Trail Passes for Wirth

We will be going through the school district again this year to have trail passes at both Three Rivers Parks and Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.  We have already ordered the passes for Three Rivers, and they will hopefully be coming soon, but you will need to go through the following link to sign up for the Theo Wirth Passes. It is a pretty simple process, and unlike last year, there is no code that needs to be entered, just make sure you select Coon Rapids from the team/club list.  When you are done filling everything out and submitting the form, you can have tempo ticket that you can print off to show at Theo Wirth and they will give you your pass for the season, or if you aren't able to make it down to pick up the pass before we go down for a practice, we will get them at that time.  Please also note that this if for the current skiers only!
If there are any questions, please let me know.
Thanks
Denny

Booster Pot Luck

Below is the information for next Wednesday Evenings Booster Pot Luck at the high school.  We will be sending this information home with the skiers as well, but just in case they don't show you that I will post it here as well.
Any questions, please let me know,
Denny

2018-2019 Nordic Ski Booster Pot Luck Dinner/Wax Clinic
Parents and Skiers
Here is some information for the Nordic Ski Booster Pot Luck Dinner, a chance to find out about the Booster Club as well as meet other parents, as well as the athletes and coaches. We will also have a wax clinic by Matt Liebsch for both parents and athletes so you know what it takes to have skis ready for a race.
Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Location: Coon Rapids High School Cafeteria
Time: 6:00 start time for dinner
What to bring: This is a pot luck event. It would be greatly appreciated if you could bring the following suggested items to share.

Seniors: Beverages
Juniors: Salads
Sophomores: Desserts
Freshmen and Under: Main Meal
Silverware, plates and additional drinks will be provided

Please account for the size of the team. We have 48 members on the team this year, plus family members, and three coaches.

If there are any questions in regards to this, please let me know,
Thanks and see you Wednesday, Dec. 5!
Denny

Team Apparel Order Form

Here is a link to the Team Apparel that the Captains have put together.  The orders are due on Dec. 3rd.  Any questions, please let me know and I can check with the Captains:
2018-2019 Nordic Apparel Order Form

Thanks,
Denny

New Nutrition Idea Page

On the right side of the blog, under Health and Nutrition, I have added a new Nutrition Idea Page that is an article that I recently came across.  This was an area that the skiers mentioned as a concern or need to improve on.  It is more detailed in some areas, but these are just options for you, your family, and your skier, so don't feel as if we are telling everyone that this is what they need to do. 
Thanks,
Denny

Pasta Party Schedule

If there are any parents/families that would like to host a pasta party this year, the schedule for that is now posted on the right side of the blog.  Please let me know if there is a date that would work for you and I will post.

Also, to help those that might want to host a pasta party but have never done so in the past and are not sure what or how much to make, if there are a couple of parents that have had one in the past, could you send me your rough menus and how much of everything you make/buy, I can then post that with the schedule as well?

Thanks,
Denny

Looking to pick up a new Sport?

I received the following message this morning and if you as a parent, or if you have younger children that are thinking of trying out skiing yourself, Three Rivers Parks are selling off a bunch of equipment.  Could be a good way to see what the sport is all about without dropping a ton of money.
Denny

Good morning,

If you have not heard the good news, we have our used Nordic ski equipment sale this Saturday, December 1 from 8 AM – 11 AM at Baker National Clubhouse! If you are looking to pick up a new winter activity or know of someone just starting out cross-country skiing, this is a great deal for you!

We will be selling our used classic skis, poles and boots. Arrive early, so you don’t miss out. Doors will open at 7 AM.

Prices:

Adult Skis only - $65

Youth Skis only - $30

Boots only - $25

Poles only - $15

Adult Package (skis, poles, and boots) - $90

Youth Package (skis, poles and boots) - $60

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No sales prior to the event. Limit of 4 sets per person.

Parent/Fan Apparel Ordering

Below is a message from Angie Jurmu in regards to the apparel that she presented last week at the Parent Meeting with a link to place an order.  Any questions, please let me or Angie know.
Thanks
Denny

NORDIC APPAREL ORDER is ready for the fans of the 2018-19 season! I hope it is pretty self-explanatory. Please pass this information on to people that are not on Facebook and you know would be interested. There are a few loose ends, however, in order to have items done for Christmas we need to get the ordering started now! My contact info is on the website I created.

Nordic Apparel Order

Winter Camp Deposits

With our altered schedule for practices this week, it is making it harder to get deposits for Winter Camp.  So, we taking deposits all week for those that are going to go to our Winter Camp trip.

Winter Camp is going to be Dec. 28-30 at Comfort Inn and Suite in Hayward, WI, skiing on area trails, including the Birkie Trail, and the cost is going to be $90.  A deposit of $50 for those going will be needed this week with the final payment due on Dec 7, but we can work with you if a different payment plan is needed, just let me know.  Make checks out to CRNSBC.  This is NOT a mandatory event, but is a great way for the skiers to really improve their skiing skills.

