BC Alpine announced four returning ski racers – and two new additions – to the BC Training Group, a major stepping stone towards BC Ski Team selection.
“It’s always exciting when we arrive at the beginning of a new season. The addition of new athletes & staff to our team adds another level to that excitement. They will all bring things to the table that will continue to build this team up and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Morgan Pridy, Head Coach
The teams will work together throughout the prep season, starting with a month training together in Fernie (beginning June 11, 2024), and then completing in two on-snow camps in South America during August and October.
Dillon Prophet and Eric Schwenk, both BC Alpine club coaches last season, have joined BCST head coach Morgan Pridy to create a formidable coaching trio.
“I am also super pumped on the new coaches moving up to the BC Team through our BC coaches development pathway,” Crichton said. “Both Dillion and Eric have a ton of positive energy and will be highly effective coaches regardless of who they work with.”
Sascha Gilbert qualifies for Alpine Canada D team
Earlier this week Alpine Canada announced a national development team. Sascha Gilbert, a two year member of the BC Ski Team (Whistler Mountain Ski Club) will join an elite national program to continue his development.
“Congratulations to the athletes who have been nominated to the team. They have all put in significant effort on and off the snow to achieve this nomination,” said men’s alpine head coach John Kucera. “I am very excited for the introduction of the CAST D Team and look forward to all of our staff working to support the athletes on their journey to the podium.”
Dylan Timm lands scholarship at NCAA school
Last season’s BC Ski Team leader Dylan Timm, of Fernie, signed a “full ride” scholarship with the University of Alaska Anchorage Sea Wolves, starting in September. The BCST veteran now continues his ski racing journey with the Sea Wolves. Congratulations and well deserved Dylan!
“We’re really excited about Dylan, we’ve watched him climb the ranks over the last couple of years and what impresses us the most is his consistency and composure,” said Alaska head coach Sparky Anderson. “He’s got all the right tools and has another top gear to grap, he’s a race horse and we’re super happy he’s found a home in our stable.”
BC Ski Team (returning)
Alexa Brownlie (2005) Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
Jasmine Coubrough (2006) Vernon Ski Club / OST (Salmon Arm)
Dylan Stevens (2004) Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club (North Vancouver)
Oliver Young (2004) Vernon Ski Club/Okanagan Ski Team (Coldstream)
Alexa Brownlie
Jasmine Coubrough
Dylan Stevens
Oliver Young
BCST Training Group
Hannah Jensen, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
Thea Torn, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
Hannah Jensen
Thea Torn
BCSTCoaches:
Morgan Pridy, Head Coach
Eric Schwenk, Assistant Coach
Dillon Prophet, Assistant Coach
Dillon Prophet
Erik Schwenk
Morgan Pridy
“This time of year is all about building trust and connection between coach and athletes,” said Crichton. “Find the limits and work together to extend them. It’s all about communication and support through physical challenges to prep the team for the long, arduous season. We have a great crew of coaches and athletes who are fully dedicated to becoming champions!”
Three members of last year’s BCST Training Group – Mila Plavsic, Erin Husken and Shayna Little – will not be with the group this season.
Stay tuned for updates on the BCST Training Group’s progress and upcoming events on social media.
Photo credit (top & middle photos): Derek Trussler. Bottom photo by Roger Carry.
We are pleased to announce our plans to again host the BC Alpine Member Summit, Coach Meetings and Annual General Meeting at the beautiful Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Center, Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Please save these dates! Everyone is welcome and it’s free to attend (not including transportation and accommodation).
Stay tuned for lots more information, agenda details and sign-up instructions, etc. in the next couple of months.
We look forward to seeing you in the fall, have a great summer 🙂
It is that time of year – award season! This is a great opportunity for us all to recognize the extraordinary talent and work ethic of the ski racers across the province. See below for detail on the Athlete Award categories for 2024.
1. Dave Murray Bursary
Award: $750.00 (two bursaries)
Criteria: Awarded to two BC athletes based on the following:
Financial need.
Athletic ability / Sportsmanship / Leadership.
Recommendation to BC Alpine by coach or other club representative.
Priority given to U19 level athletes.
About the Award: Founded in 1987 by friends of Dave Murray after a fundraiser
*Awarded to one athlete OR $250 each to one male and one female athlete
Criteria
U16 level athletes only
Financial need
Potential to rise to the top of ski racing in Canada
Recommendation to BC Alpine by coach or other club representative
About the Award: The Ski Canada Bursary is available for not-for-profit ski organizations and groups across Canada.
Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/. Selection BC Alpine awards committee makes final selection for this award
4. Cary Mullen Award
Criteria: This athlete has displayed the most sportsmanlike conduct
There are so many volunteers, partners and supporters who are the true “engine” of ski racing in B.C. Now it is time to recognize some of the events, clubs, resorts and volunteers who went above and beyond in the 2023-24 ski season.
1. Club Development of the Year
Criteria: This BC Alpine ski club has illustrated growth and significant improvement or leadership during the current season
Selection: BC Alpine Awards Committee makes the final selection for this award
5. Moira Jaatteenmaki Officials’ Award
Criteria:
A continued dedication to the Officials’ program and the sport of ski racing by serving as a committed BC Alpine Official over a period of several seasons
As a result of his or her contributions, this Official has helped ski racing continue at the highest level in the province, offering participating athletes the best opportunities for advancement in their pursuit of excellence in the sport.
Selection: BC Alpine awards committee makes the final selection for this award.
7. Coach Awards
We know there are many outstanding and dedicated coaches who keep the clubs going and the athletes fit and motivated. We will be recognizing them too! A committee of Program Directors and Coaches, along with BC Alpine, will honour coaches in the following categories:
Once again the Red Mountain Racers and RED Mountain Resort teamed up to produce a spectacular series of ski races, first with the 2024 Teck Canadian Championships, followed by the BC Cup Spring Series. There was tremendous excitement about hosting the national championships at RED as teams started to arrive for training March 16th, with over 200 athletes in attendance.
The theme for these events was the History of Ski Racing. A very fitting theme, as RED celebrated the 56th anniversary of the first World Cup race ever held in North America (held here in Rossland in 1968 and attended by 7,000 people). That first North American World Cup was won by our own Nancy Greene and France’s Jean Claude Killy.
The opening ceremonies for the national championships featured an athlete and sponsor parade culminating in Rossland’s historic downtown. Opening remarks were delivered by Andy Morel, Mayor of Rossland, Thompson Hickey, Teck, Mike McDowell, Red Mountain Racers, and by Alpine Canada.
Rossland and Red Mountain have a very proud history of ski racing dating back to the first Canadian Championships (then called the Dominion Championships) held 126 years ago here. Historic banners lined Rossland streets and the base lodge at RED throughout the event. In addition, the Rossland Museum launched their new digital display “Gold Mining to Gold Medals: A Century of Ski Racing in Rossland”
Volunteers worked tirelessly over the course of 8 days of competition in order to provide the best track possible for these two back to back events. Mother Nature supplied some challenging weather with daytime highs of up to 17 degrees for two of the 8 days. The salt and watering program, led by Johnny Crichton, was successful and spectators were rewarded with some incredible racing.
For those fortunate enough to line the race course watching national team racers such as Cassidy Gray and Sarah Bennett in action was a real thrill. With the nationals being held here in the Kootenay’s there was additional excitement in the air when Jamie Casselman claimed the title of 2024 GS national champion. For athletes and spectators of all ages watching this field of incredibly talented competitors, some of the best in the world, was nothing short of inspiring. A week for us all to remember.
The Red Mountain Racers ROC would like to congratulate each of the athletes on their success and wish everyone the very best as they round out their season!
