2022 GRPSki/Biathlon additions and 2021 U23 summer athletes
GRP Biathlon
Luke Brown racing 2019 USBA trials at Craftsbury. (John Lazenby photo)
Brown joins older brother Jake Brown on the GRP Biathlon squad after several years in Bozeman. The two-time NCAA All-American's attention has shifted a bit further to biathlon with each year out of Dartmouth, this winter contesting 6 IBU cups. Brown sees being a part of a strong training group as a key part of his ongoing development - and forms a big part of his attraction to Craftsbury. "I've learned that a lot of my motivation and excitement in sport comes from being in a high performance environment. So I'm excited to combine my desire to improve with Craftsbury's high performing culture to give me the best opportunity to move forward," explains Luke.
Luke has used his English minor in a variety of journalistic projects, and hopes to draw upon those talents to tell stories about and around the Craftsbury community - in addition to coaching and other projects.
Carsen Campbell.
Campbell joins the GRP not long after joining the United States. While born in Vail, CO, Campbell moved to Prince Edward Island and competed from 2012-20 for Canada, making the nations change in the summer of 2020 and enjoying a training visit to the Outdoor Center last fall. "After spending five weeks training with the GRP, I realized what a fantastic initiative, staff and program the Craftsbury Green Racing Project has - I was blown away by what I experienced," Carsen explained. Campbell's focus is to increase his ski speed to match his shooting.
In addition to his international goals of World Cup berths, he's an experienced carpenter interested in contributing his construction skills to the ongoing assortment of projects around Craftsbury. Campbell's background - and future aspirations - as a race producer and event manager should also find plenty of outlets at the Center as well.
Tara Geraghty-Moats hoists the ‘21 World Cup Nordic Combined overall globe.
Geraghty-Moats has been around the Center for the past 15+ years: "At 12 years old I knew I wanted Pepa to coach me," explains Tara. "I've trained in Craftsbury on and off ever since." During that time, Geraghty-Moats has jumped, skied and shot around the Nordic world, culminating in winning the inaugural women's 2021 Nordic Combined World Cup Overall. For 2022, she's returning to biathlon in hopes of qualifying for IBU Cups as well as competing on the European Marathon circuit.
Beyond training, this summer Tara looks forward to helping coach, maintaining trails and washing dishes as part of her work contributions to the Center community: "I value the balance of social consciousness and athletic excellence. For me, the fact that I can live in my home state of Vermont and have access to world class nordic facilities is a life changing opportunity. I also really like the cookies," concedes Tara.
GRP Ski additions
Annika Landis racing at Nationals.
Originally from Hailey, Idaho, Annika began her skiing career with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation before heading to Middlebury College where she qualified for two NCAA Championships. She was named to the U23 World Championships Team in 2020 and as an alternate in 2021. This season, she hopes to continue working towards her national and international goals with an intentional, steady approach similar to the one she's applied to her consistent improvement in distance skiing and sprinting.
Her lifelong interest in wilderness and its protection has developed into a focus on the working relationships between people and their environments. "I'm interested in continuing my ski career with a club that prioritizes a community driven mission while also striving for international success," writes Landis. "Using skiing as a platform to not only make everyday life more sustainable, but also encourage others to do so is something that appeals greatly to me."
Alex Lawson racing at U23 Worlds.
Lawson has been a Craftsbury regular for almost 8 years at this point, as the Vermonter from East Burke has skied for the COC junior program, staying in touch over summers while skiing for Midd and doing a U23 stint in 2020. Alex qualified for NCAAs every year she skied for the Panthers, winning All-American status in 2020. And she represented the US in the past two U23 World Championships, with a personal best finish of 24th this year in the 10k freestyle.
"I have been a part of the Craftsbury community for quite a few years now and have really enjoyed being part of its growth," writes Lawson. "One of my favorite things to do at the Center is to work with the youth programs and getting to work with the Craftsbury community beyond the Outdoor Center." Alex also hopes to integrate more of her neuroscience background exploring ways to bring sports psyche to our programming at all ages.
GRP Collegiate U23 Summer Training Team
Waverly Gebhardt racing in Craftsbury.
In addition to qualifying for NCAAs this year, Gebhardt raced Junior World Championships in 2019 and 2021, making the heats in the classic sprint this winter. Athletically, Waverly looks to build her volume and enjoy a varied, but consistent summer of training toward her NCAA goals. “I wanted to stay in Vermont and I’ve seen the success Craftsbury has had in developing skiers from some of my past and present teammates,” writes Gebhardt.
The Steamboat skier looks forward to working with younger skiers and expanding the reach of the Center's sustainability mission thru education initiatives.
Rena Schwartz racing the ‘20 Harvard Carnival at Craftsbury.
Schwartz is no stranger to Craftsbury, as the Middlesex, VT resident has skied with Craftsbury at various points thru her junior career. One of Rena's summer goals is strength, particularly leg strength. In addition to working with younger training groups, Rena hopes to apply her background in food systems to contribute the Center and GRP's efforts in that arena.