Happy Holidays MAST:
A big THANK YOU to the parents who came out to Wild Mt to support our athletes and coaches on Friday at the Wild Mt Invitational.   Terrific food.   And from my perch in the middle of race run I could hear your cheering.  Inspiring.  Thank you for your support. I know our athletes appreciate your hard work and presence on the hill.  
This was the largest field of athletes I have seen at the Wild Invite: 151 boys and 154 girls.  Four MAST skiers finished on the podium in the top ten.  After having a rather rough first run, Elsa Peterson found herself in fifth place. With fire in her eyes, Elsa charged back on the second run to best the field by over one and a half seconds and move herself into first place for the race.  Addie Streble had a wonderful day, attacking the swing turns on the pitch with that magnificent pole plant.  Addie finished fifth overall on the day.    Quinn Jurek also attacked the courses with her fearless and determined style to place 15th and Avery Taylor showed off her remarkable balance and quick feet to place 19th.   Also showing big improvement over last year were Vada Arbeiter and Gabby Harritt.  Vada was in 14th place after the first run only to experience some bad luck when her ski pre-released on the second run.    Gabby impressed the coaches and race officials on the knoll when she flew past with fearless aggression onto the pitch.  Gabby finished 31st overall.  Willem Robertson and Ryan Arnold have had some big breakthroughs in training this year that proved beneficial at Wild.  Willem had the best race of his career, placing 3rd overall.    And Ryan had two excellent runs to finish in tenth.   Ryan’s teammate Charlie Smith had two outstanding runs to finish 15th.  Not far behind in 17th place was Willem’s Washburn teammate Augie Bent.      Great performances boys.
For many of our racers, the Wild Invite was the first BIG race of their short careers.   No matter how well you ski in practice, the brain has a tremendous impact on performance when the pressure to perform is ratcheted up.  Some of you came out of the start looking like a new-born colt trying to stand for the first time.  Don't be discouraged.  This too will pass.   With each race start, you will gain valuable experience to overcome and even channel your nerves to race as well as you train.  Willem, Ryan, Elsa and Addie did this on Friday.  They are seniors.  Experience pays.  Stay focused in training.  Learn from mistakes.  Find the pre-race preparation routine that draws out your best performances.   You might be disappointed if you didn't perform your best, but don’t give up.  
Team and Individual race results are attached.

Week Seven Schedule
Monday, December 23  On Snow @ Hyland
7:45-10:30am (Lane A, B, C)

Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25: OFF

Thursday, December 26  On Snow @ Hyland
7:45-10:30am (Lane 4, 5)

Friday, December 27  On Snow @ Hyland
7:45-10:30am (Lane 2, 3, 4)

​Saturday, December 28  On Snow @ Hyland
Varsity: 7:45-10:30am (Lanes 2, 3)JV: 9:45am-12:15pm (Lanes 2, 3)

Giants Ridge Camp
We still have space for girls if anyone would still like to attend.   It isn’t too late to register.  Register for GR Camp Here.

We will meet at Washburn at 6am on Monday, December 30th to load the buses. Eat before you arrive or bring a sack breakfast to eat on the bus.   Please pack your skis and poles in a ski bag if you have one.   Attached is packing list.   Don’t forget your sleeping bag, pillow, toothbrush, towel.  And bring all your warm clothes.  I would be shocked if we don’t have below zero temps on the Iron Range. 

Unfortunately, we will not be racing against Virginia or Hibbing this year.  It just didn’t work out for them to schedule a race.     We will race nonetheless.... Washburn and SW are quite evenly matched this year so we will at least race each other.  Maybe we will find another team to join us by the 2nd of January.  

Giants Ridge Waivers:  I need you to turn in your waivers this week. Please download and print the attached waiver, fill it out, affix the proper signatures, and bring it to practice this week or drop it off at MAST Headquarters: 4800 Harriet Ave.
 
Hyland Training: Week Eight
For those of you who cannot attend our camp at Giants Ridge, we will have training at Hyland.   Please consult the website and the MAST google calendar for up to date information on Hyland On Snow Training.   
 
I hope to see you bright and early Monday morning for some excellent training on Lanes A, B, and C.
 
