USSA hires Whitaker to lead Western Region youth

By Published On: October 23rd, 2014Comments Off on USSA hires Whitaker to lead Western Region youth
Regional and Nation team athletes together at a June Slalom camp. Lester Keller

Regional and national team athletes together at a slalom camp in June. Lester Keller

The United States Ski and Snowboard Association has filled their final regional staffing position with the hiring of Darryl Whitaker to take over as Western Region Youth Coordinator. Whitaker replaces JJ Johnson who moved on to work with the men’s development team.

Alpine Director Patrick Riml recently announced the promotion of Michelle Demschar to lead the domestic alpine development program. The newly streamlined leadership program hopes to provide greater service to athletes, clubs and regional programs.

“We are very fortunate to have a very strong and experienced staff team throughout our development program,” said Riml. “These changes in our staff alignment will provide a smoother flow of responsibilities to provide greater service to our clubs and regional programs.”

Whitaker comes to USSA from the Park City Ski Team where he was head U14 coach for the past two seasons. He will be replaced by Ben Sinclair who rejoins the Park City staff after a year away coaching at the Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS). Whitaker has an extensive background in coaching and has been involved in coaches education with over 20 years as a leader and coordinator of clinics. He is a level 500 USSA coach and is also PSIA Level 3 certified. Whitaker filled a similar role for USSA from 2001 to 2003 as youth coordinator and development manager for the Western Region. He served as program director at both Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation and Diamond Peak and was the age class Program Director and head J3 coach at Winter Park before joining Park City Ski team.

Whitaker will work under Western/Rocky-Central regional development director, Lester Keller, and will work closely with Western Region alpine development coach, Karin Harjo. Whitaker’s primary role will be managing youth development programs for athletes 16 and under as well as working with the clubs and coaches that comprise the Western Region.

USSA ALPINE DEVELOPMENT STAFF

Alpine Leadership

USSA Alpine Director – Patrick Riml

Domestic Alpine Program Director – Michelle Demschar

Regional Staff

Eastern Region Development Director – Eric Harlow

Eastern Region Alpine Development Coach – Martin Guyer

Eastern Region Youth Coordinator – Tom Ashworth

Eastern Region Manager – Patti Nichols

Western/Rocky Central Regions Development Director – Lester Keller

Western Region Alpine Development Coach – Karin Karjo

Western Region Manager – Gwynn Watkins

Western Region Youth Coordinator – Darryl Whitaker

Rocky/Central Region Alpine Development Coach – Ian Dunlop

Rocky Mountain Division Manager – Darlene Nolting

Central Division Manager – Brewster McVicker

National Training Group

U16 Coach – Thomas Erhard

U16 Coach – Michael Rogan

Men’s FIS Coach – Konrad Rickenbach

Men’s FIS Coach – Chad Wolk

Women’s FIS Coach – Frank Kelble

Women’s FIS Coach – Kris Shampeny

ATC/PT – Dave Quemmen

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About the Author: Jessica Kelley

A 10-year veteran of the U.S. Ski Team, Kelley collected three NorAm titles, won GS silver at the 2002 World Junior Championships, and was a member of the 2007 World Championships team during her professional career. She resides in Park City, Utah, with her husband, Adam Cole.