National University Team wraps up first project

By Published On: August 1st, 2015Comments Off on National University Team wraps up first project

The National University Team (N-UNI) recently returned from their first on-snow project of the year in Zermatt, Switzerland. Athletes say everything went off without a hitch as weather and snow conditions cooperated throughout the two-week camp.

The six-man N-UNI squad was in Zermatt from July 1-18, focusing on slalom and GS in their first project since the team was announced in May.

Prior to heading to Zermatt, many of the athletes were residing in Park City, Utah, taking advantage of the strength and conditioning programs offered by USSA at the Center of Excellence.

“The guys get along great; it’s a great group to be working together with. We are all skiing extremely well, and it’s kind of amazing how close we are to each other each day,” said University of Denver sophomore Alex Leever.

“The experience as a whole was awesome. It was really cool to see a new venue and totally luck out on great weather the whole time,” added the University of Vermont’s Griffin Brown. “It was my first time working with (coach) Peter Lange and I was super psyched with the progress we made. … I don’t think anyone didn’t make a huge jump in their skiing.”

This project was sure to be something unique, as athletes who usually spend their winters as fierce competitors are now part of a team that travels and trains together, all while remaining a part of their respective NCAA programs.

“I think the aspect of the program is pretty unique; to have a group of five or six guys that are all around the same age and the same speed, it really makes for a fun and productive environment,” Leever said. “You end up getting the feeling that if you don’t push it or get better each and every run, that you will get left in the dust with this group.”

“Peter Lewis was also an awesome guy to have around and on the hill, it was a big help to have our skis dialed everyday,” said Brown in regards to the team’s new ski technician, previously of the Lake Tahoe area.

“I’m super psyched with our group, we all get along great and can push each other on the hill,” concluded Brown. “It’s basically high fives all around at the end of the day”

The N-UNI team heads to New Zealand on Aug. 1, where they will remain until school starts for each athlete at various dates in August and September.

Photo via Alex Leever – Instagram

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About the Author: Sean Higgins

A Lake Tahoe native and University of Vermont graduate, Higgins was a member of the Catamounts' 2012 NCAA title winning squad and earned first team All-American honors in 2013. Prior to coming to Ski Racing Media, he coached U14s for the Squaw Valley Ski Team.