I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all the parents who came and helped at Spirit Mt on Thursday.  Your willingness to work the race made a good impression with the race organizer and others from the northern conference.  In fact, the Hibbing coach would like us to race in the Hibbing Invitational next year when we are at Giants Ridge over winter break again.   Our athletes also had a very good day on the hill.  The Southwest girls took first place and the Washburn boys took third.  Last week I told you that the coaches had seen a lot of breakthroughs in practice.   Those breakthroughs were on display at both the Cloquet Invitational on Thursday and the JV race on Friday.  Keep up the hard work.  And THANK YOU to all the athletes who got up very early to race that day and to all the coaches who supported you.  THANK YOU.
 
We also had fantastic early morning training sessions on both Friday and Saturday.  Athletes had to contend with warm temps, soft snow and ruts on Friday and then rock-hard snow on Saturday.  A nice contrast.   Lift lines were short, so everyone made a lot of runs.  We have two Saturday morning training sessions remaining. If you are not going to Wild Mt for Supplemental Training on February 3, you should be at morning training at Hyland.  And I want EVERYONE to attend on February 10 since there will not be any supplemental training that day. We do not get a lot of opportunities to train in daylight. Take advantage of it.  Plus, these morning sessions are really fun.    If you don’t believe me, ask Blaise Noble-Schueller.  He has some very profound thoughts about Saturday morning training.
 
I.  Race Vs Hastings, Rochester and Northfield: Thursday, February 1
Our last DUAL MEET of the year is Thursday at Welch Village.  Here are the details.
 

• 2:00PM:  Early release for Washburn and SW students to meet the buses at SW and/or Washburn.  For everyone else, a 1:45PM early release to give you time to get to SW or Washburn to meet the bus.
• 2:15PM:  Departure for Welch Village
• 3:30PM:  Warm Ups.
• 4:15PM:  Course Inspection
• 5:00PM:  First Run Starts

I am not certain how long the race will take, but if I had to guess, I would think the second run would start at 6PM and we would be departing Welch at 7:30 with an 8:30PM arrival at WASHBURN for both buses.
 
Supper Plans: I believe we have a plan in the works to provide some nourishment to athletes on Thursday during the race.  Details to come.
 
A list of athletes who have stated their race intentions for Thursday, Feb 1 was emailed.  Please look it over to see if the information is accurate.  If you are not on this list, please state your intentions TODAY.  State Your Welch Race Intentions HERE
 
Parents: we could use race workers.  If you are available to help work the race, please send me an email.  And feel free to indicate your job preference(s).  I will plug you in when the Chief of Race lets me know what he needs from us.   I’m certain we will need gate judges, but also course workers, bib collectors, and scoreboard recorders.  markrobertconway58@gmail.com
 
Athletes: talk with your teachers on Monday. Ask for Thursday’s homework in advance.  Do Thursday’s homework in advance.  You will not have much time on Thursday for homework since we are getting back late that evening. So, use your time well on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to get it done. You will race better on Thursday if you do not have homework hanging over your head that evening.
 
II. Hyland JV Race: Friday, February 2
MAST will support athletes who want to race in the JV race at Hyland on Friday, February 2. 
State Your Intentions Here: February 2 JV RACE Intentions
3:45PM:  Inspection Opens
4:30PM:  Race Start Time
ATHLETES: Please stay after the race to slip in the courses and help with tear down.
 
Early release: This week, I will request a 2:45PM early release for athletes who are pre-registered for the February 2 JV race.  Given that you are running the same course twice in the JV races, you don’t need as much time for inspection as you do for dual meet races.
 
III. February 3 Wild Mountain Supplemental Training
The last Supplemental Training session of the year will be held on Saturday.  Sign up is now available at Sport Illustrated Play.   If you have an account credit, it will show up at check out.  Everyone who signed up for the Jan 27 Supplemental Training session at Welch has been issued an account credit.  Feb 3 Wild Supplemental Training Sign UP
 
IV.Section IV Championships
The Section IV Championships will be held on Wednesday, February 7 at Wild Mountain. This is a day-long event. We will depart early in the morning by bus from Washburn.  The coaches will announce the Section IV Championships squads Thursday night after the race at Welch. Once again, we have some tough decisions to make.  Each school can only enter six boys and six girls at Wild. Many of our seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth seed skiers are good enough to ski in the third, fourth and fifth seeds for most other schools. So, I want to thank everyone for working hard in practice and pushing each other to improve.  If you make the team, you are better because you had someone pushing you all season long.  If you don’t make the team, I know it will sting, but please know that you are an integral part of that section team even though your name will not be on the run order.  Without you, that team would not be as good as it is today.  
 
V. Week 12 Schedule
Monday, January 29
            6:30PM                        (Varsity/JV) Directed Free Skiing South Chair
            7:15-8:45PM               Gate Training Lanes 7 and 8 (Wear Rope Tow Gloves)
 
Tuesday, January 30
            5:00-7:15PM               Session I (Varsity): Gate Training Lane A 
            6:30PM                        Session II (JV): Directed Free Skiing South Chair
            7:15-8:45PM               Gate Training Lanes A
 
Wednesday, January 24         NO PRACTICE
…tune your skis, get your homework done, go to bed early, tell your folks how much you love them for supporting your ski racing adventures...
 
