lake placid events

LAKE PLACID EVENTS

Lake Placid, New York is known by most as the home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, however, the Olympics are not the only things that goes on in this remote little mountain town. There are various events that go on throughout the year that bring in people from all parts of the world. Lake Placid is well known in the US, Canada and around the world for hosting international athletic events. People enjoy Lake Placid and return year after year. These events and the people who participate in them make the town an exciting and interesting place to live and visit. A few of the well known and popular events are the Iron Man, the Lake Placid Horse Show and Can/Am Hockey.

THE LAKE PLACID IRON MAN
The Lake Placid Iron Man is a very well known triathlon. It is part of a series of Iron Man triathlons that are held around the US. It is held every year in Late July. It consists of a 2.4-mile swim; a 112-mile bike course and a 26.2-mile run through the Adirondack Park. It has around 2,000 to 3,000 competitors each year.

Athletes train year round for the Iron Man. There are athletes training in Lake Placid throughout the warm and sunny part of the year. The swimming portion of the triathlon starts at the Mirror Lake Beach, the bike portion starts in Lake Placid and goes through Keene and Wilmington and back to Lake Placid and then is repeated a second time.
The running portion starts at the speed skating oval and ends at the oval after the 26.2 mile run around different areas of Lake Placid. On the day of the race there are people struggling through each section of the course from early morning until as late as twelve o’clock, midnight.

The competitors are usually wealthy white men and women ranging in age from 18 to 75 years old or older. The Iron Man brings a great number of athletes, their friends and families and spectators to Lake Placid.
Generally, during the week of the Iron Man all the local motels, hotels and rentals are booked at full capacity.
Local residents of Lake Placid and the surrounding towns who work in town are often very opinionated about the Iron Man. Coleman Lieb, who has spent his summers working at Placid Planet, a local bike shop, and the Crown Plaza Resort has developed his own opinions.

“I enjoyed it at Placid Planet during Iron Man week” he begins, “we were given food from local restaurants so we had free pizza and sandwiches from Simply Gourmet”. However, he adds, “we were very busy at the shop and I thought the customers were sometimes lacking in patience and were disrespectful to our staff and technicians.

He continued, “At the Crown it was almost a normal week. I just made more money in tips because the families had more luggage than usual so I had to carry a lot of luggage and they appreciated the help and tipped well”. He then added, “Occasionally they were difficult to deal with, but for the most part they were easier to deal with than at the Placid Planet”.

The Iron Man is a huge economic benefit to Lake Placid because it attracts so many competitors, their families and friends and spectators who do not hesitate to take out their gold or platinum cards at fancy local restaurants and shops.



THE LAKE PLACID HORSE SHOW

The Lake Placid Horse show is a very popular event in the equestrian world. It attracts competitors ranging from young beginner pony riders all the way up to some of the best riders in the world who compete on some of the best horses in the world. Some of the competitors are on the US Equestrian Olympic team.
Kara Kaufman, a participant in the Lake Placid Horse Show offered her opinion.

“Lake Placid is my favorite horse show,” Kaufman began, “not only do I love the show itself, but I love the town too. At a lot of the horse shows, there is nothing to do outside of the show, but in Lake Placid there are a million things to do and see. It’s perfect for parents who want to come watch their kids in the show, but do not want to be bored in a hotel for the rest of the day”.

The show goes on for two weeks and is held at the end of June and the beginning of July. Competitors compete in various classes for cash prizes and ribbons in each class. The competitors are wealthy upper class Caucasians.

The horse show is a huge help in keeping the towns economy booming since it attracts such a wealthy group of people. The people involved generally have enough money to make doctors and lawyers look poor and they do not hesitate to spend their bankrolls of cash in town.

During the day, the town is pretty quiet since the show is going on, but at night the town is booming with adults going out to dinner and to the bars and the younger horse show kids strutting around town trying to find something to do.

However, many locals don’t enjoy the horse show as much as the participants.

“I hate it.” Stated local waiter Erik Obey. “I feel like I have to make sandwiches non-stop”.

