Coaches Contact info
Assistant Coach- Andre Bolduc
Volunteer- Mike Mashtare
Volunteer- Perry Bland
Ski team info- http:/bfanordicskiing.blogsport.com
Expectations
It is expected all members of the team attend practice each day, and that all team members communicate conflicts and concerns. Each member of the team is expected to act in a respectful manner always. If an individual is not racing, they are expected to attend the meet.
Coaching Philosophy
We want to foster a culture of outdoor activity. Nordic skiing at BFA is a team sport. We consider each member an integral part of the team no matter what their ability level is. The personality and character of everyone individually, working together toward common goals is what makes our program special. Therefore, we believe our expectations are important. We believe in making the sport fun but at the same time we work very hard. At the end of the season, we want each member of the team to feel as if they have accomplished something through the work they have put in. It is our hope that each member of the team can end their career of high school skiing with values, memories and a love for the sport that will last a lifetime. While expectations are high for all involved; entry level skiers will be given the chance to excel at a pace they can handle. Returning skiers and excelling new skiers will be challenged.
Practice
Athletes will generally change in the locker room each day after school. We have a room for equipment and for storage during practice. The plan for practice will be posted on the blog daily and should be checked frequently for changes. A bus schedule will be planned for on snow training and shared on the Blog. We may have special events we plan, such as a night ski or special training bus that will deviate from the routine schedule. Generally we will start practice at 3:00 and end training at 4:30. This does not include the trip back to school, changing or storage of gear which could vary day to day depending on the training site. Wax days can often be later and sometimes earlier depending on bench availability. This generally takes place at Coach Magnan's shop at 13 Hudson Street.
The practice schedule for skiing is generally more confusing than other sports because we are always working around the weather. We do our best to keep things running as smooth as possible, but you can expect some changes to both our practice and race schedule. We will practice in all but the most severe temperatures, so athletes need to be prepared. Coaches have experience in these conditions and take precautions such as keeping a warm vehicle on site or having access to a building. We train in the most wind sheltered areas during extreme weather, keeping kids in groups, and often shortening workouts as just examples. We always carry a medical kit during practice. It is expected athletes dress accordingly, if they are not an effort will be made to assist them, but they may be told if clothing is inappropriate that they should work out at school or not participate for that day’s practice. In all circumstance’s athletes, must communicate with a coach if they are going to miss or be late to practice. Athletes should refrain from putting this responsibility on other teammates, and only in emergencies will these messages be considered valid.
Sites:
School-Used mainly for pre-season when there is no snow. School is also used for changing and storing ski's
Hard'ack- Athletes with there own vehicles may travel to practices scheduled here. We can and will likely provide a bus if needed going to and from Hard'ack.
Docs- Located on the Fairfield side of St. Albans hill on Button road, docs is privately owned and receives far more snow than Hard'ack and therefore can be used often. Road/Travel conditions on the hill can be dangerous; Athletes are not allowed to drive their own cars unless it is for an approved reason. We will have a bus going to and from this site.
Shop-Coach Magnan's Shop is located on 13 Hudson street and is the location of all the rental gear and wax supplies and serves as the primary location on wax days.
Ski areas- In the event we do not have local snow, we will schedule some training buses as needed through the season, generally not more than one a week, while school is in session.
Student schedule conflicts
It is expected that students attend practice and meets as scheduled; however, it is recognized that conflicts in scheduling do occur (I.E.: other extra-curricular activities, religious holiday observances and personal issues such as family vacations). When conflicts do occur, athletes are responsible for communicating with the coach, it is up to the coach, to excuse or not to excuse these absences. In most cases, we would like to see missed workouts made up in some capacity taking a self-invested approach; taking care to have the alternate plan not interfere with the designed training schedule. Most excuses will be excused; however, missed practices for any reason will slow progress and, in many cases lead to athletes losing interest in the sport. It is recommended before signing up for the team, athletes take a close look at their schedules and are comfortable that they will be able to manage their time.
Sporting event cancellations
School closings do not automatically mean sporting events will be cancelled. Student athletes will be contacted by the appropriate means as soon as possible in most cases.
Discipline
Minor infractions will be handled by the coaches. Generally, a warning will suffice for the first minor infraction. For more serious situations, Coaches are expected to bring the matter to the attention of the athletic director for further review and possible action.