Thursday, February 1             Race at Welch VS Hastings, Rochester, Northfield
 
Friday, February 2
            3:45PM                        Hyland JV RACE: Inspection Opens
            4:30PM                        First Run Starts
            5-7:15PM                    Gate Training Lanes 4, 7 and 8 (wear rope tow gloves)
 
Saturday, February 3
            7:45AM-10:30AM       Gate Training Lanes A, B, and C
            2:45PM-10:30PM        Supplemental Training at Wild Mt
 
It sure is fun for all of us coaches to watch you train and race.  We are really proud of you for your strong work ethic, positive attitudes, and graciousness.   And there is nothing that makes my heart leap with joy than the sight of you in the FLYING REVERSE V at the end of practice. You are good stewards of the hill. Keep all of those good things going.  And thank you.
 
Mark
612-275-8392

We are already in Week 11 of our season.  Week 10 was a breakthrough week for many of our athletes.  The hard work is paying dividends now.  Athletes are starting to bring the strong technical skills they possess in their free skiing into the race course.  They are utilizing better tactics. They are becoming accustomed to the higher speeds that good technique and tactics create for a racer.   
 
I. Announcing a TEAM GOAL for WEEK 11
While everyone is working on their personal technical and tactical goals in week eleven, I want everyone to also focus on one TEAM goal this week: proper pole usage.  I challenge all of you to MASTER the pole plant THIS WEEK.  A quick review …
 
The coaching staff has been drilling all of you to master the six fundamentals of ski racing technique.  These six fundamental skills form a pyramid that lead to FAST SKI RACING.  If a racer fails to develop one of these skills, improved racing performance is markedly hindered.   What are the six fundamentals?  Hopefully you have this memorized, but here they are:

1. Stance and Balance (to stay balanced over the front and center of your skis at all times)
2. Early Lower Leg Engagement (to create high edge angles)
3. Outside Ski to Outside Ski (to pressure the outside ski through outside leg extension)
4. Upper Body Discipline (to keep the upper torso balanced and properly positioned over the outside ski in all phases of the turn)
5. Ski Snow Contact (to maintain snow contact with both skis in all phases of the turn)
6. Pole Usage (proper placement and execution of the pole plant)

Last week and continuing into this week, we will continue to emphasize the 6th fundamental in our directed free skiing warm up: Pole Usage.
I would like you to watch the video linked below of Marcel Hirscher at age 14.  He is now the best male skier on the World Cup.  At age 14, he possessed all six fundamentals of the pyramid and they are all on display in this video. The video includes both slalom and gs runs at The Topolino games in Italy.  Watch and study his skiing in both disciplines.  Utilize the like “gear box icon” in the lower right corner to run the video in slow-motion. Topolino is considered the Childrens’ World Championships.   In particular, examine Marcel’s pole plant.  Notice his hand/arm position: 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock; chest high; disciplined to help maintain balance; hands forward and outside elbows; elbows forward and outside shoulders.  Notice the direction of his pole plant (down the fall line).  Notice the timing of the pole plant (immediately following the gate clearing motion).   I want you to have Marcel’s image firmly planted in your brain this week.  Once you do, then begin to visualize yourself skiing the same way.   It works.  Try it.  You can use this video to help you master any of the other fundamentals that might be your personal focus this week.
 
Marcel Hirscher at 14 Years Old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpR0VyCarmQ&feature=em-subs_digest-vrecs
 
II.Cloquet Invitational Update—PLEASE READ AND ACT IF YOU/YOUR ATHLETE IS ATTENDING
Attached is a list of MAST Athletes attending the Cloquet Invitational on Thursday, Jan 25th. 
If your name is NOT on this list and you would like to attend, email me today:
markrobertconway58@gmail.com
 
Thursday’s Schedule
6AM                            Bus Departs Washburn HS
8:30AM                       Lifts Open
9:15AM                       Inspection Opens
10AM                          1st Run Starts
12:15PM                      2nd Run Inspection Opens
1:15PM                        2nd Run Starts
3PM?                           Awards in the Chalet (ASAP after the race)
6PM?                           Bus returns to Washburn?
 
Spirit Mountain Waiver
Attached is a Waiver that Spirit Mtn requires all parents to sign for children under age 18.  Please print and sign this waiver for your athlete and turn it into me at practice this week.   Athletes: if you are 18 years of age, you need to complete and sign the waiver.
 
Meals
Bring your own lunch or money for lunch.  We will NOT stop for breakfast or dinner.  So… eat breakfast before arriving to meet the bus or bring a breakfast on the bus.  I suggest that you bring a couple of lunches or enough money to stayed properly nourished all day.   I was at Spirit a few weeks ago and their menu selection is not as robust as it used to be, so I suggest bringing your own food as much as possible.

