2011 Season Outlook - Gryphons Nordic Ski TeamThe University of Guelph Gryphons Nordic Ski Team is returning from what Coach Richard Lay described as "a remarkably strong season for Gryphon Nordic Skiing." At the 2010 OUA Championships in Orangeville, hosted by Guelph, the Gryphon men's team captured a silver medal, while the women placed 4th. This was a successful result considering the strength of the competition throughout the 2010 season. The consistency of the Gryphon's team over the past few years proves that they are not to be overlooked, and provide a constant threat to the podium at every race.
Season goals for 2010-2011 include building on last year's OUA results, for which a foundation has been created through a fall training season of unparalleled strength training, high intensity roller skiing workouts, and quality team training camps mid-autumn and over the Christmas break.
After the 2010 season, several key contributor's of success to the Gryphons team were lost. For the women, departing OUA all-star Vesta Mather, along with teammates Annalee Winter, Jess Blenkarn, and Laura Campbell, left a large gap to be filled. For the men, top skiers in the 2010 season Matti Little and Ian Ritchie, both OUA all-stars, have left the OUA racing circuit. Ritchie is now an Assistant Coach for the Gryphons. Despite these losses, one of the largest recruiting classes in recent memory will look to fill the void. In combination with crafty veterans who will be looking to show that they can step up to the challenge, the 2011 season is sure to be a thriller.
The season begins at Ontario Cup #1 on December 18-19 hosted by Highlands Nordic (Duntroon, ON). From there, the team will be racing through the ski season which runs until the end of February. The OUA Championships in 2011 will be hosted by Laurentian from February 5-6. Go Gryphons!
