It is mid season and many people are getting frustrated with the season and endless driving to races and events. Many of you might be asking yourselves a very simple question: "Why?"
 
The 100 kids who participated in the Mealey Classic at Searchmont Resort last week - hosted by the Searchmont Ski Runners - can tell you why. Remember ski racing in its purest form, where there was no huddling around the scoreboard, no race skis or $18,000 dollar wax jobs?  When was the last time you heard endless laughter, friendly bantering and kids trying out the lamest pick-up lines ever?!
 
The conditions were superb at Searchmont and the courses were a true test of skill and brawn. Many athletes are accustomed to simple courses, where its left and right, but at Searchmont the terrain emulates World Cup courses with many blind spots and turns where athletes have to delay pressure so the line is just right. This races were similar to world cup courses - except at slower speeds, safe and fully controlled. The athletes faced just the right amount of challenge, without being in any danger, as evidenced by not a single DNF during the Super G races. In all, seven races were held over four days which highlighted a combined race with a large jump in the Slalom course. This was pure fun and very rewarding as a coach to witness day-over-day confidence and performance increases. Our single job as coaches is to prepare athletes for the sport and life at the next level and this is a great environment to begin that process. 
 
Brian Mealey is a fixture at Searchmont who cut/designed the runs and is still coaching strongly at the young age of 73. Nobody is capable of motivating and cultivating young athletes better than the "old guy".  After some recent difficulties within the local ski racing community it appears that things are taking a turn for the better where it might be possible for the two local clubs to find common ground for the benefit of all those involved. Fingers are crossed.
 
The Northern spirit of hospitality was in full display with the 100% volunteer/parent race crew working hard to put up and tear down the fencing and they truly ran an outstanding race. The ROC takes great pride in running one of the best races in the Province - if not in all of Canada - and they should be recognized for their efforts. 
 
We even had a guest appearance by the most seasoned and well respected volunteers - George Greene was the starter and his wife; Peggy was in the finish hut. George was my first Nancy Green coach and it is always a great thrill to see both him and Peggy still involved. George joked that the key to a good marriage was "distance" and that being 1,000 vertical away was about the furthest they have ever been in the last 50 years at Searchmont! 
 
Some highlights included Joe Hall (Peaks) being chosen to send a flaming arrow into a pile of gas soaked wood. A dramatic 40ft flame shot up and once the flames died down (Searchmont considered firing up the snow guns to replace the melted snow) the kids enjoyed a traditional Native treat of bannock slathered in honey, courtesy of Cathy Wood, a coach from Thunder Bay.  Brian then showed the crowd how he can open a beer bottle with his chainsaw (yes, its running at full tilt of course) 
 
Karl Hult (10 year Canadian power lifter champion and world champion arm wrestler) schooled the kids on arm wrestling and mechanics of lifting all sorts of things -- hard to explain but fun and educational.
 
Many other great experiences were had, with not enough room to describe them all here.  All I can say is that it was satisfying to be involved in an event where the focus was on skiing and fun in its purest form. I didn't witness a single incident of bad sportsmanship from athletes or parents. The kids raced hard and were content with their best effort. We could all use a little more of that from time to time!
 
The North is coming back so lock up your sons and daughters!!
 
Submitted by John Mealey.

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