February 17, 2010
Teton Nordic Team coach touts team above all.
LEFT: As the Teton Nordic Team waxes in numbers, coach Bob Gammelin demonstrates proper waxing technique while preparing young racers for an event the next day. CITIZEN PHOTO / JEANNETTE BONERIt’s Friday afternoon and students skim along the snow at the sledding hill at the BYU facility at Badger Creek. They go up and down, hanging off the towrope, running ahead to get the top of the hill first, slipping and sliding on brightly colored sleds. These students are usually on skis, but this afternoon the Teton Nordic Club is hosting a party and dinner to celebrate one of its three programs.
To find head coach Bob Gammelin, a parent directs me to the back of the lodge at the facility. “That man is a saint,” the parent calls back to me as I head to the side of the building.
Bob is there with a handful of Nordic team racers. The irons are hot and the wax is smearing nicely on skate skis of all sizes. Bob is bouncing between two workbenches showing students the difference between hard nylon and soft nylon and how to apply heavy pressure.
“You may beat me some day on the track, but not on the wax,” Bob smiles as the students work the buffers and irons along their skis.
This is Bob’s sixth year volunteering as the Teton Nordic Team’s head coach, growing the program from its infancy and watching young skiers and their families find success on groomed trails but, more importantly, confidence in themselves. The non-profit now supports four board members and more than 15 volunteer coaches including Bob working as the head coach. With 130 students participating in the race program, the after school program and the winter sport’s program, which include Tetonia Elementary School and the Teton Valley Community School so far, the future is more than bright.
“This program has nothing to do with skiing,” Bob said. “It has everything to do with youth development. Specifically characteristics to be a supportive team.”
As students work with one another on Friday, Bob continues, “They are learning the skills to be supportive team members and are learning a sense of capability. They’re learning how to do it and if they screw up they will feel the consequences. It’s really cool. Capability is important.”
The program plays host to all ages of skiers, all skill levels and money is something that Bob is adamant should not get in the way of a child learning and participating on the Nordic Team.
He has pursued grants to support the team, uses program money throughout the winter and spring programs and has raided his own garage for equipment. Without the Teton Valley community, Bob stresses, the program’s success would not have reached the level it enjoys today especially not without the help of businesses such as Peaked Sports and Yostmark in Driggs.
“He’s really open to working with the kids as individuals,” said board member Rob Mullin. “He tailors the program to initial needs and desires and he’s totally dedicated to keeping (the programs) fun.”
Mullin added that with the growth of the program, Bob’s work has increased too, adding not only the coaching aspect of the position, but much of the tedious behind the scenes work that can go unnoticed.
“Bob is willing to devote untold hours to the program, Mullin said. “Bob has worked with parents teaching them how to ski and he has a great way of connecting with the kids.”
And as students finish waxing their skis and head to the dinner table to join the others after sledding, Bob, also referred to as the “Nordic Evangelist”, waits for a few more students to finish their waxing. “Nordic skiing is a culture and we’re building a culture,” he adds.
If you’re looking for Bob, he may be reached at Bob@TetonNordic.org or at 307-353-0373 after 7 a.m. and before 8:30 p.m.
Nominate
Valley Citizen of the Month for February, Bob Gammelin, received a night’s lodging at the Teton Springs Lodge and Spa. Citizen staff will choose an individual or group each month highlighting exceptional work or character based on your nominations. Teton Springs Lodge and Spa will recognize the Citizen of the Month with a similar gift from the resort. Please email your March nominations to news@valleycitizen.com or call 208-354-NEWS.
