This season, Midwest Masters looks to continue building momentum with its training and coaching program. This document outlines this program for the 2023-2024 Season.
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Peter Maxwell
Peter believes in a strong foundation built upon the principles of Balance, Edging, Pressure, and Pole Plants. He also believes in the importance of strong starts, especially in the Midwest. Assistant Coaches: Dave Walker and Michael O’Connor Mike is a life-long Masters racer, and was a longtime coach at Roseville High School. Mike is also a licensed Official and Level 100 Coach with US Ski & Snowboard. Dave is on his way to attaining his Level 100 certification, and has taken the lead with our new coaching technologies including our new timing interval technology. |
Copper Camp Coaches: Head Coach Matt Fox, Assistant Coaches Lee Eddy and Ryan Fuller
This season’s Program will consist of the following:
COPPER MOUNTAIN FALL CAMP: For the last 20+ years, Midwest Masters has had a presence at Copper Mountain for our annual fall camp. This Camp is a great value and a fantastic way to get your skis underneath you before the season gets into full swing. New for this season, we will run a 5-day camp from Monday, Nov 27 to Friday, Dec 1 at Colorado’s world-renowned Copper Mountain training facility. The camp consists of both drill and gate time, with Monday being dedicated to drills only. We will also continue with evening online video analysis sessions. The camp is coached by Midwest native and longtime coach and Masters racer, Matt Fox. This year, we are also happy to have Lee Eddy and Ryan Fuller as our Assistant Coaches.
SLALOM SKIS FOR CHECKOUT: Midwest Masters will continue to offer Slalom skis to those new to slalom FREE OF CHARGE thanks to the generous donations of Dave Walker. We have available three pairs of Slalom race skis, shin guards, and poles for use by those totally new to slalom or considering a return after many years. This gear will be reservable for use at Midwest Masters race and training events. Their primary use is for "drop-in" training at our Thursday SL Training nights with Buck Hill. To reserve skis, simply contact Midwest Masters or Dave directly at dwwalker@thewalkerfamily.net to reserve a pair.
BUCK HILL THURSDAY NIGHT SL TRAINING: This is a 10-week program that starts just after the new year, and is coached along with the Buck Hill Ski Team. We will continue to have drill time coached by Peter for those interested from 6-7pm, with gate time to follow from 7-8:45. There is an additional cost as this program is run by the Buck Hill Ski Team. The cost is $225 if signed up before Nov 30, and $250 thereafter. For people new to Masters that want to try Slalom but don’t have the proper gear (skis, guards), please reach out to David Walker (dwwalker@thewalkerfamily.net) to see if equipment is available to borrow.
GS TRAINING CAMP AT WILD: We will be hosting a one-day Camp at Wild Mountain on Saturday, January 6 from 10am - 4pm. Peter will lead a coached GS gate training session, drills, and video review. Registrations will be limited to only 15 individuals. This is a great opportunity to get some runs on the new Wild GS venue! Sign up early as this will likely fill up quickly. Cost is $75 for the day.
GROUP INSPECTION AT RACE EVENTS: Peter and the assistant coaches will continue to take new racers through group inspections during regular inspection time. This is a great way to get an experienced racer's perspective and to learn new things about how to tackle a Masters race course. Find the coaches at the top of the course near the US Ski & Snowboard feather banner when inspection time opens! `
INTERVAL TIMES: Midwest Masters has once again updated its timing equipment and we will be adding speed traps and interval times to many of our race events, providing you with even greater insight into your skiing. You’ll be able to understand how you perform on critical sections of the course which should in turn help you understand where your focus needs to be: a stronger start, cleaner turns on the pitch, or better gliding on the flats!
BUCK HILL DECEMBER TRAINING NIGHTS: We will be running coached SL and GS training on Monday and Wednesday nights in December. We will run GS and SL side-by-side and Midwest Masters will have a coach providing you feedback from the bottom. We will continue to add coached drill time from 6-7pm. Cost per session is $36 per session. Tentative dates are Monday and Wednesday nights December 4 and 6, 11 and 13, and 18 and 20. Drill time runs from 6-7, with gate training from 7-8:45.
DECEMBER PRACTICE RACE: On Sunday Dec 17 at Buck Hill, we are planning to hold a "mock race" that will be not only a great opportunity for gate time, but a means by which those new to Midwest Masters can get a feel for how Masters race events function. The day will be organized similar to a regular race day, however, we'll walk those new to our events through the details of inspection, how run orders work, how results are tabulated, and of course also provide coached training runs! We will be performing video reviews as well once we're off the hill. This is a great way for you to kick off the season with some coaching while also learning how our organization works!