Skiers will have the option to rent equipment from the St. Albans Nordic program. This program is to encourage participation and act as a steppingstone to their own equipment. A one season rental fee for a set-up of 2 sets of poles ($10.00 each), combi boots($50) and 2 sets of skis ($50 each) will be $170.00. Make checks payable to St. Albans Nordic. Rental money is due the first week of practice. It is suggested that all members of the team buy their own equipment at some point, with boots being the top priority. The closest supplier of Nordic race skis is the Skirack in Burlington. They give a team discount to all high school racers. We utilize Caldwell sport as a resource for top quality ski grinds, ski selection and high-end race stock for our advanced racers. Bootleggers has become a partner for some wax supplies and has grinding capacity to make older skis competitive again. Most equipment questions can be answered once we start training. Listed below is my equipment guideline. If you have questions, you may call Coach Magnan at 363-7707. Wax is supplied by the school.
Touring Equipment
Will not be competitive in races. Do not buy touring equipment for this team.
Minimum requirement for racing
Classic and skate poles
Classic and skate skis
*Combi Boots
* Used for both skating and classic skiing
We are very dedicated to retaining snow at Dickinsons. Mother nature helps with colder temps, a south wind break, and the hill catches squalls from the west.
We move snow with a tractor in the second meadow during any early season snow falls of 4" or more. New this year we have a snow fence set up on the south side in the first meadow to catch blowing snow and hope to connect that trail to the machine plowed loop.
Hand shovelers are almost always welcome to work the third meadow to connect into the woods loops. Generally we can sustain warm ups up to 3 days once we establish the trails.
Athletes should consult with a coach when managing illness. Below are general guidelines.
- It is best athletes do not train with a fever and a sore throat, athletes should rest at this time and drink plenty of healthy fluids.
- Once these symptoms subside and congestion sets in, athletes should ease back into a training program as soon as possible. This does not mean intense workouts, maybe 15 minutes on a spin bike the first day and up from there on a day to day basis. Coming back in moderation is important.
- Attending a race with extended rest and no exposure to outside elements prior to the event is not advisable and may result in the athlete not racing in that event.
Roles For Parents
We are always working toward an outdoor culture. Preparation to engage with the elements and expectations, while forming an outdoor community is something you can assist with and be part of.
Athlete Support: The number one role parents have filled has been as a supporter at races and at home. In my experience your kids, do appreciate your attendance at races, and need help with making good choices, involving nutrition, rest, and clothing.
Nutrition basics- 3 balanced meals, a healthy snack to fuel up before practice, and a healthy snack to recover after practice. These are necessary to compete and practice well. Drinking fluid, mostly water throughout the day is also necessary.
Clothing Basics- Lots of somewhat athletic layers are better than thick heavy layers. Breathable material is better, cotton holds too much moisture but can work ok. A hat is necessary. Thin racing gloves are nice to have, as they fit in the pole straps well and your hands won’t overheat racing. Lobster gloves give you warmth and mobility and are highly recommended. Big heavy mittens are nice on super cold days, but are generally too bulky to ski comfortably in. However, they are always nice to cheer in and have handy. Extra dry socks should be kept in your bag as well. We have spandex race suits that we race in, athletes should were some under layers in all but the warmest conditions.
Race volunteer: We are hosting two races this season. These cannot be run by just coaches. The program relies on parents to help us out. The jobs that need to be done at these races are scorers to take bib numbers, timers to record times, bib collectors and in some cases on course volunteers. We generally need 3 to 10 race volunteers depending on the format and size.
Food tents: Often parents get together to provide meals for the kids at races. More often for just the large full day races like the state meet. These meals are greatly appreciated by the coaching staff and the athletes, and really add a feeling of community to the day, keeps athletes well fueled and their focus on racing well.
A brief outline of skiing opportunities available to all athletes
Junior Olympics- The top few Junior athletes in New England can make the New England Jo team, to qualifiy you must attend a series of Eastern cup races and ski fast enough to make the team. If it is your goal to ski in college it is recommended you attend at least one of these races. Please go to the New England Nordic Ski Association web site for full details. JO's are extremely hard to make, no BFA ski has made this team in recent memory. A few chose to race in Eastern cup events
U16/Easterns- We have several athletes attend a qualifier for two New England carnivals each year. The qualifier serves as good elite racing experience prior to the state meet. Making either team can be a good goal for many on the team. U16 skiers that qualify tend to go onto be the best skiers in the state as upper class-men and reap the benefit of getting to know and make friends with other top competitors from around the state. Easterns is for all high school athletes and is a great goal for those serious about the sport. There is no provided transportation from St. Albans, so arrangements need to be made by athletes and parents.
Nensa Club series- Our local club NWVE follows this series and the club has won the New England Club series Championship multiple times. BFA athletes that join Nensa can attend these races and score points for the team. It is a good opportunity for post season and post high school racing!
