December 19- Jan 9, 2016

Wow it has been 3 weeks of ski team! Even battling the crazy weather I feel we have gotten real work done.  Thank you Volunteer Coaches Doug Frick and Dan Lewis.  Your help has been huge!

We have spent the last 3 weeks learning how to ski again. We have been intentionally low key.  Our competition season starts after we get back from break.  Practices will still be geared toward learning and improving technique, they will also step up in intensity a bit.

Practices:
THERE ARE NO ORGANIZED PRACTICES THRU THE BREAK!  GO SKI WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! For those of you who need kick wax.. By Monday 12-20-15 there will be a kit of kick waxes in the warming hut at Happy Jack.  Please use what you need and leave the kit for others to use.  3 waxes and a cork.  Blue wax for cold dry snow, Red wax for if blue is not sticking and older snow, Yellow wax for warm temps.  It is on the tubes.

December 31, 2015
Coach Hamann Family and Friends Tradition
     7:30PM till we freeze out
     Moon light New Year's Eve Ski
     Join us at the Warming Hut at Happy Jack for a night ski, hot drinks and a last ski of 2015!
     All are welcome, family and friends.  This is not a required event!

January 4, 2016
      School/Practice starts again.  Mondays will  be classic ski days- Wednesday Skate.

If you do not have skate skis do not worry, you get to classic!

Friday, January 8, 2016
     Team wax night.  Done by 5PM  This is practice!

January 9, 2106  

   POLE MOUNTAIN SHUFFLE

This is a citizens fun race for anybody interested.  There will be a separate race for Junior High Racers starting at 12:30PM.  All  LJHS TEAM MEMBERS SHOULD PARTICIPATE!  (No registration fee for LJHS Skiers) Team Bus will load at 10:30 AM.

Parents and friends wanting to ski the information is in the link below.

   www.medicinebownordic.org/racing-information/pole-mountain-shuffle

Volunteers needed for this race in many areas. You can ski the adult race and stay for the JR High Event!  If you can help let Coach Hamann know.Timers, course marshals (out on the course to keep skiers on the course), registration, cookie bakers!

This meet is a really good way to get experience for our home meet in February!

More details as we get close to race day!


SKI TIGHTS AND SKIRTS
Because of a weird week the last week of practice.  The deadline to order will be Jan. 8,  Check the precious blog post for order forms.

   

December 14-18, 2015

Last week before the break!
We have new snow and conditions are getting better all the time!

This next week we will ski every day. Buses are on time and running. For the rest of practices we ski unless we (The Coaching staff ) say different.


 Skiers at IPES and SRA please stay at school, the bus will pick you up there for practice.  Breath, go change into ski clothes and wait.  We do not leave LJHS until 3:20 at the earliest.  We will be there.  Your skis are being loaded on the bus for you.  We are getting into the routine.


This next week, Coach Hamann will be at LJHS on Tuesday and Thursday by 2:30PM.  If you have time and want to work on your skis to get them ready to ski with your parents over the break, this
would be the time.


________________________________________________________________________________

Below is the information to order either or both team shirts and tights.  Please do not feel obligated to to so.  They are only if you desire.  Both can be worn for meets and at practice.  They are meant to have a first layer of something  under them.   We have team jerseys to be checked out for those who do not want to buy!  Orders are due by Friday, December 18, 2105.  Money must be included, checks preferred made to LJHS.  You may email Coach Hamann with your desires but money must be turned in by due date.

_________________________________________________________________________________
With the growth of the team and the knowledge that ski wax is used up....  We the team are in need of kick wax.  If you have a desire to give the team a Christmas Blessing, a  tube of kick wax, any color, would be a perfect gift.

Week 2

December 7 thru 11, 2105

We head to Happy Jack!  Keep good thoughts that the buses run and all goes well.

We hope to leave LJHS as close to 3:30pm as possible.

IPES Students -----Wait at IPES for the bus we will come and get you on the way out of town.  You should have plenty of time to change into ski clothes at IPES. We should be there 3:35PM.  Get with Coach Hamann on Friday to figure out a way to get your skis to you!

LAB School skiers, please change at the LAB School and be ready to ski by the time you get to LJHS.  You will have to hurry but you can do it!


WARNING: REMEMBER YOUR HATS, GLOVES AND WARM JACKETS! It would be a bummer to have to sit on the bus and not ski because you did not have the right warm clothing!

We aim to be in the back parking lot at LJHS by the tennis court at 5:30pm.

