Randall, Bradlee, Whitcomb and CXC Skiing win awards

Mon, May  21, 2012 - By USSA

Kikkan Randall, Rob Bradlee, Matt Whitcomb, and CXC Skiing all won awards at the annual USSA Congress at the Park City Marriott on May 11 in Park City, UT.

Cross Country Domestic Coach of the Year Award – Rob Bradlee (Reading, MA)
Rob Bradlee, who coaches the Cambridge Sports Union, was named the USSA’s Cross Country Domestic Coach of the Year. Bradlee raced on the Harvard Ski Team, and has raced ever since, competing in U.S. Senior Nationals and National Masters competition where he has been a multiple silver medalist and national champion in the 10k skate in 2010. Rob's coaching philosophy focuses on a mix of year-round fitness development and perfecting technique.  He works with athletes on a partnership model where the coach supports the athlete in reaching his or her goals.

Cross Country International Coach of the Year Award – Matt Whitcomb (Park City, UT)
U.S. Ski Team women’s cross country coach Matt Whitcomb was named USSA’s Cross Country International Coach of the Year after a stellar season by the U.S. team. Six athletes scored World Cup points including a World Cup sprint title from Kikkan Randall. It was one the strongest season in history with regular career bests amongst a team of athletes who capitalized on Randall’s success, generating team-wide momentum.

Cross Country Club of the Year – Central Cross Country (Wisconsin)
Under the direction of Yuriy Gusev, the Central Cross Country (CXC) program has become a brand in itself and features activities for all ages a broad spectrum of skiers.  Besides its very visible elite racing team, CXC has  extensive youth, junior development, masters and adaptive programs. This past season, CXC veteran Jessie Diggins had a breakout year on the World Cup. While based in the midwest, the program is having dramatic impact on the sport nationwide.

Cross Country Athlete of the Year - Kikkan Randall (Anchorage)
The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team's Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) was named the USSA's Cross Country Athlete of the Year. Randall skied to another historic season, winning the FIS World Cup sprint title and finishing fifth overall – both U.S. women’s records. Randall, who also raised her record U.S. championships total to 17, helped bring the performance of the entire U.S. Women’s Cross Country Ski Team to a record level with six athletes scoring points. She remained active, too, as an advocate for young girls through Fast and Female and served as a representative to the FIS Athletes Council.