If Nordic Combined Can Do It Why Can't XC
An Education Archived Feature
The following is a letter from Rod Hanna, Co-Chairman Sprint Ski Town USA Tournee and VP Marketing, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation to the Editor of xcskiworld.com regarding a letter we wrote that praised the Steamboat community and the Nordic Combined program on the fantastic December 95' Steamboat World Cup results. Todd Lodwick claimed a gold medal and later teamed up with Tim Treault to take a silver in the sprint relay. We would like to share his response with our readers because of the great spirit and sentiments expressed by Mr. Hanna regarding long-term development and community involvement in elite athletics.>
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You're right, we're not going to drop our support of world class competition in Steamboat Springs. There's a unique partnership for these events in Steamboat between the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation (operators of the ski mountain)---which administrates and is financially responsible for the events, the City of Steamboat Springs---a major sponsor, owner of the venue, and supporter by continually upgrading the jumping hill and track, and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club---which provides officials and volunteers to run the event, and from whose programs most of the competing USA team has come. A Nordic Combined World Cup is a great fit for Steamboat Springs, generating community spirit and co-operation as well as supporting our local athletes.
It's obvious that holding a World Cup in Steamboat Springs has done wonders for the US Team...they know the hill, they're at altitude, they are in front of a very vocal local crowd, home cooking, etc.. Even the coach, Tom Steitz, who has done a masterful job with the team, is from Steamboat Springs. The second year shows the results of the seed sown last year (Ed. a bronze in the sprint relay), that they're now convinced that they can compete with and beat the best in the world. It's all about confidence and knowing that there's a group of people who truly support you and believe in you. So look for more podium results from these guys. They are now a force in Nordic Combined, and the rest of the teams know it.
But supporting local athletes goes beyond the guys on the US Team. And in this regard, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club has done an outstanding job of bringing young athletes along, with a terrific amount of local community support. One of the most gratifying experiences for me this week was to see 16-year-old Eric Lodwick (Todd's younger brother) competing in a World Cup at home. This was only possible because the US team gets to enter four competitors (Eric had zero WC points) as the host country. What a great experience for a youngster!!! That's what these US World Cups really mean, too.
So, yes, look for Steamboat Springs to continue to be on the Nordic Combined World Cup calendar. And expect that we will be exploring additional opportunities to showcase our events and promote Nordic Combined competition.
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