Alberta Alpine launches University Training Group Program

This week, Alberta Alpine (AA) in Canada announced the launch of its newly created University Training Group program which supports post-grad athletes by providing extended training opportunities complementing their school program and their continued advancement as world class skiers.

In an invitation letter to potential athletes from February, Alberta Alpine President, Nigel Loring clearly laid out the purpose and goals of the program.

“Alberta Alpine recognizes that a number of graduates from Alberta ski racing programs continue to ski competitively at the University and College level. In doing so, these senior athletes committed to not only a post-secondary education, but also the pursuit of elite athletics in our sport,” the letter read. “It is the intent of Alberta Alpine to recognize these individuals and provide them with extended opportunities in support of their continued improvement of their world rankings, pursuit of a NCAA championship, and potential international representation of Canada on the World Cup or Olympic stage.”

Alberta Alpine recognized a number of significant areas where post-grad athletes required additional support to maintain a high level of skiing performance as they become mature athletes. Athletes qualifying for this opportunity will receive training and support options not currently provided by ACA or their chosen school including a summer fitness program and on-snow camps and in-season training and race support.

For the summer of 2016, six athletes from schools like the University of New Mexico, Dartmouth College and Montana State University will access to dry land training and two on-snow camps. Those athletes are:

Rob Greig (University of New Mexico)
Jeff Bell (Montana State)
Mia Henry (Montana State)
Hannah Melinchuk (Dartmouth College)
Jocelyn McCarthy (Montana State)
Stephanie Gartner (Montana State)
“Although not all participating athletes will attend every project, this is an important first step to extending the high performance pathway beyond the provincial or national ski teams,” Loring pointed out.

For Alberta Alpine and its provincial ski team, the benefits of having these experienced athletes involved in off-season training has added value when working side by side with younger athletes in the program.

“Inspiration, motivation, focus and work ethic – all positive things these senior athletes bring back to the table for our younger generations,” according to AA Athletics Director, Cam Stephen.

Rob Greig is already in the gym at Peak Power in Calgary on a regular basis with the Alpine Insurance Alberta Ski Team. AST coaches Tom Penny and JM Martel are taking others in the group to Mt. Hood for a 7 day on-snow technical camp from June 20-29.

Release from Alberta Alpine