This will be a weekly column highlighting our ski coaches from around the country…..including elite coaches, college coaches, high school coaches, volunteer coaches, and learn-to-ski coaches. This is an effort to sample a diverse group of coaches and recognize the people who are the backbone of today's skiers. If you would like to nominate a coach for an interview, please email robertwhitney99@hotmail.com . Please give coaches name, email, phone, and a small paragraph describing the nominee. The more diverse, the better.
Ja Dorris is the head coach at Eagle River High School in Eagle River, Alaska. He also coaches the Alaska Nordic Racing program www.alaskanordicracing.org . Rob Whitney asked him a few questions.
Name, age, background?
Ja Dorris, a WHOPPIN’ 41 yrs old! This is my 20th season ski coaching.
What’s the best part about coaching?
Several things: I enjoy doing something I love and totally getting into the training and racing at every level with the kids. I also enjoy being able to work with a bunch of awesome people both in terms of athletes and coaches, especially the kids…. they definitely keep me young.
What’s your other job(s)?
Good thing you asked in the plural tense! Let’s see, I teach Physical Education at Eagle River High School, where I also coach the high school team. I also coach a year round ski program, Alaska Nordic Racing (ANR). I have also been selling real estate for the past 16 years. Probably the hardest and most rewarding job is my two kids, Ryann, 3, and Lauren, 18 months. They are a total blast and keep me on my toes.
What is your motivation as a coach?
Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I just love coaching… it’s part of who I am.