THE CANADIAN AMERICAN (CAN-AM) HOCKEY LEAGUE

The Can-Am hockey league is something that goes on throughout the year. Hockey teams of all ages (generally younger hockey players) come to Lake Placid from around the eastern U.S. and Canada to compete against other teams at the hockey rinks in town, including the Olympic Arena.

There are Can-Am camps during the summer and tournaments throughout the year. When Can-Am is in Lake Placid it is hard not to notice them; there are groups of kids running around town in matching jackets and tracksuits, usually causing a ruckus. The adults always seem to be intoxicated or on thier way towards it.

Although the Can-Am people are generally obnoxious and rowdy, having the “New Jersians” and “Canooks” come to town is very beneficial to the town’s economy since they buy all the local booze and rubber band guns.

Since the 1980 Olympics, Lake Placid has been a very busy town, not only with tourist coming to relive the “miracle on ice”, the US Hockey Team Gold Medal game, or Eric Heiden’s five gold medals.

People come from all over to jump horses, race triathlons, play hockey and participate in many other healthy outdoor athletic activities. Events go on throughout the year that are very beneficial to the town, its businesses and residents. They bring in a great deal of diversity and contribute to the local sporting communities efforts to hold competitions and promote Lake Placid.

Community Profile: Lake Placid Outdoors

Lake Placid: Outdoor Activities

By Brittany Moorehead

 

    Mt Colden, as viewed from Marcy Dam.

Historic Lake Placid held both the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, which gives it a unique charm. Today, Lake Placid is far more than just an Olympic village with plenty of activities to do and places to see. The outdoor activities keep the locals occupied and the tourists coming back for more.

The active town of Lake Placid offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, golf, fishing, and skating on the Olympic Oval. Due to these fun and exciting activities, tourists from all over the world love visiting this quaint town.

Hiking, biking, rock climbing and golf are enjoyed in the Spring, Summer and the Fall. On the other hand, skiing, snowboarding, and skating on the Olympic Oval can only be enjoyed during the harsh winter months. Fishing is the only one that can be enjoyed all year long. 

 “The most common outdoor activity is probably hiking,” Lake Placid resident Kelli Vossler stated, “because it’s something everyone can do and it doesn’t require much skill.”

“People come from all over the world come to hike the High Peaks,” said Vossler. “I would infer that most of the hikers of the High Peaks are tourists.”

This town is a great place for everyone to visit and explore. “Lake Placid can cater to anyone who is looking for an outdoor activity,” replied Vossler, “regardless of age or gender.”

Tourism is the true money generator in this small town. People come to hike, bike, and do anything imaginable in the beautiful outdoors.

“Tourism is huge,” exclaimed Vossler, “ Lake Placid depends on it to survive.”

While in town, these tourists spend money on hotels, dining, and shopping at the numerous stores located in and around Lake Placid.

Team Profile: Soccer

National Sports Academy Soccer Team

By Brandon Patraw

LAKE PLACID-Could you imagine sprinting up and down the field for 80 minutes with no substitutes? The mens soccer team at National Sports Academy is playing with only 10 players.  The team’s captain, Felix Lissaker, stated, “In order for the team succeed everyone needs to put in a valid effort due to our low numbers.”

In a typical soccer game, 11 players represent each team on the field at once.  However, with NSA only having 10 players, they will be playing the remainder of the season with a man down. 

The Mountaineers celebrate their first goal of the season.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.

The soccer team has played two matches thus season, both coming down to the final seconds against Minerva-Newcomb.  The team won their first game 3-2 with an incredible come from behind victory.    Nate Trachte had a very strong performance, scoring two goals, including the game winner.  Team captain Lissaker also notched a beautiful shot into the "upper 90" to help lead the team to victory over. 

The team’s most recent game ended in a heart-breaker.  With the scored tied 1-1 at halftime, the team simply ran out of gas in the end. 


“We played hard until the end," Lissaker stated, "but (we) got very tired as time ran out.” 


NSA’s goalie, Milan Bubic, had a stellar performance recording 21 saves.  Nate Trachte added NSA’s lone goal in the 2-1 loss.