Though we would love to jump into skating.  We will Classic ski these first 2 weeks.
_________________________________________________________________________________

A note about the buses.. We are lucky to have buses that take us to the ski area every day.  That said the transportation garage is working out and fine tuning the schedule.  So things might change, these things are out of my or any coaches control. Please be patient this first week.

Today 12-2-15  we have 84 skiers on the roster (total from both teams)

First week of practice

LJHS “Scout” Nordic

First Week of practice!

In order to get to know names and establish a bit of a routine, PRACTICES THE FIRST WEEK WILL BE IN TOWN!  Meeting at the equipment barn. (3:30PM) We will be done by 5PM.  Hopefully, the buses from other schools will be running. Let Coach Hamann know if you are at another school but LJHS, we don’t want to miss anybody.

  Please be a little patient as all parts of this dance have to be figured out!

Monday 11-30-15 or Tuesday 12- 1-2015

Dress to be outside.  Hats, Gloves, Jacket, Running shoes, and Ski Poles!  You may store your poles behind the stage in the cafeteria.

Parents please bring your skiers skis after practice, to be left in the Wax Barn.

Wednesday !2-2-15 and Thursday12-3-15

Dress to be outside.  Orientation to skis, intro waxing and making sure we have the right equipment. (Boots fit bindings, names everything, scraping skis of summer storage wax etc.).

Friday 12-4-15

Skier’s Choice of Yoga or weight room (This might change)

Starting week 2 (fingers crossed) we will be traveling to Happy Jack!  You must have all the proper paperwork and activity fee complete to get on the bus!

The team information packet is at LJHS or on a previous post here!

Think Snow!  See you in a few weeks!

P.S. There is always room for more skiers!  

Skier/Parent Information

Here is the information for the Nordic team.  You ca also find it on the LJHS website!

Fort Practice November 30 or December 1

Ski rentals:  Just go and rent. Remember to tell the staff at Cross Country Connection that you are on the team!  Also Northgate Ski has season rentals for Classic only but they do not have a deal on Ski team.

Laramie Junior High Nordic Team

Chris Hamann                                                            Heath Brown

Chamann63@gmail.com                                           hbrown@acsd1.org

(307)760-2797

Information/Practice Schedules etc.

Facebook: ScoutNordic                                                 www.ScoutNordic.blogspot.com      www.acsd1.org/ljhs                                                       Team Email list when created.

Practice Dates:

First  Practice: November 30 or December 1 ,2015

Team Orange) Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Team Black)  Tuesday/ Thursday optional Friday

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

 In town- Practices   (3:30 to 5PM)

Requirements for team participation:

1. No previous experience necessary

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

3. Sports Physical form (Both sides filled out)

4. Activity fee paid to LJHS

5. Code of Conduct

6. Info Snap online information current

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

    Team A)  Will train for both techniques in the Nordic world. Classic and Skate.  A pair of skis for each technique.  

     Team B) Will concentrate on Classic Skiing.  Only one pair of skis needed.

Highly Suggested!  Ski bag that holds all your skis, and poles.

   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.

Put your name on all your equipment!

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.  Show up to practice in these and you will not be allowed off  the bus.

The coaches do not have a supply of extra hats and gloves. You must be be responsible for your own.  You will be asked to not ski if you do not have proper warm gear!

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

4. The team will provide all waxing equipment required to maintain skis thru the season.

Skier Information

Name______________________________   Grade ___School__________________________________

Parents name______________________________________ Phone_____________________________                                         

Email you want info sent to:____________________________________________________________

(This address will be included in a team list)

Rate your ski ability:

  Team Black) Beginner (Never skied before)-------  Sort of Beginner   

                                                                                      ( Less than 5 times )                                                            

  Team Orange) Intermediate (More than 5 times) ------ Advanced 

Medical issues coaches need to know about. ( Diabetes, seizures,  anorexia, 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, the Nordic Team and the Sport of Nordic Skiing.  I understand that my behaviour directly effects my performance.  If such behaviour becomes a chronic problem or there is no resolution thru ACSD1 policies, I can be asked to leave the team.

Skier Signature/Date

Parent-Guardian Signature/Date

Cross Country Connection Rental Info

Racer 1 Combi        $150  wood core junior race gear smallest gear down to 122cm           skis

               Single       $100

Racer 2  Combi       $200 RCS junior skis-air core-  mid size skis for juniors under 5'2" and under 115lbs

               single        $150
 

Racer 3  Combi       $350  adult sized skis,  adult Fischer Combi boots- skis from 172 on up

               Single       $200

****Combi Package – 2 pair of skis, Combi boots and poles

***Single Package- either skate or classic skis, boots, poles

Renter Info

Complete and take to rental night.

