BMA trailer stolen en route to CO; community rallies to support athletes

Burke Mountain Academy students and staff wish to thank the greater ski racing community for the support they received after a U-Haul trailer filled with ski gear bound for their camp in Colorado was stolen. The trailer was located a few hours later, but it was largely empty.

Burke coaches were driving cross-country en route to Summit County, Colorado for an upcoming ski camp. The group took a rest stop at a hotel in the Cleveland, Ohio area on Thursday night and awoke early Friday morning to find that a trailer with their gear had been stolen. The contents of the trailer consisted of everything the coaches and athletes needed for a successful three-week camp. Skis, boots, poles, helmets, goggles, jackets, pants, tuning equipment, drills, and radios were lost.

By Friday afternoon, the support started pouring in. Alumnus and current parent Lucas Hiebert ‘97 and his wife Tracy, who own Sport Thoma in Lincoln, N.H., set up a pop-up shop on campus with gear to help the Burkies start to replenish what was lost in preparation for departure on Sunday. Other ski shops, individuals, and manufacturers jumped in to help procure necessary gear and equipment for the athletes and staff.

“​Our emotions the past several days have run the full spectrum from shock, disappointment, and frustration to relief, gratitude, and pride,” said Head of School Willy Booker. “Having all of our carefully assembled equipment stolen days before ski camp, in this year more than any other, added a layer of complexity, cost, and anxiety that was beyond anything that we have ever seen. The outpouring of support from the racing community, however, has been incredibly uplifting. We are so grateful to all who offered support the past several days from the manufacturers, retail community, and peer ski clubs. Thank you!”

Burke Mountain Academy would like to extend special thanks to:

Ski shops
Sport Thoma – Lincoln, N.H.
Rodgers Ski and Sport – Lincoln, NH Race Stock Sports – Waterbury, Vt.

Brands
Marker/Dalbello/Volkl
Head/Tyrolia
Rossignol/Lange/Dynastar
Fischer
Nordica SWIX
Shred
Helly Hansen
Sync Performance Wear Level Gloves
Sweet Protection

Individuals
Dave Gorsuch
Bob Olson
PJ Dewey
BMA Families

Clubs
Loveland Ski Club