Park City, UT (Monday, July 1, 2002) - Tim Ross, who has worked for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association since 1978, is retiring as coaches education director. Ross, who started with the then-Eastern Ski Association 24 years ago, cites the growth in professionalism in coaching careers as one of the hallmarks of his own career with USSA.

“I’m proud of my accomplishments over the years in working with our athletes and coaches,” said Ross, “but now it’s time to turn over the reigns.”

Ross began as assistant alpine director for the Eastern Ski Association in 1978, moving up to alpine director as that organization merged with USSA in 1980. He remained in that position until a two-year hiatus from 1986-88 when he served as assistant headmaster and director of training for the Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, Vt. He returned to head USSA’s coaches education program in 1988 when USSA consolidated with the U.S. Ski Team in Park City, Utah.

“What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to help bring a greater level of professionalism to coaching in America – much as it is in Europe,” said Ross. “Since 1988 we’ve grown from 1,400 to 3,700 coaches. And in the past four years, our new National Alpine Coaches Academy has brought the highest levels of education to over 500 coaches – 135 of which have attained international coach certification, the highest level in our sport.”

“Tim has made an outstanding contribution to our athletes over the years, especially through his development of coaches education,” said USSA Vice President of Athletics Alan Ashley. “And he’s left us in a position from which we can truly build for the future.”

“My best times have been getting to know the coaches and athletes,” said Ross. “I remember taking Picabo to the Topolino Children’s Games (Italy) in 1986, and helping to recruit Daron Rahlves to attend GMVS.

“And, while this will really date me, I remember taking (newly-named USSA alpine director and veteran coach) Jesse Hunt to a J3 (14-15 years old) camp in 1979. I said at the time, ‘this kid is going to win World Cups!’ Well, he may not have won as an athlete, but he sure knew how to get his athletes motivated to win as a professional coach!”

Ashley indicated that a search for an education director was underway. Ross was expected to remain with USSA until early July.