Coaches!
I hope this note finds you well, and you will enjoy spring in all the ways possible (with snow, sand, safari…whatever works for you).
Quick few updates to share:
An update to those coaches who have encouraged athletes to apply for the USBA Regional Select Camps. We have confirmed locations & cost for these camps.
USBA West/AK Regional Select Camp, June 19-23 confirmed for Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, Bozeman, MT. $500 fee will cover all coaching, lodging, ground transport, & meal costs. Transport to Bozeman by car or via flight (BZN) will be the responsibility of each participant. More details to be shared with selected participants by May 2.
USBA Midwest/East Regional Select Camp, June 26-30 hosted at Ariens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI. $400 fee will cover all coaching, lodging, ground transport, & meal costs. Transport to Brillion by car or via flight (airports of GRB or MKE) will be the responsibility of each participant by May 2.
Both of these camps are by invitation/selection only, and application for both will be via Google Form at this link: https://forms.gle/QjHREp6TL3Mwucjz8 (due May 1, but sooner is better).
Note: Coaches have been encouraged to promote only the best (primarily IBU Youth age) athletes in the region who are ready for a high level & high intensity camp on roller skis and alongside other top athletes. We are targeting a small number from each region. We are also encouraging coaches to consider promoting XC athletes within the region. Contact jfarra@usbiathlon.org with any questions.
The 2023 USBA Coaches Conference is set for June 1-4 in Lake Placid, NY, and will be 2 full days on the 2nd & 3rd, with arrivals on the 1st & departures on the 4th. The cost will be $50 with instructions for payment to come later. Lodging & meals are being covered for all participants at the USOPC Training Center (limited beds, so first come first serve, & expect roommates). For those planning to attend please advise by Wednesday April 26 via this Google Form https://forms.gle/QxTxmZjaYycGgFZy8 and/or contact jfarra@usbiathlon.orgwith questions.
Ethan Allen Biathlon Camp Opportunity
As per tradition, the Ethan Allen Biathlon Club will offer a training camp opportunity in advance of the 2023 USBA Summer Nationals which is set for August 4-6. John Madigan has informed us that they welcome Clubs & athletes for training Monday July 31st through August 6th (must be registered in advance). BUT unfortunately, there will be no lodging available this time on base. Some Teams/Clubs have had luck staying at the UVM Campus housing (https://www.uvm.edu/eventservices/housing-services), though no rifles or ammo are permitted on campus, so they will need to be stored & secured at the EA range. More to come on this at https://www.eabiathlon.org/
Also note, the traditional USBA Elite Development Camp in Lake Placid, is expected to be held once again immediately following the 2023 USBA Summer Nationals event in Jericho scheduled for August 5 & 6. Contact tburke@usbiathlon.org with questions.
I want to thank all coaches & club leaders who helped host Biathlon Try-It events this winter… just some of the ones I am aware of include: 4 US Skiing JNQ events around the country, at 3 major Youth Ski Festivals, at multiple Club building events, and at NCAA champs & SuperTour Finals in Craftsbury (live fire events for top skiers & their coaches). We even had the IBU Secretary General, Max Cobb helping on the range for 3-4 hours in Craftsbury in late March!
In just over 2 months we believe we had upwards of 750 Youth & Juniors experience the sport with the laser rifles alone this winter, and we look forward to continuing to maximize their use around the country with much more time to plan before next season. More to come on this initiative in the coming months.
Finally, I am fired up for the USA athletes participating in the Liatoppen Biathlon Festival this coming weekend in Norway! Thanks to the coaches supporting it, and Go USA!
https://liatoppenskiskytterfestival.no/
Cheers.
John Farra
Director of Sport Development
+1.719.744.2842