Ski Cross Athletes Form ASCA

 
 

Ski cross athletes have formed the American Ski Cross Association.

This was after the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, or USSA, stopped funding to elite sports, which includes ski cross.

The USSA's president and CEO Bill Marolt announced the changes last month after the USSA adopted the USSA Strategic Plan.  The cuts were part of the changes initiated in the Plan.

Thus, with absolutely no funding from the USSA, racers such as Daron Rahlves and Michael Duran stepped up efforts to form the American Ski Cross Association.  The ASCA aims to provide funding for ski cross athletes to develop, train and compete at a level that is world-class.  ASCA's Mike Jaquet says that the association's first goal is to get world-class athletes and funding to win the Sochi Russia competitions in 2014.

The ASCA has already gathered enough funding to support a team at the 2011 International Ski Federation World Cup's first event in Italy, and is currently boosted by John Teller's win in Austria.

John Teller Brings Some Good News for ASCA

John Teller, an ASCA skier, made history by being the first American to win a Ski Cross World Cup, leaving behind Canadian Nick Zorici and Austrian Thomas Zangerl.  

Teller has credited the ASCA for his participation in the World Cup and has said that he would not have been able to compete without its support.

ASCA for its part would be able to capitalize on Teller's win to help boost its credibility and help it secure a long-term source for its financing and development of the sport.  ASCA hopes to have men's and women's teams composed of 8 to 10 racers each in future events, as well as coaching younger ski cross racers.  This would put the U.S. team at par with the Europeans and even the Canadians.

Other Changes at the USSA

Together with the cuts at the USSA, personnel movements were also announced.  Luke Bodensteiner became the Executive Vice President for Athletics.  Mark Lampe retains his post as chief financial officer, but this time he will also be in charge of building management, human resources, and several operational tasks.  Andrew Judelson will now oversee revenue and marketing, as well as other areas such as corporate partners, licensees, media, content development and membership among others.

Aside from these, Bodensteiner, Judelson will now report directly to Marolt.  Dick Coe, the Association's chief operating officer will no longer hold that title as the COO post has already been eliminated.  Coe, however, will still be working closely with Marolt on some projects.


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