We were able to connect with Timmy after the winter 2015 semester for this interview. He was already back home, on his family farm when we chatted. Timmy was excited to share that he'd already begun to build a mountain bike trail around the families's property.
Timmy's hard work ethic, his ability to laugh, and his kindness set him apart as a unique mountain athlete. When you're in the mountain's with Timmy you can count on him to contribute to group tasks and the overall well being of the group.
Timmy showing the fruits of his labors while skiing in the backcountry with RIDGE.
What is your most memorable experience during your gap semester at RIDGE?
Timmy leading the charge up the skintrack.
Definitely our end of the year backcountry skiing trip in British Columbia. We stayed in a backcountry hut for a whole week. The skiing was great, the views were spectacular, and the shear size of the terrain was like something out of a movie. It was super cool to have that experience after having trained for the entire semester.
What did you learn about yourself at RIDGE?
I learned that I do much better at things if I keep an open mind and stay positive. I learned what I am capable of in the mountains.
RIDGE Ed included classes like: Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Level 1 certification, and Photo/Video Blogging. What part of Ridge Ed was most valuable to you?
Avalanche Level 1 Course. I think it set me up to be safer and to make better decisions while skiing in the backcountry.
Timmy airing out another 360 as the sun sets in the Rocky Mountains.
In what ways have you changed as an athlete over the past semester?
I have become a better athlete physically. I also began participating in a wider range of sports like mountain biking and rock climbing that I had not trained seriously for in the past.
What skills specific to mountain sports did you learn at RIDGE?
I learned how to travel and ski in the backcountry and in avalanche terrain. I have also learned wilderness medicine, which will help me be safer when I go on my own trips. Training at RIDGE has also helped me to become a better skier, and a better- more well rounded- athlete.
How will your experience at RIDGE prepare you for college and the future?
Timmy between backcountry laps in the Rocky Mountains.
Throughout the semester, the coaches at RIDGE have helped me in my academics, sports, physical shape, and health and nutrition. I believe that these skills will help me in the future and i will be better prepared to achieve the goals I set for myself.
What advice would you give to incoming student athletes?
RIDGE is definitely a different style of living and learning than most people are used to. I’d recommend that future student athletes try not to think about what you are missing back at home and try to think about learning and having fun, as well as improving as an athlete.
What is your favorite thing about RIDGE?
Timmy belaying another RIDGE student athlete during a RIDGE spring climbing trip.
The coaches. RIDGE has recruited expert coaches for all of the different sports offered at RIDGE. The coaches are friendly people who love the outdoors and are happy to be able to pass on their knowledge to the student athletes.
Do you think RIDGE prepared you to reach your goals in the future?
The coaches at RIDGE have helped me throughout the semester. I believe that the skills I learned at RIDGE will help me in the future. I will be better prepared to achieve the goals I set for myself.
Timmy at camp, during an overnight RIDGE rock climbing trip this spring.
