Andrew Gardner has been named the head coach of the men’s and women’s nordic ski teams at Middlebury College. He replaces 31-year veteran Terry Aldrich, who stepped down as head coach after this past season. Aldrich will maintain his duties as head coach of the cross country running teams, while also assuming administrative duties in the fall of 2006.
Gardner comes to Middlebury from Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) in Carbondale, Colo., where he has served as the nordic coach since 2000 and nordic program director since 2003. He will join the Middlebury staff this summer and enter his first season as the head coach of Middlebury’s nordic program in the winter of 2006-2007.
“We’re very excited to have obtained Andrew’s services,†said Middlebury College Director of Athletics Russ Reilly. “In a short time, he has gained a wealth of experience and reputation in the sport. He will be a great addition to our coaching staff.â€
During his six years at CRMS, Gardner has coached a collection of the best nordic skiers in the state. He comes to Middlebury with an immense and advanced knowledge of training, technique and waxing skills.
“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to take over a program with such a great tradition,†said Gardner. “The balance between academics and athletics at Middlebury is something I’m very passionate about and have looked for in my previous jobs.â€
Gardner was not only a coach at the CRMS, he was also a faculty member in the English department, teaching a course in Western philosophy. Over the last six years, he has been involved with several international trips for his skiers, including directing a summer of 2005 trip to New Zealand.
Prior to his arrival at CRMS, Gardner worked as a trainer for the world junior biathlon team. He did his collegiate skiing at NESCAC-member Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Gardner graduated from Bates cum laude in June of 2000, earning a degree in literature. He has also spent a summer working on a master’s degree in English at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English.
“I remember the camaraderie and closeness of all the skiers throughout the Eastern circuit when I was in school and it’s something really special,†added Gardner. “I look forward to being a part of this once again, and having our skiers compete week after week with the passion to win.â€
