Editors note: This is 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 coach’s name, email, phone, and a small paragraph describing the nominee. The more diverse, the better.
 and coaching with Ben (head coach).</b> </p>
<p>Actually, when I moved to Truckee I had been out of touch with the nordic community for a few years and was fairly oblivious to the incredible resources here in town. A regular customer came into the bike shop where I work and we started chatting about nordic skiing. A few weeks later he surprised me by coming back and dropping off a phone number for the Auburn Ski Club. Before I knew it I had dusted off my rollerskis and was training 4 days a week with the teams. The Auburn Ski Club has such a great infrastructure and is really well organized, I feel lucky to be a part of a club that runs so smoothly. The members and staff are very dedicated to furthering our sport, and that makes for a great crew.</p>
<p>Ben, the ASC Head Coach, is wonderful to coach with… He has the particular talent of being able to convey an important piece of advice while at the same time busting us all up with his goofy antics. He has a great eye for technique and has taught me a bunch regarding skiing proficiency. He and I have a lot of fun coaching together, and have taken the athletes on some fun adventures over the past few years. </p>
<p><b>3. Who were (or still are) your skiing/coaching mentors along the way?</b></p>
<p>It's funny how things come around full circle. Back in Houghton, Beth Reid was our coach. She was such an incredible athlete, extremely positive, and really pushed my teammates and I to perform to the best of our abilities. However, she moved away and we lost touch. Then lo and behold, I came across her last name on the roster for Far West athletes. Turns out I am now coaching her children! She not only inspired me back in the day, but presently as well, because she has passed on her love of skiing to her kids. That's really what this is all about. And you know those old-timers who haven't missed a race in 40 years and still are out there loving every minute? I hope I'm one of them someday. </p>
<p><b>4. What are three (3) things you would do better as a coach?</b></p>
<p>Gosh, there's so much to learn. I am figuring it out more every day. My top 3 things are:<br />
1-I need to take advantage of all the knowledge that the seasoned, experienced coaches have and ask more questions of them when I get the chance.<br />
2-Waxing: there's always more to learn!<br />
3-Time management. If anyone knows how to get a vanful of J2s back to the parking lot on time, please let me know! </p>
<p><b>5. If not coaching, what would you rather be doing?</b></p>
<p>If I'm not coaching, you can usually find me backcountry skiing, mountain biking, reading, or generally doing anything in my power to tire out my indefatigable husky puppy. </p>
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