U.S. Ski-Snowboard teams not lacking in academics

By Elizabeth Karam, U.S. Ski Team

SALT LAKE CITY – More than 50 U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding athletes have been taking full advantage of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s partnership with Westminster College in Salt Lake City. In a snow covered town with the trees and ground glistening with white sparkles as the sun shines down, 22 athletes are taking the time to not only excel on snow, but also in the classroom.

Because most athletes are on the road from October to April, athletes attend the spring, summer and fall terms. In a most conducive environment that doesn’t make athletes choose between sport and school, Westminster caters to the needs of student-athletes at the highest level.

Most impressive, they have maintained an overall grade point average of 3.66, as well as two athletes that are proud to call Westminster their alma mater.

“Before and after class I still had time to enjoy summer life in Utah, even during breaks in the class I could go outside and do some rock climbing on the wall on the side of my classroom,” U.S. Alpine Ski Team member Travis Ganong of Squaw Valley said. “Westminster has such a fun and rewarding environment.”

Now with the season fully under way, the student-athletes hope to carry their academic success into their athletic careers.

“It is awesome to have a place like Westminster where I can go to in the off season to follow my educationally goals,” said Ganong, who is currently in Europe for alpine races. “The classes are very interesting and the teachers are very flexible with my crazy schedule.”