Verge promoted to U.S. team
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation coach Ben Verge, 30, of Ketchum has taken a huge step forward with his recent appointment as Head Development Coach of the U.S. Freeskiing Team, according to the SVSEF Web site.
Verge was also named USSA's Freeskiing Domestic Coach of the Year in 2012 during the annual USSA Congress at Park City, Utah May 11.
A coach with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation for six years, 1999 Wood River High School graduate Verge came up through the SVSEF program as an alpine racer.
"I was a national FIS racer," Verge told Jody Zarkos, SVSEF office manager. "Then I got into freeskiing, big mountain competitions and filming. I got involved in the park and pipe because Andy Ware called and wanted me to do it. He wanted to create all-around skiers and I had the background."
Ware, director of the SVSEF Freestyle program hired Verge in 2008. Since that time the local program has developed U.S. Team member Tai Barrymore. Verge has been the personal coach for USSA Freeskiing athletes Brita Sigourney, Maddie Bowman and Devin Logan.
Verge is one of two former SVSEF coaches currently on staff with the USST. Chris Grover is head coach of the Cross Country team. SVSEF alum Michael Jaquet was recently named Chief Marketing Officer for U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA).
Redfish Lake Lodge Memorial Run is Saturday
Sign-ups are being finalized for the second annual Redfish Lake Lodge Memorial Run Saturday, May 26 at Redfish Lake Lodge south of Stanley. The 13.2-mile half marathon ($60) starts at 10 a.m. at the lodge, and the 10-kilometer ($45) and 5k ($35) runs begin at 10:30 a.m. Visit redfishlake.com or call 208-664-9613 for more details. You can register online at imathlete.com. The lodge will provide a pre-race meal Friday, May 25 from 6-8 p.m. ($12).
Ketchum Coed Soccer League seeks players
The 2012 summer season of the Ketchum Coed Soccer League debuts Wednesday, June 13 and runs each Wednesday through Aug. 15 (except July 4) on Wood River Valley soccer fields. Sign-ups are being taken from May 7-June 1, with the final registration cut-off of June 5. Cost is $49 per player, or $69 after May 31. Download the entry form at ketchumcoed.com and return it to Sturtevants in Ketchum and Hailey. You must be 18-and-over to join the non-contact league that has its games at Ketchum's Atkinson Park, in Elkhorn at Sagewillow, and in Hailey at Wood River High School. Referees are needed, $35 per game. Email any questions to Steve Dondero at HYPERLINK "mailto:sd@esseyepro.com" sd@esseyepro.com.
Chuck Gates golf tournament set for June 10
The 15th annual Chuck Gates Memorial golf tournament to raise money for junior golf in the Wood River Valley has been planned for Sunday, June 10 at Sun Valley Golf Course with a best-ball scramble format. Cost for 18 holes of golf, cart, buffet and tee prizes is $150 per person or $85 for Sun Valley Club members. This year's raffle grand prize is a set of three Cleveland wedges. Call Mike Pirzynski 720-4301 to sign up, or email Roger Roland at cgatesendowment@q.com.
Sports physicals at St. Luke's
There is a new format to obtaining the required sports physicals so your child can participate in sports at Wood River High School and Wood River Middle School. All physicals will now be conducted at St. Luke's Hailey Clinic of Family Medicine (788-3434) or Family Practice Associates in Hailey (788-3200) for a maximum out-of-pocket student rate of $20. Call to schedule your appointment from May 9 through June 29. Extended hours at the clinic or occasional weekends are available. Get your athletic form at your school and provide the necessary immunization and health records.
Youth football sign-ups May 30
Wood River Youth Football is planning its Flag and Tackle Football sign-up night Wednesday, May 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Wood River Middle School cafeteria, Hailey. The program covers kids ages 7-11. A three-day spring camp for this age group begins Monday, June 4 in Hailey. Get more details at woodriveryouthfootball.com.
Save money, sign up early for SV Half Marathon
Early-payment, save-money entry deadlines have arrived for the eighth annual Sun Valley Half Marathon and Team Relay set for Saturday, June 2 at 9 a.m. starting and finishing the 13.2-mile course at the Sun Valley Resort Pavilion.
Individual entries pay $60 if they sign up by Sunday, April 29. The cost rises to $70 if paid between April 30-May 20, then goes to $80 from May 21-27. Two-person relay teams are charged $120, $140 and $160 by the same payment deadlines. Sign up at imathlete.com or visit the event Web site, sunvalleyhalfmarathon.com.