The SOD Ski Team recognizes the move to FIS competition is a big step for these athletes as they juggle academics. To assist the athletes in this transition the SODST will:

• Offer Thursday night training
• Increased connection with the athletes’ school to facilitate yearly education/athletics programming
• Tutoring program while in Collingwood
• Potential for tutoring while on the road
• Proctoring of exams while on the road

We are pleased to announce that Hugh Morrison will be joining AOA in an education consulting capacity.  Hugh has been a school Administrator for 9 years and has been a professional coach/instructor for 30 years.  Currently, Hugh works as a school Principal while coaching on a part-time basis at the Georgian Peaks Club. His understanding of ski racing in Southern Ontario and the academic pressures facing athletes at the U18 stage of their development makes him a very valuable resource and we are excited to have him join the team.

Some new initiatives that Hugh and the SOD brass will be implementing for the 2019-20 season include:

1)      General high School academic counselling and tutoring (Cost per athlete: $450)

• Helping students/families to navigate and coordinate their athletic program with their academic priorities
• Helping to determine Post-secondary pathways including NCAA admissions
• Providing athletes with workshops to develop their habits as student-athletes
• Assisting athletes in making a communication plan with their educational provider
• Implementing an accountability system that keeps students, teachers, coaches, and parents up to date with school requirements
• Access to tutoring at the November training camp in Panorama Resort, BC

2)      Grade 12 Phys Ed Credit from Melissa Wheatcroft (Cost per athlete approximately $350)

• University level course in Exercise Science starting in June and ending in Chile in August (*please note: For this credit, we require 15 athletes to participate. Associated fees for Melissa’s expenses will be a minimum of approx. cost $350/pp)

3)      Provide/coordinate tutoring for athletes in season in the Collingwood area.

Details to be finalized early October. *** Delivered upon request with extra applicable charge

For more information on any of the above programs please contact TES Hynes, SOD Program Director tes@alpineontario.ca

Parents and racers should also read the Alpine Ontario Education & Ski Racing Handbook here