Who are the Craigleith Coyotes?

Well if you haven't heard of us yet... Where have you been?



The Coyotes are proud to be part of the Craigleith Ski Club, proud of where we come from and what we do. The next time you participate in or watch a race at Craigleith, know that the start was set up and tended to by a world class Timing Team, that the Safety Netting and corrals were put in place by seasoned World Cup and Olympic Crew Veterans working alongside the rest of the dedicated Coyotes Crew, and those blue lines... Even if it is just a finish line, it was probably put in place by the same people who dyed the lines for Manny, Eric, Robbie, Jan, Britt and Kelly... And you know what? We are glad to do it for you too!



Remember that Race Crew is supposed to be a fun experience. Join the commaraderie, make the time to enjoy the snow and hills. There's always beer in the crew fridge, and that if you feel a cough coming on, we have the cure for that too...

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Peak Performer

Coyotes,

Where did the year go?  It has flashed before us, and I don’t think I got the chance to savor our time together as much as I would have liked. As I do reflect back on our year, I know that we have met our goals for the coyotes, and I met some of my own personal goals too!  I do find it hard not to look back on our experiences and our lessons along the way.  I also like to think about each of you, and how I have enjoyed getting to know you a little better.  I hope each of you look back with fondness as well, and you cherish this time as much as I do.  I can honestly say that this crew means the world to Mick and me, and there’s nothing that we wouldn’t do for any one of you.  I hope that the joy of the sport and seeing our athletes (young and old) appreciating our efforts, brings a smile to your face too.    

And every year at this time, I also think about the years past, how we have grown, what we have learned, and remember why we have become such a successful crew.  Please know that it is because of all of you.  Each of you bring something special to this team, and we couldn’t do it without such great people.

That brings me to the Ron McMann Memorial.   Our Peak Performer of the Year Award.   This award came about originally to pay homage to our friend Ron McMann, who had passed unexpectedly, and pay honour to his philosophy for life, friendship, work and play.   It came at a pivotal time for all of us...and as it often happens, out of difficult times, comes strength and a deeper bond.  So this was not only a tribute to Ron, who will be forever missed, but also for what the Coyotes stand for.   

So, that being said… It is now your opportunity to Honour Ron, Deb Underhill, his loving wife, and this award, by presenting it to the person who you feel is most deserving.  I know it will be hard, but ask yourself who has represented what being a Coyote means…

Please provide me with your three nominations (email craigleithcoyotes(at)yahoo.ca)
First choice will receive three points, second will receive two and the last will receive one.  Feel free to add any reasons why and what made you choose those individuals.

As Mick and I are your crew leaders, we enjoy the privilege of being able to present it to one of you, and have made ourselves ineligible to receive this award, so please do not put our names down.

Best regards,
Jen (and Mick)

Monday, February 27, 2012

Weekend Wrap...

A big shout out to all the Coyote Jaeger's that had our fourth and final weekend through snowy and sunny times! We pulled together and hosted great races yet again, many accolades from Andrew for our help with the Nancy Greene Combi Races on Comet, well done team!

This weekend was a bit different without our fearless (or should that be fearful) leaders Mick and Jen, many thanks to all the Coyotes that stepped up and special mention to Hersh and Woody for steering the ship... Mick and Jen were able to sneak away for a well deserved weekend in celebration of their anniversary ;)

Now for what has quickly become a favourite segment...
"Overheard in Wylies"

There were a few comments and one story that stood out this week, however the story was adult themed... So the best comment this week was:
Coyote #1: What are you drinking?
Coyote #2: (A well respected hard working Coyote who usually prefers a harder beverage from Kentucky) A cooler
Coyote #1: Homo

The weekend wrap wouldn't be complete without a special Coyote Howl to Jan Hudec for scoring yet another podium with a second place finish in Friday's Super-G (his first career SG podium) and a strong showing Saturday with a 5th place finish, way to go Jan!