If there are any questions, let me know,
Thanks

Denny

Practices this Week

Well, the snow isn't flying, but because the temps were cold enough, the man-made loop at Elm Creek is fully open and practices have been assigned to teams.  We were assigned 3 days this week, and we are going to take all 3 of them.  Our weekly schedule will be off a bit, and here are the basics so everyone is able to prepare:
Monday: Elm Creek, Skate.  Bus leaves at 3:55, we practice from 4:30-6:00pm.  We will be lifting weights after school, then those that are able to can head home before we leave, or everyone can hang out by the ski room and do homework, work on the Ski Ergs, or work on the ski specific things.  For those that are new and now have the NNN binding system (2 channels, one bar on the bottom of the boot), we will need your skis right after school so we can go get the bindings switched so you can ski on the skis we signed out to you.
Tuesday: Elm Creek, Classic. Bus leaves at 5:30, be at the school by 5:15 to do the Exercise band routine.  We practice from 6:15-7:45pm
Wednesday: Normal day of practice, we will be on foot.
Thursday: Elm Creek, Skate. Bus leaves at 5:30, be at the school by 5:15 to do the Exercise band routine. We practice from 6:15-7:45pm
Friday: Bus leaves at 9:00am, heading to Rum River Central for pole running and workout.
Saturday: We will talk more about this, but leaning towards having the skiers go out to Elm Creek or Theo Wirth (prefered) to get time on snow.  We will let everyone know what is decided when we get closer.

Lastly, the order for poles is not complete yet.  We ordered 38 pairs of poles and a lot of them had to be cut down to sizes, plus the other busy stuff at the shop, it will take a little time.  The hope is to still have them by tomorrow, Monday, but if not, we will have poles for those that need them.

Thanks, and any questions, please let me know,
Denny

Practice and Ski Passes

We will not be having anymore organized practices for this week, but we are wanting the kids to get out to Elm Creek and ski, if they have their skis.  The skiers that were at practice this morning we mentioned that we wanted them to get out and go ski on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if they are able to so they can get some time on snow.  All that the skiers need to do to make sure that they do not have to pay for passes is to bring the school ID to the front desk at Elm, and let them know who they ski for and their names will be on a list that will allow them to ski for free (since we have ordered our passes already, which are back ordered for all teams).  To go with this, we should be able to get a practice time at Elm Creek next week. 

With the skis, if you are a new skier or got new boots this year that have different bindings on them, just bring the skis to Pioneer Midwest on your way out to go ski, and let them know that they bindings need to be changed to the ProLink system and to charge it to the Coon Rapids account so you don't have to pay for that.  It shouldn't take very long for the change to happen.

If there are any questions, please let me know. 

Have a great Thanksgiving and Have Fun!!
Denny

Wednesday Practice

Wednesday practice, bus leaves at 8:00am, heading to Elk River to roller ski on hills. Should be back around 11:00.

Thanks

Denny

Jacket Orders

Reminder that the orders for jackets has to be in by midnight tonight.  Just click on the link on the right side of the blog and follow the directions.
Any questions, please let me know!
Denny

Parent Meeting

Our parent Meeting is Monday, Nov. 19 at 6:00pm in room 004 at the high school.  To get to 004, when you enter the front doors, go right and then veer left. Then take a right down the stairs and at the bottom of the stairs, take another right.
If there are any questions, please let me know,
Thanks,
Denny

Season Begins Tomorrow!

The season gets rolling tomorrow, and having snow on the ground, even just a little bit, is a positive way to start the season.  However, the chances of getting on snow this week are very minimal, and even though Elm Creek, Hyland Park, and Theo Wirth are all making snow, it still will be at least a week before they will be open and longer before they allow teams to practice.  We will get our passes for those locations as soon as we can, but we have to wait to have as many of the names that are on the team as possible before we can request them.  Also, with over 70 teams in the metro area, it will take a bit of time for them to turn over the passes. 
Below is the basic information that I will be sending out with the skiers tomorrow, but feel it will be good for all to have before as well.  If there are any questions, please let me know, but get signed up and don't wait until the last minute unless there are any issues (there is a new Activities Director and Secretary this year and issues have happened!).
Thanks,
Denny

2018-2019 Nordic Ski Season

Welcome to a new season of Coon Rapids Nordic Skiing and to a great opportunity to learn and grow in a sport that can be with you the rest of your life, both physically and mentally. 

This is a new season but it is also the continuation of an era in our program that is about being positive, being motivated mentally, learning the basics, and also learning about the sport, plus we are at a point where the expectations are higher for us this season to finish high in the Conference and Sections and making it to State.  We will be giving you information on equipment, technique, major international racers and races, and other things that will help you become a better student of the sport of skiing, as well as making you a better skier.

We, as coaches, ask that you bring a positive attitude, a desire to work hard and work together with respect towards each other’s goals, as well as the teams!  We want you all to grow and have a great experience with this team, one that could be setting the standard for the years to come. 

So let’s start it out right and put your best ski forward.  There is no failure unless you don’t try!!  Here’s to a great season of building great skiers and friendships.

