GMVS reshapes Nordic program with new coaches

By Published On: October 5th, 2015Comments Off on GMVS reshapes Nordic program with new coaches

FAYSTON, Vt. – Green Mountain Valley School announced that Olympian Garrott Kuzzy has officially joined the ski academy as its new Nordic Director, joining coach Katrina Howe for the 2015-16 competition year.

Kuzzy graduated from Middlebury College and has competed at the highest levels on the World Cup and at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Garrott Kuzzy

Garrott Kuzzy

“Garrott experienced a level of success in Nordic skiing (top-10 World Cup finish) that few Americans ever have, and we are excited for him to lead our team,” said GMVS Headmaster Dave Gavett.

Since 2011, Kuzzy has been worked as Product Director at VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations in Bristol, Vt., where he was responsible for developing Nordic ski tours throughout Europe, bicycle tours in Germany and hiking tours in the U.S. National Parks. His travel and business experience in conjunction with Nordic racing success and passion for the sport makes him a perfect fit to lead the team.

Howe graduated from the University of Vermont in 2009 with a bachelor of science degree in athletic training. She was a member of the U.S. Biathlon development team in 2009-10 and part of the Maine Winter Sports Center Olympic Development Program for six years. She has coached dozens of camps and youth programs throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Becoming a ski coach has been my plan since I decided to pursue skiing in college,” said Howe. “My life has been rich with opportunities related to the sport, so it has become my goal to help others enjoy a Nordic skiing lifestyle.”

Together, Kuzzy and Howe will focus on the long-term health and development of the GMVS Nordic program, which has maintained consistent growth and great success throughout the past nine years under the leadership of Justin Beckwith who will remain involved in the sport but in a more limited capacity. He recently traveled with the GMVS team to a training camp in Italy.

“I am excited to help the new coaches transition into the future and will be involved in race support for GMVS and New England this winter,” said Beckwith. “Although stepping down from coaching GMVS, I will still actively support U.S. ski racing and continue to share my love of adventures on skinny skis!”

Release courtesy of GMVS

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