Skier name_______________________M/F__________

Parents Name_______________________________

Phone Number______________________________

Skier age__________Height___________Weight____________ 

 Shoe Size_______ 

Nordic Team Race Schedule

January 9,  2016  Happy Jack Challenge Ski (Inter Squad race)

January 16, 2016  Lander -  3.5km Freestyle

January 30, 2016  Happy Jack Mystery event.  More info later.

February 6, 2016  Casper-   3.5 km   Classic

February 13, 2016  Laramie -   Freestyle

February 20, 2016  Middle School Championships –Lander – 2 event day with the combined times of both determining the best all around skier!

All races will start no sooner and as close to noon as possible.  Travel schedules will be posted when they are worked out before the meets.

2-16-15 thru 2-21-15 Scout Nordic Season Comes to an End

LJHS NORDIC

COWBOY CHASE

This is the crew.  3 plus month of  training and skiing together.  It all comes down to this weekend, the Season Finale in Lander. It won"t hit till Monday 2-23-15 that I no longer have a standing ski date with 55 of my favorite Junior High Students. 

This is a busy week so pay attention:

Monday, 2-16-15
     Ski at Happy Jack  Normal time.  Yes I know it is 1/2 day of school.  Teachers and staff have to work a full day.  You would have no coaches.  Bus loads at 3:15 by the tennis courts.  Only one pick up spot.  I understand if you cannot make it.

Disclaimer:  We may experience winter conditions and the road might be closed. Be prepared to ski at the park or work out in the gym.  Watch for updates on Facebook and thru the email list.

Wednesday, 2-18-15
     Yoga at Blossom Yoga.  Bus will run a normal pick up route stopping at all schools.  Back to LJHS at 5PM.  Bring your mats and dress to move and stretch.  (No we cannot switch Monday and Wednesday, the bus garage gets confused.) Come ready to listen to our guest instructor and participate fully.

Thursday, 2-19-15
     Wax barn open from 3PM to 5PM
     You will be waxing both pairs of skis for Lander.  Come willing to spend a little time.

Friday, 2-20-15
     Wax barn open 3PM-5PM
     You will be waxing both pair of skis for Lander.  Come willing to spend a little time.
      If you waxed on Thursday go home to study.

5:30PM   END OF SEASON BANQUET/AWARDS DINNER

                 LJHS CAFETERIA

                 POT LUCK

8TH GRADE SKIERS- BRING A MAIN DISH

7TH GRADE SKIERS- SIDE OR SALAD

6TH GRADE SKIERS- DESSERT

 

COACHES WILL PROVIDE PLATES, PLASTIC AND DRINKS

 

COME TO CELEBRATE A GREAT SEASON AND A GREAT TEAM!



    

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Saturday, 2-21-15  Season Finale at Beaver Creek Nordic Trails, Lander, WY

 

                ALL LJHS NORDIC TEAM MEMBERS ARE WELCOME AND EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE!

 

     6AM Load the bus.  Come dressed in your colors ready to ski.   Awards will be created for the best Pajama pants and slippers. for the ride home.  Bring a warm jacket to wear between events.
 Mr. Stender is buying us an early dinner or late lunch after the meet.  You might want to pack a lunch to have at the race.  If you borrowed a Scout Nordic Team Jersey, bring a shirt to wear home as you will be returning  that one after the race. We will be at the race site a long time come prepared for the weather, if you are skiing only one event bring warm clothes to wait out the other event in.

Estimated time home 9PM or before Sunday. 

Race format: (I Sent this out in an e-mail earlier )
12 NOON  3.5KM Freestyle  interval start boys then girls no break.
2PM 3.5 KM Classic  Mass start Boys then Girls.

Awards will be given to the top 10 Male and Female skiers combining both races. If you ski only one race you are not eligible for an award.  

I am expecting all to ski both races. But you have the option to pick one or the other if you feel that 2 races is too much. We the Coaching staff reserve the right to help you decide.
  ENTRY DEADLINE: Wednesday 9AM There will be no late entries.  Tell Coach Hamann before then your desires or you will ski both races!
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Thank you to so many people for making this season so successful!

With Pride and a little sadness I say, "That's all folks!"

Cowboy Chase Week

LJHS Special Olympic 4x1km Unified Relay Team.

