Saturday, December 21, 2013

See You in 2014

Two weeks of great skiers and good workouts.  I still cannot say enough about your children, my skiers.  They work hard, play hard and really enjoy each other. 

There will be no formal practices over Winter Break.  This does not give skiers the excuse to stay home and play video games all day.  Coach Brown handed out a training log sheet.  Skiers go ski with your family, write down what you did, parents sign it, we will give you credit. There is a small kick wax kit in the warming hut. Use what you need leave the kit there.

We start up Jan.6, 2014.  Less than 2 weeks to our first meet on Jan 17-18, 2014 in Laramie.  I will post info on this meet just as soon as I know details.  I do  know we will need volunteer help of all kinds both days if you are able.


MEET COACH BROWN 
Mr. Brown has been a science teacher at LJHS for the last 6 years. He has a degree in Outdoor Education and thoroughly enjoys doing everything outdoors. He took up Nordic Skiing in college as a way to rehabilitate a knee injury.  The past few years he has been enjoying classic skiing with his family and skate skiing to keep in shape for his favorite summer activities. One of his greatest adventures last year was a 26 mile moon lit ski across the top of the Snowy Range. His goal this year is to be able to participate in the Wednesday night Happy Jack Ski Races.

( Coach Hamann's Comments here: I met Coach Brown this fall while he was leading the Cross Country team. I was impressed with the environment he created on that team, work ethic, fun, respect for others, personal responsibility, etc.  Thanks Coach Brown for giving up family and personal time to work with this team!)


LJHS NORDIC SHIRTS
This is an optional purchase.  Please do not feel obligated to buy. 
Taking orders for this very awesome shirt.  It is a light weight wicking/sport material. It would be a great first layer, as a top layer or wearing to school. Family and friends are welcome to order.  If you loose your order form you can down load one off the Face Book page.
(Spoiler Alert: Team uniforms will look exactly like this but on a compression style top.)

Thursday, December 12, 2013

December 16-20 Practice Schedule

WOW! What a great first official week of practice for this team!  Every time we get on the bus there are more skiers.  27 joined us for Wednesday practice.  Parents, you should be really proud of your kids.  They are responsible, kind, good workers and a joy to be around.  I am looking forward to a really great rest of the season.

BREAKING NEWS!
Starting Monday,we have a strong coaching team to lead the Scout Nordic Program.

Coach Heath Brown; You students know him as Mr. Brown your teacher at LJHS. You might know him as Coach Brown head of the LJHS Cross Country track program. 

Coach Elizabeth Bentley (EB); EB skis for the UW Nordic club team and is a former LJHS Nordic Skier.  She brings to our team a vast knowledge in racing experience, waxing techniques and excitement.

Coach Chris Hamann; you all know me by now. I feel that the Scout Nordic team is in good hands to do great things.


PRACTICE for December 16-20, 2013
Conditions are perfect for skating.  So unless we get more snow and tracks can be set, bring your skating equipment.  Those of you who have 1 pair or are beginner skiers stick to classic. 

Monday (12-16-13)
Ski at Happy Jack

Tuesday (12-17-13)
TNT moved to Thursday because of  LJHS Choir and Band concerts.  Please read Thursday really well!!!

Wednesday(12-18-13)
Ski at Happy Jack

Thursday (12-19-13)
TNT (Thursday Night Training)
3:30 to 5:30  Wax and Pizza Party
LJHS Cafeteria
Bring your skis and your own drink. (No Soda) I will bring the wax , supplies and pizza.  Lets get your gear ready to be skied on over the break. 

Friday (12-20-13)
Ski at Happy Jack

We will not hold formal practices over the break.  I do know that the High School will have a few (dates to be announced later) and we have been invited to ride their bus.  I will let you know as soon as I know when and more about that as I get the info. We will start right up again with formal practices the day school starts!

RACE SCHEDULE
This is the race schedule as far as I know it.  I have decided that even the coaches around the state are still figuring this out.  Please know that this is subject to change and I will do everything to keep you updated. 

January 17, 2014 Laramie Team Sprints
January 18, 2014 Laramie 3k Classic
January 22, 2014 Laramie Wednesday Night Light Star Streak Series
                    MBNA event: Parents welcome to participate.
January 25, 2014 (possibly the 24 as well)  Casper 3k Freestyle
January 29, 2014 Laramie Wednesday Night Light Star Series
               MBNA event: Parents welcome to participate
February 7 and 8, 2013 Soldier Hollow (Salt Lake, Utah)  Coaches select team not all will travel!
February 15, 2014 Lander WYO Junior High Championships


Christmas Present Ideas for your skiers:
A small kick wax kit for classic skiing. Green, Blue, Purple, Red waxes a cork, and a scraper.
A fanny pack to carry a water bottle and a water bottle.
A tube of  F4 goo for those skis with fish scales.
Running tights or workout pants.  Black. 
These are just suggestions! Not requirements by any means.  The team always has wax for practices and meets.


