Bradlee (Reading, Mass.)
Rob Bradlee, who coaches the Cambridge Sports Union, was named the USSA’s Cross Country Domestic Coach of the Year. Bradlee raced on the Harvard Ski Team, and has raced ever since, competing in U.S. Senior Nationals and National Masters competition where he has been a multiple silver medalist and national champion in the 10k skate in 2010. Rob’s coaching philosophy focuses on a mix of year-round fitness development and perfecting technique. He works with athletes on a partnership model where the coach supports the athlete in reaching his or her goals.
Cross Country International Coach of the Year Award – Matt Whitcomb (Park City, Utah)
U.S. Ski Team women’s cross country coach Matt Whitcomb was named USSA’s Cross Country International Coach of the Year after a stellar season by the U.S. team. Six athletes scored World Cup points including a World Cup sprint title from Kikkan Randall. It was one the strongest season in history with regular career bests amongst a team of athletes who capitalized on Randall’s success, generating team-wide momentum.
Freestyle Domestic Coach of the Year Award – Jere Crawford (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.)
Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation’s head coach Jere Crawford was named USSA’s Freestyle Domestic Coach of the Year. A former moguls skier himself, Crawford wears many hats now as a coach including chief of course with background in designing and building courses for World Cup, U.S. Championships, Marriott Junior Championships, pro events and countless USSA regional events. He’s coached thousands of freestyle athletes including U.S. Ski Team member Sho Kashima.
Freestyle International Coach of the Year Award – Garth Hagar (Red Salmon, Wash.)
U.S. Freestyle Ski Team Coach Garth Hagar has been named as the USSA’s Freestyle International Coach of the Year. Hagar is a former top-ranked athlete who continues to demonstrate improvement in his coaching each year. This past season he served as the lead coach for Hannah Kearney who had a record 16 win streak. Hagar was cited as a key component in the success of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team’s moguls squad.
Jumping/Nordic Combined Domestic Coach of the Year Award – Dan Bevington (Anchorage, Alaska)
A former ski jumper from the Midwest, Dan Bevington was recognized with the USSA Jumping/Nordic Combined Domestic Coach of the Year Award for his amazing work with the sport in Alaska. Bevington, who grew up jumping out of the Norge Ski Club in suburban Chicago, has brought a new spirit to Alaskan jump building the program to 30 jumpers and taking four athletes to the Marriott Junior Championships – the largest Alaskan contingent in recent years.
Jumping/Nordic Combined International Coach of the Year Award – Alan Alborn (Park City, Utah)/Paolo Bernardi (Predazzo, Italy)
Coaches Alan Alborn and Paolo Bernardi were honored with USSA’s Jumping/Nordic Combined International Coach of the Year Award. Working with the Park City Nordic and Women’s Ski Jumping U.S.A. programs, Alborn and Bernardi played a key role in the tremendous growth of the women’s program internationally. In the debut season of the FIS World Cup, U.S. women scored 15 podiums including Sarah Hendrickson’s nine wins to take the season title. Alborn provided a training base for the women on their home jump at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City while Bernardi, a noted international coach, worked with the athletes on the World Cup.
Snowboarding Domestic Coach of the Year Award – Ashley Berger (Steamboat Springs, Colo.)
Ashley Berger has been names the USSA’s Snowboarding Domestic Coach of the Year. In her second year as Head Coach for the SSWSC Snowboard Freestyle Program, Ashley Berger has quickly risen to the top ranks of coaching and is a fixture at the top of every pipe in the world. She sets high standards for her riders and they have responded with great results at every level of the sport. Her female crew swept the top three spots in the overall standings of the Revolution Tour and were all nominated for Junior World Championships spots. On the men’s side, she works with several members of the U.S. Rookie squad.
Snowboarding International Coach of the Year Award – Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.)
Olympian Tommy Czeschin has been named USSA’s Snowboarding International Coach of the Year. Czeschin, who coached U.S. Snowboarding’s Halfpipe Pro Team, played a key role in the success of team athletes including Kelly Clark, who ran a streak of 16 straight wins. New to the coaching ranks this season, his coaching expertise comes from years of competing at the most elite level including the experience of two Olympic Games.
USSA CLUBS OF THE YEAR
Adaptive Club of the Year – Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (Aspen, Colo.)
The Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club repeated as the USSA’s Adaptive Club of the Year. The program continues to maintain a strong partnership with U.S. Paralympics. This past year, under the leadership of Jonathan Mika, the club implemented a series of five introductory workshops that resulted in the recruiting of a dozen disabled veterans into the sport.
Alpine Club of the Year – Mt. Washington Valley Ski Team (New Hampshire)
The USSA has named the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Team as its Alpine Club of the Year. A small but influential club since 1982, the Mt. Washington program works with Attitash, Mt. Cranmore and Wildcat Mountain implementing a program that works close with the local public school systems to ensure strong educational programs for its J1 and J2 age category athletes. Under the direction of Dave Gilbert, he program recently expanded its programs to include younger J3 athletes.
Cross Country Club of the Year – Central Cross Country (Wisconsin)
Under the direction of Yuriy Gusev, the Central Cross Country (CXC) program has become a brand in itself and features activities for all ages a broad spectrum of skiers. Besides its very visible elite racing team, CXC has extensive youth, junior development, masters and adaptive programs. This past season, CXC veteran Jessie Diggins had a breakout year on the World Cup. While based in the midwest, the program is having dramatic impact on the sport nationwide.