Mark
612-275-8392

MAST Update #17
Week Six
Monday, December 16, 2019
 
Good Morning MAST:
We made it through a very busy week and have another busy one ahead of us.  I am sorry you had to wait out in the cold while the Hyland race crew tried to get their timing system working.   In the end, we used our team timing system and it worked flawlessly.   Once we got going, everything went very smoothly thanks to the volunteers who hung in there.   The parents in the timing building did a great job tracking racers and recording times. The gate judges, course workers, referees, starters, recorders, bib organizers, and coaches: THANK YOU.  You are my heroes.   I was very heartened to learn on Saturday morning that there was continuous cheering at the base of the start ramp for every athlete who made a start Friday night.  That is the kind of spirit I want you to have for one another.   Every racer is nervous in the start gate.  Every racer needs and deserves the support of his and her teammates.   Thanks for giving them the support on Friday night. Keep it up.  We can also use athletes at the finish line cheering as well.  Race results are attached.  Congratulations to Elsa Peterson and Luke Conway on your first-place finishes.  The Washburn boys were victorious over their SW rivals 31-24. And the SW girls defeated the Washburn girls by exactly the same score: 31-24.  We have another busy week ahead with practices Monday-Saturday this week and the Wild Mt Invitational on Friday.  First, the Week Six Schedule.
Week Six Schedule
Monday, December 16
On Snow @ Hyland
Varsity: 5:00-7:15pm (Lane 4)
Varsity/JV: 6:30-8:45pm (Lane 3 and 4—meet on South Chair at 6:30pm)

Tuesday, December 17
On Snow @ Hyland
Varsity: 3:30-5:45pm (Lanes 6,7) and 5:00-7:15pm (Lane 6)
JV: 6:30-8:45pm (Lanes 6, meet on South Chair at 6:30PM)

Wednesday, December 18
On Snow @ Hyland
Varsity: 5:00-7:30pm (Lanes B, C)
​JV: 6:30-8:45pm (Lanes B, C—meet on South Chair at 6:30pm)

Thursday, December 19
On Snow Training @ Hyland
Varsity: 3:30-5:30pm (Lanes 4, 5)
​JV: 5:00-7:15pm (Lanes, 4, 5)

Friday, December 20
RACE: Wild Mt Invitational
--AND--
On Snow Training @ Hyland
5:00pm-7:30pm (Lanes 2, 3)


​Saturday, December 21
On Snow Training @ Hyland
7:45-10:30am (Lanes 2, 3, 4)


 
Wild Mt Invitational: Friday, December 20, 2019
We can tell you have been working hard at practice.  The race times have improved tremendously for so many of you already.  Congratulations.   Consequently, you have made it very hard for the coaches to do our job: to select six boys and six girls to represent our three teams.   The coaches have carefully considered Friday’s race results and the times you have been putting down in practice. After pulling the athletes who have declined the invitation to race on Friday and those who did not rsvp to the race invitation, we have our teams:
 
MAST Boys

1. Ian MacKimm
2. Jaxson Moore
3. Simon Showalter-Loch
4. Calvin Lamosse
5. Callum White
6. Jonas Geere
7. Alternate: Kai Lamb

 
MAST Girls

1. Athelia MacKimm
2. Elise Legler
3. Sylvia Isensee
4. Anna Cordoso
5. Elizabeth Arbeiter
6. Katherine Moore
7. Alternate: Reese Kuehn

 
SW Boys

1. Ryan Arnold
2. Eli Showalter-Loch
3. Erik Arnold
4. Simon McMahon
5. Charles Smith II
6. Isaac Trockman
7. Alternate: Jonah Byron

 
SW Girls

1. Elsa Peterson
2. Addie Streble
3. Avery Taylor
4. Elli George
5. Alissa Conzemius
6. Eleanor Noble-Schueller
7. Alternate: Lucy Renz

 
Washburn Girls:

1. Vada Arbeiter
2. Quinn Jurek
3. Sonia Svedahl
4. Nahlah Mkaouri
5. Gabby Harritt
6. Chloe Bitney
7. Alternate: Eleanor Vap

 
Washburn Boys:

1. Augie Bent
2. Willem Robertson
3. Wilson Psotka
4. Emmet Sutton
5. Owen Hemer
6. Andreas Drekonja
7. Alternate: Levi Ehlers

 
This will be an early morning for you and a long day.  You need tune your skis and get to bed early.   Unless you can make to the early practice at 3:30 on Thursday, you should not train on Thursday.  Tune, eat dinner, pack your gear, and go to bed.  Parents: we will have bus transportation from Washburn Friday morning, but parents will need to car-pool to get the athletes home after the awards ceremony.  We also need parent help with tent set up and race day logistics (food prep, set up, clean up).  Look for a separate email to the Wild Mt families in the next 24 hours. Here is the schedule for the day.  
 
