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Igor Legacy Camp Recap

This past weekend, 44 energetic athletes ages 10-14, hailing from 13 different Nordic ski programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota gathered at the Iola Winter Sports Club (IWSC) in Iola, Wisconsin for the second annual Igor Legacy Camp. The Iola Winter Sports Club is a perfect location for a Nordic ski camp. The venue features a spacious area for tent camping, a sports field for soccer and Ultimate Frisbee, over 25 kilometers of trails, and a beautiful chalet for dining and presentations.

According to Bruce Manske, Youth Development Coordinator for Central Cross Country Skiing, the goals of the Igor Legacy Camps include promoting fun and fitness, and an enthusiasm for Nordic skiing as a life-long sport. On Sunday afternoon, while helping athletes gather their equipment, Manske was beaming, "This has been an awesome weekend. Skiers and coaches from many different teams and backgrounds came together, as one big team, to have fun and help each other learn the finer points of training and Nordic skiing."

The Igor Legacy Camp began Friday afternoon. First, skiers set up their tents near the trailhead of the Ice Age Trail and settled into their central Wisconsin surroundings for the weekend. During the opening ceremony, the coaching staff of 15 Nordic ski coaches and parents greeted the athletes with smiles and high-fives, and outlined the schedule ahead. Coach Steve Swenson briefed the group on the benefits of running for skiers, before staging a 1-mile time trial at the Iola High School track. After a refreshing dip in Sunset Lake, the evening activities included a chicken dinner, an Igor Legacy presentation, along with a stimulating game of Capture the Flag, a campfire, and S'mores.

Songbirds provided an early morning wake-up call, which made for a perfect start to day two. Before a hearty breakfast, the youngsters headed out on 4-kilometer trail run, and then participated in a stretching regimen lead by Coach Kevin Johnson. A mid-morning thunderstorm altered the camp schedule, but didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Outfitted with poles and rain gear, we toured the sprawling 250 acres of the IWSC while ski walking, striding, and bounding our way to the 60-meter Nordic combined jump situated at the summit. The afternoon workout included classic rollerskiing, dryland technique drills, and a swim at Sunset Lake County Park. After a delightful pizza extravaganza, Coach Ken Schoville led a rousing game of Ultimate Frisbee, followed by a Teamwork presentation, a poetry challenge, and again a campfire with more S'mores.

Sunday morning, Father's Day, the melody of songbirds again set the stage for the day, as did the pre-breakfast pole hike and stretching routine. The Sunday session began with a presentation on understanding training levels; a workout that focused on skate rollerskiing followed. The session highlights included Coach Kris Hanson's agility course, Coach Ted Theyerl's uphill technique drills, and our third visit to the Sunset Lake beach. According to Coach Jake Barnes, "The Igor Legacy Camp was a success because young skiers from across the Midwest got together to work and play in an outdoor setting, and to learn about Nordic skiing from each other."

Yes indeed, it took a lot of planning, organizing, and implementing to put together the second Igor Legacy Camp at the Iola Winter Sports Club on Father's Day Weekend; yet, from my standpoint, it was well worth the time, effort, and energy!

We had 44 athletes that were excited, energetic, and pumped-up about Nordic skiing from the moment they arrived until they were packed and headed homeward. These young athletes came from 13 different teams, from across Wisconsin and Minnesota, to learn and to have fun as one big team. The goals of the camp were truly met: to have fun, to make new friends, to learn about skiing, and to workout together.

I would like to SHOUT-OUT a special thanks to the 20 coaches and parents that helped throughout the weekend to make this camp successful and special: Mark, Noel, Ted, Dan, Kris, JoEllen, Guy, Steve, Sydney, Allie, Kevin, Yuriy, Irina, Jennifer, Gordy, Pam, Jake, Ken, Eric, and Igor. Each of you did many things to make the camp run smooth and efficient. THANK YOU!½

As you know, there are three Igor Legacy Camps this summer. You are all welcome to join the July and August coaching staff; and, please pass the word to your athletes, parents, and coaches.

Registration is ONLINE: http://www.cxcskiing.org/pages/events/youth-events.html