8-23-04

Hello everybody!

We just wrapped up the 6th annual North American Summer Springer Tournee. It was a great week of competitions, bbq's, and summer ski jumping. We had a record 160 jumpers on all hills at the Utah Olympic Park! This is an amazing accomplishment for our Continent, as we all know, sheer numbers of athletes is one of our biggest challenges. This was very encouraging for all of us, to see this tournament grow so big, in such a short time. And it wasn't only about the numbers, the depth

is getting better and better each year. With over 90 jumpers

registered on the K90, we even had to institute a cut to 30 for the final round, just like the world cups. My long time buddy, Gregor Linsig, and I came up with the idea for this competition many years ago, wanting our clubs, the NSF, and Calgary to have more interaction and get used to a competition format from the bigger comps. There is a week of competition in Calgary, with 2 comps on each hill, and then right down to Park City for another 2 comps, culminating with the overall winner being crowned on each hill, just like its 'big brother' the real SpringerTournee in Central Europe on all K120's. From the first comp, everybody knows their rank, and the gold bib is awarded and skied with in each comp. Some can handle the pressure, and come through, and sometimes the lead, and gold bib, change hands each comp, but we wanted them to know what that feels like, so when they are leading the world cup in a few years, they can say "Ive been here before, and I kept the gold bib that time too!" Everyone had a great time, all 160 boys and girls, not to mention all the coaches and parents that make the trip to both venues! As I mentioned, its not only about the comp and gold bib, but just everyone getting to know one another, and share in this great sport of flying on skis!

Its a busy week though, with comps each night on 3 hills, USST athlete guest coaching, the coaches education and discussion session I put on, all the awards and bbq's, etc.. that by the end of the 2 weeks, everyone is ready for a little rest. Its a great problem to have, that many kids wanting to jump in the summer, that I know we will see rewards paid off in terms of a North American presence over in Europe soon.

In the competitions, we had some great jumping from lots of kids. Alan Alborn tied the hill record on the K90 at 105m and scored over 270 points to win both days. Clint Jones doesn't love the "tiny" K90's but was a solid 2nd both days, even coming down gates to give the younger kids a chance. He redeemed himself on Sunday with the Long Standing Target jump on the K120 to win a little cash. He went 134m, an almost perfect prediction of gate selection, with the target at 135m. Chris Francis showed his progress coming in 5th overall, and 2nd Junior each day, with a great jump of 97m in the K90 comp on Saturday. Anders Johnson came from behind and overtook the gold bib with two wins on the K64, to become the SpringerTourne champ on that hill. The Canadian team from Calgary, coached by Ted Bafia and Jindro Meyer, were looking great as usual, with Stephan Reed winning the K90 overall title. They have a very strong program with 100+ jumpers year round, and a little of that "eastern block" pressure.....it is always impressive to see. I also saw some good looking jumps from some younger athletes; from Central, RMD, and NSF. Keep up the good work!

Now we in a training week here in Park City, and then back to the second period of Summer Grand Prix in Central Europe. Both Alan and Clint are looking solid, still in a building phase, but it will be great to go over with a Team. They have both had jumps that will bring some points back to the USA, and get us ready for the winter when it really counts!

Just a quick update this time, and now that this list is rolling, Ill keep them coming! Thanks to everyone, and remember, the more support these kids have, the better the news I can bring you for the USA!

Keep in touch

Corby Fisher

Head Coach

US Ski Jumping Team