LAST
Please go through all your equipment and put your name on everything.  Many of us have rented from the same store and we have very similar looking gear.  Easily mixed up.  Use duct tape or masking tape no permanent markers on rental stuff.









Thursday, December 5, 2013

December 9-13, 2013 Practice Schedule

Well  we start practices then it gets too cold even for Nordic Skiers.  I am still so excited I can hardly sleep at night.  This is going to be a fun season.

Even with best thought out plans things happen.  We will be changing up our week just a bit to accommodate those who do not have equipment yet. I promise we will get to the snow!

Please take time to read through this.  I know it is long but important.

Here is my vision of the week.  Please be patient with me as we get things up and running full speed.

Monday 12-9-13
Bring your classic gear to school. Meet at the tennis courts @3:25 to load bus. Ski at Happy Jack.
Focus will be on getting to know the snow.  Balance, glide, pole usage.  Home around 5:30
If you do not have equipment yet we will see  you on Wednesday!

Tuesday 12-10-13 (optional workout day)
TNT meet at 3:30 in the cafeteria.  Dress for outdoor fun. Probably 1/2 outside 1/2 inside work out.  Bring your classic ski poles. We will dismiss at 5pm.

Equipment Rental night at Cross Country Connection, 6:15 pm.
If you have equipment stay home and do your homework.

Let Coach Chris know if you plan on renting.
Need your name, height, weight, shoe size.

There is a limited supply of rentals available.  If you know of another place you want to rent from please feel free. Make sure the you tell the store you are on the Jr High Nordic team and will be Skating and Classic skiing.

Wednesday 12-11-13
Meet at the tennis courts 3:25pm to load the bus. . Bring your skis to school. Emphasis will be getting on snow. Continue working on basics,  balance, glide, use of poles.  Classic skis probably are best.

Friday 12-13-13
Meet at the tennis courts at 3:25 to load the bus.  Ski at Happy Jack.  More getting used to skiing.  Beginner skiers will continue with classic skis. Advanced if you want you can test drive your skate skis.


Bus Schedule
Please be flexible here as this is a first for Laramie to have one team from so many different schools.

"From Principal Stender"
Bus pick up Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. If you want to come to TNT you have to find your own way.
I don't know the exact bus number, but the garage will be calling each school on Friday to let them know which bus they will be riding.  Students need to be waiting for the bus and get on quickly as other schools will also be waiting. Linford pick up 2:50,  followed close as possible to the Lab School, LJHS, IPES and then on the way out of town SRA.  Students from IPES if you wanted to catch another bus or walk over to LJHS it would be faster than waiting.   (From Chris:  We will figure a place to get dressed for skiing for those who cannot before getting on the  bus.)

Also kids from satellite schools bring all your stuff on the bus.  It will be your locker.

Last But not Least
As of right now I am the only coach.  Until we get more help, I would appreciate volunteer parents. If you can ski with us any  day please contact me.  It would be a great help.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Skier Information Packet


Laramie Junior High Nordic Team

 

 

Coach: Chris Hamann

307-760-2797


 

 

Other coaching staff to be announced

Like our page on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Scout Nordic

 

 

 

Practice Dates:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

3:30pm (bus departs for Happy Jack Trails) 5:3Opm( arrive back to school)

 

Tuesday (optional) 3:30pm to 5:pm

Meet at Scout Park for TNT (Tuesday Night Training).  Sport specific conditioning. (Strength, endurance, flexibility and so much more..)

 

 

Requirements for team participation:

1. No previous experience necessary

2. A willingness to learn and improve on your own personal experience level

 

Goals:

1. To provide an opportunity in a team atmosphere for students to experience the sport of Nordic Skiing.

2. Knowing that all team members will start with varying abilities, to improve and grow in those abilities.

3. To participate and experience true Nordic racing in a meet.

4. All team members will learn to wax skis and take care of personal equipment.

 

 

Equipment requirements:

1. Nordic skis, boots and poles.

 We will train for both techniques in the Nordic world. Classic and Skate.  

 

Option 1. It is possible to find one pair of skis that will do both. (very good for the beginner) and one pair of boots that is good for both.