6:15AM: Load Bus at Washburn
9:30AM: 1st Run Start
1:15PM: 2nd Run Start
4:00PM: Awards Ceremony
 
 
Giants Ridge Camp
Dec 30-Jan 2
Sign Up For Giants Ridge Camp Here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/giants-ridge-camp.html
 
 
Race Day Sign UP—State Your Race Intentions
I have been getting some questions about who gets selected for which races.  Our intention is to give every athlete every opportunity to race.    It is not possible to bring 132 athletes to a race, but not everyone is available to race every race anyway, so you should accept or decline the invitation to race for every race listed.  Even if you are not sure you will be picked to race that day, sign up anyway.  Assume you will improve enough to be selected.  And if you know you are unavailable that day, decline the invitation to race.  Going forward, if you have not stated your intention to race, your name will not be on the run order and you will not be able to race even if you show up that day.   Here is a link to state your race intentions:
https://www.mplsalpineski.org/race-day-sign-up.html
 
 
Giants Ridge Camp Update
If any boys would like to attend camp who are not registered, send me an email at the address listed below.   We still have room for 6-7 girls.   If you have registered online but have not yet mailed a check, please remember to do so.  Most of you have sent a check. Thank you for that.   Checks should be made payable to Mpls Alpine and mailed to MAST/4800 Harriet Ave/ 55419.
Girls, please register here: Giants Ridge Camp Registration.
 
The MAST Way
Finally, I want to remind each one of you that the coaches have very high expectations of you.   We expect you to attend practice regularly, to focus with intention on the development of your skills, to work hard, to compete fairly, and to support the efforts of your teammates.  We also have high expectations of our athletes as members of the larger community.   What does thing mean?  
It means that MAST athletes stand out as caring, responsible, courteous, generous, honest and grateful human beings.  Here are some of the behaviors that the coaches expect to see that will make you stand out as persons of the highest character: 

• Always pick up your trash, including the backing on your lift tickets and your used hand and toe warmers.   No one should ever have to pick up after a MAST athlete: not in a chalet, not on a bus, not on a hill.   
• Be courteous to the skiing public.  Don’t cut the lift line.    Give recreational skiers and young skiers plenty of room when you are passing them.  Stop and offer assistance to anyone who might look like they could use some help on the hill.
• Say thank you to lift operators, food vendors, race workers, bus drivers—anyone who is there to help you have a positive training and racing experience.
• Take care of your equipment.  Don’t leave your skis in the snow. Store them on the ski rack when you are in the chalet.   Dry off your skis after skiing.   Keep your skis tuned.
• Support all of your teammates.  If you don’t know someone, introduce yourself. Ride the lift with someone new every practice.  Experienced athletes should help the less experienced athletes with things like course inspection, learning a new drill, managing pre-race nerves, and the proper technique for clearing gates.   
• Help with post-race and post-practice hill clean up.  MAST prides itself on how smooth the hill looks after we slip in our ruts.  Every athlete needs to be on the hill 15 minutes before the end of practice to help with hill clean up. So, if you go in to warm up, be sure to come back out for the last 15 minutes of practice to help get the hill back in shape for the next group.  
• Commit to living a healthy lifestyle.  Eat healthy.  Drink water instead of sodas and sports drinks and juice drinks (too much sugar in those beverages).  Get plenty of sleep. Stay off your electronics and social media sites.   You do not need to LIKE the 726 people and groups you follow.  In fact, you really don’t need to follow anyone.    This just gives you a warped perspective on how other people live and how your life doesn’t measure up.  Ignore them.  All that matters is how you are using every hour and minute you have to make your life better by loving your family, embracing your friends and making new ones, learning new skills, setting new goals, doing something nice for someone else, and taking care of your responsibilities.  
• And don’t even think about consuming drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.  No matter how many late-night comedians, politicians, musicians and celebrities tell you that drugs and alcohol are fun and harmless, it doesn’t make it true.  Marijuana, alcohol, tobacco and any other illegal or controlled chemical you decide to smoke, eat, vape, or stick into your body is harmful to you.  You are an athlete.  You do not need any of that junk to feel good about yourself.  It will not make you successful as a ski racer and it certainly will not make you successful in life. 
• Be grateful for everyday that you get to ski.  Very few people in the world get the opportunity to ski, let alone race six days a week at a hill only 15 to 30 minutes away from where they live.  Enjoy every beautifully executed carved turn.   And dream about making those same turns someday on a 3000 vertical foot mountain in 18 inches of fresh powder.  

