This is a paid post on behalf of Mansfield Nordic Club. Other clubs interested in placing comparable announcements should be in touch.
Introduction
Mansfield Nordic Club is excited to offer a summer collegiate cross-country ski training program again in 2024. The program will bring together a dedicated group of high-level athletes for 14 weeks of structured training and training education. Athletes will return to school confident in their training and fitness, and with an increased depth of knowledge and accountability for their training. The MNC U program’s strength lies in the strong sense of group companionship and individuality.
MNC U’s group goal will be to put together a strong group of athletes who are motivated to work hard and push each other in a healthy, unified way. The group will work together to help all team members pursue their goals with teamwork, camaraderie, and shared focus.
MNC U’s training goals also revolve around individuality. Understanding how to alter training plans based on an athlete’s recovery status is something that makes our program unique, and athletes helping each other learn from their respective strengths can lead to individual growth and development.
Location
MNC U is situated in the greater Burlington/Chittenden County area of Vermont. The Burlington area offers easy access to great training venues including quiet country roads, gravel and trail terrain in the Green Mountains. We benefit highly from access to the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site (CEATS), home to a 5 km roller ski track. Training locations will largely be accessed by short car ride, but van transportation will be available for sessions further away from Burlington. The Burlington area has ample summer housing opportunities thanks to subletting from the local college population. Additionally Burlington is home to a vibrant community with lots of job opportunities and constant avenues of entertainment. Backed up to beautiful Lake Champlain, why would you not want to come train in the area?
The scenic Waterbury/Stowe area is nearly equidistant on the southern end of the training range, with access to great outdoor facilities and trails for all types of training.
Who are we looking for?
The MNC U program aims to connect 12-17 men and women who are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree while also competing at a high-level Division I NCAA cross-country ski program. The program aims to give athletes an experience of what it is like to train as a “professional” athlete for the summer, giving them a taste of what professional post collegiate skiing life might be like. Athletes will play a role in designing their personal training plans, but MNC U staff will provide input where seen fit. Athletes will have access to coaching staff 5-6 days a week for regularly scheduled practice and can always schedule extra sessions with coaches. Athletes must apply to be accepted into the MNC U program.
Tentative Schedule
Subject to change, likely Monday will be the designated group off day. Regularly scheduled practices will run from Tuesday–Saturday and most Sundays. Practices will be held in the morning with two optional afternoon sessions twice per week.
Training sessions at the CEATS rollerski track are scheduled Tues/Thurs 8-11AM. (Construction plans are still to be finalized but it looks like the group will have access to the CEATS for the majority of the summer.)
We are currently looking into strength facilities to accommodate the group.
Cost
Full Summer: $900 (May 14th-August 18th), includes team apparel.
Training Camp: $200-$300 (Location, Dates, and Final Pricing TBD)
Key Staff Bios
Brandon Herhusky
Brandon is a native of Lake Tahoe, California, and is now in his second year serving as UVM’s assistant coach. Prior to this, Brandon served in similar roles at Harvard and Sugar Bowl Ski Team and Academy.
Brandon has run similar college focused training groups the past three summers in Truckee, California, Boston, Massachusetts, and most recently Burlington, VT. Most notably Brandon helped coach JC Schoonmaker in his buildup to the 2022 Beijing Olympics through his Truckee based collegiate group.
Brandon graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition with a minor in Athletic Training.
Adam Terko
Adam is a native of Vermont, and Summer 2024 will mark his 10th year as Head Coach and Executive Director of Mansfield Nordic Club. Prior to this, Adam served as the assistant coach at Saint Lawrence University for three seasons in addition to coaching at numerous summer camps and trips in NY and New England.
Adam has been a wax technician for the U.S. Ski Team at Junior World Championships and the New England Junior National team, as well as an age group coach on four different JN trips. During his time at MNC Adam has coached juniors to multiple Junior National titles, had athletes qualify for both U18 Scandinavian Cup team and Junior World Championship team, and placed athletes onto some of the strongest collegiate teams in the country.
Application
MNC U will begin accepting applications February 15th 2024. Applications are due by March 31st at 11:59 p.m. Click below to access the application. If you have any questions feel free to contact either Brandon Herhusky (berhusk at uvm.edu) or Adam Terko (adamrterko at gmail.com).