 

Option 2. A pair of skis for each technique.  

 

 Check with local ski businesses for season long rentals if you do not own skis.  All in town are good and can help you.  Bindings on skis are not universal fit. Make sure your boots are the right system for your skis. Try them in the store before getting them to the trails.

 

 

2.   Winter clothing

      A quick lesson in how to dress for success...

       - layers, layers, layers ... Bottom layer of wicking (Under Armor, Columbia, Mountain Hardware, etc. ) long underwear, tops and bottoms. Ski tights or lightweight fleece pants, lightweight fleece top, wind pants and  jacket.  Reserve the heavy jacket for the bus.  Hat and gloves. Cotton sweat pants and sweat shirts, jeans etc. soak up water and do not dry. They are not safe in cold conditions. Cotton kills.

 

3. Water bottle and somehow to carry it.  Hydration packs with tubes freeze if not worn under a jacket.

 

4. Doctors Physical form, if you do not have one on file from another sport this school year.

 

5. Skier information sheet. (Last sheet of this Packet.)

 

6. LJHS participation fee.  Given to the main office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKIER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Name  __________________________________________________________________________________                                                                    

 

Grade  _____________________       School________________________________________________

 

Your  Phone_______________________________________________________

 

Your email___________________________________________________________

 

 

Parents name ___________________________________________________________________________

 

Volunteer  Coach?   Yes____ No______   Days available__________________________________

 

Phone   _____________________________________   Phone_____________________________________

 

Parent Email you want info sent to:___________________________________________________

 

 

 

Medical issues coaches need to know about. (Diabetes, seizures, anorexia, extreme clumsiness, recent injury that may flair up, etc. )

 

 

 

 

Days of the week you will not make practice because of other commitments.

 

 

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

As a participant of the Laramie Junior High Nordic Team, I understand that I am expected to abide by the Athletic Code of conduct included in the LJHS Handbook. I understand that at all times while on this team I am representing LJHS, my team and the Sport of Nordic Skiing. I understand that my behavior directly effects my performance.  If such behavior becomes a chronic problem I can be asked to leave the team.

 

Participant Signature/ date

 

Parent- Guardian Signature/ date

 

 

 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Start UP

This week is going to be busy and so much fun.   I am so excited!

Here is a brief  and hopeful overview.

Monday December 2, 2013
   Parent/Skier info meeting
   LJHS Common area
   6:30PM
   Bring a pencil

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 (optional)
  First TNT workout (Tuesday Night Training)
  3:30 PM to 5pm
  Scout Park
  Wear warm outdoor workout clothes, hat and gloves, good running shoes
  Bring your ski poles
  water bottle

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 (optional)
 3:30pm to 5pm
 Conditioning at Scout Park
 warm outdoor workout clothes, hat, gloves, running shoes
 Bring your ski poles
 water bottle

Friday, December 6, 2013(optional)
3:30pm to 5pm
Conditioning and Snow dances at Scout Park
see above for list of things to bring

We start for real Monday, December 9, 2013 if snow we will ski at Happy Jack if  not we will continue dry land conditioning at Scout Park.  Skiers need to provide their own ski equipment. So use this week and get to Cross Country Connection  tell them youare joining the LJHS Nordic team they will set you up.

Meet The Coach

Chris Hamann

I have more years in the Nordic World than most of you reading this have been alive.   As a Nordic Ski Team member I skied with Natrona County High School, and in the USSA Northern Division. During this time I was lucky to be a 2 time participant of the USSA Junior Nationals (Now Junior Olympics). I continued my racing career at Montana State University, Skiing for the Bobcats. NCAA meets, Olympic Trials, Biathalon, basically anything that had to do with the Nordic World.  And I have a BS in Physical Education with an interest in Sports Medicine.

Years pass... I live in Laramie with my family.   I have a husband, 2 dogs, 3 kiddos.  The Two oldest kids decide to become really good swimmers.  (I have spent too many years on the bench cheering.)  The Youngest one is on the LJHS Nordic Team.  See me smile.  It is now time for me to give back to the Nordic world what I know.  I love to Nordic Ski of all kinds and I love to share this great sport.  I hope to be able to help Laramie Junior High Students improve on skills and ski just a little faster. 

I don't have any pictures of me skiing as I usually have the camera.  This is me doing my other favorite thing.  River Time.  Rafting, SUP, Duckie... it is really just melted snow to play on!





This Blog is  for LJHS Nordic News.  Workout Schedules, Race info, and whatever might come up.  Please check it on a regular basis. 



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