Colorado Training 2006

The Ski Team had five great days of training at Copper Mt. in Colorado from Dec. 3rd through the 9th. They were under the training of the Australian race trainer who took over last year when their first trainer fell victim to severe frostbite. Mid to high twenty's was on hand to greet the team this year, however, making for a super, just absolutely perfect week of training. None of the members succumbed to altitude sickness this year, allowing the team to utilize every day to work on both Giant Slalom and Slalom.   Unlike what Manistee's team had to deal with the week before, the temperature, and snow conditions were perfect. The lift lines were short and Coach Mathieu stated "We couldn't have asked for anything better!" Coach had the kids take turn cooking meals and he even admitted to cooking a little bit as well.

Attending this trip were, Monika with a "k" Higley with one "g'', for her 5th year, Emily Harwell , 3rd year, Eric Somsel 1st year,  Skyler Kimpel 1st year, and Diamond Kimpel 1st year. Coach noticed that Monika was racing well this year and team mate Emily is once again looking real good. Eric Somsel a junior from Brethren and  first year team member excelled at Copper.Skyler Kimpel an 8th  grader from Onekama is a real athlete and should do great things over the next few years. Diamond Kimpel, a Freshman from OHS, will help to round out the girls team this year.

Coach Mathieu received many nice compliments throughout the trip about his team during their stay at Copper Mt. as well as at the airports and on the planes. The team members were studious, doing their homework on planes, at the airports during waits and in the evening after training. They were seen allowing elderly people to move ahead of them in lines and were just out and out perfect young adults. Onekama, Bear Lake and Brethren Schools can be proud of their kids.    Much to Monika's relief, she wasn't singled out this year to go in the "cube" for a search at the Denver airport. The season is looking good so far, with enough team members to have a boy's and girls ski team thanks to the co-op efforts of Brethren, Bear Lake girls, and Onekama. Other new comers are Brethren's Glen Hild, Brennan St. Onge and Cameron Smith. Donny Olson will be back from OHS as well as Kelli Waligorski. I will have a complete roster soon and please bear with me as I learn the proper spelling of the new team member’s names.

The first race of the season will be a conference jamboree at

Crystal Mt. on 1-10-07. Hope to see you there!

Gwen

*note* Monika took photos of the trip and we will get them posted shortly.

Ski Schedule & Index for 2006-2007