THE COACHES CORNER

Posted 9/16/21

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. I also hope you are relaxed, recharged and off to a strong start in the new school year.

As an NJISRA board member, I am proud to announce our upcoming season plans are falling into place. I will be able to shed some light on where and when we will be racing at our upcoming ski team registration meeting at the Sparta High School on Mon, Oct 25th, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Please note a parent must be in attendance in order to register.

It is now time to start preparing for the season. Everyone should be checking their equipment, and getting their bases stone ground and prepped with a racing edge. All varsity racers should have two sets of skis, a pair of slalom racing skis and a pair of giant slalom racing skis. At a minimum, all racers should have a pair of slalom race skis. Ski Barn in Wayne will be hosting their annual racer night on Tue, Sep 28th, 2021 between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Ski Barn, 1308 RT 23 North, Wayne NJ 07470. This is a great opportunity for our racers to get ski race equipment, including race skis, race boots, poles, helmets (hard-ear), shin guards, forearm guards and more at discounted racer pricing. If you have any questions about race gear please feel free to contact me.

We are now taking Team Race Jacket orders. We encourage all racers to purchase a team jacket and wear them on the mountain to all our races and practices. It's rewarding to be part of a team that looks and trains like world-class racers. All jacket orders need to be in by Friday, October 29th as we have been informed by Patagonia that inventory is extremely limited this season. Ski team jackets and apparel can be purchased online. 

We need everyone's help in re-building the Sparta Ski Teams. Three alpine varsity racers graduated last year and we are seeking new Spartans to tear up the racecourse on both the boys and girls ski teams. Good news, a couple of new racers have already expressed interest. I can use your help in getting the word out to all your friends and classmates, that the Sparta Ski Team Registration is officially open! Encourage them to check out our website, signup online to get their names added to the Ski Team Roster and join us at the upcoming Registration meeting on October 25th. 

I am excited for senior varsity racer Cora Moriarty to lead our ski team this season as team Captain. With three years of experience racing varsity, Cora has what it takes to motivate our racers and lead the team to victory. Cora is hard working, a strong leader, well respected, inspirational and 110% committed to the sport of alpine racing. I am thrilled and excited to see how she will impact the success of our ski team.

SAVE THE DATE for our annual ski swap scheduled for Saturday, Nov 13th, with equipment drop off the night before. All racers are required to attend Friday night and all day Saturday. Parents are strongly encouraged to help as your assistance will be needed in order to hold the event. Please email the booster@spartaski.com to schedule your time and to get involved.

Upcoming Dates:

• Villa Capri II Pizza Fund Raiser Fri. Sep. 17th
• Ski Barn Race Night - Tue. Sep 28th 5 to 8pm
• Registration Meeting - Mon. Oct. 25 at 7pm
• Ski Swap - Sat. Nov. 13th
• FIS World Cup Killington - Nov. 27 & 28th
• 1st Day of Practice (Dryland) - Wed. Dec. 1
• Stratton Weekend - Dec.10-12th

It's going to be another awesome season. Stay safe and be well. See you soon !

Coach Calafati