Stratton Mountain School is starting an Elite Team and has hired Gus Kaeding to coach the program. Our Elite Team will work closely with the Stratton Mountain School nordic team and help out with the local youth skiers. SMS nordic program director Sverre Caldwell will oversee and coordinate all of the Stratton programs.
1) Help athletes achieve International excellence.
2) Expose local skiers to top level skiers.
Erika Flowers, Bozeman, MT. Erika just capped off an impressive collegiate career with All American finishes in both races at NCAA’s.
Skyler Davis, Jericho, VT (SMS ’10). Skyler is a member of the USST D Team and last year he medaled in the Sr. National Championships sprint.
Sophie Caldwell, Peru, VT (SMS ’08). Sophie is a two time medalist at Sr. Nationals. This year she was ranked as the top college skier in the East and she placed second and third at the NCAA Championships.
Eric Packer, Anchorage, AK. Eric earned two medals at the Sr. National Championships this year as well as two NCAA All American performances this spring.
Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT (SMS ’02). USST A Team. Andy just finished 6th and 7th in his last two World Cup Sprint races!
Bill Koch, neighbor and Olympic medalist, is very excited about the new program and the direction that we are moving: “Sverre and Gus embody a rare breed of coach, the “Athletes’ Coach”. Rather than dictate a regimen, the Athletes’ Coach empowers each individual. This not only produces the best race results but, more importantly, engenders a quality of life and personal growth that athletes take with them into life beyond racing.”
Eric, Bill Koch and Sophie.