Thanks,
Denny, Coach Nelson, Coach Jensen

PS  The following are some things that you and your parents need to know as the season begins:

For insurance purposes, we will be asking that all students be wearing bike helmets when we are on roller ski’s/blades.  We will not allow any student on wheels if they do not have a helmet!!

Saturday, Nov. 17 is the MYSL Ski Swap at the Northern Star Council Base Camp at Fort Snelling, with the Swap being open from 11:00-1:30, yet with an expo starting at 9:00am.  We will also be volunteering at this event, with up to 10 volunteers needed.  If you are not able to volunteer yet still need some equipment, let us know and we will help out.

Monday, Nov. 19 will be our Parent Meeting, 6:00pm in Room 004 at the High School

Wednesday, Dec. 5 we will have a team Potluck and Booster Club meeting at the high school.  This will start at 5:30pm in the cafeteria and is great intro to the team and the Booster Club.

Winter Camp is going to be Dec. 28-30 at Comfort Inn and Suite in Hayward, WI, skiing on area trails, including the Birkie Trail, and the cost is going to be $90.  A deposit of $50 for those going will be needed by Nov 26 with the final payment due on Dec 7.  This is NOT a mandatory event, but is a great way for the skiers to really improve their skiing skills. If there are issues with payment, please let me know. Checks can be made out to CRNSBC.

Finally, for those of you that are first year skiers, the one piece of equipment that we ask all of you to get is a pair of Combi boots, best option being the Salomon Pro Combi.  You can pick these up at Pioneer Midwest in Osseo or Gear West in Long Lake or one of the Ski Swaps.  There are other locations as well, you may have to look on line for them.

Schedule/Calendar

The Schedule and the Calendar are now up to date.  Please remember that these are only tentative and that dates and locations could, on often do, change.
Thanks,
Denny

Preseason Information

We are just under a week from the beginning of the 2018-2019 season and below is some information to help as we get ready to start.

Online registration is open and will be the quickest way to sign up.  Just go to the Anoka-Hennepin School District web page and go through your lock and key.  If you are not able to complete through this process you are able to use the paper copy, which you can get online as well or pick up at the Activities desk in the main office of the high school.

The team jacket order is now posted on the right side of the blog.  Click onto the page and on the link on that page.  The store will be open until Midnight on Nov. 20th so we have a chance to have the jackets back by Winter Break, or at the latest Winter Camp.  One thing of note, we are using a different company than in years past, so the jackets will be slightly different, but still the same design.

We are entering the time of year where there are many ski swaps.  There are two that we will send people to.  One is this weekend at Pioneer Midwest and you can find out more information at the following link: Pioneer Midwest Ski Swap.  The other is on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Fort Snelling.  We will be volunteering again at this, so if you are interested in helping, please let me know. It is a great opportunity for the skiers to help the ski community and learn more about the sport as well as look for equipment for themselves.  We will have a sign up sheet next week at practice.  More information on the ski swap can be found here: MYSL Ski Swap.

Lastly, we will be doing a grocery bagging day at Cub this year as a fundraiser.  We will be at the Riverdale Cub on Tuesday, Nov. 20th from 4:00-8:00 (Two days before Thanksgiving).  We will NEED to have the skiers helping that night and a few parents as well.  There are a few parents already wanting to help, but if there are others, please let me know. We will have a sign up sheet next week for the skiers.  We will have a couple of shifts to break it up as well as make sure we are getting more of the skiers involved.

I think that should cover things for now.  As more information comes out, I'll put it on the blog.  I am getting the schedule finalized, so that should be posted soon as well.  We didn't get the conference schedule until last week so I am having to make some changes.

Thanks,
Denny

MYSL - Bunker

I received the following this morning. Anyone with younger siblings that is interested in skiing, here is a good opportunity to start learning:

Coach Green,

As you begin your ski season please encourage your Coon Rapids Nordic team to invite younger sibling to join Minnesota Youth Ski League www.mysl.org This is a great way to introduce youth ages 4-15 to nordic skiing and prepare them to be better skiers when they do attend high school and join your team.

Bunker Hills SkiSparks will be meeting on Saturday’s 1:00- 2:30pm beginning January 5, 2019. Registration for Bunker Hills SkiSparks is open at www.mysl.org  Click “Register Today” to complete your club registration for 2019.  

Our club is offering an early bird discount.  If you register by December 8, registration is $35.  After this date, registration fees will increase to $40.  Our club is expected to fill, so early registration is advised to ensure your spot.

Our club also has equipment rentals.  All equipment is fishscale classic skis for levels 1-4.  Please register early if you need rental equipment as these packages are only available on a first come, first serve basis.   Equipment is $35 for the entire season.

Another equipment option is the MyXChange: Ski Swap + Expo.  This year this event is on Saturday, November 17th at Northern Star Council Base Camp near Fort Snelling.  Detailed information can be found here: https://www.mysl.org/events/skiswap

Thank you for your time. Think Snow!

Mark Lambert