See you tonight...
Mark
612-275-8392
[email protected]

I emailed a list of athletes who have indicated their intentions for the first two races on Dec 13 and Dec 20.   Please review these lists and if your name does not have a YES or NO in the adjacent two cells, please indicate your intentions TODAY BEFORE YOU HEAD OFF TO PRACTICE OR EAT DINNER, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.   

I need to send an email to the ADs requesting an early release (3PM) for our middle school students for tomorrow's race AND I need to create run orders
Link to Race Day Sign UP:  https://www.mplsalpineski.org/race-day-sign-up.html

Parents: Thank you for sign up to work tomorrow's race.   We still need gate judges.  Don't be shy.   It is easy and offers a great view of the race.
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/3107257/false#/invitation

More about the race:
3PM  Release from school and head to the hill.
3:45  Warm Up On North Chair-- stop and pick up your race bib from the picnic table on the skate to the chair
4:15  Course Inspection 
5:00  First Run Start
5:45  Course Slip and Quick Re-Inspection
5:55  Second Run Start
6:45  Pull Courses and Slip In Ruts
7:00  Awards (yes, AWARDS!)
Just so you know, the coaches expect all athletes to stay on the hill to cheer on your teammates, to take additional warm up runs, to help with hill clean up after the race, and to stick around for awards.  If it isn't too cold, we will hold the awards ceremony outdoors.  If we are frozen, we will move awards indoors to the chalet.

Dec 14th Supplemental Training
Wild Mt Supplemental Training Sign Up
 
Girls Spots Still Available:
Giants Ridge Camp Registration.

Saturday at Fuller
Noon-1:30PM    Race Worker Training
1:00-2:30PM      Coffee Sales Pick Up/ Apparel Pick Up
AND
We will be selling beautiful MAST Coffee Mugs, MAST Ski Straps, MAST Stickers and Patches, MAST Buffs, and some used GS Suits

Finally, tonight we have two practice slots: 3:30pm and 5:00pm.   If you can attend these practices AND tune your skis, then come to practice.   If you cannot tune your skis AND attend practice, then stay home and tune your skis.  I want you to have your equipment tuned for the race.

Remember, let me know your race intentions for DEC 13 and DEC 20 if you have not done so already.

Thanks
Mark

Hello Again:
It has been brought to my attention that I invited you to work the race on Friday but failed to create the link.   Here is the link for you to sign up to work the race:
Race Worker Sign Up
And here is a link to learn more about the roles we need to fill for races:
Race Worker Positions
 
Sprongo
Last night, Coach Gary positioned himself in the chalet with an LCD projector and computer and led athletes through one on one video analysis.  He discovered that too many of you are not tagging your videos to yourself, even after you have watched the video.   PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tag your videos.  By tagging the videos we shoot of you, you help the coaches find your video clips more quickly.   When I have a free moment, I tag as many as I can, but I can’t always keep up during the week.  Please help us out.   Gary also discovered that many of you still do not have a Sprongo account set up for yourselves.   I re-invited most of you without accounts today.  The invitation would come from Sprongo.  Please accept this invitation and set up the account in the name of the athlete. Parents: If you have set up an account in your name, please change the account into the athlete’s name.  I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but I must: watch your videos and those of our better skiers.  So much can be learned by watching video.  If you have any questions about Sprongo, give me a call or send me an email or talk to one of your coaches at practice.   These are the athletes who do not have a Sprongo account set up in their name to date: Henry P; Ingrid H; Eliza B; Ava L; Evalie H; Carter C; Cate C; Mia C; Daxton L; Jason B; Athelia M; Isaac J; Alba G; Maddie G; Julia M; Reese W; Ramie G; Ruby P; Simon M; Soren P; Beckett K; Lola; Pieter B; Joe B; Jacob G.  There may be others, but these are the people I was able to identify this morning.
 
