I've been working this week with numerous coaches and program directors throughout Colorado to compile a list of Rocky Mountain Nordic skiers who've gone on to greater things -- the Olympics, World Championships, the US Ski Team ...
This morning I had the pleasure of talking with Dolph Kuss on the trails at Nordic Center at Durango Mountain. Along with his tenure as US Ski Team coach from 1963-73 and Fort Lewis College coach during the 1960s-70s, Dolph was instrumental in bringing Colorado juniors to National events.
In 1954, the first Junior National events -- though sparsely attended -- were held at Korkki Nordic in Duluth, Minn. In 1955, Dolph read about the Junior Nationals held "out East somewhere" and decided that he could train his kids to qualify for the next year's edition of the event.
So in 1956, Dolph and two juniors drove to Squaw Valley, Calif. to race at Junior Nationals. At this point in time, cross-country skiing in Colorado was a rarity; only The Toggery, in Gunnison, carried Nordic equipment, which the owner imported primarily at Dolph's request. The first race uniforms RMN skiers wore consisted of "white referee's knickers and sweatshirts."
Fifty years later, Rocky Mountain Nordic is still going strong. With our recent reorganization, we're continuing to enter into new territories -- we're working to develop new programs throughout the state, increase membership and opportunities within Senior and Master programs, and continue to offer juniors top-notch events and training.
Your support during this time of growth is both needed and appreciated. If you have any questions, comments or ideas about how RMN can better serve Nordic skiers of all ages, please register as a member of this Web site and post at the "Discussions" forum or contact me at at races or rmnordic@gmail.com.
Thanks --
Jason Cork
Rocky Mountain Nordic Executive Director
PS: Incidentally, Dolph continues to ski and attend RMN races. His son, Sepp, is a J4 skier who races with the Durango Nordic Ski Team. Had you any doubts about the heathy effects of Nordic skiing: Dolph was born in 1930; Sepp in 1995.