This coming weekend is Club Championships (How did we get there already?) if you are a Jaeger and planning on helping, please let Jen know ASAP. Believe there may even be a social in the works for Saturday night, more news later...

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Video Pick of the Week

Ever wonder what it is like on the big team, check this out, A Day in the Life by CAST member Dustin Cook...

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Family Day R&R...

Some well deserved R&R for the hard working Coyotes on Family Day. Thanks to Coyote Yard Sale for the pictures...

Whistler Coyote

Coyotes Linda & John, sent in a note from Whistler wishing all the Coyotes a happy Family Day!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Weekend Schedules and Such...

The schedules and assignments for this coming weekend have been posted (see upper right).

Jen asked that everyone be reminded that she needs to know who plans on attending/helping with the Family Day, Nancy Greene Races on Comet. This can be used as a day to fulfil your 10 day comitment. Please let Jen know ASAP if you will be helping (jengillard-at-yahoo.com)

And a note from Beverly-Ann:
The Coyotes had a  fun filled weekend with the Safrata Cup/ Mid Winter Classic and Tracey’s Surprise Birthday Party! 

Let’s continue the social streak… Night Skiing at Craigleith
When - Friday February 17, 2012 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where – Craigleith Ski Club

If people are hungry, we can pitch in to order pizza at Wylie’s.

Email me if you are interested! (beverly-ann.woods-at-manheim.com)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentines Day!

Wishing all of our Coyote Family truly joyous Valentines Day!

As a special treat, the video of the week is pretty special... Highlighting a warm-up run (and a bit of air time) of Ben Thomsen shot by Jan Hudec! For those of you that missed it Ben went on to finish second last weekend in the Downhill at Sochi, earning his membership with the Canadian Cowboys, well done Ben!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Weekend Wrap-up...

Yet again the Coyotes pulled together and not only survived a cold, blustery and snowy weekend, but hosted world class races!

In our second instalment of "Overheard in Wylies" we have a good one and might even explain how a few Coyotes were feeling Sunday morning...
Coyote 1:  I hate trying to get 8 hours sleep in 4...


If you have yet to check out the Coyotes facebook group, what are you waiting for? This week saw quite a few odd and interesting entries in our first official photo competition...
Winners will be announced this coming Saturday @ Wylies... Send Woody a request to join the group and check out some of our Coyotes finest!

On a sad note, our thoughts are with Coyotes Maggie & Jim this week, as Jim took a spill slipping on Sunday. Initially thought to be a dislocated shoulder and a fracture, thankfully the latest update from Maggie is that it is not a fracture but Jim will still need to spend six weeks in a sling. Here's hoping you are feeling better soon Jim and on the mend so we can get you back out for some April skiing...

Many thanks yet again to Coyote Linda and Coyote Michael for pictures from this weekend

Happy Birthday Linda!

Happy Belated Birthday (Sunday) to Coyote Linda Housser! Wishing you all the best, hope you were eventually able to have a piece of your cake :)

Tracy's Pyjama Party

Well from all reports (at least from those who can remember) Saturday nights' party was one for the history books! Luckily, for our enjoyment a few attendees documented the ongoings...

Here are a few highlights... Happy Birthday Tracy!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Inspiration 101!

In 2004 Josh Dueck broke his back, which left him as a full paraplegic. On February 3, 2012, Josh became the first person to perform a backflip on snow in a Sit Ski!

Truly worthy of a Honorary Coyotes Membership!

Weekend Schedules & Assignments Posted...

Schedules and Assignments for this weekend have been posted to the upper right...

For those of you following the Coyotes on facebook you will have already heard the news from Coyote Matt at the World Cup Snowboard Cross this week... By the sounds of it, lots of hard work by a few dedicated volunteers, well done by all the Coyotes working the Boarder Cross this week!