Parents-- Race Workers Needed
I am really excited for the opportunity to race in this meet.  The northern schools race in invitationals on Thursdays during the winter. Each school appears to sponsor its own invitational, just like the NCAA ski teams do with their winter carnival circuit.  It is nice to get invited to participate and it especially works great for us since our athletes are out of school.  If the race goes well, I would like to earn another invitation for MAST to join one of these invites in the future. If we can provide a supply of race workers for this race on Thursday, there is a good chance we will get invited back next year.  
So... PARENTS: If there is anyway you can join us on Thursday and offer your help on the hill, I would be most grateful.  I know they need course workers and gate judges.  If you have not been trained as a gate judge, please know that this is something I can teach you the day of the race.  I can also send you educational materials in advance.  There may be other roles to fill but for now I know the race is in desperate need of gate judges and course workers.  A FREE Spirit Mountain lift ticket is your reward.   You can either drive yourself, car pool with other kind-hearted parents, or ride the bus.   
IF YOU CAN WORK THE RACE, PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL: markrobertconway58@gmail.com
 
III.Hyland JV Race: Friday, January 26
MAST will support JV athletes who want to race in the JV race at Hyland on Friday, January 26. 
State Your Intentions Here: Jan 26 JV RACE Intentions
3:45PM: Inspection Opens
4:30PM: Race Start Time
Please stay after the race to slip in the courses and help with tear down.
 
IV. Welch Race vs Hastings, Northfield, and Rochester: Thursday, February 1
Our last DUAL MEET of the season is scheduled for Thursday, February 1 at Welch Village.  This race is open to ALL MAST athletes.  It will require an early release from school on the 1st.
Transportation:  If we have enough athletes to warrant two buses, one bus will depart from SW and the other from Washburn.  I will request a 2PM early release for SW and Washburn students to meet the bus at 2:15 and a 1:45PM early release for South and Roosevelt students who will need to car pool to meet the bus at Washburn.
 
State Your Welch Race Intentions HERE
Many of you have already stated your intentions to race at Welch.  If you have not stated your intentions, please do so by Wednesday, January 24th.  I need to know YOUR intentions so that I have time to create run orders and plan transportation and the other race day logistics.
 
Tentative Schedule:
2:15PM            Load Buses at SW and Washburn
3:30PM            Arrival
3:45PM            Warm Ups
4:15PM            Inspection Opens
5PM                 First Run Starts
 
Meals
Bring your own sack supper (recommended) or money to purchase a light supper.  There will not be a lot of time to eat a meal which is why I recommend bringing a couple of sandwiches—you can eat them on the fly.
 
V. Week 11 Schedule
Monday, January 22
            5:00-7:15PM               Session I: Gate Training Lane 8 (Wear Rope Tow Gloves)
            6:30PM                        Session II: Directed Free Skiing South Chair
            7:15-8:45PM               Gate Training Lanes 7 and 8 (Wear Rope Tow Gloves)
Tuesday, January 23
            6:30PM                        Directed Free Skiing South Chair
            7:15-8:45PM               Gate Training Lanes 7 and 8 (Wear Rope Tow Gloves)
Wednesday, January 24
            *5:00-6:30PM             Gate Training Lane 1 FOR Cloquet Invite Athletes Only
            6:30PM-8:45PM          Gate Training Lanes 1 
*If you are skiing at Spirit on Thursday, you may attend the 5PM training session until 6:30 at which point you need to head home, tune your skis, pack your lunch and go to bed.
Thursday, January 25
            6AM-6PM                    Cloquet Invitational at Spirit Mountain
            9:15AM-Noon             Gate Training Lanes A and B 
Friday, January 26
            9:15AM-Noon             Gate Training Lanes 1, 2 and 3
            3:45PM                        Hyland JV RACE
Saturday, January 27
            7:45AM-10:30AM       Gate Training Lanes 4, 5, and 6
 
That’s all folks…. Keep working hard everyone.  You are getting better every week.
Mark
612-275-8392

Next week is finals week.   Your first priority is to study hard and finish the semester with top grades.
 
For this reason, I did not schedule any races next week while school is in session.  On the calendar, you may have seen a race scheduled for Afton next Thursday when you are out of school.  The AFTON race is cancelled.   That is the bad news.  Here is the good news.
 
MAST has been invited to send athletes to the Cloquet Invitational at Spirit Mtn on Thursday, January 25.  YOU ARE NOT IN SCHOOL. We cannot take the entire team, but we can send varsity squads of boys and girls from Southwest and Washburn and MAST and possibly a small contingent of racers to race as JV entries.  I do not have all the details about the day, but I do know it will be an early start (6AM bus departure from Washburn) and a late afternoon return (not sure exactly when).  You will need to bring money to purchase meals for yourself on the way up and back.  MAST will not be providing any meals.  
 
If there is enough interest and if I can secure a coach bus for transportation, we may take a few extra skiers to enter as JV racers.    
 
Parents:  let me know if you would be interested in attending.  I know that the Cloquet coach is looking for race workers.  A free lift ticket is your reward.  Please email me if you can join us.  Please consider helping.  We can help make it a great race.  We also need parent chaperones.   
 
So…. I need ALL MAST athletes to State Your Race Intentions for Thursday, January 25th here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/cloquet-invitational-race.html
Do this TODAY PLEASE!!!
 
There will be practice at Hyland next week.  Evenings Monday-Wednesday.  Mornings Thursday-Saturday. There is also a Hyland JV race on Friday, January 26 for those who do not race at Spirit.
 
Finally, we are CANCELLING Welch Supplemental Training on Saturday, January 27.    If you already registered, you will be issued an account credit.   
 
There is still room to attend the Supplemental Training session at Wild Mt THIS Saturday, January 20.  Sign up here: http://minneapolisalpineskiteam.siplay.com/site/
 
Thanks,
Mark 

Dear MAST Athletes, Parents and Coaches:
This is a long one-- everything is IMPORTANT so read carefully and take action.  We are in the heart of the competition season now.

