USANS Story Project- 3-DEC-2015 MACKEY

Junior coach, Sue Kavanagh, was so supportive and engaged with Logan at that very first Learn to Ski Jump Day that he had no doubt about joining the team.  As he continued to practice, his ability grew as well as his confidence and social skills.  His younger brothers, age 6 and age 4, then started in the sport and Logan was able to help take on a teaching role with them, which also increased his confidence as well as his communication and his ability to lead.  As he mastered the 10m hill, I thought he’d be too afraid to even go over to the 20m hill.  But with the confidence given by coach Sue and 20m coach Doug Maki, Logan went down the 20m landing with barely a hesitation.  He then proceeded to ski from the 20m half bar by the end of that practice and a week later, he was able to ski from the top of the 20m.  I am amazed at what he has been able to accomplish!

The benefits of this sport go beyond athletic ability and skill gained from practices and tournaments.  It teaches responsibility as the kids help take care of the equipment and the hills.  They learn how to support each other on and off the hills.  They are surrounded by positive role models as they watch and interact with the “big” kids that jump the 40m and 70m hills.  And it makes them part of something bigger as they carry on the tradition of ski jumping in Coleraine.

As I see him developing into a responsible, mature, happy young man, I am, and will be, forever grateful, not only to his current coaches, Sue Kavanagh and Doug Maki, but to all that have kept the sport alive in Coleraine, MN, for the last 110 years.  From Ole Mangseth and John Greenway to present day Shrock’s, Denney’s and Rick Anderson along with many others, a lot of dedicated parents and volunteers, including those of you at Central and USA Ski Jumping, that put their time, energy and efforts into providing this amazing sport for my children as well as many others’.  I sincerely appreciate everything you do.  Thank you!