Don’t Forget—Don’t Be Late: 

1. Race Day Sign UP
2. https://www.mplsalpineski.org/race-day-sign-up.html
3. Dec 14th Supplemental Training
4. Wild Mt Supplemental Training Sign Up
5. Girls Spots Still Available:
6.  Giants Ridge Camp Registration.

 
Mark
612-275-8392
[email protected]

This was a great weekend for the US Ski Team.  Tommy Ford, age 30, won the Birds of Prey Giant Slalom in Beaver Creek.  Tommy Ford showed great promise as a junior racer but has suffered numerous injuries over the years that have hindered his rise on the World Cup stage.  He has been healthy for a couple of years now and yesterday finished on the podium for the first time in his career.  Best of all, he finished FIRST by an astounding 8/10ths of a second on the most difficult GS venue on the World Cup circuit.  Watch his runs here.  The FIS link has no commentary... turn up the sounds to listen to the crowd cheering as he descends the course on the second run.  This is great skiing.   He won the first run, which means that he had to run last (30th) on the second run.  Imagine the nerves he had to control as he watched his competitors take their second runs.  And Mikaela?  Second in the downhill at Lake Louise. What an athlete!  It is a great time to be an American ski racer and ski racing fan.
FIS Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8oV6OT6IU4
NBC Sports Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y07v_BFqmDM
 
Week Five Schedule:
Monday, December 9  On Snow @ Hyland
Varsity: 3:15-5:30pm AND 5:00-7:30pm (Meet on North Chair)
JV: 6:30-8:45pm (Meet on South Chair)

Tuesday, December 10  On Snow @ Hyland
Varsity and JV: 6:30-8:45pm (Meet On South Chair)

Wednesday, December 11  On Snow @ Hyland
Varsity and JV: 5:00-7:30pm (Meet on North Chair)
​Varsity and JV: 6:30-8:45pm (Meet On South Chair)

Thursday, December 12  On Snow Training @ Hyland
Varsity: 3:30-5:30pm (Meet on North Chair)
​JV: 5:00-7:15pm (Meet on North Chair)

Friday, December 13  RACE: Mpls City Championships @ Hyland
4:15pm Course Inspection Opens
5:00pm First Run Starts
 
​Saturday, December 14  
On Snow Training @ Hyland
7:45-10:30am
--AND--
Race Worker Clinic @ Fuller Park
Noon-1:30pm
--AND--
Coffee Fundraiser Pick Up/Apparel Pick Up @ Fuller Park
12:30-2:30pm
--AND--
Supplemental Training @ Wild Mt
2:30pmLoad Bus at Washburn
10:30pm Return
 
Whew!!!!
 
Dec 14th Supplemental Training Sign Up IS Open
Register Here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/supplemental-training.html
We had a great turn out for the Dec 7th Supplemental Training. Training was excellent and the longer runs tested our athletes nicely.  I would like to encourage you to sign up before Wednesday if you plan to attend.  I do not like to turn people away from a training opportunity, so if enough people sign up to warrant a second bus, we will order one. But.... I need to know that we will need one by Wednesday, so sign up early.  Friday is too late for me to order a second bus.  This will be our last Supplemental Training until January.
 
Giants Ridge Camp  Dec 30-Jan 2
Sign Up For Giants Ridge Camp Here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/giants-ridge-camp.html
 
Race Day Sign UP—State Your Race Intentions
For every race, each athlete needs to accept or decline the invitation to race.  This makes our races run more efficiently, which benefits you as an athlete and the volunteers who work the races in cold weather.  Our first race is Friday, which is open to everyone.  The Wild Mt Invitational is the following Friday, December 20, during the day.  We are taking a squad of seven boys and seven girls from Southwest and Washburn and six girls from South/Roosevelt.  Everyone should state your intentions (accept or decline the invitation to race) for both races.   Here is a link to do so: 
https://www.mplsalpineski.org/race-day-sign-up.html
 
Race Worker Sign UP—Please Volunteer Here
Race season will begin Friday, Dec 13th with the Minneapolis City Championships.   We cannot run a race without an ample supply of parent volunteers. There are many jobs to choose from (gate judging, timing, course work, scoreboard recorders, starters, assistant starters, bib organizers, bib collectors and more).    Please lend a hand.  Needless to say, wear very warm clothing, boots, mittens, hats... basically everything in your closet.
 