Giants Ridge Recap and Thank You!
We had a fantastic four days of training at Giants Ridge this week.   
Here are some of my highlights….

• High speed quad chair that powered our skiers up the mountain in 2.5 minutes and gave them a lot of laps each day.
• A 70-gate slalom course on Day 3.
• Three out of four days with bright sunshine.
• The talent-show with awesome musicianship, lots of humor, and even one very poignant act. 
• Athletes embracing the arctic temps that never budged from negative numbers, and mostly stayed in double digit negative numbers.
• Beautiful mixing of athletes of varying ages and from so many different schools.
• A new four person Helsinki Chair that never broke down.
• How many times I heard an athlete thank a coach.
• Fantastic lunches cooked and served by MAST parents.
• The generous cooperation of all athletes for all four days.
• Great training on a variety of race runs, each providing its own unique lessons for athletes to absorb.
• Everyone’s desire to improve as an athlete.
• A continuous joyful buzz that permeated each day on the hill and back at camp.
• Parents who joined the fun but also worked incredibly hard to haul equipment, prepare food, clean up, and offer continuous support to all our endeavors.
• The beehive of post skiing activity –tuning, video, and friendship building.
• Coaches who gave everything they had to ensure that our athletes had the best possible training for four straight days.
• All the improvement we witnessed this week… better outside ski pressure, more active lower leg engagement, squared upper body position, better tactics and turn shape, more courage and confidence. 

I need to say THANK YOU to our coaches:
Daniel and Matthew Polland, Jack Strand, Gary Griffin, Kelly Bent, Christine Smalley, and Charlie Smith.
I need to say THANK YOU to our parents who kept us fed and fueled and organized:
Michelle Smith, Dave Paulson, and Julie Flaskamp.
I need to say THANK YOU to the coaches and volunteers who stayed in MPLS and offered training all week to those who could not attend camp.
Finally, THANK YOU athletes for making camp a fantastic experience.   You were terrific as athletes, as friends, and as teammates.  I am very proud of you.
 
Next year: 
We are booked into camp from Dec 31-Jan 4, 2019 for our 12th Annual Giants Ridge Camp.  We are considering three options within this timeframe.
a.     Depart early morning Dec 31 and return later in the evening on Jan 3.
b.     Depart early morning Jan 1 and return later in the evening on Jan 4.
c.     Depart mid-afternoon on Dec 31 and return late afternoon on Jan 4.
Please mark these dates in your 2019 calendar. We also need and seek more parent and family participation and involvement next year.  
 
Monday, January 8. Hyland Race vs MWT, Armstrong-Cooper, AHA
If you haven’t done so already, please STATE YOUR INTENTIONS here: Hyland Race Intentions.
 
If you can work the race, please sign up here: Jan 8 Race Worker Sign UP

• Pick up your race bib outside the TG Competition Center at 3:30.
• Inspection opens at 3:45.
• First run start time: 4:30.
• Stay around after your race run to cheer on your teammates.
• Stay around after the race to help clean up.

Friday, January 12. Welch Invitational
Our second race this week is the Welch Invitational on Friday, January 12, 2018. Attached is a list of MAST athletes entered in Friday’s Welch Village Invitational.  If you are not listed but would like to race, please send me an email.  I will put you on a substitution list. 
 
Schedule for the Day
·      6:10AM                      Buses Load at Washburn HS
·      8:00AM                      Warm Ups
·      8:45AM                      Inspection Opens
·      9:30AM                      Opening Ceremony
·      9:40AM                      First Run Start Time
·      12:45PM                     Second Run Start Time
·      2:30PM                       Team Photos
·      3:00PM                       Awards
·      4:00-4:30PM              Bus Departs
Race Workers Needed
We need to supply several race workers for the day.
·      Course Workers
·      Gate Judges
You can sign up to help HERE: Welch Race Worker Sign UP 
Return Transportation Plan
Okay… here is one more SIGN UP. For those attending the Welch Invitational, please let me know if you will be riding the bus home after the race or riding home with a parent.   We are chartering two buses to bring all 76 athletes TO Welch.  In the past, many athletes have opted to ride home with a parent.  If enough athletes plan to ride home with a parent this year, I would like to save money and have one bus return home after dropping us off in the morning.. 
PLEASE INFORM ME OF YOUR TRANSPORTATION PLANS/NEEDS BY COMPLETING THIS SHORT SURVEY… WELCH INVITE TRANSPORTATION SURVEY.
 
Week Nine Training Schedule and Saturday Supplemental Training at Welch
 
Tuesday, January 9: Hyland Training
6:30-8:45PM
Meet on Center Chair for Directed Free Skiing.
Gate Training on Lanes 3 and 4 at 7:15.
 
Wednesday, January 10
5:00-7:15PM   Varsity/JV-- Gate Training Lane 7
6:30-8:45PM   Varsity/JV-- Directed Free Skiing on Center Chair at 6:30. 
Gate Training Lanes 7 and 8 at 7:15PM.
 
Thursday, January 11: NO PRACTICE.  
Tune Your Skis. Go To Bed Early.
 
Friday, January 12: Welch Invitational.
Load Bus at 6:10 at Washburn.
 
