Ben Saunders    Forest Lake 2006-2007

Dear Awards Committee:

I am writing to nominate Ben Saunders for “Assistant Coach of the Year”.  This is Ben’s second year as Assistant Coach of the Forest Lake Nordic Team.  As an alum of the Forest Lake Nordic Team, he has great pride in the team and a strong commitment towards keeping them competitive in Minnesota. Ben attends practices six days a week, makes all arrangements for lodging and transportation, does all the timing at races, makes trips to the ski shop on a regular basis to pick things up for athletes, and even attends the Junior National Qualifiers, volunteering his time.  Ben does all of this while teaching full time and attending graduate school.  Ben’s commitment to this team is unmatched. 

Having been an athlete on this championship team, Ben understands the commitment required of the skiers.  He has built relationships with each of the athletes, caring about their physical and mental health as well as their skiing technique and training.  The members of the team respect Ben and love to have him around.

Not only has Ben built good relationships with the athletes, Ben has earned the respect of the parents.  He is always willing to listen to concerns, and to help clarify any questions that parents may have.  As with any service position, issues arise that are not always pleasant to deal with.  Ben always keeps his cool and deals with things in a professional manner.

Ben is much more to the Forest Lake Nordic Team than an assistant coach.  He is a friend, a mentor, and a respected authority figure.  I feel that Ben Saunders is very deserving of the “Assistant Coach of the Year” award for Section Two.

Sincerely,

Kathleen M. Wright

Parent of a Forest Lake Skier