United States of America Snowboard Association
2005 National Championships
Copper Mountain Colorado
Over 2,500 snowboarders from all over the U. S. descended on Copper Mountain from April 2-9, 2005. It is five days of competition and fun on the slopes. Competitors have to qualify in their home series to attend nationals.
I and some old and new friends made up the Adaptive division riders at this Nationals. I hadn't put much emphasis on competition this season, so I only competed in the Half Pipe comp, bringing home Gold, aided by a friend and instructor from Steamboat Colorado, John James. Scott Anfang, my main coach was not able to train with me or attend nationals due to prior committments, so John gladly stepped in to ride with me and help me achieve gold again.
Click Here to See Me Receive My Medal (Windows Media File)
I look forward to next year's Nationals at Lake Taho and in taking my riding to a higher level next season.
All of the Adaptive riders at nationals gave their all. The cool thing about it is that we, with all our varying physical challenges, become friends and family through the sport of snowboarding. We cheer each other on.
Here are the adaptive riders at Nationals this year:
Luke Grossi, Montana, Our Fearless Leader
Pam Eberly, Snowmass, Our adopted Mom
Jesse Horn, Jackson Hole, an awesome rider and Mr. Personality
Max Grange, Snowmass Village, The guy who had the biggest smile
Bibbian, Holand, a world class rider
Tyler, Whistler B. C., a great and cool rider
Adam Hall, New Zealand, a cool kiwi; an and world class disabled skier playing hooky on his snowboard for a week
I only new Luke, Pam, and Jesse from the Nationals in Mammoth 2002. It was good to make some new friends. Hopefully in the years to come, more and more adaptive riders will get involved and join the family.
I want to personally thank U.S.A.S.A., Tom Collins, Gordan, and Claudia for their support and help during the competitions. I know of no other organization which allows adaptive snowboarders to compete and be an equal part of the organization. Thanks!
To all my friends in the comp:
Congratulations! and Cheers! See you next season.