Saturday, January 13 Hyland Training
7:45-10:30AM: Hyland Training on Lanes 4, 5, and 6.
2:45-10:30PM: Supplemental Training at Welch Village.
Supplemental Training Sign UP Here.
 
MLK Day MAST Team Fundraiser—Dine Out For MAST at The Lowbrow
Join us for “Dine Out/Give Back Mondays” at The Lowbrow
When: Monday, January 15, 2018—4PM-10PM
Where: The Lowbrow, 4244 Nicollet Ave. South, Minneapolis
What:  MAST will receive 10% of ALL sales from 4-10PM on Monday Jan 15—including sales on “TO GO” ORDERS!  There is one caveat… sales must exceed $3000 for the day.
Why: Our team fees and MPS subsidy do not come close to covering the expenses we incur to run MAST for a season.  Fundraising helps close this financial gap and allows us to bring more Minneapolis students into the sport who might otherwise find the sport unaffordable.    The owners of Lowbrow tell us that we have a good shot at setting a record for money raised given the size of our organization. Tell your friends and family or come enjoy a burger yourself. Let’s get that number 1 spot!
Reservations:
If you have a party of 6 or more, you can make a reservation, otherwise it is first come, first served. You can also call ahead before you arrive to be placed on a wait list. This is a very family friendly place and has some great burgers and atmosphere. Optimal times (with less waiting) are before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m.
Lowbrow Phone: (612) 208-0720
 
Here is a link to the menu: http://thelowbrowmpls.com/menu/
 
Refreshed MAST Web Site
With the new year comes a new look for the MAST web site! 
The change-over will take place TONIGHT, Sunday, January 7, 2018.  
We hope you like the contemporary design and find the navigation intuitive. As part of the new site launch, we would appreciate it if you can do some additional testing for us.  Please take a moment to do some familiar tasks on the site, as well as explore other areas that aren't familiar to you.  (And please do this on both laptop and phone, if that's how you typically use the MAST site.)  If you encounter any challenges, or have any suggestions for us, please share your feedback using the feedback form highlighted on the home page To-Dos and under About MAST and reference the page names or addresses.  We will continue to evolve the design, so your input is valuable and welcome!
www.mplsalpineski.org
 
Let’s all keep working hard, supporting each other, and having fun.  Be sure to talk to your teachers about your absence from school on Friday.
 
See you Monday afternoon.
Mark Conway
612-275-8392

Happy New Year! Big week ahead. Camp and Hyland Training—2 venues at once. 
 
Hyland Training Schedule: Week Eight
Monday, January 1, 2018, 7:45-10:30AM, Lanes 1, 2, 3

Tuesday, January 2, 2018
6:30-8:45PM, Lanes 7, 8  Wear Rope Tow Gloves, Meet on Lane 7 at 6:30PM

Wednesday, January 3, 2018
6:30-8:45, Lanes B, C, Meet on Center Chair for Directed Free Skiing at 6:30PM
 
Thursday, January 4, 2018
NO TRAINING AT HYLAND.
 
Friday, January 5, 2018
5:00-7:30PM, Lanes 4, 7  Wear Rope Tow Gloves
 
Saturday, January 6, 2018
9:30AM-12:30PM, Lanes 1, 2
 
Daniel Haberman will be the lead coach all week at Hyland.  He will have one or two assistants each day but will also need the help of athletes to set up, tear down, slip ruts, etc.  Please note that Saturday’s practice begins at 9:30AM.  
 
Race: January 8, 2018
Our next race is NEXT Monday, January 8th.
Please State Your Intentions Here:  January 8, 2018 Hyland Race

Parents: Once again we will need your help to run this race.  Thanks to everyone who helped with the first race.  Please sign up to work the Jan 8 Hyland Race Here:
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/1993660/false - /invitation
 
I will send out an email regarding Giants Ridge Camp this afternoon.  Please look for this.
 
Mark 
612-275-8392

Dear MAST Athletes, Parents and Coaches:
 
I apologize for getting this update out so late, but it was a busy weekend for me with some long days at USSA races.  I was too exhausted last night when I got home to think clearly, so I had to wait until tonight to get all this ready for you.  Not sure I am thinking any more clearly now, but here goes....
 
Tomorrow, we race.  This first race is against…ourselves… and will serve as a time trial to determine team selections for the Wild Mountain Invitational on Friday, December 22.    For our new racers, this is a great way to learn how a race runs and what we do to prepare ourselves on race day to perform at our best.  For our returning athletes, it is a great opportunity to test out your improved fundamentals in a competition environment. 

Here is how it will work.  

• Arrive at 6:15 in the chalet to boot up, collect your bib, and gather with your teammates and team coach.
• We would like you skiing (warming up) by 6:30PM on either center chair or south with your teammates and coach. 
• At 7:15PM, you will inspect the course with your team and coach.
• First run starts at 7:35 or soon thereafter.  Boys on lane 1. Girls on lane 2. 
• Second run starts at 8:05. Boys on lane 2.  Girls on lane 1.
• The run order will go in order of grade—7th, 8th, 9th….12th.
• Team scores will be calculated: Washburn vs Southwest vs South/Roosevelt.
• EVERYONE is ENTERED in this race.  

Washburn Boys: Coach Daniel P
Washburn and South/Roosevelt Girls: Coach Matthew
Southwest Boys and South/Roosevelt Boys:  Coach Joel
Southwest Girls: Coach Daniel H.

