But first some background. Balancing athletics and education is undoubtedly challenging for even the student-athletes. At USAFA, we also have the added burden of military obligations as our "college" experience is nothing like most others'. Further, our freshman year (and subsequent three years) are challenging, time-consuming, and exhausting, and in nearly every way un-conducive to focused training. Don't interpret this the wrong way however, success is very possible, but requires a level of sacrifice and commitment that rarely comes easily.
Now some background on me. I am currently a sophomore in Cadet Squadron 28 and am also an active participant on the Cycling team. I trace my humble beginnings as a nordic skier to upstate New York where I spent many years screwing around on the Pittsford Nordic team, only getting serious my Senior year. I raced well at States and skied for Mid Atlantic at the 2010 JOs but was (and am) marginal at best. At this stage in my life, I ski because I love it. I have no grand aspirations of WCAP but my philosophy is to improve and train more and better until I reach a point where I'm no longer having fun.
So here goes. My goals for the team and the New Years are as follows:
1) Top 3 in overall conference standings (personal)
2) Top 12 at USCSA Nationals (personal)
3) 2nd in conference standings (team)
4) Create a fun, but competitive team atmosphere, where results are expected (team)
5) ***More goals from individual team members once I collect them***
Hopefully I'll keep my own off-topic rants to a minimum and fill this blog with sweet videos, attractive picures, and page-scrolling race reports. But for now enjoy some pictures of the team, team members, and team members doing nifty things. Ta-ta for now!
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| 2011 Nationals in Sun Valley |
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| Hiking in Fraser Fall '11 from Left to Right Corey, Stefan, Scout, Taylor and Hailey |
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| Hailey and Corey after finishing Free Fall Parachuting over the summer |
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| Owl Creek Chase '11 Coach Henry, Corey, Hailey, Laura, Jess, Stefan, Adam and Sam |
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| Summer Biathlon at SMR. 5% accuracy for me for the day; others were much more lethal |
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| Reppin' the AF tights at West Yellowstone over Thanksgiving |
