USSA hires Whitaker to lead Western Region youth
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