Our very own timing and race guru Mike Walker posted...
"Hey guys, I want to let you all know how much the entire team just rocks! I have to sit on a weekly Craigleith conference call where we discuss all the racing issues. 3 years ago, it was one problem after another. Now, it is why is every other venue not as good as Craigleith and the World respected Coyotes!! 
Keep up the great work!!"

If you aren't already a Craigleith Coyotes group member on facebook what are you waiting for? Send Woody a note and request to join the group!

Many thanks to Coyotes Ivan and Mick for sending me a few pictures from the Ski Cross, truly a World Calibre Event!
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Coyote Branding = COOL!


Coyote Journey Film from Moving Brands on Vimeo.

Coyote Logistics is one of the largest 3rd Party Logistics providers. We might need to get ourselves some of their Coyote ball caps with the "No Excuses" embroidered on the back...

Monday, February 6, 2012

Apres Coyotes Style

Many thanks to Coyotes BA and Yard Sale for hosting the first Coyotes Social of the 2012 season! (We've obviously been far to busy hosting races... Looking for a New Social Chief, anyone?)

A few pictures of the festivities, good times, maybe even a good nap, and racing the following morning... Thanks again to Coyote Linda and Coyote Michael for providing pictures

Coyotes Rock!

And the Canadian Ski Team did pretty good too...
A quick shout out to all the Coyotes that volunteered last week at the Blue Mountain World Cup Ski Cross, hard to believe this is already the third year for this event in our own backyard... If you weren't able to be there this year, get it on your calendar for next year! Here's to the group of Coyotes that have stuck around this week to lend a hand at the inaugural World Cup Snowboard Cross, well done! (Mick promised to send me the crew shot, I'll get it posted once I have it)

What a great weekend to be a Ski Racing fan! Huge Congratulations to the Canadian Ski Cross Team for dominating the Blue Mountain event, seeing our Canadian athletes excel is what volunteering is all about!
Marielle Thompson won her first World Cup race and the excitement continued into the men's final with Brady Leman leading the way to the top of the podium and a thrilling pass by Chris Del Bosco to secure second (if Mick hadn't put down his camera we would have an amazing picture of the all or nothing pass...) If you didn't catch the race live, SportsNet will be airing it this coming Sunday afternoon, check it out!

On the Alpine side this weekend brought the continued return of Larisa Yurkiw and Kelly Vanderbeek, while Marie-Pier Prefontaine skied to a season best 16th in the SG. The dominance of Lindsey Vonn continued in the DH with Vonn winning her 50th career World Cup race, however, Vonn skied out in the SG which saw American teammate Julia Mancuso grab the victory. (Guess it is time for a new Vonn picture for the dart board...)


On the men's side, it was an incredible weekend for the Canadian Cowboys in Chamonix, Saturday's DH saw Jan Hudec return to the top spot of the World Cup podium, Erik Guay finished third and young Ben Thomsen finished in 5th place after starting with bib 50! (This after strong showings by the boys in Friday's DH)

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Ski Cross & Weekend Assignments Posted



Here's to all the Coyotes lending a hand at the Blue Mountain World Cup Ski Cross this week! Let's go Ashleigh and all of the Canadian Ski Cross Team!

Weekend Schedules & Assignments have been posted, take a look to the upper right... NOTE: 9:30 am Crew Arrival time on Saturday

And a Message from Jen...
Hey Coyotes,  Can you please check your bags and gear and see if you have a radio?  It’s my radio!  I am very distraught!   Please bring her home where she belongs!
Thanks,
Jen

Apres this Saturday!

Good Morning Coyotes!

Not sure if everyone has had a chance to read our blog.  Michael and I are hosting an après this Saturday February 4, 2012 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.   Please email me (beverly-ann.woods(at)maheim.com) so that we know numbers (don’t want to run out of food!!).  Directions will be provided at Wylie’s or email me and I can email them to you.

Hope to see everyone on Saturday evening!

Cheers
BA