Gold Medal Winners!

We are down to the last 2 weeks of this season.  After a log break of no meets we go back to back weekends.  It is going to go fast and crazy.  Please read carefully so you are not left out.

Week of February 8-14,  2015

Monday 2/9/15
      Ski at Happy Jack 
       Your Choice of skis.  These will be the skis you ski the race on Saturday with.
Wednesday 2-11/15
      Yoga at Blossom Yoga Studio   3:30 to 5:00 at LJHS
Thursday 2-12-15
     Wax barn open 3:00-4:30
     wax the pair you will race on.
Friday 2-13-15
     Wax Barn open 3:00 to 4:30
     Cowboy Chase Race weekend starts today. 
     JR High skiers are welcome to ski in High  School  JV 5KM Free style! 
     You must let Coach Hamann know if you want to do this by Monday 2-9-15.
Saturday 2-14-15
     Cowboy Chase Weekend continues
     JR HIGH RACE  3.5 KM Freestyle (Noon Start)
      All the Laramie Team will be entered.  If you cannot make it let me  know.  You can all ski this distance we have done it many times!



A little about the Cowboy Chase weekend:
     Friday 2-13-15 the bus will leave from LJHS at 11AMfor those skiers racing the 5KM. Bring a lunch to eat before or after the race. The rest of you stay in school and wax after school.  Race starts at 1PM in the Meadow.

Friday 2-13-14 evening 7:00PM  Banquet Dinner at Spring Creek Elementary School. $10/person
     The money earned will help support UW Nordic Skiers and  High Plains Skiers going to Junior Nationals.  LJHS is assigned to donate bread.  Let me know if you can help with this. Get there early, when the food id gone it is gone.

Saturday 2-14-15
    Bus loads at 10AM from LJHS.  All team expected to be there!   3.5KM Freestyle Start time 12Noon,  Start location: Meadow. Spectators plan on skiing, snowshoeing or hiking about 1KM into the start. There is no warming hut so dress for the weather.  

There will be a concession stand with hot soup, chili and baked goods.  Again we are asking for donations of individually wrapped baked goods,  soup or chili.  There is a stove to warm things up.  The LJHS portion of the sales will go toward paying race officials.  Let Coach Hamann know if you can donate or just bring it up to the race.  I can take things up on Friday.

Parent Volunteers for the race are always appreciated:  Let me know which day. I will pass on your info to the race organizers. 

For those parents who want to race, there is a citizens option both Saturday and Sunday all info is at www.medicinebownordic.org  choose the racing information icon.

This is all I have for this week.  I will send out a separate blog for our last week and the Lander Ski Race.

Jan.26- Jan. 30. 2015

LJHS Special Olympic Team

Practice this week is on Skate Skis!

I counted: We have 10 practices, 2 wax days and 2 meets left in or season!  We are on the road to the end of the season!  I am feeling rushed for time.

We have had an epidemic of forgetfulness the past week.  My patience on this is wearing just a little this.  Skiers please remember when packing your gear for the school day to check and make sure you have ALL your needs for skiing.  Please plan on it being colder that you expect at Happy Jack.  It is frustrating to call a practice short for anybody because they are not dressed for skiing.  You need hats and gloves and a jacket.  Please don't rely on the coaching staff to loan out extra. If you forget your ski boots at home and cannot ski, please go home to study.

Also on the forgetful note:  My Car is full of lost and found items. 

Feb. 14, 2015 Cowboy Chase  3-4km Freestyle for JR High. (This might be a classic race for HS)
Feb. 21, 2105 Lander -Season Championships  (Don't know all the details yet.)

1-19-15 thru 1-24-15




Beaver Creek Nordic trails. 1-17-15 The ski trails were infested with the flames of the LJHS NORDIC team.  We did very well as a team.  It was a good day of skiing.  All should be proud of their efforts!


Practices for this week.  Put your Classic Skis away.  It is time to bring out the skate skis.
We are all looking forward to a change.


 Monday 1-19-15
 Practice is optional.
We understand that you might have other plans or  need a day off.   The bus will be at LJHS at the normal time. (3:15 ish)    No other school pick up.

  Wednesday 1-21-15  And Friday 1-23-14
  Practice as normal.  Skate skis if you have them.

Saturday 1-24-15
LJHS NORDIC is sending 4 skiers and 2 Student coaches  to Special Olympic Area Games in Casper.  Wish them luck!