Race Worker Training: Sat, Dec 14: (12-1:30PM) at Fuller Park (48th and Grand)
We will have a RACE WORKER TRAINING for MAST Parents on Saturday, Dec 14th from Noon-1:30PM at Fuller Park.   The training will focus on how a race is run, race worker roles and duties, and race rules.  No experience in ski racing is needed.  New and veteran MAST parents are strongly encouraged to attend.  Be close to the race experience by volunteering to work the races.   
 
Also Sat, Dec 14 at Fuller Park: Coffee Fundraiser and Apparel Pick Up (12:30-2:30PM)
You can pick up your coffee fundraiser orders between 12:30 and 2:30 on Saturday, Dec 14.   Don’t forget to set some time aside on Saturday and/or Sunday to distribute the orders to your customers.   For those who have not picked up your apparel order, you can do so on Saturday as well.
 
Giants Ridge Camp Update
A list of athletes registered for camp was provided via email.   If you registered, please confirm you’re your name is listed.  The boys’ cabin is full.  Any boys wishing to attend camp at this point will be placed on a waiting list.  Send me an email if you would like to be added to the waiting list.  We still have room for 6-7 girls.   If you have registered online but have not yet mailed a check, please remember to do so.  Most of you have sent a check. Thank you for that.   Checks should be made payable to Mpls Alpine and mailed to MAST/4800 Harriet Ave/ 55419. Girls, please register here: Giants Ridge Camp Registration.
 
Mark
612-275-8392
[email protected]

We had eleven days of on snow training in November. The early snow gave us a fantastic opportunity to focus on fundamental skill development.  If you showed up, you got better. Thank you coaches and athletes for your hard work.  We performed a lot of drills designed to developed certain fundamental skills that would build your technique.  Hopefully you can feel the improvement.   The coaches sure see it.  We are very proud of you.   We will continue to perform these drills and learn new ones throughout the season.   To continue to improve, practice your drills with intention and focus each night.  This is how Mikaela became the best slalom skier in the history of ski racing.  Speaking of Mikaela, I hope you were able to catch the Killington Cup this weekend on TV.  If you listened to the commentators carefully, you should have recognized some familiar concepts: high edge angles, the importance of staying balanced, quiet and disciplined upper body (some skiers were reaching for the gate), quick switch from outside ski to outside ski.   We will continue to work on these skills and more through the remainder of the season.   Keep learning.

Week Four Schedule
Tonight, we have practice for everyone from 6:30-8:45PM. Athletes in seventh and eighth grades should meet on Center Chair at 6:30. Athletes in ninth through twelfth grades should meet on South Chair at 6:30. Bring your protective gear. We will move to Lanes 1, 2 and 3 on the North Chair as soon as the courses are ready shortly after 7.

Monday, Dec 2: On Snow Training 6:30-8:45PM
Tuesday, Dec 3: 9th-12th 3:30-5:45PM or 5:00-7:15PM; 7th-8th@6:30-8:45PM 
Wednesday, Dec 4: 9th-12th 3:30-5:45PM or 5:00-7:15PM; 7th-8th@6:30-8:45PM 
3:15-6:30PM: Submit Coffee Fundraiser Order Forms and Payment at Hyland Chalet
Thursday, Dec 5: 9th-12th 5:00-7:15PM; 7th-8th 6:30-8:45PM
Friday Dec 6: 9th-12th 3:30-5:45PM or 5:00-7:15PM; 7th-8th@5:00-7:15PM
Saturday Dec 7: 7th-12th @ 7:45AM-10:30AM
Sunday, Dec 8: Last Chance Tuning Clinic 4-6PM
 
PLUS, don’t forget ..
Supplemental Training, Saturday Dec 7  2:30pm - 10:30PM
Sign Up For Supplemental Training Here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/supplemental-training.html
 
AND
Giants Ridge Camp  Dec 30-Jan 2
Sign Up For Giants Ridge Camp Here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/giants-ridge-camp.html
 
Wednesday, Dec 4: Deadline For Coffee Sales Fundraiser Orders
On Wednesday, Dec 4, Kirsten Arbeiter and Melissa Harritt will be at Hyland from 3:15-6:30PM to collect order forms and money for the Urban Ventures Coffee Fundraiser.  Be sure to bring your order forms and payments to Hyland on Wednesday.  If for some reason you cannot make it to Hyland on Wednesday, please reach out to Kirsten at [email protected].
 
