Team NBS

Mission

To identify, develop, and support athletes of color who will win international and Olympic winter sports competitions representing the United States.

Goals

• Two athletes as members of US Ski Team (USST) representing the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games
• One athlete on the podium as a member of the USST representing the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games
• One athlete as a member of the US Disabled Team (USDT) representing the United States at the 2006 Paralympic Games

Athletes

Program Status

Today, we are very close to our goal. Andre and Suki Horton are members of the NBSST Elite Team. For the 02 - 03 season, Andre is a member of the USST Development team putting him and Suki right on track with the potential opportunity to participate in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

Team NBS is in the fifth year of a seven-year strategic plan, which is available from the NBS Competition Director. The 02 - 03 National team is composed of 11 athletes, ranging in age from 12 - 25 years old, male and female, from all over the United States.

Program Overview

Structure

The NBS Competition Director, who is appointed by the NBS President, is responsible for NBBST through the development and execution of the Strategic Plan and two (2) year program plan. Competition Directors for each region, with the National Competition Director form a program development working group to insure synergy, maximize resources; deliver quality and consistent programs at the regional and national level.

Alignment of the NBSST with the USSA is a fundamental principle. Program development and execution for athletes, coaches, and others will incorporate athlete and coaching competencies of the USSA.

Relationship to National Governing Body (USSA)

The United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the national governing body for winter sports. There are two levels of relationship between the NBS and USSA. The goal of each is participation at the national and regional levels, which align with the NBS regions.

Today, the NBS Competition Director is a member, as an individual, of the USSA Education Working Group. With the USSA moving toward using the concept of "Full Service Clubs" (FSC) to deliver credentialing programs and projects, the NBS would become the only national FSC. During 03 - 04, the NBS and USSA will jointly deliver club and state level coaches education programs. In 02 - 03 the NBS Competition Director will deliver these credentialing programs. USSA staff will participate in athlete training projects in 02 - 03 and use these platforms to provide guidance and feedback to the NBSST.

For more information contact the National Competition Director .

Brandon Purnell

• Age 18
• From Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
• Competed in the 2002 Junior Olympics as a J3, and ranked "first fastest male" among youth and adults at the 2002 Elite Races at the Snowmass Ski Area in Colorado.
• Now training at Romark Ski Academy.
• Attending 9th grade in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Competed in the USSA Central Division J3 Championships.
• Racing Goals are to be a top contender on the World Cup circuit and win two Gold Medals in the Winter Olympics.

Errol Kerr

• Age 18
• From Truckee, California
• Skied for Squaw Valley in 2001-02, he was ranked FIRST nationally in his age group category in Speed Events.
• 12 Grade at Truckee Meadows Academy
• Trains with the Squaw Valley Ski Club in Squaw Valley, California.
• Ranked #1 in his age group in downhill in the United States
• Qualified for the USSA J3 Junior Olympics.
• Racing Goals include competing in World Cup and a podium finish in the Winter Olympics.

Ralph Green

• Age 29
• From Brooklyn, New York
• Member of the 2007/2008 United States Disabled Ski Team
• Ranked in the top 10 overall disabled ski racers in the country
• Ranked in the top 5 standing disabled ski racers in the country
• Nine top five finishes last year ( fourth in the country)
• Won the NORAM Super G race (Winter Park, Co). Beating out the #1 ranked disabled ski racer, Michele Milton
• Qualified for the 2007/2008 United States Disabled World Cup Team
• Trains with the Winter Park Disabled Competition Program.
• Races in the Men's Open Division Category.
  

Gabrielle Govan

• Age 18
• From Katonah, New York
• Junior Olympic Giant Slalom Champion in 2000
• 12th Grade at Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, Vermont
• Trains in Full term residential program at the Green Mountain Valley School.
• Junior Olympic and Vermont State Champion in Giant Slalom.
• Racing Goals are to qualify for the U.S. National Championships.
  

Danielle Govan

• Age 16
• From Katonah, New York
• 10th Grade in the Katonah School District
• Trains in a weekend program at Green Mountain Valley School in SugarBush, Vermont.
• Competed in the Vermont State Championships.
• Racing Goals are to become a member of the US Ski Team.
  

Justin Samuels

• Age 15
• Resides in Golden Valley, MN.
• Trains with Team Gilboa.
• Competed in the Junior Olympics.
• Racing Goals are to compete in the Whistler Cup and eventually become a member of the US Ski Team.