The team is made up of freshman through seniors, but due to New York State high school rules, post-graduates are not permitted to play.    

NSA has missed its most recent game on October 6, due to disciplinary issues.  With only two games left the team hopes they can do their very best.  


“I hope our team stays out of trouble for the remainder of the season because we do not have the numbers to be losing players.” Lissaker said, “If we don’t stay out of trouble there’s a chance we may not be able to the rest of our games, I hope we can play”

The mountaineer’s show a fearless style of play.  They will play until the end of every game and never give up.  Playing with only 10 players, everyone needs to be at their peak performance in order for the team to succeed. 

Guest Speaker Profile - Dr. Ray Havlicek and Marc Saab

Psychologist Brings Mind-Reading Program to All-School Meeting.

By Kathryn Dawson

 

This morning, students at National Sports Academy were fascinated by Dr. Ray Havlicek and Marc Saab’s presentation on sports psychology and biofeedback technology.

The highlight was Saab’s live demonstration using Thought Technology Biofeedback, akin to a polygraph test, to interview NSA students John Wilkins and Celeste Brown.

  An example of the Thought Technology Biofeedback system

As Saab said, “I’m going to ask John an embarrassing question,” the meandering line, indicating Wilkins’ stress level, immediately shot skyward. Wilkins managed to hide any uneasiness after his initial apprehension at being the first test subject.

Brown’s stress level was significantly less stable and bounced around before wildly rising when an audience member called out, “when was the last time you showered?”

Saab’s demonstration complemented Dr. Havlicek’s presentation, which emphasized the importance of athletes being in ‘the zone,’ performing at the top of their range, and recognizing their flight or flight response to stressful situations.

“Sports psychology is my passion,” says Dr. Havlicek, although he works with various types of clients at his office in Lake Placid.

Athletic Result - NSA Boys' Hockey vs. Saint-Foy

NSA Extravaganza

By Milan Bubic

LAKE PLACID - The NSA boys hockey team, tying and losing a game this past weekend were cheered on by their parents from every part of the country.

Despite losing the first game, the Mountaineers knew they had played a hard sixty-minutes. Hitting three posts and not being able to capitalize on odd-man rushes had ultimately led to the loss. 

“You can't win without hitting the net” said Alex Fukes after the game. He had hit the post twice during the game but it appeared lady luck was on the side of the College students from Saint-Foy. The Quebecers were an older team with more experience while the Mountaineers played hard, they were younger and still had to work out a few kinks. A valiant effort, a pleased crowd, and a loss of 2-0 would be the end result of the game

Saturdays game was a little different than the first because NSA hadn't really shown it wanted to win until the second period. After what seemed too easy of a goal in the first, a lack of physical play and once again failure to score on odd-man rushes, the game seemed to be leaning in favor of Saint-Foy. 

However a wonderful goal whilst on the power-play from the blue line, by Chris Luker, put the Mountaineers back on the board by tying the game 1-1 early in the second period. It seemed as if a whole new team had shown up for the second period, one which had established a new sense of rapport and chemistry with one another. Their passes were smooth and more precise, the physical game was seen more and they had finally capitalized on scoring opportunities. The end result reflects the kind of game that they played. A tight, solid game led to a 1-1 tie. Even after extra time, the game remained a draw.

When asked if he was content with the way the games were played out during the weekend, coach Rod Simmons simply stated that, “The teams potential remains untapped, and the season only just got started”

Following this weekend, the Mountaineers will get on the ice again Friday night, this time a little more prepared, and a little more game ready where they face off Ulysses hockey team.

Group Profile--Free Ride Team

Got Steeze?

 By Gwen Schultz ‘11

Steph Lawee during offseason training,

Courtesy of Facebook

“I swear my spine is running away!” Steph Lawee ('12) said one night in her National Sports Academy dorm room.

I wonder, though, is it the awesome freestyle skier speaking? Or is it the codeine?

After an accident on the trampolines last week, Lawee is suffering from a bad neck injury involving several torn or strained ligaments that leaves her on strong pain medications all day.

Lawee is from Montreal, Quebec and is a new junior this year. She is one of the athletes on NSA’s Free Ride Team, a small but awesome group that are involved in one of the coolest sports on Earth.