If you know you will NOT be racing tomorrow, please send me an email at markrobertconway58@gmail.com. 

Race workers: Parents, if you would like to help with the race, please send me an email and I will plug you into a job.   Love to have the help if you are interested and willing.  
markrobertconway58@gmail.com
 
Wild Mountain Invitational
The Wild Mountain Invitational is THIS Friday, December 22.  
Unfortunately, not everyone gets to race in this one. We are entering teams of six boys and six girls from Washburn and Southwest, plus one alternate for each team.   We are also entering a team of six boys from South/Roosevelt.   The coaches will make final team selections after tomorrow’s race. I will need to send a run order to the Chief of Race immediately following our race tomorrow.   So, I need to know that you are able to attend the Wild Mt Invitational on Friday, December 22 IF SELECTED.  
 
Please State Your Intentions Here:  Wild Mt Invitational Race Intentions.  
 
Transportation
We have a bus chartered to bring us to the race but we will be asking parents to car pool and bring athletes home afterwards.  No bus for the return.
The schedule for the day begins early.
6:10AM   Load bus at Washburn.
8:00AM   Warm Ups, Course Inspection, Opening Ceremonies.
9:30AM   First run start.  
1:15PM    Second run start
4:00PM    Awards Ceremony
 
Food
We try to feed all athletes, coaches, and parents well on these long race days, but we need food contributions from everyone who is attending. Once you know that you are invited (after the race tomorrow) please sign up to bring something to share here:  Wild Invite Food.  
 
Welch Village Supplemental Training
The Next Supplemental Training Session in Wednesday, December 27 at Welch Village.  
We will depart from Washburn HS at 2:45PM and return at approximately 10:30PM.
This is a great opportunity to train on steeper and longer pitches.  
Sign Up Here:  http://minneapolisalpineskiteam.siplay.com/site/
 
Here is the schedule for Week Six:
Monday, December 18, 6:30-8:45PM -- RACE: MINNEAPOLIS CITY CHAMPIONSHIPS
6:15PM           Bib Distribution
6:30PM           Warm Up with Team and Coaches on South Chair    
7:15PM           Course Inspection
7:35PM           Run 1
8:05PM           Run 2
8:35PM           Hill Clean Up
Tuesday, December 19, 5-7:30PM(Varsity) and 6:30-8:45PM(Junior Varsity)
5:00PM           Varsity: Warm Up and Gate Training on Lanes 3.
6:30PM           JV: Direct Free Skiing on South Chair for JV
7:15PM           JV: Gate Training on Lanes 4 and 5 for JV.
Wednesday, December 20, 6:30-8:45PM
6:30PM           Varsity/JV: Directed Free Skiing on South Chair.
7:15PM           Gate Training on Lanes A, B, and C.
Thursday, December 21, 5:00-7:30PM
5:00PM           Varsity/JV: Warm Up and Gate Training on Lanes 7 & 8 (wear rope tow gloves).
Friday, December 22, Wild Mountain Invitational—NO TRAINING.
Saturday, December 23, 7:45-10:30AM
7:45AM          Varsity/JV: Warm Up and Gate Training on Lanes A, B, and C .

See you tomorrow evening.  The earlier you arrive, the better.

Mark
612-275-8392

Dear MAST Athletes, Parents and Coaches:
 
Last night, we held our 16th on-snow training session of the season.  We have packed in a lot of skiing into the first four weeks of the year, especially considering that we held six dryland training sessions as well.  For this reason, I need to express my deep gratitude to all the coaches who have given so many hours on the hill to our athletes.   None of this could happen without your generous commitment of time, enthusiasm and expertise.  Thank you.
 
We are now in gates, so please bring your protective gear to practice every day. 
 
Here is the schedule for Week Five:
Monday, December 11, 6:30-8:45PM
6:30PM           Varsity/JV: Meet on South Chair for Directed Free Skiing
7:15PM           Varsity/JV: Move to Lanes 1, 2 and 3 for Gate Training.  

Tuesday, December 12, 5-7:30PM(Varsity) and 6:30-8:45PM(Junior Varsity)
5:00PM           Varsity: Warm Up and Gate Training on Lanes 4 and 5.
6:30PM           JV: Direct Free Skiing on South Chair for JV
7:15PM           JV: Gate Training on Lane 5 for JV

Wednesday, December 13, 5:00-7:30PM
5:00PM           Varsity/JV: Warm Up and Gate Training on Lanes 3 and 4.

Thursday, December 14, 6:30-8:45PM
6:30-8:45PM   Varsity/JV: Meet on South Chair for Directed Free Skiing
7:15PM           Varsity/JV: Move to Lane C for Gate Training.

Friday, December 15, 5:00-7:30PM
5:00PM           Varsity/JV: Warm Up and Gate Training on Lanes 2, 3 and 4.

Saturday, December 16, 7:45-10:30AM
7:45AM          Varsity/JV: Warm Up and Gate Training on Lanes 1, 2 and 3.

Welch Village Supplemental Training
The Next Supplemental Training Session in Wednesday, December 27 at Welch Village.  
We will depart from Washburn HS at 2:45PM and return at approximately 10:30PM.
This is a great opportunity to train on steeper and longer pitches.  
Sign Up Here:  http://minneapolisalpineskiteam.siplay.com/site/
 
Last Call For Giants Ridge Camp Registrations…
The deadline for registering for the Giants Ridge Camp is Friday, December 15 (this week).   If you still plan to attend, here is a link to register: Giants Ridge Camp.   
 