Freestyle Club of the Year – FLY Freestyle (Park City, Utah)
FLY Freestyle, based at Utah Olympic Park in Park City, has been named the 2012 USSA Club of the Year as well as Freestyle Club of the Year. Founded in 2001, FLY Freestyle has consistently grown from year to year and continues to place their club athletes on the national team. Under the leadership of Sharlee Holland, Andre Dumas and Tony Bushi, this past year the program recruited dozens of new athletes into aerials and worked with the U.S. Ski Team to establish itself as a major developmental center for the sport. FLY Freestyle is not only making a difference in its own Olympic community, but is dramatically impacting the sport of freestyle aerials nationally. FLY athletes achieved gold and bronze at the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championship, as well as a medal at the Marriott Junior Championships.
Jumping/Nordic Combined Club of the Year – Norge Ski Club (Fox River Grove, Ill.)
One of the oldest USSA clubs in the nation, the Norge Ski Cub of suburban Chicago was named USSA Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Club of the Year. Founded in 1905, the Norge Ski Club is experiencing a renaissance and this past fall successfully hosted the U.S. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Championships, along with the 24 Hours of Ski Jumping – a fundraiser for sport development.
Snowboarding Club of the Year – Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, Colo.
Perennially one of the top clubs in the country, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) was selected as the USSA’s Snowboarding Club of the Year. Always a strong snowboarding program, this season SSWSC landed 45 World Cup starts and 5 top 10’s as well as two Silver Medals from the Youth Olympic Games
USSA ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Adaptive
Tyler Walker (Franconia, N.H.)
U.S. Adaptive alpine athlete, Tyler Walker was selected as the USSA’s Adaptive Athlete of the Year. Tyler is a two-time U.S. Paralympian in alpine skiing and currently holds the title of 2012 downhill, super G and slalom U.S. Paralympics Alpine National Champion. He has four World Cup podium finishes one of which was a win and is currently second in the World Cup speed standings.
Alpine
Lindsey Vonn (Vail, Colo.)
The U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s Lindsey Vonn was named the USSA’s Alpine Athlete of the Year. Her record smashing season included an American record 12 World Cup races en route to a fourth Audi FIS Alpine World Cup overall title, a fifth straight downhill globe and fourth consecutive super G crown and third straight super combined title. Among those victories are two giant slalom wins – the first opened the season in Soelden, Austria and the second clinched the overall title on March 9th, a staggering five races before the end of the season. In addition to her four titles last winter, Vonn also reset the women’s single season World Cup points record to 1,980, a full 578 points over her nearest 2012 competitor.
Cross Country
Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, Alaska)
The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team’s Kikkan Randallwas named the USSA’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year. Randall skied to another historic season, winning the FIS World Cup sprint title and finishing fifth overall – both U.S. women’s records. Randall, who also raised her record U.S. championships total to 17, helped bring the performance of the entire U.S. Women’s Cross Country Ski Team to a record level with six athletes scoring points. She remained active, too, as an advocate for young girls through Fast and Female and served as a representative to the FIS Athletes Council.
Freeskiing
Tom Wallisch (Pittsburg, Penn.)
Tom Wallisch was named the USSA’s Freeskiing Athlete of the Year after his dominating slopestyle season. Wallisch proved his dominance when he took gold at the Winter X Games in Aspen, CO, silver at the Euro X Games and walked away with the overall Dew Tour Cup. Wallisch also lends his time to support MS research events where he recently walked three miles in his ski boots to raise awareness.
Freestyle
Hannah Kearney (Norwich, Vt.)
Hannah Kearney was honored as USSA Freestyle Athlete of the Year for a dominating season that saw her stretch a record string of 16 World Cup wins en route to both the moguls and overall titles. Kearney, who is balancing studies at Dartmouth College, picked up 11 World Cup wins to bring her career total to 30 and maintain her position as the dominant skier in her sport.
Nordic Combined
Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, Colo.)
Bryan Fletcher was been named USSA’s Nordic Combined Athlete of the Year for the second straight season. After a strong year getting his feet wet on the World Cup a year ago, Fletcher, who survived cancer as a child, made a name for himself this past season as he slowly and steadily moved up through the ranks. In the season finale – the prestigious King’s Cup at Holmenkollen in Oslo – he jumped strong and skied a strategic cross country race to hold off a hard-charging pack for his first World Cup victory.
Ski Jumping
Sarah Hendrickson (Park City, Utah)
The USSA’s Ski Jumping Athlete of the Year, Sarah Hendrickson made history in December, winning the inaugural FIS World Cup ski jumping meet for women on the Olympic jump in Lillehammer, Norway. Three months later, she won the season finale at Holmenkollen in Oslo, winning the crystal globe as World Cup champion as she took nine victories in 13 events. Her unprecedented success boosted the U.S. women to the Nations Cup title in the first year of the World Cup.
Snowboarding
Kelly Clark (West Dover, Vt.)
Kelly Clarkwas selected as USSA Snowboarding Athlete of the Year. Three time Olympian Clark and arguably the best female snowboarder of all time has been awarded the USSA athlete of the year award. With a near perfect season that included an unprecedented sixteen event winning streak, double X Games gold medals at Aspen and Tignes, TTR women’s halfpipe World Champion, two Dew Tour golds and the Dew Tour Overall Cup. The two time Olympic medalist credits her success to always “sticking to her plan” and continually achieving her own personal goals for herself. Regardless of what the competition is doing Clark pushes snowboarding in the direction she wants it to go.