“It’s dope sauce…totally nar-nar,” adds Jake Wenn, a freeskiing freshman from Lake Placid, NY.

And it is hard to argue with his point. Whether one is watching the traditional freeriding events of moguls and aerials or the “new school” events such as halfpipe, big air, slopestyle, and skicross, the tricks that these athletes pull off seem superhuman.

Freestyle skiing is a relatively new sport; the International Ski Federation did not officially recognize it as a sport until 1979.

Often known as one of the most dangerous winter sports, I asked what it was really like to be suspended in midair for way longer than what would be comfortable for most humans.

“It’s scary and sometimes I pee in my pants,” admitted Lawee.

The third member of the team is senior John Wilkins of Lake Placid, New York. He has experience as a ski racer and freestyle skier, but has been committed to freestyle snowboarding since age 10.

Wilkins has a laid back attitude towards his sport.

“I like it," Wilkins said of his sport. "The danger is what keeps snowboarding amusing to me and it’s the best feeling when you get over something you’re too scared to do and finally do it.”

Jumps range from 10 feet to 120 feet, and any height involves a lot of talent and a little bit of insanity.

“It’s 90% mental, 10% skill,” said Lawee, “and 100% steeze!”

She specializes in halfpipe, skier cross, and slopestyle, and hopes to do well enough at her competitions this year to qualify for the world cup.

Mental toughness is one of her strong points. Even after two broken shins over the summer, a broken ski, and a neck injury since the start of school, Steph still looks forward to the rest of the year.

During off-season training on the trampoline, Steph was attempting a double front flip, a trick very uncommon for girls.

“I tried to push the limit for girls’ skiing,” she says, “and I don’t regret doing it”.

One thing about freestyle skiing that is often a mystery to outsiders is the aforementioned concept of “steeze.”

Steeze is a combination of style and ease, mainly shown through one’s clothes and attitude. Wilkins even has his own apparel company, Hardway Apparel, which he says “makes the steeziest hoodies in the world.”

NSA Freeride Alum Andris Blumbergs '09 demonstrates his steeze on the slopes.

Wilkins is also going big this year. He hopes to get on the podium at Revolution Tour and also get double flips on snow.

“Not breaking a bone,” Wilkins added, “would be nice too.”

Either way, Steph, John, and Jake will show off their steeze as they represent NSA this year in California, Colorado, Utah, and Vermont.  

Group Profile: NSA PG Class

Post! Graduate

By: Celeste! Brown

An encounter with a post-graduate student around school is somewhat common for the folk of the National Sports Academy. Although we currently have 9 postgraduates at NSA, post-graduates populate other boarding schools across the country.

Postgraduates at NSA take this extra year for many reasons, to improve their academics, to better their athletics, to get a second chance, or simply because they are not ready for college and need an extra year to mature.

“Students not being ready for college,” Assistant Head of School John Spear said, “is the main reason students return to NSA for an extra year.”

Being a post-graduate myself I think what Mr. Spear says is true, but for the most part, taking a post-graduate year is just a fancy (and expensive) way for kids to screw around. Furthermore, it seems as though very little screwing off goes on with post-grads here at NSA but it seems likely that  at most other places in the country that is exactly what is happening.

PG's Celeste Brown and Gwen Schultz (among others)
seen here at the top of Giant Mountain.

In the the northwest part of the country the idea of a “Post-graduate year” does not exist.  If you are doing a post-grad year you are simply just taking a gap year before going to college to make some money, relax, or figure your life out.

Students here at NSA are basically doing that (the figuring life out part)…but without making any money or relaxing. However, though NSA post-grads don't have the opportunity to relax, they are figuring out their lives and bettering their academic standpoint by attending classes.

There is one main question with doing a postgraduate year. Is it worth it? Can you provide an answer to the thing that held you back from advancing? Or should one just jump into something without answers, take chances and learn from them?

It seems only the post-grads themselves can answer that. Here at NSA are we provided with an outspoken chance to better our future with one extra year of support from people who believe in us. You tell me.