REMINDER: Welch Invitational Race Intentions Needed
There are about 30 of you who have not stated your intentions for the Welch Invitational.   Attached is a list of athletes who HAVE RESPONDED. I want to encourage you to race.  The race features separate races for Junior Varsity and Varsity teams, but all race runs are held on the same hill so everyone can watch and cheer everyone else.   It is a festive event.   I hope you will attend.  Please state your race intentions for the Welch Invite Here: Welch Invite Race Intentions.
 
Sprongo
Most of you have created a Sprongo account now and hopefully are watching video of yourself and your teammates.  If you find video of yourself that is not yet tagged to you, please do so.  And if you watch a video of a teammate that is not yet tagged, feel free to TAG that person as well.   It helps out the coaches when you do the tagging.   Also, be sure to use all the cool analysis tools available like slow motion, side by side comparison, and overlays. If you would like a coach to look at video with you before or after a practice, download your latest run to your phone and then ask us to look at it with you.  We are happy to take the time, but you need to ask.   Sprongo also has an app you can download to your phone.  You probably can figure out how to do this yourself, but if you have any questions, reach out to a teammate.  Luke and Willem are experts.   They are happy to help with your tech questions.
 
See you tomorrow evening.  
Mark
612-275-8392

What a great start to the season. We are on snow earlier than we have ever been, which allows us to focus carefully on mastering the fundamentals of our sport.  I want to thank all the coaches who have made it possible for us to effectively coach so many athletes on the hill every night.  I am so grateful to each one of you.  Athletes, you have done a great job staying focused on performing the drills we teach you with precision.  Keep up the good work.  Your positive attitudes and effort are paying off. We are seeing rapid improvements in your skiing. In fact, from the bottom of the hill we can identify our skiers by their FANTASTIC FUNDAMENTALS. Just a word of encouragement to all: show up as often as you can. Each night we introduce new drills.  Each new drill teaches a new fundamental skill.  If you miss multiple days in a row, you will miss some important steps in the learning progression.  
 
City Kids Java Fundraiser 
Thank you to Kelly Bent and Christine Smalley for running a terrific fundraiser for our athletes.  They have already calculated everyone’s earnings from this fundraiser.  The money you raised will be credited into your Sports Illustrated Play account in the next day or two.  You can then use that money to pay for Giants Ridge or Supplemental Training Sessions or save it up for next year.
 
The City Kids Java Fundraiser COFFEE PICK UP is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 2 from Noon to 1PM at Fuller Park (48th and Grand Ave South).  Remember, you are responsible for picking up and delivering the coffee you sold.  
 
New Times for Dec 2 Supplemental Training at Welch Village
1PM                Load Bus at Washburn
2:30-3PM        Video Session/Meeting in the Chalet
3-7PM             Directed Free Skiing Drills
7:15PM           Bus Depart for Washburn
8:15PM           Estimated Time of Arrival to Washburn.
 
Due to the warm weather, Welch has limited terrain available for skiing and not enough snow to allow us to set courses this weekend.  They are also adjusting the hours that they are open from 9am-9pm to 10am-7pm.  So…. We are still planning on holding a Supplemental Training at Welch, but instead of skiing gates we will free ski.  It will be very valuable to work the drills on longer runs and more interesting terrain.  If you have already signed up for Supplemental Training and no longer wish to attend either because of the time change or because you don’t want to spend four hours working the drills, send me an email and I will credit your account.   However, I hope you will still join us.  This will be just as valuable as skiing gates.  
 
One other note: Bring a BAG LUNCH/SUPPER.  We are skiing intensely for all four hours.  Maybe we will let you take a 5-minute break to use the bathroom and get a drink of water.  No purchases in the cafeteria allowed.  We want to use every available minute to ski.  You can eat a bag lunch during video, on the chairlift, or on the bus ride home.  
 
Other Supplemental Training dates:

• Sat, Dec 9 at Welch
• Wed, Dec 27 at Welch
• Sat, Jan 13 at Welch 
• Sat, Jan 20 at Wild MT
• Sat, Jan 27 at Welch
• Sat, Feb 3 at Wild MT

Sign up here:  http://minneapolisalpineskiteam.siplay.com/site/
 
Giants Ridge Camp
Our annual Giants Ridge Camp will be held on January 2-5, 2018.   Keep those registrations coming. To learn more about camp, click here: http://www.mplsalpineski.org/giants-ridge-camp.html To register for Camp, click here: http://minneapolisalpineskiteam.siplay.com/site/  Please note the registration deadline of December 15th.   
 
Sprongo
We have been shooting video at practice and those clips are loaded on the MAST video sharing sight called SPRONGO.  Some of you have already set up your Sprongo account, which allows the coaches and athletes to “tag” your clip to your account.  If you have not set up your Sprong account, please do that today.  Look through your emails for an invitation from Sprongo to become a member of the MAST Sprongo account.  Accept that invitation and create an account for yourself using your(the athlete’s) name. If you can’t find your invitation, request one by clicking here: https://sprongo.com/team/32056/playlists
 
MAST Apparel
MAST Apparel is FOR SALE through the end of the day TOMORROW, DECEMBER 1. You can see a picture of every item and make your purchase online here: MAST Apparel Sale. Note: Log In using your email and password. Then scroll down to the button that says SHOP.
 
