1.Rob, you have had a very successful Nordic program at Hopkinton High School. Working within the constraints of limited time and seasonal influence, what are some of the things you make a point to prioritize to these athletes?

The 1^st priority is that they enjoy training; with a schedule that has 8-10 races and 50 or so training days, one had better enjoy getting fit, working on technique and just being on their skis. The 2^nd emphasis is on being well prepared and independent, at a lot of races we are so busy with waxing or timing that we need to know that the athletes are doing a proper warm-up/cool down without someone standing by their side. The 3^rd is adhering to the team motto, we ask skiers to be, " the most helpful, least needy and most focused" person they can be everyday. If we are able to do those things, everything else falls into place. I must say the kids have lived up to those expectations exceptionally well over the years, something that I find as gratifying as winning a race.

Managing the numbers would not be possible without a great assistant and I have that in Mary Harb. Mary and I have been working together for about 5 years and have a pretty good system in place, we typically break up the team into small groups by ability. While some are working on technique others are doing a specific workout and then we rotate through the process. We have also experimented with peer coaching the last few years and have had some nice results with that approach.

Keeping things flowing is a matter of good structure as well as reading the team and knowing when to change things up, a game day, a glide race or even just a rest day. The year before last, when we had so little snow, the team had been skiing on a local lake for about 2 weeks; they were getting pretty bored to say the least. When we got to lake one afternoon, I sent them to the end of the lake (lots of groans) and when they got back Mary and I had a fire and "S'mores" ready to go. (Lots of smiles- great practice)

3. What are the biggest challenges that you see these athletes facing in terms of pursuing their goals if they want to improve in this sport?

That is a difficult question because first you have to define goals and what it means to improve. For some of my skiers, having a comfortable V2 and finishing in the top half of the field is a long-term goal and an admirable one. Improving towards that end means focusing during practice, being patient and having a blast being on skis with their friends. For other athletes who might be skiing Eastern Cups it's about balancing all of the demands of the high school race schedule, the Nensa schedule and being a student. The latter is of course our foremost concern, so we try to emphasize the need for adequate rest. Regardless of the skier's level it is also important to be clear how the trajectory of a nordic skier works, more like a plane taking off, steadily gaining altitude, not a jump jet. The other obstacle comes in the decision about specializing during high school. Personally, I advise skiers to follow their heart, if they want to play soccer, run cross-country or track, then do it! There is plenty of time to specialize in college if they wish. Hopefully that doesn't send anyone scurrying to their keyboard

4. At our recent NENSA Gaining Ground clinic you presented some great information on how the Blackwater Nordic Ski Club in Hopkinton has been able to grow. Obviously there are many facets that make this happen and many wonderful volunteers...If you had to summarize the five most important points for clubs aspiring to develop athletes what would they be?

Bill Koch clubs, Skiing with their parents, Having fun on skis with their friends. I know that's not five, but I think those are the keys to athlete development. My best skiers have always been kids who just love to be on their skis; they don't ask when practice is going to be over, they ask if they can stay longer. Developing a love of skiing is the best thing any of us can do!

5. So where will you go from here? Now that you have turned the reins over as NH Team Leader, what do you see on your horizon short term? Long term?

Well, I will continue to be involved with Team NH in some capacity. But in the short run my focus will be on my high school team and developing our local club. My girls are young, 10 and soon to be 13, so my focus will be on BKL and High School racing for at least the next 8-10 years. For the long run, I just hope to be an active member of the New England ski community in some capacity for a very long time. It is a great environment with wonderful people, and I am thankful to be a small part of that.

6. Is there anything else you would like to add, that are members might find interesting? (favorite hobbies, last book read, most creative error committed at a race, etc!!)

Hobbies: roller-skiing, paddling, hanging out with my family Our family loves baseball and that means watching games and going to various ballparks, our favorites beyond Fenway: Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field, Camden Yards and the new National's Stadium in DC. This summer we will watch the Mudhens in Toledo!

Its never one book; I currently have 5 books on the nightstand:

Age of Turbulence: Alan Greenspan (Excellent)

Blink: Malcolm Gladwell (Excellent)

The Language of God: Francis Collins (Very Interesting)

Green Jobs: A guide to eco-friendly employment (A good curiosity read)

How to, When to, Why to: Torbjorn Karlsen/Ruff Pattersen (Doesn't Everybody)

Wax Nightmare: 7 years ago at the 2^nd Nh Series race. The temps were rising and I decided to bump up to Red Klister. I had a gaggle of girls walking down hills, crying. One J2 contender missed her chance at making the team by a lot! But, I am over it...really

Camp dates: Wednesday, July 9-Sunday, July 13

Camp location: University of Maine Fort Kent, Fort KentCost: $150 payable by check to Maine Winter Sports Center, scholarships available upon request and application.

Deadline: registrations and $50 deposit due by June 10Mail to: MWSC, attn: Will Sweetser, 552 Main St., Caribou, ME 04736
The camp will focus on appropriate summer nordic training. Biathlon introduction is available for any interested athletes. All equipment for shooting is provided. Some physical assessment and a time trial will be included. Additional training sessions available by arrangement. Personal lactate testing and training zone prescription available for $40 testing fee. Contact Will Sweetser or Gary Colliander for more information.Will Sweetser, Cross-Country Coach:Phone: 207.227.3322Email: will@mainewsc.orgGary Colliander, Biathlon Coach:Phone: 207.227.3863Email: gary@mainewsc.org