Do you know who Erlon ‘Bucky’ Broomhall is? If you don’t… you probably should. Bucky, who grew up in Rumford Maine as part of the legendary Broomhall skiing family, was an exceptional competitor but left his legacy on our sport in the way he taught others.
Bucky came to Bennington, Vermont in 1966 “to head a total ski program for the kids of all ages from kindergarten through high school.” He coached cross-country, jumping and downhill, winning 5 Vermont State High School Championships and helping at least 25 skiers to the Junior Olympics. He was one of the first in the nation to coach a girl’s team and brought the first girl’s team to Junior Olympics in 1968.
His true passion was in teaching kids of all ages to ski; therefore in 1969 he left his coaching position to start the Torger Tokel League. The Tokel League, which is now known as the Bill Koch League, set out to develop skiers not yet in high school and laid the foundation of youth skiing in our country.
On Saturday October 24, 2009 Erlon ‘Bucky’ Broomhall was inducted into the Vermont Ski Museum Hall of Fame.
I was lucky enough to have Bucky as a coach when I was a kid and therefore I’m very proud to share this amazing video with you. This video is courtesy of the Vermont Ski Museum and showcases some incredible footage as well as a look inside the many achievements of Bucky Broomhall.
Bucky Broomhall from Andrew Newell on Vimeo.
3 comments
Andrea
November 9, 2009 at 10:07 am
Magnificent!
Thanks for posting this, Andy!
cheechjunior
November 11, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Hey Andy,
Great write up and video. Very inspiring. Bucky was an unsung hero until now, I’m glad he’s been recognized for all he’s done for the sport. -Nick C
mrggreene
November 12, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Thanks Andy,
Great to see the footage. I too was coached by Bucky 80-81′ and have many fond, and some very cold memories of our races.
Hats Off to Bucky! – Gene Greene