Our Next meet is Feb. 14. 2015.   The Cowboy Chase (Our Home Meet)  We will with the race organizers to allow for some JR HIGH opportunities that we have not had so far. More choices of race distances and such.  Parents this is also a citizens race, an opportunity for you to race.  We will need volunteers of many kinds.  Be sure to come cheer!

Important stuff leading to the Lander Invite on 1-17-15

Rest of this week:
     Wednesday 1-14-15  Classic Skis , technique and slow distance day
      Thursday 1-15-15   Wax Barn open after school till 4:00PM
      Friday  1-16-15     Wax Barn open after school till 5:00
                                     For those of you who waxed on Thursday--- Yoga with Coach Brown.
                                      Meet in the cafeteria, bring a mat and wear appropriate clothes.



1-17-15  Lander Invite (Not 1-16-15 as it stated on the calendar)
4:45AM (UGH) Buses in the parking lot ready to load. Lets load.
5AM   Buses roll 
5AM finish our beauty rest by sleeping on the bus till our first restroom break.  (Around Rawlins)
10:30 Ish  Parking lot at Beaver Creek Nordic Trails, hike in to start
11:00 Wax and warm up
11:45 Race starts Girls
12 Noon Boys start
awards after the race.  Pack up for the bus, to Lander for lunch paid for by Mr. Stender!  Probably Pizza at Pizza Hut.
Home after pizza.  We will text or call when we get close to home.  Probably around 8PM

Things to remember:  Come dressed to ski.  The weather looks good. Lets sport our flames!  Bring healthy snacks and drinks, No Soda before the meet.  Bring your classic gear, hats gloves, warm jacket. Pillow and blanket and things to do on the bus. Comfy clothes for the ride home.  We will have the possibility to stop and get a snack like before. 5$ max for snacks if you want.   Buses will be divided boys and girls.


Beaver Creek Nordic Ski Area is located South of Lander on Highway 28 at mile post 51.5. Where the highway crosses Beaver Creek.  22 miles from the town of Lander. Look for a bunch of school buses!

Parents and fans: the start of the race is about 1/2 mile hike/ski/snowshoe from the parking lot.   If you are planning on attending this race come prepared to hike it in.  Snow boots, winter clothes etc. It is interesting to get in but worth it.

 Food for the trip.
We will take 2 buses and eat breakfast on the bus.  
So far this is what is being donated: Bagels for one bus, fruit for one bus, Yogurt sticks enough for one bus.  A huge box of cliff bars!

We could use: bagels and cream cheese for 30, Cream cheese for 30,  fruit for 30, juice or drinks (no soda) for all.

Remember if you plan n driving your child to or from the meet I need a special form signed.  They are in the team notebook that I usually leave on the bus! 

Go Scouts!

PS We have a new coach.  Introducing Coach Carlson.  He is a teacher at LJHS and now spends his afternoons hanging with the coolest team at LJHS.

Really this is all I have for  now!

Team Practices for the next few weeks.

TEAM PRACTICES 1-5-15 TO 1-16-15

As we enter month 2 of our season our focus will shift from teaching to refining technique, building endurance and speed.  We will still have fun and many snow ball fights. That is a promise!

Monday 1-5-15 (Skate Skis) Technique and distance

Wednesday 1-7-15 (Skiers Choice) Go Hard day. 

Friday 1-9-15 (Classic) Technique/game day

Monday 1-12-15 (Skate) Go hard day. 

Wednesday 1-14-15 (Skate) Easy distance/technique

Thursday 1-15-15 Weight room or wax

Friday 1-16-15 Weight room or wax  

Saturday 1-17-15 - Lander Invite – 3k Freestyle 

More on the meet as I get the info.  Lander has 2 potential locations for this meet the golf course in town or Beaver Creek Trails on South Pass. 

 

 

I have had questions about the championship meet in Lander on February 21, 2015.  Here is what I know.

1.       It is the same format for us.  Travel up and back in one day.

2.       2 Event day (This may also change) For instance  first race will be a 3km skate, rest  then a 1.5 km classic. I don’t have a clear picture what this looks like.  I will let you know when I get info.

3.       I don’t know how results will be calculated.

4.       Yes we will stop for pizza after the race to celebrate our season.

5.       Pajama Party on the bus and PJ judging at Pizza Hut.

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

1-17-15 Lander Invite (Not 1-16-15)

It was warmer under the snow for some of last week's practices.

2-14-15 Cowboy Chase (Our home meet combined with College and High School.)

2-21-15 Junior High Championships (Lander)