REMINDER: Welch Invitational Race Intentions Needed
Please state your race intentions for the Welch Invite here: Welch Invite Race Intentions.
 
Saturday, Dec 2 Hyland Training Alert
There is A CHANCE that we will cancel training at Hyland. As of today, Hyland is not planning to open early at 8am because the race training lanes are not yet open so no one can set gates. I have requested that they open at 8am nonetheless so we can get some skiing in before the crowds arrive at 9am. I am waiting to hear back from management.  If they open at 9am, the reality is that it will very quickly become too dangerous for us to work our drills on the limited terrain available for skiing.  Lessons begin on Saturday and over 200 lessons are scheduled every 90 minutes starting at 9am. Yikes.  If they open at 8am for the high schools, we will ski from 8am-10am.   Keep checking your email for updates and your ical/google calendar. 
 
Training Schedule
Please consult our website for the latest information on the training schedule.  
Here is a link: www.mplsalpineski.org.
 
See you at practice this evening from 6:30-8:45PM.
​
Mark
612-275-8392

Happy Thanksgiving! On Monday, we enter WEEK THREE of the season. It is time to GET ORGANIZED for upcoming training sessions, camps, races, fundraising efforts, and team apparel offers.  
I need you to read this email VERY CAREFULLY and respond in multiple ways and places.  ​

City Kids Java Fundraiser 
Orders and checks for City Kids Java Fundraiser are due THIS Monday, November 27th. Please bring order forms and money to practice or email to kellybent@yahoo.com.

Supplemental Training
The first Supplemental Training session is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 2 at Welch Village.  Click HERE To Register. Cost is $45 for lift ticket and bus.  If you have a season pass to Welch, the cost is $20. Bring a bag supper or money to purchase food in the chalet.  Meet the bus at 2:45PM at Washburn.  The bus returns at approximately 10:30PM.  

Additional Supplemental Training sessions are scheduled for the following dates:

•     Sat, Dec 9 at Welch
•     Wed, Dec 27 at Welch
•     Sat, Jan 13 at Welch 
•     Sat, Jan 20 at Wild MT
•     Sat, Jan 27 at Welch
•     Sat, Feb 3 at Wild MT (registration is not yet open for Feb 3.)
  

For more information about Supplemental Training and a link to register, please click here: Supplemental Training. Please take note of the registration deadlines for each training session.  It helps with planning.

Giants Ridge Camp
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the 12th Annual Giants Ridge Camp, January 2-5, 2018.  These camps provide athletes with a terrific opportunity to improve, build friendships, and enjoy the beauty of Northern Minnesota.  Please know, however, that this is a training camp.  We work hard AND have a lot of fun in the process.  To learn more about the Giants Ridge Camp and for a link to GR Camp Registration, please click here: Giants Ridge Camp.  Please note the registration deadline of December 15th.  

We do plan to hold training from 6:30-8:45PM at Hyland from January 2-4th for those athletes who cannot attend the Giants Ridge Camp.

Sprongo
The coaches will start videotaping your training runs on Friday.  All new athletes should look for an invitation from Sprongo to become a member of the MAST Sprongo account.  Please accept the invitation.  BE SURE TO USE YOUR (the athlete's) FIRST AND LAST NAME WHEN REGISTERING.  This will allow you, the coaches and your teammates to easily “tag” the video to you.  Do not use nicknames to create an account.  

MAST Apparel
MAST Apparel is FOR SALE through the end of the day on December 1, 2017-- just over a week away. The captains have put together another wonderful selection of MAST “stuff” this year…. hats, caps, pajamas, under-layers, pullovers, t-shirts, jackets, warm ups and more.  You can see a picture of every item and make your purchase online here: MAST Apparel Sale. 

Welch Invitational-Please State Your Race Intentions NOW!
All MAST athletes are INVITED to race in the Welch Invitational on Friday, January 12.  MAST has reserved 68 start positions for the race.   The Invite is a day-long event.  You will miss school.   I would like to ask EVERYONE to either ACCEPT or DECLINE this invitation to race in the Welch Invite. 

•     Please ACCEPT if you are certain you will be able to race.  
•     Please DECLINE if you are certain you will NOT be able to race.  
•     If you are uncertain about your race intentions, send me an email or talk with me at practice.  Do NOT Accept the invitation to race if you are uncertain about your intentions.   

Race entries are guaranteed for the first 68 athletes to ACCEPT the invitation to race. If more than 68 athletes ACCEPT the invitation to race, I will attempt to secure additional start positions in the race.  But I need to do this BEFORE the race fills with other teams.  So, please decide soon.  If you wait to decide, the start positions may prove unavailable.  

Please STATE YOUR INTENTIONS HERE: Welch Invite Race Intentions.

Training Schedule
Please consult the home page for the latest information on the training schedule.  

Finally, I want to say GREAT WORK to all the athletes who have been attending dryland.  We worked you pretty hard and you met the challenge. Thank you to the coaches as well.   It sure was fun to finally get the season started.  Tune your skis. Get rested up. Organize your gear. We are skiing bright and early (8:45AM) on Friday.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.
 Mark
612-275-8392
markrobertconway58@gmail.com