Sunday, Dec 8, 4-6PM: Last Chance Tuning Clinic
For those of you who still need to learn how to tune skis, Matt McConville will host a tuning clinic at his home on Sunday, Dec 8 from 4-6PM.   
Address: 5057 Newton Avenue South. The clinic will be held in the garage, which I understand is accessible from 51st street.   
 
Saturday, Dec 14: Race Worker Training (Noon-1:30PM) at Fuller Park (48th and Grand)
Race season will begin next Friday, Dec 13th with the Minneapolis City Championships.   We cannot run a race without an ample supply of parent volunteers. There are many jobs to choose from (gate judging, timing, course work, scoreboard recorders, starters, assistant starters, bib organizers, bib collectors and more).   We will have a RACE WORKER TRAINING for MAST Parents on Saturday, Dec 14th from Noon-1:30PM at Fuller Park.   The training will focus on how a race is run, race worker roles and duties, and race rules.  No experience in ski racing is needed.  New and veteran MAST parents are strongly encouraged to attend.  Be close to the race experience by volunteering to work the races.   
 
Also on Saturday, Dec 14 at Fuller Park: Coffee Fundraiser Pick Up (12:30-2:30PM)
You can pick up your coffee fundraiser orders between 12:30 and 2:30 on Saturday, Dec 14.   Don’t forget to set some time aside on Saturday and/or Sunday to distribute the orders to your customers.
 
Giants Ridge Camp Update
Registrations are strong for the GR camp.  Roughly six beds remain for boys and sixteen for girls.  If you have registered online but have not yet mailed a check, please remember to do so.  Checks should be made payable to Mpls Alpine and mailed to MAST/4800 Harriet Ave/ 55419. If you are planning on attending camp, please register here: Giants Ridge Camp Registration.
 
Supplemental Training 
Registration is open for our next Supplemental Training Session on Dec 7.   If you registered and paid for the Nov 30th training, you should find that your account with SportSignUp has been credited $55.  Here is a link to register: Dec 7th Supplemental Training Session at Wild Mt..
 
Chalet Security
Just a reminder that we are now booting up on the South end of the chalet as a team.  Do not leave any valuables in your bags in the chalet.  Hyland continues to have a problem with thefts from bags left in the chalet.  They are working on catching the perpetrator.  For now, protect yourself.
 
Athletes Missing-In-Action
On a negative note, we have a small group of athletes who have not been seen on the hill yet this year or at dryland.  With the exception of maybe two athletes who contacted me about their situations, I’m not sure why you have been absent.   You need to start showing up.  Today! You missed the most important part of the season.  We turned away a half dozen skiers and probably more because our roster filled.   It is not fair to these potential racers, or to your coaches, to take a spot on the team and then not participate.  If you are injured or have a valid reason for not attending practices, send me an email or give me a call.  Frankly, I don’t understand why anyone would register to be on the team and then not participate.   
 
See you on the hill tonight at 6:30PM.

Mark
612-275-8392
[email protected]

Apparently, I sent out a calendar with some practice times crossed out. My goof.   The correct schedule is on our website and in our google calendar--for future reference.
 
Monday, Nov 25: 9th-12th @ 5PM-7:15PM and 7th-8th@6:30-8:45PM
Tuesday, Nov 26: 9th-12th @ 5PM-7:15PM and 7th-8th@6:30-8:45PM 
Wednesday, Nov 27: 7th-12th @  8:45AM-11:30AM
Friday Nov 29: 7th-12th @ 7:45AM-1030AM
Saturday Nov 30: 7th-12th @ 7:45AM-1030AM
(NOTE: Hyland has yet to confirm that Friday and Saturday's practices will be at 7:45am.  That was the original plan but that could change.  I will let you know if it does.  For now, plan on 7:45am.)
 
