In 2017, a passion for ski racing and a desire to give local kids an opportunity led to the creation of a high school ski racing program. The idea came from  the program’s founder, Dave Cox, who spent much of his life on skis. 

“I grew up a ski racer, and all three of my kids have done ski racing,” said Cox. “I have an absolute passion for ski racing, and I wanted to create a program to give kids in this district and school the chance to experience it too.”

Dave’s youngest son, Bode, is actually on the ski team right now in his final year and I imagine it has been hard for him not to follow in his family’s footsteps out on the slopes.

“Well I started skiing as soon as I was able to walk, said Bode. ”I  joined the ski team in my 7th Grade Year because my brother and sister did it forever and my dad started the team. 

 For him, the decision to join the team wasn’t just about improving his skills—it was about the community and family dynamic the program offered. 

“It’s awesome having my dad as the head coach,” said Cox.. “He pushes me a lot and makes me a lot better.”

Outside of the father son dynamic, the program’s approach to coaching is just as unique as the sport itself. 

“With ski racing, the motivation is really up to them, said Dave.” I don’t have to motivate them.”

Coaching this sport is different, in other sports you can visually show them and hands on teach them, while in skiing it is just the player doing continuous reps of going down the slopes and almost teaching themselves.

 “It’s kind of a unique sport um in in the sense that the kids get out of it what they put into it, said Cox.” It’s your choice whether you want to stop and get coaching or if you want to ski right by doing 20 Miles per hour , I’m not gonna stop you . 

On the other side of things  ,the journey to establish the team was not easy, however. Ski racing is a niche sport, not widely known or recognized in many communities.

 “There were a couple of challenges on getting the team started through the school back in 2015,  said Cox. ”.You see skiing is not a very well known sport .”

It wasn’t just Dave fighting for this program to get started up in St. Francis. Athletic Director at the time, Chris Lindquist, played a huge role in getting Skiing started in our district 

“If it wasn’t for Chris Lindquist we wouldn’t have a team I can tell you that right now, ” said Cox.” So yeah really just props to Chris, I mean he’s all about opportunity for kids.” 

Dave pointed out that the ski team isn’t just for athletes,  but it’s for the entire community to have the chance to be part of an organization. 

“This is just another opportunity for kids in the winter time to have a wintertime sport,” said Dave.