The Factory Team, an institution in US skiing is closing down after 15 years of operation. Andy Gerlach, who has run the team, has been unable to secure a title sponsor for next season.
Over the years the Factory Team has featured many of the top skiers in the country and has been a fixture at all the major US races. Past title sponsors included Saab, Subaru, Fischer, and Salomon.
3 comments
Mike Trecker
May 17, 2009 at 7:59 am
Thanks to Andy and all the staff and athletes throughout the years, you guys did it right. This will leave a big hole in US skiing. Congratulations for all the victories as well as all the impact on the young skiers around the country.
imnxcguy
May 17, 2009 at 10:08 am
Ditto to Mike’s comments: Andy, the team will be MISSED in the xc ski world! We still miss the days of having a dozen racers or so crashing at our home.
-Mark
coach
May 17, 2009 at 2:09 pm
wow. what a hit. Factory Team has been a big part of it all for as long as I can remember!
I think its important though that we focus on the positive. If it wasnt for Factory Team, other companies probably wouldnt have started teams. If it wasnt for the moment of these teams, clubs across the country probably wouldnt have started post collegiate elite programs.
We are in a good place in this country right now. a lot of opportunities.
Lets hope we can carry the momentum created by the Factory Team and Andy Gerlach…and continue to create opportunities for full time athletes in this country.
Thanks Andy!