This week, the New York State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA) announced the hiring of Stephen Mergenthaler as its new Youth Coordinator. “Mergs” takes over for Kathy Okoniewski, who has been the NYSSRA Youth Coordinator for the past 5 seasons and has recently decided to accept a position with U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Eastern Region as Youth Development Coach.

“We are really lucky to have someone of Merg’s caliber take over from Kathy,” said NYSSRA President Maren Hosmer. “Kathy was the first person to take on this role in NYSSRA and we are grateful for the five years she spent with us. We are also equally excited to have Mergs join us and take the position to a new level”

Mergenthaler has been coaching for over 30 years and is a U.S. Ski & Snowboard level 400 coach. He has worked at several programs in New York and is well versed in the NYSSRA training and racing programs. Mergs is also a U.S. Ski & Snowboard coach educator, PSIA certified, and a licensed rock climbing guide as well.

“While all of us at NYSSRA will miss Kathy, we are excited that she will be working for the Eastern Region and bringing her talents to the entire Eastern Region, including New York,” said NYSSRA Executive Director Dirk Gouwens. “We are also excited to turn a page and welcome Mergs to the program. He has been an integral part of our camps and projects for several years and we know he will bring his enthusiasm and expertise to the entire state.”

Okoniewski and Mergenthaler have already begun working together during the transition month of November. Coaches, Officials, and Parents will see him at many clinics and he begins working with NYSSRA full time on Dec. 1.

Release courtesy of NYSSRA