Coach of the Year:

Mark Walters (Bemidji), Section 8

              Mark has only been coaching for four years.  This is the second year in a row that he has been nominated.  In the last four years he has built the team up from 26 to 46 skiers.  The program is becoming more popular among the kids because they know that Mark’s philosophy is “team is number one on the priority list.”  He professes an idea that this sport is a lifetime activity, and that what we give the athletes is a great foundation and hopefully, a reason to continue to ski after high school, into college, and he rest of their lives.  His boys have been the Section 8 champions for the last two years, and his girls are enjoying a second place finish this year.        

              Personally, Mark has been a ski racer for 25 years, has taught many clinics on skiing, and has been involved on various levels promoting Nordic skiing.  He is a board member of the Minnesota Finlandia, board member of the local ski club, teaches classes in community educations, and runs a youth ski league and summer clinics.   

              The other coaches of Section 8 feel that Mark has a kind and helpful demeanor, is very knowledgeable and has a great relationship with his athletes, both male and female.  In a short amount of time he has developed a great program with strong athletes.  He sets a great example for his colleagues and skiers.