"I think we are poised to make a breakthrough"

Mon, May  24, 2010 - By Peter Graves

During last week's USSA Congress in Park City, we got the chance to set down and talk with the newly named USST coach Chris Grover.

An Alaska native and Dartmouth graduate, Grover has served as the team's sprint coach. In the 1990s, I had the pleasure of serving as coach and Team Leader when Grover earned a spot with the USST to attend the now-defunct, but fabled Swiss Week. It was during a very busy week, that Grover found the time to chat with SkiTrax.

Chris, as you embark on your new journey as the US Team's new Head Coach, how are your feeling about all of this?

Chris Grover: I have mixed emotions about the position. It's not a job I actively sought, and it's a hard job. But it's a position where I feel that I have something to offer. I have worked for the US Ski Team under the leadership of three different head coaches over the past 11 years, and I have learned a few things from each of these coaches. After 17 years of coaching cross-country, I feel I am ready to take on this role.

It must be a little bit daunting as well, isn't it?

CG: It is daunting. The amount of varied tasks which need to be accomplished and the decisions that need to be made make the job very daunting. With any leadership position there comes hard decisions, and this role is no exception. We've made some very hard decisions this spring and disappointed some people. Since we're such a close community of athletes, coaches, officials, and parents, the decisions inevitably disappoint friends and that can be especially hard.

At the same time, I think we are poised to make a breakthrough as a Nation in our sport. Our community is passionate about athlete development. There are so many encouraging things going on in the clubs, the colleges, and the regions. Although there's a daunting aspect of the job, I get excited when I think of where we are as a country.

Interview continues HERE.