Skier's Social Calendar

Fall dryland has already started for a lot of people, but it's still too early to get too caught up in Winter's hyperfocused whirlwinds. Make time to socialize with other members of our community this Fall:

WARNER NICKERSON CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC - Alright, Warner isn't a charity exactly, but in the last few years his tournament has morphed from a purely personal fundraiser to a pretty legitimate charitable endeavor. This year, the money that he raises will be split 3 ways. To quote the registration form:

"This tournament is a fundraiser where the proceeds are distributed to three separate entities. 1/3 will help offset the costs of travel, training, racing, and housing for Warner during the prep period leading up to the World Cup season. Warner is ranked 31st in the world in Giant Slalom, but is not a member or funded by the United States Ski Team because of age discrimination. 1/3 will go toward development of World Class athletes in grants. 1/3 will go to a non-profit of our choosing where the funds can make a dramatic impact. We have not decided on the final non-profit so if you have an idea please feel free to make a recommendation."

Warner always calls it like it is, and the tournament is always a good time. Go to his website for registration forms and more information on playing in, or sponsoring, the tournament.


SKI BALLS - Ball. As in "gala" or, according to Thesaurus.com "hoodang." I actually think that's worse. Ball jokes aside, the USSA ski balls (ugh) are a good time, if you can get in. I say that not because USSA is particularly picky about who attends, but because the cost of entry is ridiculously high. But, if I recall correctly, it's usually an open bar and there are lots of fun and interesting people there. It's a good opportunity to network with program directors and private equity people alike. And it's a good opportunity to crop dust the management. In my case, last year was a good opportunity to be eyed suspiciously by people from the national office that I sort of know. I hope to have the opportunity to repair relations this year, but I also hope to keep my $500.


COACHES' CLINICS AND REF UPDATES - Ref updates are everywhere, and you should attend. If you attend a race as a coach and don't possess a referee's certification, then shame on you. Instead of a 100 question test in order to get a license, maybe coaches should just have to get their ref certification. You can't set courses anymore unless you are also a referee, so if you're not a ref, then you relinquish all rights to complaining about course sets. Of course, you'll pay extra for the great privilege of officiating, but at the end of the day, we're all in this together and it's your turn. Check your region's website for information. The coaches' clinics can be of dubious value, but you'll never know unless you show up. You might learn something new, or you might sit around arguing about the qualification system for J4 Intergalactics U14 States. Either way, you can't win if you don't show up. There may be one in conjunction with your local ski ball, and it's more than likely that someone in your region is putting something together too: Rocky Mountain go here, Western Region here, and Eastern Region here. Sign up!

Now then, back to the weight room.

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