PLUS, don’t forget ...
Supplemental Training 
2:30pm - 10:30PM
Sign Up For Supplemental Training Here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/supplemental-training.html
 
AND
Giants Ridge Camp
Dec 30-Jan 2
Sign Up For Giants Ridge Camp Here: https://www.mplsalpineski.org/giants-ridge-camp.html
 
Sprongo
As you now know, Sprongo is our video sharing site.   I shot video last week and loaded it onto our Sprongo site. Since we have so many skiers this year, I have to ask each one of you to figure out how to TAG your videos to your account and to do so every time I shoot video of you. If you can’t figure it out, please ask a coach or one of your experienced teammates.  You will usually know when I am filming because we make it quite obvious. The video is almost always uploaded when I get home that night.   It is very easy to TAG yourself.  Please do it. And feel free to TAG your teammates if you are certain of his or her identity.   It makes it much easier for you and the coaches to find your videos later when we want to watch them with you.   Besides, it tells the coaches that you are actually watching the videos we shoot.  If you don't watch your videos, I will stop filming you eventually.
 
If you don't have a Sprongo account set up, do so today.  I will be sending invitations again to those of you who do not have an account set up.  If you don't get an invitation, send me an email and I will send you one.  Please use YOUR first and last name when setting up your account.  No nick names and no parent names please.   
 
Performance of the Week
Speaking of Sprongo.... I want everyone to watch this clip of Elsa executing the Swiss Drill on Saturday. https://sprongo.com/video/3026344/163175  Watch it many times.  Use the slow-motion function. Turn it down to .25 speed.  Use the space bar to freeze and re-start the video.

• First, observe the big edge angles she creates soon after the transition while her skis are still pointing outside of the new turn.
• Second, note how she creates these big edge angles (strong flex at the ankles and knees, early lower leg engagement to get the skis up on edge).  
• Third, note how and when she applies pressure to the outside ski (by extending the outside leg to bend the outside ski and she does this when her skis are entering the fall line).  
• Fourth, note how her outside leg is "long" and her inside leg is "short" when she is pressuring her outside ski.
• Fifth, observe the "pinch" she gets at the hip when the forces are the strongest--her knees are driving into the center of the turn but her upper body angles back over the outside ski to maintain SUPER STRONG outside ski pressure.  
• Sixth, note how the skis return to a position right under her hips at the end of the turn and both legs are "short" again as she enters the very quick transition part of the turn.  
• Seventh, note how her shoulders and chest stay relatively square to the bottom of the hill throughout the turn shape-- they are at least pointing downhill of her outside ski tip.   This helps her keep her weight on her outside ski and forward.
• Eighth, observe how her inside ankle stays under her inside hip through the turn, allowing her to maintain strong ankle flexion in both ankles.
• Ninth, see how her hands and arms are relaxed yet held to either side of her shoulders and about chest high.  Her shoulders are "square" to the hill (in other words, the inside shoulder does not dip down or twist in the direction of her ski tips at the end of the turn).   Elsa is demonstrating the fundamental skill of "upper body discipline".   This allows her to stay in perfect balance at every point of the turn.  
• Tenth, note how she drives the inside hand down the fall line as her skis cross the fall line.  The forces of the turn want to cause the upper body to continue the rotational movement of the lower body.  By keeping the inside hand forward as her skis cross the fall line, Elsa is able to position her upper body for the next turn even though she still needs to finish the old turn.  Now we are getting really technical, so I will leave it there.

Please watch Elsa's video and learn from it.  There is much to emulate.
 
Chalet Security
As I told you last week, there are some miscreants roaming around the chalet who steal things from the bottom of our ski bags.  I have had a couple of parents offer to stand guard during practice to watch our athletes' gear.   One did so already on Friday evening and likely deterred a theft from our group's gear.  That night's offender stole from some other random adult who came back in to find his wallet missing.  Police were called.   
 
I am wondering if someone would be willing to take charge of such an effort as a security coordinator.   We could create a schedule and ask people to take a shift.  Please give me a call or send me an email if you might be willing to do this.   I am also going to ask the Board to work with the management of Hyland to find a solution to this issue.
Remember: store no valuables in your bags.  I suggest bringing a small backpack to practice and use that to store your valuables.  You can bring the backpack up to the training lane with you.  If all our bags are in one spot on the top of our lane, then we can easily protect our bags.   You can even include a water bottle or spot of hot tea, an energy bar, ham and cheese sandwich on rye with just the right amount of mayo and honey mustard....
 
I know some of you will be traveling this week and will miss some practices.  Have a wonderful holiday with your families and come back hungry to ski.   And sell some coffee so you can attend some supplemental training sessions this Winter.
 
I look forward to seeing the rest of you tonight.
 
Mark
612-275-8392
[email protected]